I would've posted a picture of the girls in all of their halloween glory but Aislin already pooped through her very festive outfit and it's in the washer as we speak. Luckily, Halloween is Auntie K's birthday so there were several holiday outfits from when Clare was a newborn. Aislin is wearing Round 2 now. Leah cannot wait to don her kangaroo costume tonight for her first ever attempt at Trick-or-Treating! Needless to say there will be LOTS of pictures taken and I will do my best to share them with you all as soon as possible!
Our babysitter Fran is back from vacation and came to see us today. Leah was so excited. Fran made a special effort to give Leah lots of attention and they were sure to hit the park on this balmy autumn day! I know Leah was thrilled to have a few moments without her new sister around. Overall, Leah has been handling our new arrival very well (as you can see from this picture). It's been tricky...figuring out how to deal with these two unique and powerful personalities. But it has also been a treat! Two daughters....life is twice as sweet. Happy Halloween! And Happy B-day K!
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Thursday, October 26, 2006
Back to Birth Weight!
Aislin is finally back to her birth weight of 9 lbs. 7 oz. We just got back from the Pediatrician who said she looked good. Her color is coming along nicely and she looks a lot less jaundiced. It's pretty much just her face and eyes that look yellow now. But even so, they are a lot less orange than they were when we began this journey.
Her umbilical stump has fallen off and while there were questions on how it was healing, the doctor said that looked good as well. I too could see an improvement since Aislin's last exam on Tuesday. We're working through the diaper rash and Aislin should be the picture of health in no time.
I really like this picture of new addition. She has a concerned sort of look on her face (check out the eye brows), but she was sleeping so sweetly I couldn't resist snapping the shot. Leah has been asking to "Hold it?!" whenever she'd like to hold Aislin. It's adorable. LeLe nestles herself right into the corner of the couch and waits patiently for me to get Aislin and place the baby in her arms. If only Leah were so patent with other things in life. Anyway...that's what's up in our little world. We hope things are going well in your world too.
Her umbilical stump has fallen off and while there were questions on how it was healing, the doctor said that looked good as well. I too could see an improvement since Aislin's last exam on Tuesday. We're working through the diaper rash and Aislin should be the picture of health in no time.
I really like this picture of new addition. She has a concerned sort of look on her face (check out the eye brows), but she was sleeping so sweetly I couldn't resist snapping the shot. Leah has been asking to "Hold it?!" whenever she'd like to hold Aislin. It's adorable. LeLe nestles herself right into the corner of the couch and waits patiently for me to get Aislin and place the baby in her arms. If only Leah were so patent with other things in life. Anyway...that's what's up in our little world. We hope things are going well in your world too.
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Home Alone
So, we've been doing pretty well our first few days at home on our own...just the Nowak girls. It's a little crazy at times and I don't forsee there being any sort of schedule in the next week or two. But there is light at the end of the tunnel and everyday an item or two falls into place. I can see that eventually life will run a bit more smoothly. Or as smoothly as it can run with two under two!
For example, I'll remember to change Leah before she goes down for a nap (yesterday she exceeded maximum capacity). And Aislin will at some point need less visits to the pediatrician. Pete's headed home for lunch to watch Leah while I take the baby for an impromptu examination of the crazy diaper rash she's got.
Sure, the TV is on a little more than I'd like (thank God for Noggin!) and we may not all be dressed until 10 AM, but It's what we can manage right now. Besides, I'm pretty proud we get dressed at all! Whenever possible I grab little moments with each girl. Leah and I fit some dancing in this morning while Aisy napped and Aislin snuggled on my shoulder while Leah ate lunch. So far so good. As you can see from the shot...the girls love each other. We'll Leah loves Aislin at least. Aislin just wants a clean booty that doesn't hurt anymore. We'll see what the pediatrician says. Enjoy the day!
For example, I'll remember to change Leah before she goes down for a nap (yesterday she exceeded maximum capacity). And Aislin will at some point need less visits to the pediatrician. Pete's headed home for lunch to watch Leah while I take the baby for an impromptu examination of the crazy diaper rash she's got.
Sure, the TV is on a little more than I'd like (thank God for Noggin!) and we may not all be dressed until 10 AM, but It's what we can manage right now. Besides, I'm pretty proud we get dressed at all! Whenever possible I grab little moments with each girl. Leah and I fit some dancing in this morning while Aisy napped and Aislin snuggled on my shoulder while Leah ate lunch. So far so good. As you can see from the shot...the girls love each other. We'll Leah loves Aislin at least. Aislin just wants a clean booty that doesn't hurt anymore. We'll see what the pediatrician says. Enjoy the day!
Sunday, October 22, 2006
Bye, Bye, Grammy!
I'm not sure who was more distraught as Grammy headed home to New Paltz today, but I know everyone was sad to see her go. Grammy had tears in her eyes and Leah woke up from her nap wondering where Grammy and Pa were. Pete and I will miss all the help, but we're set for food this week. Mom made a roast chicken, a ham, split pea soup, stew, and she bought the items needed for us to make chili. We'll be eating in style for a while! Leah also had a blast baking with Grammy. They made pumpkin-chocolate muffins, cranberry bread, and a batch of pumpkin muffins too. Leah loves to mix the batter while Grammy sings the "mixing song."
Before I change the blog over to more fully include both my little "sugar hiccups," I had to get in one more shot of my big girl!!! I have been busy printing out all of the pages from our first post until now, to put in a binder for Leah to keep one day. Being a Mom to Leah, and now to Aislin, has changed me forever. It has caused me to grow and change in ways I did not know were possible. At the same time, each day I remember and learn from my own girlhood and experience the joy I felt being a kid.
My Mom taught Leah how to make a tent between the couch and ottoman and shared with her the thrill of playing with a flashlight. Leah's hooked! And had a blast playing with her animals and enjoying a tea party with them by the flashlight's glow. We'll miss you Grammy and we can't wait to see you again soon!
Before I change the blog over to more fully include both my little "sugar hiccups," I had to get in one more shot of my big girl!!! I have been busy printing out all of the pages from our first post until now, to put in a binder for Leah to keep one day. Being a Mom to Leah, and now to Aislin, has changed me forever. It has caused me to grow and change in ways I did not know were possible. At the same time, each day I remember and learn from my own girlhood and experience the joy I felt being a kid.
My Mom taught Leah how to make a tent between the couch and ottoman and shared with her the thrill of playing with a flashlight. Leah's hooked! And had a blast playing with her animals and enjoying a tea party with them by the flashlight's glow. We'll miss you Grammy and we can't wait to see you again soon!
Friday, October 20, 2006
Getting better...
Well, the pediatrician discontinued the use of the bili blanket yesterday. We need to keep an eye on Aislin's skin and it may take a while for her to get back to her normal color (thanks to that ABO incompatibility), but otherwise she is doing well. It has been a real challenge having our newborn hooked up to a machine. It's considered "portable" but it never really felt that way. Efforts to move her from couch to pack n' play were pretty cumbersome and in an effort to keep her on the blanket 24 hours a day, Pete and I took turns sleeping in the living room with her. Not the most comfortable of accomodations to say the least.
Thankfully my Mom has been here with us to help wrangle Leah, and my MOPS friends mobilized and generously supplied us with 4 amazing meals since we came home with Aislin. My neighbors have brought me food, cake, coffee, and little gifts. Flowers came from Pete's Mom and his office and cards have been filling our mailbox.
As you can see from the picture, Aislin is thrilled to be so loved and welcome into our lives. Sure, it's just a gassy smile on her face, but I'm pretty sure that's the way she feels. I'm a little nervous for next week when I'll be alone with these two girls, but I suppose I'll rise to the occassion. Even if I am sleep deprived and a little overwhelmed. We'll keep you posted!
Thankfully my Mom has been here with us to help wrangle Leah, and my MOPS friends mobilized and generously supplied us with 4 amazing meals since we came home with Aislin. My neighbors have brought me food, cake, coffee, and little gifts. Flowers came from Pete's Mom and his office and cards have been filling our mailbox.
As you can see from the picture, Aislin is thrilled to be so loved and welcome into our lives. Sure, it's just a gassy smile on her face, but I'm pretty sure that's the way she feels. I'm a little nervous for next week when I'll be alone with these two girls, but I suppose I'll rise to the occassion. Even if I am sleep deprived and a little overwhelmed. We'll keep you posted!
Friday, October 13, 2006
Aislin Update
Our October baby is a shade too pumpkin. We took Aislin to the pediatrician yesterday since she was starting to look jaundiced as we were discharged from the hospital. After our appointment we were sent back to the hospital for a quick bilirubin test. This one was rough. The poor thing...her feet have been so poked, prodded and pricked at this point from sugar tests, blood tests, and the newborn screening.
We also learned at the pediatrician that sometimes there are maternal-fetal incompatibility of blood types. This occurs most commonly when the mother is type O (that's me!) and her baby is A, B, or AB. Well, they tested that as well and Aislin is Pete's blood type...A. So there is some in compatability there. It doesn't seem to be too big a deal but symptoms in newborns can include prolonged jaundice and elevated bilirubin levels. Exactly what we're dealing with!
To help Aislin along we got a device called a "bili blanket" sent to our house by the pediatrician so that we can get her bilirubin levels down and get rid of that jaundice. I had to snap a picture of our latest addition soaking up that blue sun!!! We try to keep it on her as often as possible but it's tough. Leah is very concerned, but has been a big help. She likes to put her stuffed animals in the pack and play with Aislin so that she'll get better soon. It's very sweet.
Today Pete and Aislin were back to the hospital for yet another blood test. I stayed with Leah for some Mommy-Big Sister time. I'm off for my trip with Aislin a little later. We'll head to the pediatrician to get the results of today's test. We'll keep you posted on Aislin's (AKA Tank Girl, Aisy Daisy, Kid X, Struggle Bunny....) progress!!! Thanks for all the love and support everyone.
We also learned at the pediatrician that sometimes there are maternal-fetal incompatibility of blood types. This occurs most commonly when the mother is type O (that's me!) and her baby is A, B, or AB. Well, they tested that as well and Aislin is Pete's blood type...A. So there is some in compatability there. It doesn't seem to be too big a deal but symptoms in newborns can include prolonged jaundice and elevated bilirubin levels. Exactly what we're dealing with!
To help Aislin along we got a device called a "bili blanket" sent to our house by the pediatrician so that we can get her bilirubin levels down and get rid of that jaundice. I had to snap a picture of our latest addition soaking up that blue sun!!! We try to keep it on her as often as possible but it's tough. Leah is very concerned, but has been a big help. She likes to put her stuffed animals in the pack and play with Aislin so that she'll get better soon. It's very sweet.
Today Pete and Aislin were back to the hospital for yet another blood test. I stayed with Leah for some Mommy-Big Sister time. I'm off for my trip with Aislin a little later. We'll head to the pediatrician to get the results of today's test. We'll keep you posted on Aislin's (AKA Tank Girl, Aisy Daisy, Kid X, Struggle Bunny....) progress!!! Thanks for all the love and support everyone.
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Aislin Elizabeth is here!
It's been a whirlwind week. It all started at 2:42 am Monday morning. That's when I started counting contractions. About 20 minutes (and A LOT of pain later) I woke up Pete and told him we'd better mobilize. We packed and at 3:45 am we called the doctor. Since the contractions had been less than 4 minutes apart for more than an hour he told us to come to the hospital.
Lucky for us, Pete's Mom had been visiting with us for the weekend and was staying over until Monday morning! Perfect, we didn't need to wake any of our neighbors and friends with a really late night call to come over ad watch Leah. We called my parents who started heading towards Syracuse and we were off to the hospital. We got there at about 4:15 am and checked in. The contractions were so rough I practically sat on the admission person's desk ("get me to labor and delivery!!!"). Once we were upstairs the resident examined me while we waited for the doctor.
Much to my, and to everyone else's, surprise I was 8 cm dilated!!! Too late for an epidural! When they told me that...I almost cried, and I did say "I don't think I can do this!" The nurses and resident assured me(as they scrambled to get that room ready for delivery faster than anything I've ever seen in my life!) that I could. After all, I had done much of the work already at home with no pain medication. The resident also mentioned that at 8 lbs.,15 oz....Leah had already blazed a pretty good trail and she doubted this baby would be that big at 2 1/2 weeks early (boy were we wrong!). Things were progressing fast. We didn't even have a chance to finish the admission questions and paperwork before I had to start pushing!
Once Dr. Bebla arrived my water broke and the party got started. I started pushing at 5:15 and less than 10 minutes later, at 5:24 am Aislin Elizabeth was here...all NINE POUNDS, SEVEN OUNCES of her (can you tell I'm just a little proud of myself for doing this naturally?). Pete was amazing support and the best cheerleader I could have asked for.
Once again meconium accompanied this birth, as with Leah's. I know...what are the chances of that?! Aislin was suctioned out with no problem. But she had swallowed a lot of amniotic fluid, which makes for a pretty mucous-filled baby. I got to hold her right after she was born, Pete got to cut the cord, and we snatched a few cuddles with her before she was taken to the NICU (more on that in the entry below). She left the hospital today after losing only 5 ounces so she's still large and in charge at 9lbs, 2 ounces today.
We chose her Irish name, Aislin, which means "dream" or "vision" in Gaelic. It seems to fit her perfectly. She is a mellow, sweet, and dreamy girl...who already has a perfected pout (which cracked the NICU nurses up!) and is already being put to good use on her Daddy. Just look at that face. The nurses on the maternity ward also mentioned her little "growl" which she showed off whenever they let Aislin know they were going to test her blood-sugar. Her personality is already starting to take shape!!! We love you Aislin!!!!
Lucky for us, Pete's Mom had been visiting with us for the weekend and was staying over until Monday morning! Perfect, we didn't need to wake any of our neighbors and friends with a really late night call to come over ad watch Leah. We called my parents who started heading towards Syracuse and we were off to the hospital. We got there at about 4:15 am and checked in. The contractions were so rough I practically sat on the admission person's desk ("get me to labor and delivery!!!"). Once we were upstairs the resident examined me while we waited for the doctor.
Much to my, and to everyone else's, surprise I was 8 cm dilated!!! Too late for an epidural! When they told me that...I almost cried, and I did say "I don't think I can do this!" The nurses and resident assured me(as they scrambled to get that room ready for delivery faster than anything I've ever seen in my life!) that I could. After all, I had done much of the work already at home with no pain medication. The resident also mentioned that at 8 lbs.,15 oz....Leah had already blazed a pretty good trail and she doubted this baby would be that big at 2 1/2 weeks early (boy were we wrong!). Things were progressing fast. We didn't even have a chance to finish the admission questions and paperwork before I had to start pushing!
Once Dr. Bebla arrived my water broke and the party got started. I started pushing at 5:15 and less than 10 minutes later, at 5:24 am Aislin Elizabeth was here...all NINE POUNDS, SEVEN OUNCES of her (can you tell I'm just a little proud of myself for doing this naturally?). Pete was amazing support and the best cheerleader I could have asked for.
Once again meconium accompanied this birth, as with Leah's. I know...what are the chances of that?! Aislin was suctioned out with no problem. But she had swallowed a lot of amniotic fluid, which makes for a pretty mucous-filled baby. I got to hold her right after she was born, Pete got to cut the cord, and we snatched a few cuddles with her before she was taken to the NICU (more on that in the entry below). She left the hospital today after losing only 5 ounces so she's still large and in charge at 9lbs, 2 ounces today.
We chose her Irish name, Aislin, which means "dream" or "vision" in Gaelic. It seems to fit her perfectly. She is a mellow, sweet, and dreamy girl...who already has a perfected pout (which cracked the NICU nurses up!) and is already being put to good use on her Daddy. Just look at that face. The nurses on the maternity ward also mentioned her little "growl" which she showed off whenever they let Aislin know they were going to test her blood-sugar. Her personality is already starting to take shape!!! We love you Aislin!!!!
Leah's a big Sister!
Leah and Grammy were here to welcome Aislin home today. As you can tell, Leah is a fantastic big sister, who is soooo excited to have a new member of our family with us. Pete snapped this picture of "his girls" at the hospital when Grandma, Grammy, and Pa were all there with LeLe to meet our latest addition. Big props to all 3 grandparents who have been such a help and blessing during this exciting and crazy time.
Aislin spent her first 10 hours in the NICU getting an IV until her blood sugar stabilized so we were pretty excited to have her back with us on the maternity ward when this shot was taken. Her grandparents were able to visit her in the NICU and Pete and I were able to spend time with her there as well. I was even able to feed her some formula. Once she was "sweet enough" as the NICU nurses joked, I was able to start nursing and Aislin is a total champ at it. She's a little jaundiced so we head to the pediatrician tomorrow so thay can check her out. We'll keep you posted on both the little sister's and big sister's progress as we tackle this big (and delightful!!!!) change in our lives.
Aislin spent her first 10 hours in the NICU getting an IV until her blood sugar stabilized so we were pretty excited to have her back with us on the maternity ward when this shot was taken. Her grandparents were able to visit her in the NICU and Pete and I were able to spend time with her there as well. I was even able to feed her some formula. Once she was "sweet enough" as the NICU nurses joked, I was able to start nursing and Aislin is a total champ at it. She's a little jaundiced so we head to the pediatrician tomorrow so thay can check her out. We'll keep you posted on both the little sister's and big sister's progress as we tackle this big (and delightful!!!!) change in our lives.
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
Bad Hiccups
"There are only two things a child will share willingly - communicable diseases and his mother's age."
Dr. Benjamin Spock
I had to giggle when this quote appeared on a MOPS email I received today. Apparently, Leah has no aversion to salami...she just had a really NASTY stomach virus. I know, because I caught it! After a night of being the sickest I've ever been (that's not even taking into acount my being 9 months pregnant) I started having contractions. Pete and I spent Sunday morning in the labor and delivery unit, where they rehydrated me via IV and got the contractions to stop. Leah enjoyed the day at my neighbor Sue's house and was delighted to be with the big kids. Seriously...it was as if she hardly knew we were gone!
When we got home Leah and I both went down for naps. Leah was perfectly fine on Saturday and Sunday morning, but this bug wouldn't die and she woke up from her nap on Sunday cranky. Pete soon discovered that Leah's use of the phrase "bad hiccup" or just the word "hiccup" accompanied by a scared and concerned look on her face means "I'm about to puke on you and anything else within range!" Poor Pete.
We gave LeLe a bath and called my Mom who came up Sunday night to help me get through Monday. I am so lucky to have so many friends and family members who are here for me during this time. Unfortunately, the bug got Mom too...and Grammy spent yesterday back in New Paltz pretty sick. Yikes!!! Sometimes all the handwashing in the world can't keep the petrie dish of germs that is a toddler down!
I thought I would share this shot of Leah in the orchard, since she appears to be the picture of health here. Just look at that physique!! Too cute. Hey, at least my visit to the hospital was a sign to slow it down (I'm working on it...I swear!). I'm going to bet it's a good thing that we are getting this out of our system before the baby arrives.
Dr. Benjamin Spock
I had to giggle when this quote appeared on a MOPS email I received today. Apparently, Leah has no aversion to salami...she just had a really NASTY stomach virus. I know, because I caught it! After a night of being the sickest I've ever been (that's not even taking into acount my being 9 months pregnant) I started having contractions. Pete and I spent Sunday morning in the labor and delivery unit, where they rehydrated me via IV and got the contractions to stop. Leah enjoyed the day at my neighbor Sue's house and was delighted to be with the big kids. Seriously...it was as if she hardly knew we were gone!
When we got home Leah and I both went down for naps. Leah was perfectly fine on Saturday and Sunday morning, but this bug wouldn't die and she woke up from her nap on Sunday cranky. Pete soon discovered that Leah's use of the phrase "bad hiccup" or just the word "hiccup" accompanied by a scared and concerned look on her face means "I'm about to puke on you and anything else within range!" Poor Pete.
We gave LeLe a bath and called my Mom who came up Sunday night to help me get through Monday. I am so lucky to have so many friends and family members who are here for me during this time. Unfortunately, the bug got Mom too...and Grammy spent yesterday back in New Paltz pretty sick. Yikes!!! Sometimes all the handwashing in the world can't keep the petrie dish of germs that is a toddler down!
I thought I would share this shot of Leah in the orchard, since she appears to be the picture of health here. Just look at that physique!! Too cute. Hey, at least my visit to the hospital was a sign to slow it down (I'm working on it...I swear!). I'm going to bet it's a good thing that we are getting this out of our system before the baby arrives.
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