Thursday, September 25, 2008

Prayers for Baby Isaac

As you all may know, we had our precious Isaac on Tuesday, Sept. 24 at 2:38am. Labor went well and we were discharged last night hours after his circumcision. I noticed that he was very lethargic and he was not breastfeeding nor crying as much as he should, so we went to the emergency room last night around midnight. His temperature was low and his blood glucose was low. In babies, this is a sign of infection. So they had me hold him close and wrap us both in hot blankets to get his temperature up. They eventually sent him to the NICU where he'll be staying for at least 72 hours. So basically, they're just doing a lot of tests to figure out what the infection is or if it's something more serious. They immediately got his blood glucose higher and his temperature under control. We were unable to stay at the hospital because they had no room for us...not to mention I'm still recovering so I'm having a tough time right now. We spoke to them about 2 hours ago and they said that he's looking a lot better and that they got some results back and everything looks good so far. I've also had to start pumping my colostrum already which I've been pretty upset about, but I'd rather him have it this way if it's the only way possible. They told us this morning that by the time we get there today, he'll probably be able to eat, so that's a really good sign.

So what was meant to be our first night with Isaac at home ended up being a horrible time at the ER/NICU. We're hoping that it's an infection and that it clears up soon with the antibiotics. And if that means him staying in the NICU, no matter how tough it is...then that's what we need to do. Please pray for our family as well as Baby Isaac that he gets better soon.

UPDATE (10/1/08 9 am): Isaac came home yesterday! Thank you so much for all the prayers everyone...they worked! They still have no idea what caused his episode. Most likely poor feeding. They treated him with 3 different antibiotics but all the cultures for infection came back negative. They did cultures on his spinal fluid, blood, and urine. They even tested him for viruses, but still negative. The biggest worry was his feeding. He couldn't get the hang of breastfeeding at all...so I had to resort to pumping and feeding him through bottles sometimes. I really didn't want to but I just wanted him to eat. They even inserted an NG tube (nasogastric) just in case they needed to give him breastmilk...turns out they didn't need it. It was so hard seeing him being poked and prodded so many times. They had to give him an IV for his antibiotics and to give him glucose and they kept having to move it because his veins are so little...if he would have to stay one more day they would probably have to go through his belly button because they were running out of places to put it. They were also testing his glucose before each feeding. The only results we're waiting on is the newborn screen. This tests for tons of metabolic disorders. It's a possibility that he may have one that is causing his poor feeding. These can be serious depending on the disorder. The doctors don't expect anything though, and the initial reading was negative. We'll be at the hospital today for them to check him but he's doing fine from my viewpoint. He's not only breastfeeding well, but he's waking up every 2 1/2 hours on his own to eat. Trust me...I know. HAHA

I just wanted to thank everyone for their prayers. This has honestly been the hardest thing we've been through...especially when I was trying to recover myself. But somehow, God managed to give us the strength to be there for Isaac. I even stayed at the hospital in the NICU on a pullout chair for 4 nights so that I can get up and feed him (or attempt) every 3 hours. We're just so thankful and blessed to have him home now and to have such supportive friends and family! Love ya'll.

Friday, September 19, 2008

I used to be skinny!!

*sigh* Every pound that I put on for my baby boy has been worth it...but I can't wait to take up a small amount of space again! The worst is when you actually bump your belly up against someone. Sorry stranger, I can't suck it in! HAHA. So this post is my motivation. To tell myself that I was NOT fat before and that I WILL look like I did in this pictures again. Even though my boobs will probably be bigger and hips wider. =) Enjoy the pics...I'm such a ham.
Graduation-May 2006
Me doing foolishness-Spring 2007
Horseback riding in Kauai-June 2007

Thursday, September 18, 2008

"Still pregnant?"

Yes, I'm still pregnant. I'm not even late so technically I can't even evict him yet! I had my second exam today and I am still not dilated, but I am a little effaced (your cervix gets thinned out as you get closer to labor, which is necessary for dilation). Baby still hasn't dropped into the birth canal yet. How frustrating! I know it means nothing...it doesn't mean that my water can't break anytime. But we need to see some progress to have a successful induction, if that's necessary. Soooo, they're having me go in again on Monday or Tuesday. If I'm 3 cm or more than they'll schedule the induction next week. If I'm still only 0-2 cm, then they're going to wait to induce until the next week (that I'm due.) Hopefully in that case, I'll have him naturally before then. My mom will be here on Monday, so it looks like she'll make it for the birth.


As for me, I'm actually feeling pretty good. Quite a bit of discomfort and pain but not to the point where I can't walk or anything. I'm sleeping a little better...it's hard. My mind is racing more than anything. We have everything set up around the house that we'll need...just a little more cleaning to do. And mentally...well, I'm just trying to think positively and be patient. I know that God has a plan for us and Baby Isaac will be here when he's ready. I can't help it if I have a cozy uterus =)
Me at 38 weeks
38 w 2d-Look at those big ole lips!! He was making sucking motions.
Big foot =)

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Some more pregnancy humor...

This is right about where I'm at right now...=)

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Progress?

Nope, not yet. We had a dr. appointment today and I had my first internal exam. On a side note, it was not as bad as I was planning. Anyway, no dilation yet. In fact, he hasn't even dropped yet. It's still early though so I'm not worried. I'm hoping that by next week's visit I'll be 1-2 cm. It's just a game at this point. The thing is that my blood pressure is going up a little bit now, which means that they may have to induce (which was expected) before things get dangerous. But they don't want to induce if I have no progress on my own...that will most likely result in a c-section and I really REALLY don't want one. I'm terrified of getting a c-section. I know they're safe and all but it's just a personal preference. Of course, if there is any danger to the baby I'll do what I have to do. That being said, I don't want to progress too fast because I want him to wait for my mom to get here. 

*sigh* This is one stubborn little baby...I'll tell you that much. But it's still early. Progression at this point really means nothing. A woman can walk around stuck at 3 cm for 2 weeks, where as another woman may go from 0-4 cm in a day. So, hopefully he'll come on his own but not too soon. In the meantime, I'll be patient and continue to get my 3-4 hours/sleep a night =)

PS-I find it so weird to talk about my progress with someone I'm not close to. And if you're ready this, then we're close so it's cool. HAHA. It's just weird. Like, "so...how is your vagina doing today?"  "It's all good...and yours?" Like we're talking about the weather or something! 

Saturday, September 6, 2008

Maternity pics

We took maternity pics yesterday. It was really fun...I'm glad I waited this long so that I can be really big =). I was 36weeks 3 days in these pics. Can't wait to see our little man!



Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Some pregnancy humor...

Ok, these totally had me cracking up. I love the pregnancy hormone one...that one is pretty fitting for me! HAHA. Enjoy.



Tuesday, September 2, 2008

36 Week Picture

Yay!! So I'm officially 36 weeks. One more week and I'll be considered full term. I'm actually ok with my weight gain. I made a goal, and I didn't exceed it =). From here on out, I shouldn't be gaining anything. I guess I should lay off the ice cream, brownies, and Panda Express. And so far, no stretch marks! *KNOCKS ON WOOD* I can't see the bottom of my belly but Andrew swears there are none. And if he's lying to me...well, he's a smart man. HAHA. Hope everyone had a good Labor Day despite Hurricane Gustav and I hope everyone stayed safe!


Monday, September 1, 2008

Baby Shower!

I was so blessed to get another baby shower today! Our ohana here in Hawaii threw me a surprise shower...hosted by my friend Jolee. We had a great time playing games and eating good food. We also got tons of clothes for baby Isaac! God has blessed our family with such great friends during our time here in Hawaii. 
Our gifts. And that little man in the middle is  a diaper cake sent from our friend Cheryl in Chicago!
Parents to be
Not this again! I'm much bigger this time =)
Andrew won second in the bottle drinking contest!
Me and Jolee
Opening presents
Our adorable cake