When you see this face, prepare yourself for pain.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Merry Christmas
Today is Vivian's first Christmas Eve. We are very happy she is here and that her aunt and uncle both could make the trip down from PA to spend it with us.
Vivian wants to wish everyone a Merry Christmas from The Dad Blog.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Still Alive
Everyone should be happy to hear that little Vivian is still alive and kicking, despite our attempts at sleeping through feedings and failing to recognize when a diaper needs changing. She is also losing her nice yellow glow and turning a bit more pink, which is a good sign the jaundice is abating.
Things have been a bit rough the last few days with Vivian sleeping all day and staying awake crying during the night. She is actually pretty good, but just likes to be held when she is awake. I can't really blame her since it is much nicer then being trapped in her little swaddle blanket.
The other day I was taking some pictures and got a nice one of Yvonne and Vivian in front of the Christmas tree.
(anyone who has had a baby at Wake Med may recognize the blanket...)
Things have been a bit rough the last few days with Vivian sleeping all day and staying awake crying during the night. She is actually pretty good, but just likes to be held when she is awake. I can't really blame her since it is much nicer then being trapped in her little swaddle blanket.
The other day I was taking some pictures and got a nice one of Yvonne and Vivian in front of the Christmas tree.
(anyone who has had a baby at Wake Med may recognize the blanket...)
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Blowout!
Dad Advice #1: Be absolutely, positively, 100% sure that your baby's diaper is correctly worn and fastened.
Trust me.
Trust me.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Sleep Deprivation Experiment Day 3
The experiment is going well. Our test subject family has been allowed no more the two hours of sleep at a time. This is usually interrupted with carefully scheduled visits by research staff members to monitor such things vital signs and levels of trash in the garbage cans.
The female mother test subject is also being withheld vital food. Although she repeatedly informs staff and "care-giver" proxies of what she can and can't eat, they continue with bringing her unappetizing and gluten filled foods to test her stress levels. As anticipated, stress levels are high. However, the male subject managed to elude staff and sneak in food from Whole Foods which made the female subject feel better. Steps will be taken this evening to correct this situation (perhaps another difficult feeding with the baby female subject.)
The male subject was suffering from blurred vision and hallucinations earlier today, while both adult subjects suffered time distortion and lack of short term memory.
Initial phase of the experiment concludes tomorrow at 11am EST when the adult male and female subjects are released from the experimental paddock into the wild. The baby female is currently being fitted in the "nursery" with a two way telemetry transponder that will continue to return valuable research data over the next 18 years.
The female mother test subject is also being withheld vital food. Although she repeatedly informs staff and "care-giver" proxies of what she can and can't eat, they continue with bringing her unappetizing and gluten filled foods to test her stress levels. As anticipated, stress levels are high. However, the male subject managed to elude staff and sneak in food from Whole Foods which made the female subject feel better. Steps will be taken this evening to correct this situation (perhaps another difficult feeding with the baby female subject.)
The male subject was suffering from blurred vision and hallucinations earlier today, while both adult subjects suffered time distortion and lack of short term memory.
Initial phase of the experiment concludes tomorrow at 11am EST when the adult male and female subjects are released from the experimental paddock into the wild. The baby female is currently being fitted in the "nursery" with a two way telemetry transponder that will continue to return valuable research data over the next 18 years.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Day Two
Day two has been a busy, yet fairly calm day. Vivian has been a great baby so far. She rarely fusses or cries, unless I pick her up with my freezing cold hands. I have gotten a bit better at swaddling.
The biggest adventure for today was getting Vivian breast feeding. Although we had a quick tutorial yesterday before we moved into our recovery room, she was not having much luck latching on. She does have a good sucking reflex and opens wide, but has a tendency to pull her tongue back and then push it forward, knocking the nipple out of her mouth. Hard to feed without the nipple! Today we had a much longer consult and Yvonne started using a breast pump. Our first attempt was not as successful as we had hopped, but Vivian was starting to get better at it and learn how to use her tongue and latch on. The second attempt we ended up using a nipple shield to help her and she latched right on. She was really tired by then and didn't get a full feed, but after a few more practices she should be able to "do the boob".
As many of you know, Yvonne has Coeliac disease, meaning she can't eat anything with gluten in it (ie, anything with wheat or made with a wheat.) Oddly, the hospital doesn't seem to understand what this is and we keep getting questionable food for her. You would think that a major hospital would know what coeliac disease is and be able to supply a custom menu. Luckily, our nurses are very nice and have started taking custom orders for her. Hopefully we will get a chance to talk to a dietician tomorrow.
I got to spend a lot of time with Vivian today, even doing a little "skin to skin" contact with her. She is just so damn cute! (although dad needs to get back into the gym soon.)
The biggest adventure for today was getting Vivian breast feeding. Although we had a quick tutorial yesterday before we moved into our recovery room, she was not having much luck latching on. She does have a good sucking reflex and opens wide, but has a tendency to pull her tongue back and then push it forward, knocking the nipple out of her mouth. Hard to feed without the nipple! Today we had a much longer consult and Yvonne started using a breast pump. Our first attempt was not as successful as we had hopped, but Vivian was starting to get better at it and learn how to use her tongue and latch on. The second attempt we ended up using a nipple shield to help her and she latched right on. She was really tired by then and didn't get a full feed, but after a few more practices she should be able to "do the boob".
As many of you know, Yvonne has Coeliac disease, meaning she can't eat anything with gluten in it (ie, anything with wheat or made with a wheat.) Oddly, the hospital doesn't seem to understand what this is and we keep getting questionable food for her. You would think that a major hospital would know what coeliac disease is and be able to supply a custom menu. Luckily, our nurses are very nice and have started taking custom orders for her. Hopefully we will get a chance to talk to a dietician tomorrow.
I got to spend a lot of time with Vivian today, even doing a little "skin to skin" contact with her. She is just so damn cute! (although dad needs to get back into the gym soon.)
Thursday, December 11, 2008
First Night
What a long day! It is still a bit of a blur, but the beautiful little girl is definitely no dream. Once Yvonne left the O.R. she needed to be monitored for an hour before we could spend any time with Vivian. I had my chance to meet Vivian when she came out, but Yvonne only got a quick glimpse of her.
Yvonne had a few extra bleeders, so it took a bit longer to get out of the O.R. (if you consider 45 minutes for major abdominal surgery a long time...)
Once Yvonne had recovered enough (about an hour), we got to spend some quality time with little Vivian.
Yvonne's maternal instincts have totally kicked in. She is currently laying in bed sweet talking to baby Vivian into being quiet for the evening, telling her about all the visitors we will be having over the holidays and how much she lover her. I've never been in love more with Yvonne then I am today. I can't imagine living my life without her or Vivian.
Yvonne had a few extra bleeders, so it took a bit longer to get out of the O.R. (if you consider 45 minutes for major abdominal surgery a long time...)
Once Yvonne had recovered enough (about an hour), we got to spend some quality time with little Vivian.
Yvonne's maternal instincts have totally kicked in. She is currently laying in bed sweet talking to baby Vivian into being quiet for the evening, telling her about all the visitors we will be having over the holidays and how much she lover her. I've never been in love more with Yvonne then I am today. I can't imagine living my life without her or Vivian.
The Baby Hath Commeth
It was a long and rough night. Even after the epidural, Yvonne was still having pain. She started pushing around 7:30am, though the pain kept getting worse and the baby barely moved. It was amazing to see her push so long and hard. She fought very hard to push little Vivian out. At 10:30 Dr. Brannon decided that we need to have a C-section due to the length of time Yvonne was pushing and not making progress and how long it had been since her water broke.
She was rolled into the O.R. and prepped while I was made to put on a blue bunny suit and cover up my (lack of) hair. I got inside as they started the operation and had a seat next to Yvonne's head so I could talk to her. Soon, Yvonne felt the pulling feeling of having the baby removed and we heard baby Vivian's first cries at 11:06am. She is 7lb 7oz, 19.5 inches long, 13 inch head, and born on the same day as her namesake, my mom. I have to admit, we both teared up a bit. Then the nurse asked if I would like to come see Vivian and take some pictures. So, for the first time ever, here is:
She was rolled into the O.R. and prepped while I was made to put on a blue bunny suit and cover up my (lack of) hair. I got inside as they started the operation and had a seat next to Yvonne's head so I could talk to her. Soon, Yvonne felt the pulling feeling of having the baby removed and we heard baby Vivian's first cries at 11:06am. She is 7lb 7oz, 19.5 inches long, 13 inch head, and born on the same day as her namesake, my mom. I have to admit, we both teared up a bit. Then the nurse asked if I would like to come see Vivian and take some pictures. So, for the first time ever, here is:
Miss Vivian Roberta Beatrice Stoy
Mommy and Baby are both doing fine. Daddy, however, needs a vacation.
More to come later...
More to come later...
Birthing, Part 6
7:15am EST and Yvonne is at least 8cm dilated. The nurses have been in preparing the room for the birthing. Sadly, the epidural is still not 100% effective, so it is pretty uncomfortable for her at the moment. Only a few more hours and we should have our baby.
Birthing, Part 5
The pain finally bested us and Yvonne decided to get an epidural. She feels much better now, and my hand has a much better chance of surviving the night.
The one problem is that her right side isn't really numbing as much as the left so she still feels the pain there. Over all though, it is much better then it was, which is a win.
I'm tired. With any luck Yvonne will be able to fall asleep soon and then I will follow.
The one problem is that her right side isn't really numbing as much as the left so she still feels the pain there. Over all though, it is much better then it was, which is a win.
I'm tired. With any luck Yvonne will be able to fall asleep soon and then I will follow.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Birthing, Part 4
Midnight! Vivian has yet to make her appearance so it looks like she will be born on Dec 11th, the same day as her namesake, my mom and her grandmother. A part of me had always thought it would be appropriate for that to happen. Now we (mostly Yvonne) are hoping she makes her debut soon. The pain of the contractions is starting to get to Yvonne, but she is hanging in there. I'm amazed at her pain threshold. If it were me, I would have had them jam an epidural the minute I found out i was having a baby.
Birthing, Part 3
Nine o'clock rolled 'round and Dr. Scott came in and broke the bag of waters. Personally, I was expecting a giant gush of fluid like breaking a water balloon. Instead, there was nothing. At least, nothing excessive. Now though, every time there is a contraction, a little "gush" happens. Still though, no jet of water shooting across the room, so I guess that is good.
Not much else going to go on tonight. One cm dilation. Yvonne is in the bed and we are about to watch some Law and Order to pass the time.
More to come in the morning.
Not much else going to go on tonight. One cm dilation. Yvonne is in the bed and we are about to watch some Law and Order to pass the time.
More to come in the morning.
Birthing, Part 2
The excitement continues...
Currently Yvonne is lounging in a chair as she gets a foot massage and a nurse attempts to find our little one who is busily hiding from the fetal heart monitor.
The pitocin seems to be getting the contractions going on a more regular basis, but still nothing earth-shattering. They are planning on upping the dosage as soon as they can get a good read on the heart monitor...but Vivian has her own plans. Although we know that the housing market is crap she still needs to vacate her current home. Hopefully we won't have to evict her.
(Yvonne chatting on the phone with customer support at Stork Co., wondering were our package is.)
Birthing, Part 1
And so the adventure begins...
Yvonne had her last OB appointment today. She had an ultrasound and the doctor told us we were going to have a baby today! He told us to drop Yvonne over at the hospital to get her checked in and ready and I could go home and get the bags and such and come back. So, instead of doing that, we decided to to both head home and have a final meal and get ready to go.
On the way to see the massage therapist before going to the hospital our doctor's office called wondering where we were and that they were waiting for us. Ok, so, at that point we felt bad and decided to head in. We met the massage therapist at the entrance, valeted the car, and all headed inside at around 2:30pm.
The usual IV and monitoring occurred. Yvonne is feeling pretty good and not really having any bad contractions. The baby is doing well, but, as usual, swims away from the fetal heart monitor any time they try to find her. Sadly, there is still no dilation, so they put Yvonne on Pitocin at 5:30pm and Dr. Scott is coming back around 9pm to see if he can break her water and get things going.
For now, Yvonne is enjoying a nice massage and bouncing on her ball.
More to come...
Yvonne had her last OB appointment today. She had an ultrasound and the doctor told us we were going to have a baby today! He told us to drop Yvonne over at the hospital to get her checked in and ready and I could go home and get the bags and such and come back. So, instead of doing that, we decided to to both head home and have a final meal and get ready to go.
On the way to see the massage therapist before going to the hospital our doctor's office called wondering where we were and that they were waiting for us. Ok, so, at that point we felt bad and decided to head in. We met the massage therapist at the entrance, valeted the car, and all headed inside at around 2:30pm.
The usual IV and monitoring occurred. Yvonne is feeling pretty good and not really having any bad contractions. The baby is doing well, but, as usual, swims away from the fetal heart monitor any time they try to find her. Sadly, there is still no dilation, so they put Yvonne on Pitocin at 5:30pm and Dr. Scott is coming back around 9pm to see if he can break her water and get things going.
For now, Yvonne is enjoying a nice massage and bouncing on her ball.
More to come...
Monday, December 8, 2008
Today?
Today is Vivian's due date. Unsurprisingly, nothing has happened yet.
I'm guessing it will be a few more days, but you never know.
We are currently watching a movie on Midwives and natural births called The Business Of Being Born. It is pretty interesting about how far away from the natural birthing process America has come. This is just another example of how western medicine is not always the best practice. I'm not saying to never see a doctor or take advantage of the benefits of medicine. However, we shouldn't need to ignore nature and the normal processes of the body.
I'm guessing it will be a few more days, but you never know.
We are currently watching a movie on Midwives and natural births called The Business Of Being Born. It is pretty interesting about how far away from the natural birthing process America has come. This is just another example of how western medicine is not always the best practice. I'm not saying to never see a doctor or take advantage of the benefits of medicine. However, we shouldn't need to ignore nature and the normal processes of the body.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
I Lost
So, it appears that my prediction in the Guess Baby Stoy's Info contest was wrong. I just KNOW she will come in the middle of the night...but I got the day wrong. We have a doctor appointment today, probably our last one before the big day. Unless Vivian decides to come late. I don't think Yvonne would like that...
There is still time to make your predictions. Hurry before it is too late!
There is still time to make your predictions. Hurry before it is too late!
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