Week 2 in the NICU

Time is flying by so fast, but not fast enough. I'm ready to bring John Robert home! He's doing good, but he's not gaining weight as quickly as everyone hoped he would. He's just now up to 3 lbs. 10 oz. The good news is....he's gaining consistently. It's just small amounts at this point. He still has the feeding tube, but we've increased his bottle feeds to 4 times per day. They tried to do 6 times on Monday and he wasn't having any of that! I think the poor little guy was exhausted. On a brighter note, he's nursing at least once a day....which is a huge step for a baby this size.

My new hat

 I think I was about to find a surprise in his diaper after this big smile!

They let us dress him for the first time on Monday. It's hard to find premie clothes! And some of them are still too big for him. He's still in the incubator right now, but we're hoping he can be moved to a crib bed in the next few days. That's one of the first steps in getting released from the NICU. He has to be able to regulate his own body temperature. They've already changed the incubator over to air mode instead of heated, so he's doing a good job of regulating himself already.

You can tell how big this outfit is on him - I had to roll the sleeves twice!

 He always has his mouth open like this when he sleeps. :)

The more I look at JR - the more I think he and Hudson look alike as babies. 

Here's a picture of Hudson at this age:

Pretty similar, huh??? Hudson is definitely fuller in the face - but that's a given. 

He weighed twice as much!

Hudson had dark hair like JR too. I wonder if that means John Robert will have a head full of blond curls by the time he's one? 

I took this photo yesterday. My thumb and JR's teeny-tiny arm:

Thank you again for all of your sweet comments, gifts, cards, prayers, etc... 

We are truly blessed with wonderful friends and family! 

The story and an update - John Robert

It's been a whirlwind of a week and I'm exhausted, but I'll try to focus and give a detailed update on John Robert's progress over the last week. He's doing absolutely awesome! I continue to be amazed at how these little babies thrive and push through difficult situations. Let me start at the beginning so that when my family and I look back at this blog we'll remember exactly how things went. Hope I don't bore y'all.

It started last Tuesday (6/14/11) when I went to my doctor for my routine 36 week sonogram. I was actually around 35 1/2 weeks at that point. As we began looking at the sonogram, the technician commented that I had low amniotic fluid. I didn't think much about it, I just figured I needed to drink more water. Then Trey asked how much the baby weighed. The tech got silent for a minute and then said that the baby was very small - around 3 lb.s 3 oz. Trey gave me an alarmed look and I asked the tech if that was normal. She said no (Hudson weighed 5 lbs. 3oz at this point). Next, we went in to Dr. K. She told me that she didn't want to scare me, but she wanted to send me down to Maternal Fetal Medicine to have a specialist look at me and the baby. Okay. Now I was starting to freak out.
The specialist did another sonogram that took forever - I swear he studied that baby for what seemed like 5 hours. He was really wonderful and had a great way of explaining things to us. Basically, he explained that my placenta had stopped working as it should and it was very small. The baby wasn't getting the blood flow, nutrients and oxygen that he needed. He also said that it had probably been this way for about 2 weeks.....which means that the baby's true size was really like a 33 or 34 week baby. He told us that he was going to put the baby on a heart rate monitor for about 30 minutes and then make a decision as to whether he would send me straight to Labor and Delivery or if he would allow me to wait and have the baby the next day. HOLY BABY!!! I lost it at this point. Seriously??? I was going to have this baby by tomorrow???

After monitoring the baby, the doctor decided we could wait until the next day if we wanted but he thought we should get the baby out as soon as possible. My mom and Trey really wanted me to go ahead and check in immediately, but I wasn't ready. I put my foot down and told them that I was waiting until the next day and I needed to go get things done NOW!!! We left the hospital and I went to the office to finish up some work that needed to be done (I know...I'm crazy), sent Trey to the grocery store to get stuff for Hudson's lunch for the week, packed my bag, did laundry, laid out clothes for Hudson to wear for the rest of the week, etc...etc...etc..... I was in full-on robot mode. I think that was my way of dealing with the stress of what was happening. Trey seriously thought I'd lost it. He was very emotional that day and I just couldn't let it enter my mind at that point. I had to do what I needed to do to get ready.

Fast forward to Wednesday the 15th. I slept on and off and then woke up to take Hudson to school. It finally hit me as I drove to drop him off. As I walked inside, some of the girls asked how I was doing and I completely broke down. Poor Hudson just looked at me and kept saying: "Mommy, hold you. Mommy, hold you." I was a wreck. I think everything hit me at once - that I was having a baby that day, that this would be the last time I took him to school as an only child, that this baby was going to have to go straight to the NICU, that Hudson wouldn't understand why he couldn't see his baby brother, and all kinds of other things. I finally pulled it together and told Hudson good-bye.

We checked into the hospital at 11.00am. My c-section was scheduled for 1.30pm. We waited and waited and waited. There were complications with another surgery, so mine kept getting pushed back. They finally took me back at 5.30pm!

Trey went out to tell the family that we had another baby BOY!

Everything went great and John Robert was born weighing 3 lbs 7 oz. They immediately took him to the NICU where they started oxygen and looked at his lungs. His lungs weren't developed all the way, so they started him on a "bubble machine" (bubble c-pap) to expand them. They also started an IV of fluids and antibiotics in case of infection. Poor little guy had more tubes coming out of him than I've ever seen. I felt so bad for him!! He's been stuck and poked more in the last week than I have been in my whole life.

We got great news on Friday morning. John Robert was doing so good that they were taking him off oxygen and the bubble c-pap machine because he was breathing on his own. I was so relieved! We could actually see our baby boy now without all those tubes on him. One of my favorite nurses let me hold him for the very first time. Ahhhhhhh......sweet boy! I've never held anything so small in my life. His little head is about the size of the palm of my hand. The pictures really don't show how tiny he is. People keep telling me that he doesn't look very small, but then they see him and are absolutely amazed at his size.

Hudson came to visit in the hospital and kept himself busy by enjoying some cookies that my "girls" sent me and playing peek-a-boo in the curtains.

We were still battling John Robert's blood sugar level. It was very high which led the doctors to believe that he may have an infection somewhere...most likely his lungs. Most premature babies have blood sugar levels between 30 and 150. JR's was around 197 and even hit 215 at one point. They monitored this several times a day until Sunday. It finally went down into the "normal" range, so they were able to take him off the antibiotics and rule out any infection. Shew! They also decided to take out his IV. I was nervous about taking him off the IV fluids because I knew he would lose weight as soon as we did that. The only tube he had as of Sunday was his feeding tube. Trey had some good Father's Day time with him.

Our main goal now is to fatten him up! He took his first bottle yesterday and did pretty good with it. The doctor warned me that premie's have trouble swallowing and breathing at the same time causing their heart rates to drop way down. John Robert definitely has this issue, but we're working on it. As of today, he's doing much better! He drank his entire bottle today without his heart rate going down at all. Now if I can just get him to stay awake and drink the whole bottle!!

So........that's where we are right now. My due date wasn't until July 15th, so the doctors say that's when he can come home, but we're hoping he'll get so fat that he can come home earlier. :)

Thank you all so much for your support, thoughts and prayers! It means so much to us and we're so thankful to have such wonderful friends and family. We couldn't do this without y'all. And I have to give a big shout out to Miss Maggie who has been there day and night when I needed her...spending the night with me in the hospital so that Trey could be at home with Hudson, driving me back and forth to the hospital, coming to the NICU to visit JR, listening to my worries and reassuring me that everything would be okay. You're the best!

Surprise!

John Robert (named after his 2 great grandfathers) made his way into the world yesterday at 6.20pm. It wasn't quite planned and we weren't quite prepared, but everything seems to be falling into place. He's doing great, but will be in the NICU for several weeks as he continues to grow and develop. JR weighed in at 3lbs. 7oz. and 17" long. 

 

Please pray for us as we continue on this journey! 

My hand on his little tummy

Lake Days!

Oh how I've missed being out on a lake all summer! And although the lake we're on is extremely low right now, we're hoping that will change in the next few weeks. They're supposed to be pumping some water into it because it's a water supply lake, but that hasn't happened yet. It makes for a difficult boating experience, but we're managing. Here's what it usually looks like:

Look at the docks and notice the water level in this pic. 

Right now, it looks like this. We can walk underneath the docks. So sad. We need rain!!

Anywho- Hudson and I spent the night out there on Friday night while Trey went to the 1st night of his high school reunion. Uncle Austin bought Hudson a new boat that he couldn't wait to try out.

He talked Box into taking him on a big boat ride instead

He told me when he got off the boat - "Mommy, dat boat go reallly fast."

My mom has done a great job with the house. She's just about finished. 

Here's a few shots. This is a view from the front door to the kitchen. Everything is very open.

This is from upstairs looking down

I'll have to get a pic of the ceiling. Trey did an awesome job. You can see a little of it in this pic. 

It's one of my favorite things. And the white washed-wide plank flooring. Love it! 

I didn't take any pics of the bedrooms or bathrooms. I'll have to get those next time. 

Hudson woke up really early on Saturday morning, so we enjoyed the morning on the deck.

On Saturday evening, Trey and I headed back into town to go to dinner and the reunion. Dinner was fun. There were about 16 of us altogether and it was good to catch up with people. The reunion itself was pretty much a let down. Not the people. But the venue. Not a good place to have a reunion. Music was loud, no where to sit, etc....  Or maybe it just wasn't good for a pregnant girl?? haha! I made it til about 10.45pm and then left Trey on his own. :) We didn't take a single picture! So bad. I know.

The best thing about the weekend? I slept in on Sunday until 9.15am!! I haven't done that in 2 years. It was so nice. We went back out to the lake later to pick up the munchkin. He talked Trey into fishing for a little bit. We need to get him a small fishing pole for sure. He loved it. 

 Another look at how low the lake is. You normally can't walk down here. 

It's kind of nice for Hudson though.

And that was our weekend in a nut shell. 

Tomorrow is our last sonogram with Baby Neville. I'm excited because we haven't had one since I was 20 weeks. I'm anxious to see how much they think he/she weighs, if this baby has hair, etc... And I promise we won't peek and find out the sex of the baby. We've gone this long! 

Trey keeps saying: "I can't believe we're about to have another baby next month." Uh....believe it, buddy. Why is this just hitting him now after 9 months of me being pregnant?

Everyone seems to think it's another boy (including me). Except for Coco. She's the only girl believer. 

What do y'all think? Boy or Girl??????

House Changes

We've I've been making lots of changes around the house lately. And by using the word, I've, I mean I buy the stuff and then Trey actually makes the changes. That's how it works, right?? Yes. I thought so. Here are a few projects I've been working on over the last few months.

Hudson's new room - It's turning out to be really cute. And he's actually liking his "big boy" bed now. Can I get a Hallelujah???? I still need to find a few more things to hang over his bed and it will be complete. I also need a lamp for his bedside table, but I'm afraid he'll knock it off because he keeps 5,000,000,000 cars on his nightstand each night too.

Trey had some guys make his bed out of an old pallet we had in the garage and then we painted it blue. I really wanted 2 pallets side by side, but the wall in his room isn't big enough, so we had to make due with one.

His dresser is from IKEA. Such a steal. The drawers are even lined with cute yellow striped paper. I switched out the pulls and used some from Anthropologie instead. I also moved the framed books from his nursery into his new room.

Next......our "mud room". This was empty space that served no purpose. I stuck this bench in there for awhile just to take up the space. But then we had the idea to build in lockers instead. Perfect for hanging coats, swimsuits, storing shoes, backpacks, etc....
BEFORE

AFTER - I love how it turned out. And it keeps us much more organized.

Last but not least - my new kitchen table and chairs. I'm in love! I'm having a cushion made for the bench out of the same fabric that the cording and bows are made from on the chair slipcovers. Can't wait to get that because it will tie everything together.
This is a picture of the old table and chairs that used to be there. This pic is also from our old house, but you get the picture. Big change in the table department. And colors!

BEFORE:

AFTER:

Isn't the bench awesome?? I adore it. Some family friends were getting rid of it and I immediately told them I'd love to have it. We painted it to match the table. It used to be an old church pew and it was painted green. Wish I had a before picture, but I didn't think about that til after it was painted.

Next up? The master bedroom. And of course, the nursery!! And speaking of nursery.....I now have the obligatory "going home" outfits purchased for both girl and boy. Look how cute:

This weekend is Trey's 20 year high school reunion. It's a 2 night deal, but I opted out for tonight's big shindig and will only be attending tomorrow evening's festivities. While Trey is catching up and trying to remember people's names,  Hudson and I will be enjoying ourselves on the lake! 

Hope everyone has a great weekend!!

Ciao.

Court's Bebe Shower!

I hosted a baby shower for my long time BFF at my house on Saturday along with my mom, Allison and her mom. Courtney and I have known each other since we were in kindergarten in Mrs. Baird's class. We sat at a little triangle table at the front of the class together and became quick friends. From dance class to cross country (ha!) to drunk escapades, we've been through it all together. Our parents can actually laugh about the stories now. And we can actually tell them the truth without getting into trouble :)

Courtney lives in Houston now, but hopefully we'll get to see each other and get our sweet babies together fairly often. Our due dates are only 4 days apart!! Okay, on with the shower pics. I didn't get to take a whole lot because I was busy.

Beverages

Yummy petit fors

I didn't even get pictures of the main course - we had chicken spaghetti, salad, rolls and an appetizer of parmesan jalepeno turnovers (soooo good and definitely a favorite!). My old next door neighbor catered the shower for us and she did an incredible job! Not to mention, the food was delicious. 

The hostesses gave Courtney her BOB stroller. She loved it and was so excited!! We put the shower favors in the stroller by the door, so that people could grab one as they left. That was my Aunt's idea (Thanks Berta!)...who also helped my mom stuff the bags, make the labels and tie the bows. 

 They turned out so cute. I found this idea on some blog. I ordered the "mini" cinnamon rolls from a local kolache shop.

 And then we printed this message on the inside of each label. Darling!

Courtney doesn't know what she's having either so this was perfect.

More pretty flower arrangements

Lots of goodies to open.... her summer Baby Bjorn. This one has material that breathes. Good idea because the one we have gets really hot. Especially in Texas.

 Have y'all ever heard of this?? I had not. Victoria Beckham has one. It moves like a mom does with her child. There's a bounce, a sway, etc.... Pretty neat. Check it out here.

 The hostesses: Mom, me, Court, Allison & Martha

 Her cute invitation - front and back. Luckily, Courtney's last name starts with an 'N' also, so I could keep my moss N up and use it as decoration :)

 Courtney and the diaper wreath....made by Allison. So cute!

And that was the shower on SAT morning. After cleaning up, I went out to the lake to meet my mom, aunt, Austin and Hudson. Austin and Hudson had a ball swimming around in his blow up pool. He's turning into quite the little fish.

We had a big day on Sunday too. First of all - let me say that Hudson blessed us by sleeping in until almost 8am!!! For those of you who read my blog all the time, you know this is a BIG deal. I finally got wise and put dark shades in his room and it seems to be working. Woohoo! 

We went to the pool around noon and ate lunch and let Hudson play for awhile. It's so crazy how much of a difference a year makes. He has no problem going under or hopping right into the water. I forgot my camera, so no pics....but there will be plenty over the next few months. When he could barely keep his eyes open, we went home for family nap time (yes!). 

Later that day, we drove out to the lake to eat dinner with my parents and a bunch of other people since my aunt was in town from Houston. Hudson and Trey immediately got into the lake. 

 He wasn't so sure about the life jacket, but he's getting used to it.

 Playtime with Daddy in the lake!

And that's it. Hope you all had a great weekend too! 

We've got a busy week - meetings, sip n' sees, and Trey's 20 year high school reunion this weekend!!