tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25622347466755056972024-03-13T10:45:23.272-05:00Mason Momentsmanymasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14557847246643168437noreply@blogger.comBlogger508125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2562234746675505697.post-28944488114894918502015-10-31T20:00:00.001-05:002015-10-31T20:00:47.332-05:00HealingGrace's toe continues to heal and as Dr. Herald told us "it is a process" which I documented with pictures. I was initially discouraged that he only allowed us to apply betadyne to it to keep the scab dry. He wanted it to be as dry as possible to act as a natural dressing. I did however slather her foot and the base of her toe with coconut oil, a natural antibiotic, along with thieves oil to keep down infection. I also put it on her other foot and her lymph nodes. We are so thankful infection never did set in.<br />
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Changing her dressing each day took a bit of time being that the gauze almost always stuck and I'd have to lightly wet it and carefully peel it off. And Grace wasn't the most cooperative. She didn't want us touching her toe. Initially the doctor attached her old nail with one stitch to protect it and so it didn't look all that bad to me. <span style="text-align: center;">I had painted a little heart on her big toenails the night before the accident and you can still see it here.</span><br />
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Week 2</div>
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You can see here where her toe was cut in a "c-flap" and hung on by that back portion of skin.</div>
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Grace is very particular about which shoes touch her feet and makes sure they are large enough for her toe. I found some Crocs on eBay that work great since her slippers didn't work well outside. Once in awhile she doesn't even want those on.</div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">She has learned to adapt to her injury by walking and running on the side of her foot.</span><br />
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Week 3</div>
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Recently when we were in the basement at my parents house Grace saw the cardio glide where she had her accident. Suddenly she gasped, pointed and exclaimed, "owie!" And so she does remember. She has also reverted to her terrible sleep habits and wakes screaming in the middle of the night. I bring her in bed with us and she calms down instantly. In the past week she has slept through the night twice so maybe we are gradually getting back to normal. I do enjoy my girl but I don't know how people do the family bed thing. It is hard to sleep with a wiggly little one between us flinging her arms everywhere, pulling hair, and practically pushing us off the bed. Although, waking up to such a sweet face adoringly watching you does make up for it.<br />
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After about a month her nail did fall off in her bandage and then she kept asking to put another bandage on right away. It is all dry and crusty. The black is the scab and the doctor had said it acted as a natural dressing and the new skin of her toe was forming underneath.<br />
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Week 4<br />
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A week later the black scab started to lift up when we were changing the dressing. She screamed so John was careful to press it back down. It fell off completely a few days later without a problem. You can't see it well here but her toenail is growing back and it will be about 6 months for it to fully return and at that time it will be rough.<br />
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Week 5<br />
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Dr. Herald wanted to see her when the scab came off and he was very happy with how the skin looked. It was very pink and healthy and he doesn't think there will be much evidence that it ever happened. And this time she even smiled at him.<br />
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Week 6<br />
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And here we are 6 weeks later. It looks pretty good, although still quite swollen. The rest of the brown crud "protein build-up" will fall off . Grace hasn't been able to take a bath this whole time so her toenails are a bit dirty. But now that it no longer has to be dry she is able to take a bath again.<br />
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I am simply amazed that I can't even see where her toe was cut! How awesome is it that God created the body in such a way to heal so perfectly -- and especially in children.<br />
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manymasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14557847246643168437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2562234746675505697.post-28538951173571234322015-09-23T19:44:00.000-05:002015-10-20T21:05:08.083-05:00Grace's Big "Owie"In our 16 years of parenting we have never had a major injury requiring a trip to the ER. Oh, we've had breathing problems that have landed children there numerous times but never anything involving blood. Considering we have 6 boys that always surprised us. That all changed this past weekend. (See bottom of post for what actually happened) We were at my parents house on a normal Sunday afternoon for dinner and hanging out. Grace had not taken a nap and it was getting late into the afternoon when I heard Thomas from the basement yelling "Oh No!" followed by the same sentiment from John. John bounded up the stairs with Grace in his arms dripping blood from her foot calling for paper towels. Everything was happening fast, there was a lot of yelling, people were crying, and it was a bit crazy. John worriedly expressed that it looked like her toe was dangling and we needed to get to the hospital. I could not look. My dad drove our big van barreling down the road as John cuddled Grace tight and tried to comfort her. Thankfully the hospital is only a couple of minutes from their house.<br />
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We got into the ER relatively quickly but then it was a waiting game. Nurses came in and looked at Grace's toe. John and I knelt on the floor crouched over her as she lay on the gurney She cried each time a new person entered the room and moaned "owie" but gradually and very thankfully she fell asleep from exhaustion.<br />
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The ER doctor came in with a loud voice and I of course asked that he whisper to try and keep her sleeping. He looked at her toe and confirmed what John had suspected, that the tip of her big toe was hanging on by very little and the nail was hanging as well. I glanced to the side and saw a bloody mess.<br />
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While Grace slept, the x-ray technician came in and decided rather than move a sleeping baby to bring the equipment in. John helped hold the foot in the correct direction while I softly sang "His Eye is on the Sparrow" and "Jesus Loves Me" in my girl's ear. Such a comfort to me as well and Grace slept through it as she clung to me. And, praise the Lord her toe was not broken!<br />
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Dr. Herald the surgeon came in and calmly but matter-of-factually said that he would need to do surgery and she would need to go under general anesthesia. He explained that a short sedative would not be enough time for him to fix it as needed. John looked at me with a fear in his eyes but there were no other options and of course we consented. Then more wait. We so wanted to get the show on the road and be at the end of the ordeal for her. Grace slept on and off until surgery when John carried her up to the 2nd floor surgical unit. We met with the anesthesiologist who explained that they first would sedate her to give her an IV then take her to surgery and put her under general anesthesia. He gave her a shot of Ketamine and that was very hard to watch as it put Grace into a state of not being aware of anything. She would look at us but not really see us. She moved her head from side to side as if looking but yet not. Kind of a freaky. And then she began to shake, which is normal. John and I continued to stay at her side singing and stroking her maybe more to calm our nerves as the doctor observed. The IV went in and they were ready to take Grace. The hardest part of that which I'm sure many parents who have sent their children for surgery was that she was still awake when they wheeled her away. I had so hoped that the sedative would make her fall asleep first. John and I went to the waiting room where my Dad was waiting with teary-eyed hugs for us and Noah was waiting there too.<br />
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The surgery took about 20 minutes and Dr. Herald came out and explained everything to us. We won't know for a few weeks if the tip of the toe will heal completely and it depends on how much blood is able to get to it. When he fixed it a portion wasn't as pink as he would have liked but he said that children's bodies heal so well. He said he is able to reattach amputated fingers on a child where with an adult he wouldn't. He also repaired the nail bed and temporarily attached her old nail to make it less painful. That will fall off and her new nail will grow in.<br />
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I was so nervous as I waited to see Grace again. My stomach was in knots knowing that she was waking up in an unfamiliar place with people she did not know. Maybe 30 minutes later the nurse wheeled her "prison" crib out to us and kept telling Grace, "there is your Mommy". We walked with her up to a room as insurance doesn't allow them to discharge patients directly from recovery. They have to go to an actual hospital room first. And so we got settled in a room for a short time. Grace was happy to be in our arms again but to be expected she was not herself. True with probably any child, she did not like the oxygen monitor hooked to her toe or the blood pressure cuff on her arm or the iv in her hand and those were the things that were bothering her.<br />
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She did not talk or smile -- both of which are total opposites for her personality. She didn't want to drink anything and seemed that she might be a bit nauseous judging by her gagging a few times. She received two toys from the nurse to distract her as they began to remove the contraptions she was connected to and then we were free to go. As soon as we neared the door to exit, Grace growled her first words, -- "Noah!" She was trying to be silly and attempted a smile too.<br />
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Once home Grace slept through the night without a problem. I am sure she was exhausted and the doctor said he gave her a long-lasting numbing in her toe to help. John and I both checked on her in the night and John left for the airport in the early morning. He was so disappointed not to see his precious happy girl awake before he headed to Mexico for the week. But I texted him pictures of her the next morning with her silly grin.<br />
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The day started off with Grace not wanting to walk anywhere. She didn't want to move her foot and her siblings were happy to oblige by carrying her anywhere she wanted to go simply by pointing her finger in the direction she wanted to go. Her big brother Thomas was very concerned about her and was never too far from her that day. </div>
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But by evening she was raring to go and had enough with her lack of independence and attempted walking using the side of her foot. That worked for her and by the second day she was back to running and climbing.<br />
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Grace visited the surgeon on day 3 and she was not a happy girl at all. Lots of crying ensued as they removed the bandages while I held her close and her Grandma attempted to read to her. She kept looking back at her foot.<br />
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So, what actually happened? Grace was sitting on the cardio glide with Thomas when she told him she wanted to get down. However, she didn't give him time to stop and proceeded to step down. Her foot was in the wrong spot and in looking at the area later John said it worked in a scissors motion and of course she always has her shoes off. Thomas said he won't ever forget the sound and initially he did struggle with what happened but we loved on him well and once he saw his little sister that really helped him.<br />
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We are just so thankful that God was watching over every detail. It was only the tip and not the complete toe and the toe did not break. Grace was amazing through it all. Of course she screamed at times and it wasn't easy but of all of our children she is one of the more resilient. We imagined if it happened to certain other children it would have been so much more traumatic.<br />
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And so we wait for what the doctor said is "a process".manymasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14557847246643168437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2562234746675505697.post-75140144740179609812015-05-06T14:11:00.000-05:002015-05-06T14:35:00.731-05:0018 months! Can it be?As always time continues to march on and Friday Grace turned 18 months old. I was in the dressing room at Kohls recently and heard a mama whispering soothing sounds to her crying baby. What a sweet sound to my ears and how I miss that infant cry in some ways. Thankfully, Grace is very much still a baby to me. First of all, she looks like one with the small amount of hair on her head. Second, she still wakes at least once a night with her cries. And she is still eagerly nursing. I am enjoying every chance I get to cuddle my precious girl.<br />
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Mommy and Gracie at the Botanical Gardens in St. Louis</div>
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She is petite but not as much as her sister was as evidenced by the fact that she is currently wearing the clothes Missy Blue wore at the age of 2 and much of it is too small. She has been in size 18 months for the past few months. She is at the height of hitting her head on tables and weighs just 21 pounds, which she has been at for awhile now. Gracie has hair mainly on the back of her head and I love how it curls up, especially in the humid air down in Alabama. George had curls when he was little. Maybe my little girl will too?<br />
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This girl and her goofy grin. I keep trying but she will not sit still long enough to pose for me anymore. This is about all I could get.<br />
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Grace likes to eat <i>"chee"</i> (cheese) and <i>"nana"</i> (bananas). I haven't found anything else to be a real favorite except desserts. I am afraid she is going to have a sweet tooth like a few of us do. If she doesn't want something she will shake her head no, scrunch up her nose, and say <i>"uh uh"</i>. She is drinking water from a sippy cup and can drink from a big cup as well otherwise she is still nursing.<br />
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Rolling out dough with Grandma</div>
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New words are forming more with each week. Grace attempts to say her siblings names and can say <i>"Noah"</i> and <i>"Kay-ee"</i>. And she does know the difference between Pete and Re-Pete. She says a breathy <i>"woof"</i> for dog and <i>"ki-ee"</i> for cat. Her latest is hiding then coming out to say with a song<i>"Pete-A-Bee"</i> (Peek-a-boo). That is my favorite! When putting on her socks I'll say "one" and she follows with <i>"two"</i>. She can also say <i>"she-oo"</i> (shoe). She likes to say things are <i>"pretty"</i> and when she is hurt she expresses that with <i>"ouwie"</i> and of course she says the basic -- Hi and Bye. Grace is getting to the point where the kids will ask her to say a word and she will try to repeat. At this age Zippy could repeat any word clearly, although he was our unique child in this regard.<br />
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Gracie with her dolly and Missy with hers :)</div>
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Grace is into absolutely EVERYTHING! We thought she was different than her siblings but then I looked back at some posts I did about her brothers and I realize that maybe each child was like this and those are the memories we tend to forget. She loves to climb and especially onto tables which we will not allow. However, once in awhile she climbs on the coffee table and dances and is so charming that we can't help but let her. Haha!<br />
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Exploring the Fort in Alabama</div>
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Grace loves to play in the toilet any chance she finds it open. And this past month she realized she can lift the lid herself so we now have to keep the door closed. Otherwise we will find her splashing in the water of the toilet bowl. I am often heard calling out "Where is Grace?" and when no one knows, we run to the bathroom. She has been found brushing her teeth with a toothbrush she had swished in the toilet water. Of course it was right after her sister had thrown up (and flushed) -- oh my! At least everyone remembers to flush.<br />
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Grace is a happy girl and loves to smile at everyone she meets. She'll often look at a person until she is noticed and then grin. Of course she has her moments of grumpiness, especially in the evenings, but for the most part she is happiness.<br />
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<span style="text-align: start;">Grace is a Daddy's girl. John has said that she is the one who has cuddled with him the most. I don't know but she certainly is giddy with excitement when she hears the garage door open around 5:30 p.m. </span><i style="text-align: start;">"DA-ee?"</i><span style="text-align: start;"> and runs to the door waiting for him. She squeals and gives such a big hug patting him on the back. What Daddy doesn't melt at that?</span><br />
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Now that it is beginning to get warm Grace wants to be outside any chance she can get. She stands at the window or door calling<i> "going, going"</i>. She seems to be a little explorer noticing her surroundings. She has taken to various animals and this morning I observed her delight in watching ants only to squash them with her foot. <span style="text-align: center;">Grace seems to love turtles. At a nature center in Gulf Shores she followed one around trying to pat it's shell. In St. Louis she did the same and then picked it up. We took it away when she decided to throw it to the ground.</span></div>
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She enjoyed carrying around a worm her cousin Conner gave to her.</div>
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Grace is a joy and a delight. It is difficult for me at times to see each milestone pass and even more this time knowing that she is our last baby. And so, even tho Grace still wakes in the middle of the night, I am content in that because I know that the day she stops crying out for me will mean I never again will wake in the night to comfort my baby. I could say much more on that. Maybe another day. The Lord has blessed us beyond measure and we <i>are truly grateful!</i><br />
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Having fun on stage with her brother's hat from the play he was in.</div>
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manymasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14557847246643168437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2562234746675505697.post-58397854942726562402015-01-03T20:33:00.001-06:002015-01-03T20:33:37.188-06:00A New YearHello Friends! Its been a long time since I updated. That seems to be a common phrase for me in the past months. Obviously blogging has taken a backseat to life and sometimes that is the way it needs to be. In this new year I hope to post more often to capture the tidbits of our days that I never want to forget. My blog was taken over by Baby Grace this past year but we do have other children that I don't want to leave out. Maybe I make blogging more than it has to be. I always want to have that perfect picture to match what I am writing. Maybe I'll go back to the days of writing what is on my mind instead of waiting. If you want to read more of our days go to the archives and start at the beginning. I did and I can't believe how much has changed since those days when we had five little children. I am so glad I wrote those stories down!<br />
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As you can see I finally created a new header to include our entire family. The previous one still had Zippy at the age Grace currently is. I am gradually working on my sidebar pictures as well seeing as the ages are all wrong and some of my boys have matured so much they don't look like the little boys I have pictured. I also need to add Miss Grace.<br />
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I am not going to include a picture with this post seeing as I worked hard on that header today. It took more of my time than it probably should.<br />
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In my Christmas newsletter I talked about traditions that seem to go by the wayside at times and how it feels like our little ones are "missing out" in some way. I had been reminded of an old song by the Christian singer, Larnelle Harris called, <i>All Year Long </i>talking about what this season should remind us of.<br />
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">All year long</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">We must worship day by day</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">All year long</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Tis the season to obey</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">May the Christmas tree lights</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">And the sleigh rides at night</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Remind us all to stay in God's presence</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">All year long</span></i></div>
manymasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14557847246643168437noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2562234746675505697.post-75273272335088723902014-11-01T14:40:00.000-05:002014-11-09T14:45:02.384-06:00Grace's Birth Story<div style="text-align: center;">
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Now that Grace turned one year old I went back and updated her birth story. I had shared a brief description of what happened last November but I am so glad I wrote it all down because there are many details I completely forgot. And I never want to forget as remembering causes me to rejoice in the Lord again and be grateful for His amazing goodness to us. The story is long and I don't share pictures this time but I did include a video of Grace near the end.</div>
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I was due December 3, 2013 with a baby girl and was scheduled for my 6th c-section two days before Thanksgiving on November 26th. Initially I wasn’t thrilled to be in the hospital over Thanksgiving but realized that it didn’t matter and I knew my family would be well-cared for. My pregnancy was good even though I was of “advanced maternal age”. I had an ultrasound in Green Bay that summer to make sure that my placenta wasn’t adhering to scar tissue as that could cause a problem but the specialist said everything looked great. Nothing was out of the ordinary. I was big as always and measured 1 week ahead each time. I had Braxton Hicks early on which is normal for me also. By week 30 I wondered how I would make it another 9 weeks I felt so heavy and weighed down.</div>
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October 31st I spent getting ready for Katie and Seth’s birthday party the next day. I baked a cake, shopped for needed items with plans to run to the store the next morning to get a cake topper. I was thankful that John was home as the night before he had been in Detroit. That night Simon was sounding like he had a cold and about 1 a.m. or so on November 1st we woke up to that dreaded croup cough. John brought Simon to bed with us as it wasn’t too bad at that point and then we could monitor him. I turned over to give him a hug and at that moment had a Braxton Hicks contraction followed by an intense shooting pain. I turned over to see if it would subside but it only grew worse. I wondered if it could be labor, although last time I labored I had moments of relief and this pain was intensifying. But what else could the pain be? I have also had kidney stones during pregnancy and knew it wasn’t that either.<br />
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I got out of bed and walked to the kitchen knowing that moving could help relieve pain. My doctors have always emphasized if I am ever in labor to call and get to the hospital right away. I called the triage nurse who calmly told me to come to the hospital. By this time, only maybe 15 minutes had passed but I knew something was very wrong. I could no longer walk and sat down and called out for John to help me. He woke Noah and explained what was happening and Noah and John managed to get me down the stairs and into the van. Noah recalled knowing I was in a lot of pain and that it had something to do with the baby but he didn't know anything else. He checked on everyone and Katie woke to find out what was happening. Then he didn't want to be alone at 2 a.m. so he woke up Luke and Jonah and eventually the others woke up too. They ended up watching movies until morning when Grandpa came to pick them up.<br />
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That was a very long 25 minutes (probably less) to get to the hospital. John was on a mission and was driving fast that I asked him to please slow down as it hurt so much more on those corners. I was in such pain and as I moaned I kept asking Jesus to help me and to keep our baby safe.<br />
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At the hospital my Dad met us to pick up Simon who we didn’t want to leave with Noah seeing as he had been croupy. As he opened my door, I saw the look of concern on his face and he later stated that he will never forget the look of pain I had on my face. I slid out and John maneuvered me into a wheel chair and rushed me to labor and delivery. They put the fetal monitors on me somehow but all I really know is that I was in pain unlike anything I had ever experienced and never want to again and kept asking them to “please help me”. I can’t recall all that happened other than getting me ready to have my baby. I remember them yelling, “Get everyone here now!” and meeting the on-call doctor, Dr. Alice Haupt. What providence that she was on-call. She made it seem as if all was well and there was nothing to worry about always reassuring me. And indeed I had no idea what was happening.<br />
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I remember waving to John saying I’d see him soon and he had a look of fear on his face. Now, he doesn’t really like any c-section and they do worry him but this was an entirely different situation. He said it was the unknown that worried him.<br />
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They brought me to the cold surgical unit and I recalled my past c-sections and knew this was nothing like those. I was shaking uncontrollably and was still in tremendous pain. Dr. Alice was trying to calm me and I recall her telling me I needed to focus for the baby. Apparently I did because someone announced that baby’s heart tones were now stable. There was a whirlwind of activity around me. At one point someone yelled, “Is someone writing down everything we are doing?” People kept entering to assist. I was still shaking like crazy and my pain so great I wanted it over with. Dr. Alice held me to try and keep me calm so the anesthesiologist Dr. Parks could administer the epidural. As soon as the epidural took effect I could relax somewhat as I no longer felt pain. Now I felt as if I could pass out and tried focusing on the ceiling and kept singing to myself. I typically have music playing in the background but there wasn’t time for that. My nurse Mary Kay was wonderful and stayed with me helping me focus by asking me to look into her eyes. She also held up one of my arms as they didn't have time to get the board underneath for it to rest on. They decided not to have John come in and I was fine with that not wanting him to worry further. They threw up the curtain, and next thing I knew baby girl was out. I had a bit of fear as I didn’t hear a big cry like I normally do but instead a small mewing sound like a kitten might make. I could see a crowd around her but she was here and alive and that’s all that mattered to me at that point. I heard someone ask if anyone got the time of birth and another person called out "3:25".<br />
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Dr. Parks was on his phone almost constantly trying to get blood for me. He kept asking how long until my blood A+ was ready. I asked him later that week what that meant and he said they test it to see if it is compatible with my own blood which I think he said takes 45 minutes. But he didn’t have time to wait as I needed a blood transfusion. I knew something was wrong as I felt as if I was drifting and going to pass out and then I started to get dry heaves. At one point I vaguely wondered if this might be the end. Dr. Parks started the universal blood and I began to feel relief. I ended up with 3 pints of blood, two universal and the last one was my own type.<br />
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Typically during my sections I like to keep distracted from what is happening by talking to everyone around me getting a play-by-play. This was not as easy this time as everyone was really busy working on me and baby girl. Mary Kay asked if she could go with baby and so it was just me but I was more concerned about baby girl so I was fine with that.. The song that was going over and over through my mind was <i>Lord I Need You</i> by Matt Maher. It is a song that had ministered to me numerous times during my pregnancy and did so again this day.<br />
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I went to recovery and they assured me they would get me back to my room soon but seeing as I had lost blood they wanted to monitor me. I was feeling good by now and listened as Dr. Parks and one of the nurses went over all the details and documented the time each thing happened.<br />
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During all of this John was sitting in my room praying and trying to relax. The nurse came out to tell him he had a baby girl but he had no idea all that had transpired. He stood by while they wheeled baby girl into the nursery and watched as they worked on her and that is when he saw her chest retracting. He had seen that enough times when Luke and Jonah and then Seth had RSV as infants so he knew the seriousness of it. When Dr. Traeger, the pediatrician on call, told John that baby girl needed to be sent to Milwaukee it scared him. He called my parents and my Mom came to the hospital right away and she said when she got there John just sat in the chair with his head between his hands and he couldn’t watch them working on our baby. It was too hard.<br />
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I don’t know at what time I found out my uterus ruptured. And when I did find out, it didn’t really register what that meant. I also found out that baby girl, who didn’t have a name yet, needed to go to St. Joseph’s in Milwaukee. That brought back memories of when I had Luke and Jonah as Jonah needed to go down because of a racing heart. But knowing that Jonah was back in a few days I wasn’t too concerned. As family and friends came to visit with tears in their eyes in the days that followed I began to see how close to not being here we were. And if it had taken much longer to get to the hospital, for instance waiting for an ambulance, the outcome would have been different.<br />
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The nurses wheeled my whole bed into the nursery where one of them was giving baby girl oxygen. Dr. Traeger, explained that he thought she had asphyxia and needed to be started on a cooling treatment at St. Joes. They knew she had been without oxygen but had no idea how long. Thankfully she never did come out of my uterus as she could have gotten into my abdomen. I gazed at my beautiful baby girl who reminded me of Simon when he was born and I longed to hold her but then I realized not all was right when I saw her chest retracting. They only allowed me to put my finger in her tiny hand and talk to her. I was blissfully unaware of the trial we were about to face as I tearfully watched my baby being wheeled away. John left shortly after to follow.<br />
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I recovered in the hospital without my baby. I thought it would be hard being that I had a constant reminder of the baby bed in my room. But family and friends kept me occupied and the nurses were so wonderful that I was okay. I knew so many people were praying for me and I felt the Lord’s peace so profoundly. John would text me updates from St. Joseph’s and pictures that I enjoyed sharing with all who came to my room.<br />
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Two days after baby girl as born, a Sunday morning, John called with news that rocked my world unlike anything I have experienced before. St. Joseph’s was transferring baby girl to Children’s hospital as they had an ECMO machine they could put her on to help her breathe. They had been treating her for asphyxia with the hypothermia treatment to heal her brain but after trying two ventilators she was still not breathing well. This was the last option and Children’s hospital had it. They immediately started the gradual warming in preparation for transfer but things weren't looking good.<br />
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At that point the thought came to me that I had not cradled my baby girl in my arms and now I may never hold her on this earth. John came to the hospital and we held each other and cried not knowing what lie ahead. My Dad went down to Children’s along with John and our Pastor came later. When Baby Girl Mason arrived at the hospital the doctor informed John she was in bad shape. My sister came to stay with me and I had many from church stop to hug me, read scripture, and pray with me that day. We were so grateful for all of our prayer warriors for baby girl who would later be known as our "Miracle Baby".<br />
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Here is a video I took when Grace was 4 days old. She was hooked up to a ventilator that you can hear "puffing" in the background and if you look closely you can see her chest moving to that sound. It also has John talking with the respiratory therapist as I scan the area looking at all of the machines and medications she was hooked up to. They had the lights on briefly as the therapist had just changed something. Otherwise it was typically dark. If you are unable to view the video here is the link -- <a href="http://youtu.be/V53K2l5k3LE">http://youtu.be/V53K2l5k3LE</a></div>
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Baby Grace was in the hospital for 18 days. The doctors were amazed at her progress and had expected her to be there much longer. You can read my updates on her hospital stay in the archives during the month of November 2013.<br />
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A few things I found out later some of which people have asked about --<br />
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* They were able to give me an epidural, because baby’s heart stabilized. I believe there were reasons they preferred me awake but I never did find that out.<br />
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* My uterus did not rupture along the horizontal line but they believe it started with the small “j cut” that was done when Jonah was stuck. And then it split vertically on the active portion of the uterus.<br />
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* They did not do a hysterectomy as it is better to save the uterus and focus on that rather than more surgery. That was possible because they were able to control my bleeding.<br />
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* Mrs. Teske, one of the nurses that came in the next morning, and someone we know from 4H looked at the fetal monitoring strip and she said the hand of God was all over it. You could see Grace's heart rate drop and right before surgery it went up.<br />
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* The doctor told me the chances of my uterus rupturing were 1 in 250 after 5 c-sections since chances increase each time.</div>
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manymasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14557847246643168437noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2562234746675505697.post-7959685088087781782014-10-04T08:00:00.000-05:002014-10-30T08:01:56.561-05:0011 monthsOh my goodness! We are almost to Grace's 1st birthday and I can't believe it! I feel as if babyhood is suddenly behind us as Grace turned 11 months. She is so active and trying to be more independent each day. It is getting harder to get a clear picture of her as she wants to move, move, move.<br />
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I am often asked if there are any delays in Grace's development and judging by the fact that she is standing on her own and walking by pushing a toy among so many other milestones I'd say no. I ask her continually to please slow down and be more like her big sister who was content to sit still. However, Grace will not oblige me in that. Her little personality is showing its colors more and more and John thinks she is going to be a little stinker.<br />
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She loves to explore and as of the past couple of weeks climb onto little chairs and also climbs stairs. I discovered that feat when I found her half-way up the stairs to the attic. Oh, you can climb now, great! I am lacking in ways to blockade this girl. Our doorways in the living room are so large that gates do not work. I tried chairs on their sides with a pillow to block any openings. Well, she is wise and simply pulls the pillow out and proceeds to crawl through the opening. I wasn't expecting her to figure that out right away!<br />
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Grace is babbling more and more and clearly says in a sweet high pitched voice "DA-ee" of course she is still at the age where it has a variety of meanings but it takes on a more excited tone when she sees John. The most common noise we hear from Grace is her growl. At times it can be really intense and if we try to duplicate it it hurts our throat. Here Tank comes in to try and help her growl. This is nothing compared to her normal growl.<br />
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The only thing that she doesn't do often is laugh out loud. The only time she will is if you blow on her belly which "Zippy" enjoys doing. He also loves to give kisses and still likes to "hug her head" as he did right from the start.<br />
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We think her laugh is actually more coming from her nose as she makes this crazy face and blows in and out with her nose. I keep trying to get a video of it as it is so funny but the camera comes up and she stops.<br />
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Grace is wearing size 12 months clothing and is 21 pounds (on a big people scale).
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She is eating most of the same foods we do just ground up. I have never really liked baby food and especially with Grace have skipped over the jarred bland food for the most part except for convenience sake when out and about and then use the pouches. My favorite baby gadget has for years been my baby food mill. Whatever we are eating I grind up and she gobbles up. Of course she does enjoy those freeze-dried yogurt snacks and can handle small pieces of foods quite well.<br />
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Grace wants to be everywhere we are and she enjoys hanging out on my back. Here we were headed out on a hike.<br />
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manymasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14557847246643168437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2562234746675505697.post-4158775875225835472014-08-13T11:00:00.000-05:002014-10-23T09:16:56.499-05:009 monthsA much awaited update. I am quite certain Grace is my most photographed child or at least a close second to "George". I didn't get her monthly photo with the chalkboard since it broke but I took some sweet ones outside that really capture her personality. I also do have new family pictures that I will one day add to the header since our current one is so outdated.<br />
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Grace had her first fever which got up to to 102. I am always reluctant to treat a fever so we let it run it's course and Grace was very content to be held and cuddled for two days. It most likely was a sickness as some of the rest of us ended up with the same fever that turned into a cough. Thankfully it ran it's course quickly and Grace did not have that.<br />
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She cut more teeth so now has 6 teeth with 4 on the top and two on the bottom. I forget how sharp those tiny teeth can be. Ouch!<br />
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No longer content with just Mama's milk. I am always slow at starting solids but Grace is now enjoying puréed foods especially sweet potatoes or zucchini with leeks. It is always nice to have a baby starting solids during the time of fresh garden veggies. I prefer to make my own food which is simple with a handy little baby food mill. I will take whatever fruit or vegetable we are eating with a meal and grind it up. Grace also had her first taste of ice cream from her Grandma while at Dairy Queen. Her siblings were disappointed because their Opa (Great-grandpa) is usually the one to sneak that tasty treat to my babies.<br />
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Napping is still sporadic. But then we are busy and on the go so often it is difficult to get into a good routine. And she still wakes once in the night.<br />
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Grace is pulling up on everything! Just as she turned 9 months she began letting go for a few seconds while standing.<br />
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This girl puts everything into her mouth. I wonder why some babies do while others don't. Most of ours haven't but she has eagle eyes and finds the smallest fuzz. For the most part she will move it all around in her mouth then work it to the front so we can see it and grab it. Drool is a tell-tale sign she has something in there. I have found lego pieces, a dice and who knows what all else in there. I am so thankful she never swallows!<br />
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Gracie doesn't mind sitting on grass. It's just one more thing to pick and and put in her mouth!</div>
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She is a mama's girl and I love it! She doesn't want me out of her sight for too long. Of course she loves her Daddy too and siblings if she can't have us. This stage is over in a blink of an eye so I'll take her any chance I can get. Grace is the most content when carried. Although her favorite thing to do when I am carrying her is to pull my hair. And it isn't the sweet, let me hold your hair while I sleep kind of thing. It is all out yanking! Here she was using both hands!<br />
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We took some family pictures with John's parents as we haven't for years.</div>
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Enamored with our dog Lincoln</div>
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Our Happy Happy Girl!</div>
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manymasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14557847246643168437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2562234746675505697.post-4238641198715896432014-07-01T14:21:00.000-05:002014-07-02T21:37:01.990-05:008 Months8 months!!! How can our precious GEM be 3/4 of the way to 1 year?<br />
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I keep asking her to please slow down as I attempt to savor these moments but she continues to make advancements each day. John is predicting that she will walk earlier than any of our other children. I'd really prefer her to be like her big sister who sat contently playing on a blanket and waited until she was almost 18 months to walk. Not this little girl! She has become quite the explorer not ever wanting to sit still. Silly girl!<br />
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Grace learned to crawl last month but has perfected it over the month to the point where she is moving fast on all fours. I decided that I was going to try training her to stay on a blanket as I did with our first children. Well, that takes more time than I have so at this point I need to just get a gate to restrict her. Grace will spot a guitar or anything else on the other side of the room and make a beeline for it. I always wonder what the point of toys are. It is rare to find her playing with a "real" toy. We are back to trying to keep the floor super clean which is almost impossible with Miss Eagle Eyes.<br />
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And speaking of eyes -- Grace's eyes are changing faster than I recall with any of her siblings. It makes me wonder if they will go brown like Thomas's. Although I am hoping for green like my own. Our hazel-eyed children's eyes didn't turn until much later and I can't remember with my "chocolate-eyed" Thomas. But we definitely know she is not going to have blue eyes like her sister.</div>
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Grace is what some of her siblings call "little tiger" as she has a low growl. This morning when she saw her Daddy she flashed a huge smile and growled at him. For awhile there I was wondering when she would start to make more noises. She does a silent laugh and it looks like a belly laugh but with no sound. That was so strange to me. And usually by now the sounds of "g" or "d" are a commonly heard. But wouldn't you know it just in this past week suddenly Grace has found her voice and sounds are abundant I even heard "da da".</div>
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Gracie's favorite toy is my hair. Yikes! This girl is always reaching out to grab it, twirl it, and suck on it. Personally I'd think the flavor not too tasty but apparently that doesn't matter to a baby. Here is our selfie at Bay Beach arm reached up to grab hold of hair.<br />
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Sleep is something that Grace does not do well. It is getting much easier to calm her and get her to sleep than it had been. This month she will relax a bit easier and will fall asleep by rocking and singing her a song or saying "ssshhh....ssshhh....ssshhh". She nestles into some shoulders a little bit better than others but we all take turns. Fuzzy phone picture but you get the idea. I absolutely love watching her cuddle up with her brothers.</div>
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Of course it would be wonderful to sit and rock her all day. I do enjoy strapping Gracie on when I need to get things done and what a sweet view I have. What a little beauty!</div>
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Gracie is still not sleeping through the night which is funny since she did consistently two months ago but that stopped and now she has been waking once usually around 3 or 4 a.m. She is still in our room at night and we toss around having her in her crib in the room she shares but don't want Katie waking up. Grace is in her crib during naps or rather "catnaps". The mattress was not lowered and suddenly we found her kneeling in her crib so John immediately lowered it. Did you think that funny little Miss? :)</div>
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I am still nursing Grace every 3 hours and I suppose time between would increase if I would start feeding her solids. My take on that is the longer I can go without the added job of spooning in food the better. She is thriving and has enough chub that I know she isn't lacking. I did start giving Grace a banana in a mesh feeder and she does enjoy that. I tried putting in a cooked carrot and she wanted nothing to do with that. I then tried dicing it up a bit and putting it in with the banana but she figured out that trick and threw it down. In this picture Gracie also had a bit of pink eye or something like it. It never did get really goopy. Mama's milk in the eye and it cleared up wonderfully and never seemed to bother her.</div>
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And yet another accomplishment this month, she pulls herself up to STANDING!!! What? How can this be?<br />
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Last milestone -- Grace now has 4 teeth! The bottom left was last week. Top right a few days later and the top left today. Can you see where it is swollen? What a sweet happy smile. No, Miss Grace isn't happy all the time although she does put on a good show. But we love our precious Gracie more than words can ever express.</div>
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manymasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14557847246643168437noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2562234746675505697.post-48185401491709517652014-04-01T20:41:00.000-05:002014-05-27T20:42:25.517-05:005 monthsOur little GEM is 17 pounds and is getting more rolls. The kids have fun talking about when Seppy was a baby and we called him the Michilin man. He had rolls unlike any of our other babies. Check him out at 4 months <a href="http://manymasonmoments.blogspot.com/2008/03/4-month-check-up_17.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>. He got more as time went on.<br />
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After all of the winter months of a screaming baby when traveling in the van thinking Grace didn't like the carseat, we finally found the true problem. Grace was getting too warm and when so covered up would end up completely wet from sweat. I had a cover on the carseat and when she'd start screaming the boys would unzip it. It sure did lock in the heat. That wasn't enough so they took the light blanket off of her. That wasn't enough so they started taking the entire cover off. And then the screaming stopped. The only problem with this is that we have to completely cover her up again to go outside. Being dressed in fleece also doesn't work for her. Too warm. Warm weather please come quickly!<br />
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Grace is sleeping well consistently going down to sleep by 10:30 p.m. and waking around 6 a.m. I feed her and she falls back asleep for another hour or two. Occasionally she will still wake at 4 or 5 a.m. instead. Napping is still not her strong point but it is hard to get a routine of naps when she eats every 3 hours. It will all come together in time.<br />
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<br />manymasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14557847246643168437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2562234746675505697.post-54664394783209662622014-03-23T20:20:00.000-05:002014-05-27T20:21:39.597-05:004 monthsI always have the best intentions but life does not allow me to do "what I want" and for the most part, I am good with that. I started this post when Grace really was 4 months. For awhile I was hung up about not getting an "official" 4 month picture taken but I gave up on that and then I simply got behind.<br />
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Here are a few highlights now for my sake. Nothing very<br />
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I try to put Grace on her belly to play more often but she isn't thrilled with that idea. Here Pete and Missy try to convince her that it is fun.<br />
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Grace is sleeping 7 hours at night and occasionally takes better naps during the day, as long as she is at home in her own bed. Forget it otherwise. It takes a lot of effort to get her to sleep. Here is Daddy beginning the process.<br />
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I really was hoping she would find her thumb to suck on since those have been my most content babies. She found it once or twice but she didn't keep that up.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Grace does not want to lean back but is always trying to lean forward and can sit for a few moments before loosing her balance. She is jabbering a bit more but we are still waiting for that laugh. Right now she just gives us a wide open mouth silent grin.<br />
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Grace startles very easily for instance when we change her diaper opening the crinkly package for the wet wipes makes her jump. And when I took her to ladies retreat with me and my sister would cough Grace would flail her arms and be startled each time.<br />
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<br />This is Zippy's favorite thing to do -- "I want to hug her head!" Which means putting his cheek to Grace's head. He does this countless times in a day.<br /><br />For anyone who cares about what diapers work best, we have found that Huggies are not worth it and the same thing with LUVS (although they were a bit better). I have had quite a bit of washing out clothes due in part to major leaking. Target brand is by far the best diaper we've ever used.<br />
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Our little girl is getting more filled out each week it seems. The boys weighed her in at 16 lbs. I look back at her one month pictures when she had that newborn loose skin and that clueless look in her eyes and I can't believe how fast the days are flying. I want to relish every single moment but it is so hard when she is not my only responsibility. I am so thankful for the ability to capture moments in time to help bring back memories when they fade with time.<br />
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<br />manymasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14557847246643168437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2562234746675505697.post-41007881296254477062014-02-26T16:07:00.000-06:002014-03-15T17:30:24.372-05:003 Month Evaluation and PicturesWe took Grace for her 3 month evaluation at Children's hospital two weeks ago (if you wonder I back-dated this post). What a strange feeling to drive that familiar path again. So many memories come flooding back and looking at Gracie today I can hardly believe all that happened. <br />
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I am including 3 month pictures that I didn't have edited when I posted her last update. My Mom bought the bunny in the picture at the hospital this time. We would visit the gift shop on occasion when Grace was there and always were drawn to the super soft fluffy bunny. I wish I would have bought it earlier to take pictures with but now is better than never.<br />
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Our visit was much like an ordinary well-baby visit with maybe a few more observations.<br />
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When we arrived Grace was asleep and I knew once she woke she'd be hungry. The doctor said not to worry she was usually able distract baby enough to get the info she needed. Grace woke, stretched and gave the doctor a sweet smile. But as soon as she was put down her screaming began. And each time the doctor picked her up she was content. I wish I would have had chance to feed her before the appointment as she wasn't exactly at her best. But I fed her while we talked and the doctor did get one more smile from her.<br />
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I didn't realize it but being that Grace was premature her age is adjusted and she isn't compared with a normal 3 month old. So based on that she is in the 85th percentile for weight, height, and head circumference. <br />
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13.5 pounds (7.5 at birth)</div>
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23 inches (19 in at birth)</div>
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Grace is developmentally on track as far as the doctor could see at this stage. The only things she observed is that we should work with Grace on being on her belly. She definitely does not enjoy that position but then I didn't think many babies do. The other thing was that when Grace makes a fist to make sure her thumb is out instead of tucked as she does. That will help with grasping. If you look at the previous post where Grace is grasping for her toys she has her thumbs tucked. That is something I never took notice of and it makes me wonder at what age a baby typically un-tucks the thumb.<br />
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The highlight of our day was having Dr. Scott paged to come and see Grace. He was the doctor on-call when Grace came to Children's from St. Joseph's the Sunday we will never forget. We are forever grateful that he was there taking care of our precious girl along with all of the wonderful staff we worked with. He said this is his favorite part of the job. Seeing growing and healthy babies.<br />
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<a href="http://s1303.photobucket.com/user/manymasons/media/Dr-Scott-n-Grace-lighter_zps66037eb1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Dr-Scott-n-Grace-lighter_zps66037eb1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag159/manymasons/Dr-Scott-n-Grace-lighter_zps66037eb1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://s1303.photobucket.com/user/manymasons/media/3-months-kick_5100_zps89dc67c2.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 3-months-kick_5100_zps89dc67c2.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag159/manymasons/3-months-kick_5100_zps89dc67c2.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Grace starting early with her roundhouse kick. :) </div>
manymasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14557847246643168437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2562234746675505697.post-246326527718404692014-02-14T07:53:00.001-06:002014-02-14T07:53:43.161-06:003 MonthsThree months old already! Amazing how quickly life can change in those few months. Thankful that our God doesn't change and is still on the throne and is in control!<br />
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Grace you are doing well and are progressing as normal as far as I can tell. I love those sweet forehead wrinkles and your big eyes.<br />
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You now weigh 12.5 lbs. and have moved up to size 2 diapers since you leak too often with size 1. Clothes size varies but usually 3-6 months with some 6-9. You are filling out and getting a few rolls and chub in your cheeks. I guess the newborn days are behind us now.<br />
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Your personality is more demanding. You are not very content and can go from happy and laughing to screaming within a matter of seconds. So when you are hungry, there is no waiting. You are not an "easy baby" as people often ask but that's okay. It can't always be smooth sailing.<br />
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We now have you sleeping on your belly. Yes we know all about the "back to sleep" campaign but our babies sleep much more soundly on their bellies. And you can lift your head up and move from side to side to breathe just fine. All that to say you are sleeping better. At night you consistently sleep 5 hours which technically means through the night. So to bed by 11 p.m. waking around 4 a.m. I have always found that not letting my babies fall asleep during the day while nursing helps distinguish between night and day as at night you do fall asleep while nursing and then go to bed. Daytime napping is mainly frequent catnaps at this point.<br />
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For some reason you do not like to go shopping. I have no idea why but almost every time I walk into a store with you you give it maybe 5 minutes and then proceed to scream. It doesn't matter if you are in a car seat, in a carrier in front of me, or being held in my arms. One trip to Target I had to leave and go back later that day but you still screamed. Crazy! And people do not want to hear a crying baby let me tell you. I feel as if I am a first time Mom the looks and sometimes comments I get. Typically you are gassy which causes your screaming but why it happens consistently in stores is beyond me. Could you try to give me at least 20 minutes? Haha!<br />
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<a href="http://s1303.photobucket.com/user/manymasons/media/slight-smile_4608_zps45c82b7c.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo slight-smile_4608_zps45c82b7c.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag159/manymasons/slight-smile_4608_zps45c82b7c.jpg" height="400" width="267" /></a>
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You smile so much more these days which makes the rough patches all the more tolerable. And we love how your face lights up from ear to ear when we "talk" with you. You can't see it in these picture but you have a bit of a dimple in your right cheek which is just like your brother "Pete". Which made me look closely and realize that while they are identical "Re-Pete" does not have that same dimple.<br />
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<a href="http://s1303.photobucket.com/user/manymasons/media/bouncy-seat_4745_zpsf2ce7718.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo bouncy-seat_4745_zpsf2ce7718.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag159/manymasons/bouncy-seat_4745_zpsf2ce7718.jpg" height="260" width="400" /></a><br />
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We are borrowing a swing from Aunt Sara and you tolerate it but you let us know when you've had enough. And the same is true for the bouncy seat. But you have started to notice the toys hanging on your bouncy seat and are starting to grab for them and just as you turned 3 months could also grasp hold.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://s1303.photobucket.com/user/manymasons/media/bouncy-seat_4744_zps393e4c18.jpg.html" style="background-color: transparent;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo bouncy-seat_4744_zps393e4c18.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag159/manymasons/bouncy-seat_4744_zps393e4c18.jpg" height="258" width="400" /></a></span><br />
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You love to be held and our arms is your favorite place to be. Your favorite position these days is a football hold across our arms. I only wish I had nothing else to do and could sit and enjoy you all day long. These days are flying by so fast already and I am having a hard time with that.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://s1303.photobucket.com/user/manymasons/media/Mama-n-Grace_zpsc5ebfe5e.jpg.html" style="background-color: transparent;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Mama-n-Grace_zpsc5ebfe5e.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag159/manymasons/Mama-n-Grace_zpsc5ebfe5e.jpg" height="400" width="295" /></a></span></div>
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manymasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14557847246643168437noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2562234746675505697.post-33445295454518100672014-01-11T21:49:00.002-06:002014-01-11T21:49:57.927-06:002 MonthsOur little GEM was 2 months old on the 1st of this new year! Every milestone causes us to reflect back and be ever so grateful.<br />
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<a href="http://s1303.photobucket.com/user/manymasons/media/Almost-2-months_4341_zpsbd47ee02.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Almost-2-months_4341_zpsbd47ee02.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag159/manymasons/Almost-2-months_4341_zpsbd47ee02.jpg" height="400" width="267" /></a>
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Little girl, you are growing and are up to 10.5 pounds and with my quick measuring around 22 inches long. (But since I didn't post this right away you are now up to 11.5 pounds). We used up the last newborn diapers which were getting quite tight but I didn't want to waste them so you are now in a size 1. And no more newborn clothes either. Even some of the 0-3 month size is a bit long at times.<br />
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I am still waiting for you to form a more consistent routine and I suppose I need to stop comparing you to the rest of your siblings in that regard. You still eat every 3 hours give or take and you enjoy taking your time. Napping is very sporadic with very few long periods of rest. You seem to wake often with gas, which seems to be the norm for most of our babies. At night my goal is to last feed you around 10:30 p.m. then you go down for the night. It varies as to when you wake but often by 2 a.m. then again at 6 a.m. which is really good. I still am totally out of it during the 2 a.m. feeding. I tried to stay awake by playing on my phone but yet I wake and my phone is next to me as if it fell out of my hand. I guess I am tired.<br />
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This is probably a "no no" but you sleep in the pack 'n' play with a boppy pillow propping you up. It started because your nose often sounds snuffly and you seem to be more content that way. But now you don't like to lay flat at all. We have a folded blanket supporting you and I imagine you feel more secure surrounded. You still are sleeping next to our bed so no worries.<br />
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<a href="http://s1303.photobucket.com/user/manymasons/media/Sleeping-boppy-style_zpsb9e8a5d1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Sleeping-boppy-style_zpsb9e8a5d1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag159/manymasons/Sleeping-boppy-style_zpsb9e8a5d1.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a> </div>
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Unfortunately, your fussiness has increased and as a typical baby it gets worse before it gets better. We started you on one of my favorite finds with Zippy which is <a href="http://www.coliccalm.com/" target="_blank">Colic Calm</a> to soothe your tummy trouble. Of course Zippy decided to dump the entire bottle out on our bed (contains black activated charcoal -- lovely) so we had to buy more. But really I need to get you back on probiotics to get to the root of the problem.<br />
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As always your Daddy has the magic touch when it comes to calming you. He scrunches up your legs so you are in a little ball against his chest while patting your back and whispering calming words in your ear. So sweet! He does not like to see you with any discomfort and is quick to take you back from anyone holding you who isn't able to calm you.<br />
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<a href="http://s1303.photobucket.com/user/manymasons/media/Grace-n-Daddy-sleeping_4470_zpsc1ee2f94.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Grace-n-Daddy-sleeping_4470_zpsc1ee2f94.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag159/manymasons/Grace-n-Daddy-sleeping_4470_zpsc1ee2f94.jpg" height="400" width="267" /></a>
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Your smiles are increasing gradually but I have yet to capture one on camera. You are making new sounds each day and even your brother Zippy noticed and told me that you say "nnn-ga"<br />
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Children's hospital called to get you started in the follow-up program which means you will have an evaluation every six months beginning next month.<br />
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We enjoyed your first Christmas but you weren't exactly thrilled. It seems you really enjoy being at home best of all.<br />
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<a href="http://s1303.photobucket.com/user/manymasons/media/Christmas-Our-Family_zps6b02ae6b.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Christmas-Our-Family_zps6b02ae6b.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag159/manymasons/Christmas-Our-Family_zps6b02ae6b.jpg" height="274" width="400" /></a> </div>
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Sisters <3</div>
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<a href="http://s1303.photobucket.com/user/manymasons/media/Katie-n-Gracie_4380_zps7abb7da9.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Katie-n-Gracie_4380_zps7abb7da9.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag159/manymasons/Katie-n-Gracie_4380_zps7abb7da9.jpg" height="400" width="267" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">We are so thankful and delighted to have you as part of our family Gracie!</span></div>
manymasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14557847246643168437noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2562234746675505697.post-77387922184883247782013-12-17T22:34:00.001-06:002013-12-17T22:34:09.454-06:006 Weeks - brief updateI began my blog basically as a journal for myself and to share with family members and it fluctuates in the frequency of how often I post. Last month with all that happened with Grace I had the time and enjoyed daily updates. Lately, my time to write is minimal and I do miss it. There are so many things I do not want to forget. It seems baby Grace is changing each day and it will be a blink of an eye and she will be a toddler and on it goes. Kind of a sad thought at times but that is how life is.<br />
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The question everyone asks is if Grace is gaining weight and yes, she is. A friend loaned me her baby scale and we have been doing weekly weight checks which is so nice to do from the comfort of home. At 5 weeks she was 8# 8 oz. (about the size of many of mine at birth) and at 6 weeks she is 9# 8 oz. although this time with a onesie and diaper on. I hear comments that she looks so little but you know, babies <i>are</i> little and I adore that. It is so hard to remember seeing how fast they grow that it can seem our other children were never as small.<br />
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<a href="http://s1303.photobucket.com/user/manymasons/media/6-wk-weight_4090_zpsb824c62f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 6-wk-weight_4090_zpsb824c62f.jpg" border="0" height="270" src="http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag159/manymasons/6-wk-weight_4090_zpsb824c62f.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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As for sleep and eating it varies from day to day. She basically is eating every 3 hours and in that time period also has a time of sleep. Her awake times are increasing, especially in the morning and we enjoy seeing her bright eyes. At night it also varies. One night she gave us 5 hours of sleep so that John checked on her to make sure all was well. We also would do much better if I didn't fall asleep so often when feeding her. Oh the feeling of waking an hour later with a baby still in your arms wondering just exactly if you actually did feed her.<br />
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<a href="http://s1303.photobucket.com/user/manymasons/media/6-wk-weight_4091_zps4c121bf0.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 6-wk-weight_4091_zps4c121bf0.jpg" border="0" height="266" src="http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag159/manymasons/6-wk-weight_4091_zps4c121bf0.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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I am having photographic fun with Grace. I love taking pictures of newborns and while I have had quite a few babies, my skills and camera quality have improved with time. I have so many ideas floating around in my head and I wish I had time to try them all. It is true that a newborn in the first couple of weeks is easiest to photograph as lately, Miss Grace isn't quite as cooperative. She is adorable even with her scrunched up crying face.<br />
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<a href="http://s1303.photobucket.com/user/manymasons/media/not-happy_4054_zps485f8909.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo not-happy_4054_zps485f8909.jpg" border="0" height="289" src="http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag159/manymasons/not-happy_4054_zps485f8909.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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I am working on her birth announcement to include with thank you notes, which I had hoped would be done already. With Zippy I had his ready before he was born and all I needed to add was the picture and print. Of course, we were thrown a curve ball this time. Here is one of my favorite ideas with lights for a backdrop which I will try again with her Christmas dress. Such fun!<br />
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<a href="http://s1303.photobucket.com/user/manymasons/media/photo-shoot_4137_zpsed9bf8f0.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo photo-shoot_4137_zpsed9bf8f0.jpg" border="0" height="255" src="http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag159/manymasons/photo-shoot_4137_zpsed9bf8f0.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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manymasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14557847246643168437noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2562234746675505697.post-86944613202877447922013-12-04T22:49:00.001-06:002013-12-04T22:49:14.025-06:00Our GEM is 1 monthGrace, you are 1 month old! Strange to say it as to me it feels like you are only two weeks old, the same amount of time that you have been home. My due date for you was on Dec. 3rd, just yesterday.<br />
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<a href="http://s1303.photobucket.com/user/manymasons/media/out-takes_3806_zps8a5b0823.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo out-takes_3806_zps8a5b0823.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag159/manymasons/out-takes_3806_zps8a5b0823.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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I looked back at <a href="http://manymasonmoments.blogspot.com/2011/10/1-month-old.html" target="_blank">when Zippy was your age</a> and I notice a few differences, although I also see that you look very similar to him. First of all, you haven't really gained much from your birth weight. Of course, that is kind of hard to do when you weren't fed for the first 8 days of your life and then only gradually. I need to take you in for a weight check to find out for sure. Nowadays you are a hungry little girl and have definitely gotten the hang of this whole eating process and are certainly impatient when you are hungry. You eat about every 3 hours, except during the night from time to time you like to mix things up and wake every two.</div>
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You aren't the best at sleeping yet, especially during the night, but if you are like the rest of your siblings you'll catch onto that. In the meantime your Mommy and Daddy are exhausted but that's a small price to pay for the delight that you are to us. It seems as soon as you are no longer in someone's arms you give it 5 minutes and wake up. And you aren't lacking in arms that want to hold and rock you. Here you are in Opa's arms.<br />
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<a href="http://s1303.photobucket.com/user/manymasons/media/Opa-n-Grace_3790_zpsf454509a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Opa-n-Grace_3790_zpsf454509a.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag159/manymasons/Opa-n-Grace_3790_zpsf454509a.jpg" width="267" /></a>
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You like best to be held upright kind of curled up in a ball. And Daddy is the best at this hold and calming you down when you scream. He always has had that magic touch and I am so thankful for that, especially in the middle of the night. We wonder if you are going to be colicky like two of your brothers were but so far your screaming doesn't go on for too long.<br />
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We have found that when you cry, even for a few minutes you get worn out quickly. This seems to be a lingering effect from your pulmonary hypertension. I am again amazed at how far you have come Gracie as you look as if you'd never been sick. I was reading an article about Dr. Konduri, who worked with you at Children's hospital and when talking about his research said, "<i>Watching a baby who has recovered from a life threatening illness rest comfortably on a parent's shoulder before going home makes all the effort worthwhile</i>." And I realize again how sick you really were.<br />
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You are my only single baby to wear newborn clothes this long but they fit you perfectly and 0-3 is still a bit long and loose. You also still fit in newborn diapers. Which makes me wonder why it is that they don't seem to sell newborn diapers in a large box as they do other sizes. You do not like to have your diaper changed and scream each time. Your siblings don't understand what the big deal is.<br />
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<a href="http://s1303.photobucket.com/user/manymasons/media/Grandmas-shoulder_3785_zps33b2b447.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Grandmas-shoulder_3785_zps33b2b447.jpg" border="0" height="262" src="http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag159/manymasons/Grandmas-shoulder_3785_zps33b2b447.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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You are starting to be more alert and looking around at your surroundings. And just last night you focused in on Daddy's face when he was talking to you. I love when the eyes register a bit of recognition.<br />
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I am starting to hear cooing sounds from you and your head is quite strong as you lift it off my shoulder to look around.<br />
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You are so beautiful Gracie and everyone we meet comments on what a beautiful baby you are. Our Thanksgiving this year with you was even more meaningful for us.<br />
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<a href="http://s1303.photobucket.com/user/manymasons/media/Bible-Baby_3766_zps2fbfd58c.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Bible-Baby_3766_zps2fbfd58c.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag159/manymasons/Bible-Baby_3766_zps2fbfd58c.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Psalm 126:3</div>
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<i>The LORD has done great things for us,</i></div>
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<i>and we are filled with joy.</i></div>
manymasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14557847246643168437noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2562234746675505697.post-22208137697154481992013-11-26T16:13:00.002-06:002013-11-26T16:18:33.493-06:0039 WeeksToday I would have been 39 weeks pregnant with a scheduled c-section for 8 a.m. How strange the turn of events to totally change that plan. So much for a calm and "relaxed" delivery. John and I were talking yesterday and it seems that I have almost totally missed the month of November. I remember shopping on the 31st of October getting ready for a birthday party for Missy and Seppy the next day. Little did I know what lay ahead and the month sped by while we watched and waited for our miracle baby to come home.<br />
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Our precious "GEM" has been home a week today and we are all adjusting well to having her home. The kids go on as if nothing is out of the ordinary. They are loving all of the meals so many generous people have brought for us. In fact they dread the day when I am cooking again, simply because that means it is back to sandwiches for lunch rather than all of the yummy leftovers. Zippy hasn't really struggled with a new baby most likely due in part to the fact that it means he has his parents home and a routine again. He still fights taking a nap and going to sleep at night but is screaming much less. And he loves "Bay (baby) Grace"<br />
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I am more worn out and sore and it feels like I am going in reverse with the healing process but then I suppose I am getting less sleep and carrying a baby around now rather than sitting around in a hospital.<br />
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John is back in the swing of things at work and went back to his basketball mornings and tae-kwon-do evenings with the kids. He was hobbling around here the past day or so being sore from lack of movement the past weeks.<br />
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Grace has long tiny fingers.</div>
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<a href="http://s1303.photobucket.com/user/manymasons/media/Thomas-n-Grace_3722_zps444a653f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Thomas-n-Grace_3722_zps444a653f.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag159/manymasons/Thomas-n-Grace_3722_zps444a653f.jpg" width="267" /></a>
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Gracie is never at a loss for arms to hold and cuddle her and so when put down she often wakes. She is eating good although I am having to wake her at times during the day to make sure she does otherwise I find her waking every two hours at night. But when she is ready to eat there is no mistaking it and she becomes very impatient and loud.<br />
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My Grandma was able to enjoy Grace. She couldn't believe someone so tiny could have all of those tubes and such attached to her. And she was even a big baby for the NICU.</div>
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<a href="http://s1303.photobucket.com/user/manymasons/media/Oma-n-Gracie_3724_zps05d61242.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Oma-n-Gracie_3724_zps05d61242.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag159/manymasons/Oma-n-Gracie_3724_zps05d61242.jpg" width="258" /></a>
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I took Grace to our family doctor for a follow-up visit after two days home. It was unlike any well-baby checks as I felt I didn't really know my baby. The nurse would ask questions and I had to say that I didn't know the answer and had only been told by others that yes, she followed noises with her eyes, etc. It hit me again that it was the nurses in the NICU who knew her and I had been on the outside looking in. But yet so thankful for those caring nurses who loved and cared for our girl.<br />
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<a href="http://s1303.photobucket.com/user/manymasons/media/Mommy-n-Gracie-hospital_366_zps5bd758f9.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Mommy-n-Gracie-hospital_366_zps5bd758f9.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag159/manymasons/Mommy-n-Gracie-hospital_366_zps5bd758f9.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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I am so thankful that in no time at all I know my Gracie. She is such a gift and as I wake in the night with her I try to forget my weariness and thank the Lord who has given me the privilege of cradling a sweet babe in my arms each night. Oh the joy! Simply nothing else like it.<br />
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<a href="http://s1303.photobucket.com/user/manymasons/media/my-view_zps58299708.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo my-view_zps58299708.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag159/manymasons/my-view_zps58299708.jpg" width="300" /></a>
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So Blessed!</div>
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<br />manymasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14557847246643168437noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2562234746675505697.post-81900195747047271662013-11-20T22:30:00.000-06:002013-11-21T08:45:20.186-06:00Life Goes On<div>
I am going to go back to nicknames for my children. Look at my sidebar if you want to see who I am talking about.</div>
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Last night I was reminded of exactly what having a new baby entails. Over the past two weeks I thought I was tired out and I was in a sense but honestly I got so much rest during that time and it was a good and needed thing. Being my 8th baby I thought I would have remembered the exhausted feeling the minute you wake in the morning. Although, Grace was wonderful and kept to her every 3 hours, I just wasn't used to it. The nice thing about pregnancy is that in the final months you end up waking in the night numerous times and it kind of prepares you for getting up with a baby. My time of rest threw that off.<br />
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Today has been interesting. It is the first day all of us have been home an entire day. A day to try and get back into a routine, especially for Zippy. He has been without a nap way too many days and today when I had George put him down (I can't lift him for 6 weeks) he screamed. I was patient in the beginning and tried to work him through it but it ended up he was disobeying and it was a seemingly endless battle. I had to take a break and was crying in frustration but remembered a verse I kept reciting to myself while in the hospital with Grace. This may be a small in comparison to our trial with Grace but I still need to bring my burdens to the Lord, the only place my help will come from. He is my refuge and strength. Zippy did eventually exhaust himself to sleep.<br />
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Here he is happy wanting to be swaddled like "Baby Grace"</div>
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Grace is catching on to breastfeeding much better today. She had gotten used to the bottle and would wait for the milk to pour into her mouth. She does choke with the amount of milk but I am used to that as a few of my babies have done the same so I have to keep taking her off and restarting. When it happens I hear the alarms go off in my mind as at the hospital when she did that it registered as her stopping breathing and a couple nurses would come running to check what happened. Today, it was just the two of us and blissfully no alarms.<br />
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<a href="http://s1303.photobucket.com/user/manymasons/media/Noah-n-Grace_3704_zps304b6c90.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Noah-n-Grace_3704_zps304b6c90.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag159/manymasons/Noah-n-Grace_3704_zps304b6c90.jpg" width="267" /></a>
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The kids are all enamored with their little sister. So far they have been good about taking turns holding her. Each time Gracie is in her bed I find Tank sitting next to her. He told me that he doesn't want her to feel alone and if she opens her eyes at all he comforts her. So sweet! (I need to get a picture of that).<br />
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<a href="http://s1303.photobucket.com/user/manymasons/media/19-days_3683_zpsc21e0c4f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 19-days_3683_zpsc21e0c4f.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag159/manymasons/19-days_3683_zpsc21e0c4f.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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John is back to work as normal and was very busy today. I am finding how much I miss him. We had kind of a continuous date going down to Milwaukee almost every day together. We needed that too. Granted, I wouldn't choose that way to have times alone together but none-the-less, it was good.<br />
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And life moves on.<br />
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manymasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14557847246643168437noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2562234746675505697.post-44853701312688920012013-11-19T19:29:00.000-06:002013-11-19T19:29:59.704-06:00Home<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Oh give thanks to the Lord, call upon His name; </i><br />
<i>Make known His deeds among the peoples.</i></div>
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<i>Sing to Him, sing praises to Him; Speak of all His wonders.</i></div>
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<i>Glory in His holy name; Let the heart of those who seek the Lord be glad.</i></div>
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<i>Seek the Lord and His strength; Seek His face continually.</i></div>
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<i>Remember His wonders which He has done.</i></div>
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Psalm 105:1-5</div>
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<b>Our little Grace is HOME!</b> </div>
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John and I went down to Milwaukee for the last time today. We thought it would be a long discharge process as we had witnessed two in the NICU that took a full day. We arrived to nurses congratulating us and telling us all of the wonderful things about Gracie. They all took turns holding and smelling her today. And our favorite nurse, Tia was there for us again. That is another great thing about Children's hospital. If you like a nurse you can request to have them as often as possible and that was the case with Tia. John liked her from the first day when she put him and my Dad at ease. And she became a friend to me during my days there also. I am so thankful for the wonderful nurses who cared so much for our Grace and helped me get to know my daughter. Tia said she took more time to cuddle with Grace today before she left.</div>
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<a href="http://s1303.photobucket.com/user/manymasons/media/Tia_zps06250611.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Tia_zps06250611.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag159/manymasons/Tia_zps06250611.jpg" width="267" /></a>
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They had all of the paperwork done and ready to go. Other nurses we had stopped in to wish us well all amazed at how far Grace has come in this short time. It was very emotional for me. I had a hard time not crying at every little thing. It is such a bittersweet feeling. So happy to be going home but yet there are things about the hospital that I will miss but more so some of the people I have met that I most likely will never see again. My Dad said the same thing.</div>
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<a href="http://s1303.photobucket.com/user/manymasons/media/going-home_zpsc9fd161d.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo going-home_zpsc9fd161d.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag159/manymasons/going-home_zpsc9fd161d.jpg" width="267" /></a>
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It will be an interesting rest of the week getting used to Grace. It is so different for me bringing a baby home this way. Sadly, I don't know her as well as the nurses do. I found out yesterday and it was reiterated to me today but when Gracie is hungry she is all out mad right away and lets you know it.<br />
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Please pray for all of us as we adjust to a new baby, a new routine, and just being back together at home.<br />
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<a href="http://s1303.photobucket.com/user/manymasons/media/carseat_zpsed3a64e5.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo carseat_zpsed3a64e5.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag159/manymasons/carseat_zpsed3a64e5.jpg" width="267" /></a>
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It has been a roller coaster 18 days. Thank You to so many of you who have been following our story and have been continuing to lift up our sweet baby and us to the Lord. He has carried us through. My Mom said not finding a new blog post in the morning is going to be kind of dull. I can't promise a new post every day but I definitely will keep posting updates when I can.<br />
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Thankful to be HOME!</div>
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manymasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14557847246643168437noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2562234746675505697.post-86017609251023801262013-11-18T22:30:00.000-06:002013-11-19T19:32:28.750-06:00Birthday Gift?<div>
Today John turned 40, a fact he is not overly thrilled with. I keep telling him we just had a baby and his children seem to be keeping him young. We had hoped that today would be the day that Gracie came home. But being the first day after the weekend ended up not. So we took all of the kids down for another visit. We watched movies, ate pizza, went back and forth to the family kitchen for snacks, and got a little tired out of being cooped up. <br />
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<a href="http://s1303.photobucket.com/user/manymasons/media/headband_3633_zps9d359abe.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo headband_3633_zps9d359abe.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag159/manymasons/headband_3633_zps9d359abe.jpg" width="252" /></a>
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For those of you who wonder, I get some interesting questions, the clothes she has been wearing is from the hospital. I could have brought my own in but then I'd have to make sure it was labeled, that I got it back, and I'd have more laundry. I decided to let them dress her. They have a storage area of clothes that have been donated that they use. I can always tell when Tia is our nurse because she has her dressed cute and swaddled when we arrive.</div>
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We were able to meet the Attending Physician in the PNUC, <a href="http://www.chw.org/Applications/PPF/Nav/0/DocID/20004/CredentialingID/5738/PhysHomePage.asp" target="_blank">Dr. Susan Cohen</a>. <a href="http://www.chw.org/Applications/PPF/Nav/1/DocID/20004/CredentialingID/5014/PhysHomePage.asp" target="_blank">Dr. Scott Welak</a> who took care of Grace when she arrived had been the attending the past two weeks and filled her in on all of the details. Dr. Cohen was so pleased and amazed with Grace's progress. She specializes in the neurological field and was very familiar with the cooling process that Grace initially went through to heal her brain and heart. She was so happy to see that the MRI and EEG came back with good results without need of follow up. That isn't always the case with these circumstances. She explained that Grace came through this because of good genes, herself, and then she kind of choked on her words, "It is really a blessing". We know she came through this so amazingly only by God's grace. As her nurse today said, "She is a miracle baby." Yes, indeed she is. <br />
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<a href="http://s1303.photobucket.com/user/manymasons/media/17days_3667_zps5d910de4.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 17days_3667_zps5d910de4.jpg" border="0" height="266" src="http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag159/manymasons/17days_3667_zps5d910de4.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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I had forgotten that in the beginning they would take blood gases from Grace which showed that she had been without oxygen for a period of time which is why they started with the cooling process, something they do for people who almost drown. Because of that, along the way she may have some areas of development where she is behind such as fine motor skills, or hearing. Although, Dr. Cohen said Grace being part of a large family is beneficial to her development as her siblings push her to keep up. But then we may not see any problems and this will be a small blip in time. The nurse also noted that most babies who were as sick as Grace struggle with feedings, and especially learning to breastfeed. Grace has been a trooper. The only thing she struggles with now is patience as my milk does not come as quickly as from a bottle. I am finding our girl actually does cry and quite well.<br />
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Grace has been taking all of her feedings without a problem and Dr. Cohen said, "Let's do this, let's get her out of here". Stay tuned....</div>
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manymasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14557847246643168437noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2562234746675505697.post-62369157535504132932013-11-17T21:29:00.001-06:002013-11-17T21:29:27.038-06:00All Together<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!</i></b></div>
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1 Chronicles 16:34</div>
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We have had a great day all together as a family in Grace's room. We brought snacks which was nice not having to go to the deli or cafeteria for a change. The kids each took turns holding Grace and I am surprised I ever got turn.<br />
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Do you notice anything different about our little girl's sweet face?</div>
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<a href="http://s1303.photobucket.com/user/manymasons/media/16-days_3647_zpsc2c6bae9.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 16-days_3647_zpsc2c6bae9.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag159/manymasons/16-days_3647_zpsc2c6bae9.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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We were pleasantly surprised to find that Grace had pulled her NG tube out last night and they kept it out! She also took all of her bottles through the night. I talked to her night nurse, Amy, who was the one who facilitated me holding Grace for the first time and she said that "Grace is a rockstar and should be out of here soon."<br />
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The details of Grace's feedings may not be all that interesting but are the main reason she is still here. The doctors have put her on "ad lib" which means she eats when she wakes as long as it isn't longer than 4 hours. The nurses still try for every 3 hours but she doesn't have a required amount to eat. Right before we arrived she took in 70cc and later I was able to nurse her and she took 58 cc. Now they just take note of how much she eats or for how long she nurses.<br />
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Gracie is getting liquid vitamins and that wakes her up as it is a nasty taste. She disliked it so much she didn't want to swallow and kept gargling with it and swishing around in her mouth so that it drooled out. The rest of the time she smelled like a vitamin. That girl needs a bath!<br />
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It looks like we are nearing an end. Here is Grace with each of her brothers. I love it!<br />
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manymasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14557847246643168437noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2562234746675505697.post-39164032367157925262013-11-16T21:51:00.000-06:002013-11-16T21:51:15.032-06:00A Mathematical EquationI was a bit frustrated this morning. I am worn out from traveling to Milwaukee each day to sit in Grace's area with her and just want to be home as a family. I am so thankful for a husband who reminds me to be grateful for how far we have come and not dwell on the hang-up of waiting on Grace's feeding to reach a consistent percentage. As one of the nurses told us everything is about numbers and mathematical equations to the doctors. <br />
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We talked to the doctor this morning because to us it seems Grace should be home. The doctor explained that she needs to be taking in 80% by bottle/breast and then she can move to "ad lib" which means eating when she wants to eat rather than scheduled. They are also watching to make sure she is gaining weight. Today she is at 7# 1.2 oz which is her birth weight. <br />
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The biggest thing for Grace is she wants to sleep. And she often doesn't wake well to eat. Again, she made a bit of progress in taking 51 cc from a bottle this morning and when I fed her at 2 pm she ate 62 cc. That is above her goal! But she is not consistent and when trying to feed her at 5 pm she took 1/2 hour to barely wake up and then she ate only 24 cc again so back to gavage feeding. It didn't help that she had been wide awake for an hour after the first feeding.<br />
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<a href="http://s1303.photobucket.com/user/manymasons/media/15-days_3571_zpsf5c76543.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 15-days_3571_zpsf5c76543.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag159/manymasons/15-days_3571_zpsf5c76543.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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Rotation of the attending doctor was today so we no longer have Dr. Konduri. The new doctor pushed to get us moved as John explained how hard this is coming down every day and shuffling our children around from place to place and not being able to bring them. So we were able to move Grace up to the Progressive Care unit this afternoon. We were thrilled! <br />
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Grace was in the A Pod which contains 6 small rooms that close off with a curtain. John said it was more private than at St. Joseph's though. The nurses sit in the small hall outside of each room.</div>
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<a href="http://s1303.photobucket.com/user/manymasons/media/Graces-Pod-Room_zps51785268.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Graces-Pod-Room_zps51785268.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag159/manymasons/Graces-Pod-Room_zps51785268.jpg" width="300" /></a>
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What two weeks ago and even last week was a NICU room filled with equipment is now empty.</div>
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<a href="http://s1303.photobucket.com/user/manymasons/media/emtpy-room_zps53c1eb74.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo emtpy-room_zps53c1eb74.jpg" border="0" height="300" src="http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag159/manymasons/emtpy-room_zps53c1eb74.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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And what a difference! We have our own large room with sleeper sofa, TV, a window, and a door! In the NICU there is not much privacy as all you have is a curtain to hide behind when needed. Otherwise you hear many beeps and alarms and conversations going on. And you learn about all the babies there. Today we learned more about the tiny babe across from Grace and it was so hard to hear his Mama break down and cry and I was crying right along with her. It is a hard place to be. It is also a great place to be as it was rated the #1 NICU in the country.<br />
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<a href="http://s1303.photobucket.com/user/manymasons/media/New-Room_zpsfba59a5c.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo New-Room_zpsfba59a5c.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag159/manymasons/New-Room_zpsfba59a5c.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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There are 9 babies on this floor and it is more relaxed and you actually kind of have your baby to yourself. John and I left tonight with a feeling of relief. Tomorrow we look forward to having the kids be able to visit with their sister all together!<br />
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<br />manymasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14557847246643168437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2562234746675505697.post-78747107506863525262013-11-15T21:32:00.001-06:002013-11-15T21:43:24.995-06:00Two Weeks<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,</i></div>
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<i> for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. </i></div>
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<i>And let steadfastness have its full effect, </i></div>
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<i>that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.</i></div>
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James 1:2-4</div>
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I wondered today exactly what I could write about. We are so quickly to the point where the changes are small but I know so many are reading each day checking on our little Gracie and today she is 2 weeks old already!<br />
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Wearing mittens so she doesn't pull out her ng tube.</div>
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<a href="http://s1303.photobucket.com/user/manymasons/media/Two-weeks-profile_3562_zpsd3d0c409.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Two-weeks-profile_3562_zpsd3d0c409.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag159/manymasons/Two-weeks-profile_3562_zpsd3d0c409.jpg" width="256" /></a>
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As it turned out with all that happened yesterday Grace was not moved to the step-down unit. John and I were disappointed as we had hoped to bring all of the kids to enjoy their sister on Saturday. The NICU is not conducive at all to a family and understandably so. We'll see if we ever get moved.<br />
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Many babies are discharged right from the NICU and as we have witnessed it can take an entire day for the whole discharge process. We still have not had any hint of going home. They keep talking as if we'll be there awhile as we are scheduled for a CPR class on Tuesday. {sigh} We are trying not to get our hopes up but when we see Grace acting much like a normal baby it is at times hard to understand the need to stay. Granted, we want her at her healthiest so that all is well when she does come home and we would have no worries of needing to go back. But we are always reminded that she is not a "normal" baby.<br />
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Today Grace took in the most she ever did from me at 40 cc. After nursing for a whole 20 minutes and staying awake too we hoped she would reach the goal of 60 cc. and given a little more time I wonder if she would have. But she gets closer to that goal each day. Nursing Grace is such a joy and definitely helps me bond with her. At times it feels like we are just borrowing her from the hospital.<br />
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Grace's bilirubin level went up from 11.7 to 13 but not high enough to need any treatment.<br />
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Grandpa got to hold her today.</div>
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<a href="http://s1303.photobucket.com/user/manymasons/media/Grandpa-n-Grace_3566_zps367fc6b5.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Grandpa-n-Grace_3566_zps367fc6b5.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag159/manymasons/Grandpa-n-Grace_3566_zps367fc6b5.jpg" width="267" /></a>
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John had talked to the nurse about Grace's EEG and it was the same as before -- no seizure activity. We have found that the better Grace gets the less the doctors visit, which is fine with us. In the beginning we always had doctors stopping in for one thing or another.<br />
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Two more babies have been admitted to the pod Grace is in. One today was directly across from us. It is hard for me to see babies come in. I always think of Grace when I watched her be whisked away in an isolate not knowing what would happen. A flurry of activity abounds both in preparation but especially once the baby arrives. Doctors all discussing the patient. Respiratory therapists ventilating the baby. X-rays being taken. Nurses assisting. They closed our curtain and then all we see are feet and we listen and wonder. And it brings me back to seeing Grace for the first time. That was a hard day. I was so out of it and dazed at all that had transpired. Was that really just 2 weeks ago?<br />
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<a href="http://s1303.photobucket.com/user/manymasons/media/Two-weeks-crib_zps6dba657f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Two-weeks-crib_zps6dba657f.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag159/manymasons/Two-weeks-crib_zps6dba657f.jpg" width="298" /></a>
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Some people have asked how I am feeling physically and I feel good. I typically don't take pain meds long and haven't needed anything at all this week. I am sore but not in pain. The most pain I had was from the excess gas pressure in my mid-section from the surgery which then radiated into my shoulder. The doctor said it could have been caused by the blood that they may not have been able to get cleaned out when I ruptured. But that pain ended this week. I am walking like normal and keeping up with my fast walking husband. He said I've kicked it into 2nd gear. But with this pregnancy I had gained more weight than I had with any others besides the twins so loosing so much so fast is wonderful. I almost feel I am walking on air.<br />
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I am sleeping great obviously because I am not waking with a baby. I try to wake to pump at least once but I think I am in for a rude awakening when Grace does come home. The only problem with feeling good is that I probably do much more than I am supposed to. I forget that I am still healing internally.<br />
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John and I were able to go down early today so we actually were able to all enjoy a meal that was provided around our table as a family and then relaxed with a movie night. Time together we desperately needed. It's been two weeks. Praying it isn't three. </div>
manymasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14557847246643168437noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2562234746675505697.post-64511137429336796002013-11-14T21:59:00.003-06:002013-11-15T21:33:25.274-06:00Never a Dull MomentWhat an exciting day we had. John came home at noon and we both had heard that there was a shooter at Children’s hospital and that the hospital was on lock-down. We headed down to Milwaukee hoping it would be resolved by the time we arrived. In hearing more on the news and that a baby was involved I called Grace’s nurse to find out what was happening. Tia assured me they were all fine and that she had Baby Grace in her arms when it all happened. And if they had to evacuate she was taking Grace with her. The nurses and any parents were locked into their pods with the babies and even had to be escorted to go to the bathroom. Being a bit claustrophobic I was thankful I wasn't there. The thought of being locked in somewhere makes me shudder.<br />
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As it turns out the father of one of the babies in the Progressive Care NICU came to visit his baby and so he had clearance as those areas are locked. The hospital got a call that he might have a gun on him and there was a warrant for his arrest. The police came and he put his baby down and was compliant but as soon as he was out of the PNICU he tried to escape and the police took him down. Thankfully no one in the hospital was hurt. Read full story <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/children-hospital-wisconsin-lockdown-gunfire-erupts-seventh-floor-officials-article-1.1517038" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />
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When we arrived the hospital was still on lock-down with news cameras and police everywhere. We managed to get to the parking garage and by the time we walked through to the hospital entrance lock-down had just ended and there was a sea of people waiting to get in and out. Some Moms crying because their child was locked inside and they couldn't get there. <br />
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And it is another amazing work of God because Grace was supposed to be moved to that step-down unit today and the baby in this ordeal was one that was being discharged so Grace could move up. Dr. Scott came down later to tell us it was a little crazy there today and hopefully tomorrow he can get her moved. He remarked, “Maybe it was a good thing she wasn't up there today”. Yes, yes that is true. And he reassured us that it is safe.<br />
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<a href="http://s1303.photobucket.com/user/manymasons/media/13-days_3552_zps3549b7ab.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 13-days_3552_zps3549b7ab.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag159/manymasons/13-days_3552_zps3549b7ab.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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Grace had a busy morning having both an MRI and an EEG. Tia noted that she slept through the MRI and slept through putting the electrodes on her head and for the hour long test. But taking them off was a different story and she cried through it. We got the results for the MRI and her brain looks great, nothing abnormal at all! Yay! The doctor will give us the results of the EEG tomorrow.<br />
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She is still a little yellow so they are testing her bilirubin level again to see if it has increased. Right now she reminds us of Thomas as he had breastfeeding jaundice, which was caused by my milk and was our “yellow baby” for almost 3 months. And tonight Gracie really reminded me of Thomas in her expressions.<br />
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During the night she took in the most she has taken by bottle which was 35 cc. They increased the amount she should be taking to 60 cc. which is 2 oz. I was able to nurse her tonight and she took 20 cc. before falling asleep. We tried a few times waking her but she wanted nothing to do with that so it ended up being a gavage feeding. But each day she is staying awake longer to take in more. Such a slow process and it all depends on her. As Tia always tells me "She is acting her age. Late-term premature babies are consistently inconsistent" and you never know what they are going to do.<br />
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<a href="http://s1303.photobucket.com/user/manymasons/media/gavage-feed_3556_zps96c941a1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo gavage-feed_3556_zps96c941a1.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag159/manymasons/gavage-feed_3556_zps96c941a1.jpg" width="267" /></a>
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We were encouraged though as the doctors went through their rounds. Dr. Khalil presented Grace and told her progress and how much milk she is taking in from bottle/nursing and gavage and one of the doctors exclaimed, "Wow!" My sentiments exactly.<br />
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God is so GOOD!</div>
<br />manymasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14557847246643168437noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2562234746675505697.post-20553750635359730322013-11-13T22:04:00.000-06:002013-11-15T21:33:25.254-06:00Thankful for Our TrialThis morning I woke up ever so thankful with a song in my heart from Psalm 121<br />
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<i>I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from?</i></div>
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<i> My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.</i></div>
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<i> He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber;</i></div>
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<i> indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.</i></div>
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<i>The Lord watches over you—the Lord is your shade at your right hand;</i></div>
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<i> the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.</i></div>
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<i>The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life;</i></div>
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<i> the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.</i><br />
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<b>Maker of heaven and earth</b>! That is who is in control and is taking care of our sweet Grace. How awesome is that? I am filled with praise and gratitude for the ways I see God working. Not only in healing Grace but in how He is at work in my own heart.<br />
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John went to work the past few days but this afternoon he was happy to see Grace again and more alert than ever. He jumped right in with changing her diaper, swaddling her, talking to her, and cuddling with her. I love that man! </div>
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<a href="http://s1303.photobucket.com/user/manymasons/media/Daddy-n-Grace_3534_zps85518859.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Daddy-n-Grace_3534_zps85518859.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag159/manymasons/Daddy-n-Grace_3534_zps85518859.jpg" width="267" /></a>
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Our favorite nurse, Tia, was on duty which made it all the better. Tia was there when Grace was admitted to Children's and saw how bad she was and how far she has come. We also got to see Dr. Scott who was the doctor who worked on Grace when she arrived. He has been in the progressive care NICU and said she'd be the perfect candidate to move to that area since she is off oxygen and<b> NO MORE PICC LINE!</b> It is a step down unit and much more family friendly. If he can "pull some strings" he will try to get her moved later tomorrow. That way we could bring all of our kids and hang out in her own room. <br />
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One of the harder things about all of this is the shuffling around of our children. We have been blessed with a wonderful family and many friends who have jumped in to help in any way they can. This morning when I was home with the kids Simon had a melt down. This has been the hardest on him as up until almost two weeks ago I was always there for him. This morning was a screamy kind of day and he needed a lot of holding. I think he is ready to go back to a routine and so am I. Katie on the other hand thinks going to different houses and people coming over is so much fun and doesn't want it to end.<br />
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Grace now only has an NG tube which they put in last night and that allows her to suck better but still get the gavage (tube) feeding if needed. And of course the sensors that monitor her heart rate and pulse. <br />
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<a href="http://s1303.photobucket.com/user/manymasons/media/12-days_3540_zpse923864b.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 12-days_3540_zpse923864b.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag159/manymasons/12-days_3540_zpse923864b.jpg" width="267" /></a>
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We asked about the goal for feedings. Based upon her weight which today was 7# 3 oz. in order to go home she would need to take in 2 oz a feeding with 8 feedings in a day. At this point it is based on her hunger cues to an extent. The nurses document every little detail with each feeding from her muscle tone to if she took in a lot of air or fell asleep. Once she starts getting the hang of this it won't be as scheduled. But Tia gave me much more time to try feeding Gracie today. They weighed her before and after and she drank 24 cc which which is a little under one ounce but was good as she is figuring it out. John gavage fed her 34 cc more. She was hungry again before we left and I attempted to feed her but she ended up just cuddling up to sleep instead.<br />
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We have found Children's hospital to be such a wonderful hospital. Tonight they served a free dinner to families of patients. In the lobby they had tables set up with tablecloths and table settings. We were served a turkey dinner with all the fixings and had live dinner music. Quite nice and saved a bit of money too. We sat and talked with a lady who is staying with her severely autistic son who just had surgery. She said he hasn't talked since he was 3 years old. And it made us again thankful for the trial we have been given. <br />
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Then while we were cuddling with Grace we heard an alarm that we hadn't heard before. Tia told us we never want to hear that one. When we left, the doors to the pod across from ours were closed and I saw through the window a doctor in scrubs and masked working on a baby who came in yesterday. The parents and family were out in the waiting room. I had seen the mother Monday as she had just given birth and came to see her baby. And yet again so thankful for our trial. <br />
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<a href="http://s1303.photobucket.com/user/manymasons/media/Profile_3535_zpseb333fed.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Profile_3535_zpseb333fed.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag159/manymasons/Profile_3535_zpseb333fed.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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We are beginning to see the light at the end of this tunnel.</div>
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manymasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14557847246643168437noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2562234746675505697.post-66313574660220159242013-11-12T22:43:00.003-06:002013-11-15T21:33:25.277-06:00Little By LittleToday was a much better day! I thank you all for the encouraging comments both on my blog and on facebook and for praying. Knowing so many people are lifting up our family in prayer is such a comfort. At times these small steps seem to take so long especially when compared to the huge progress Grace was making last week. Patience is a quality that God is always trying to teach me.<br />
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<a href="http://s1303.photobucket.com/user/manymasons/media/crib-sleeping_zps47c5e001.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo crib-sleeping_zps47c5e001.jpg" border="0" height="284" src="http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag159/manymasons/crib-sleeping_zps47c5e001.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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When I arrived to see Miss Grace this morning she was dressed in a cute pink onesie and little ruffle pants and looked so adorable. Her oxygen pressure had been decreased to 1.0 and the amount of oxygen was 21% which is the same amount we have in the air we breathe.<br />
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<a href="http://s1303.photobucket.com/user/manymasons/media/11-days_1864_zpsc4db6d4a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 11-days_1864_zpsc4db6d4a.jpg" border="0" height="300" src="http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag159/manymasons/11-days_1864_zpsc4db6d4a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I am starting to help out a bit more in the care of Grace and am able to change diapers, which is quite the task, trying to maneuver around the wires she still has. I don't know if I mentioned before but we are participating in a study on pulmonary hypertension and so they have been saving all of her diapers that contain meconium for further study. This may or may not interest you but I never realized that babies will continue to have that sticky, thick black meconium until they start taking in milk. So, instead of the normal few days for a newborn she has had that for over a week.
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I was able to try nursing her again today but of course she was not awake enough to be interested. Initially it was frustrating seeing as today's nurse only gave me about 15 minutes to try. Grace did latch on, got comfortable, and drifted off to dreamland. So, they go right to tube feeding as she "used up her allotted amount of calories" in trying to nurse. The thing was, as soon as her belly began to fill up she began trying to latch on again. I'd love more time to work with her without the pressure of the schedule.</div>
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Shortly after, the nurse turned down the oxygen pressure even more to 0.5 and then right before her next feeding turned it completely off! Grace handled it well and so they were able to take off the nasal cannula. I was able to see my little girl's face for the first time (since the 15 minutes the day she was born) with only the one tube from her mouth covering it. Gracie is so beautiful and I love the feel of her silky tape-free cheeks.<br />
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If Grace would struggle at all she will have the oxygen put back on but the rest of the time I was with her she was doing great. The picc line is still and she gets nutrients (lipids) through that but it is gradually being turned down.</div>
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Her next feeding I fed her a bottle. She went up to taking 45 cc today which is 1.5 oz. She has been only taking in 1/3 of that each time and then they finish up with the tube feeding but this time she was alert and looking around and took in 2/3 of that which means she took in 1 ounce. It sounds like a small amount but it was another accomplishment. Little by little we are getting there.<br />
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Pictures are deceiving and you can maybe tell here but she is much smaller than many of the pictures indicate. At her last weight check she was 7# 2oz. which is an ounce more than at birth. That surprised me but she had gained because of all of the fluids she was getting and is now coming down from that. Granted she is still a big baby in the NICU, just smaller than most of mine.<br />
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<a href="http://s1303.photobucket.com/user/manymasons/media/bottle-feeding_zps2e1b0073.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo bottle-feeding_zps2e1b0073.jpg" border="0" height="300" src="http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag159/manymasons/bottle-feeding_zps2e1b0073.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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Hurdles left to accomplish -- taking in enough milk while learning to nurse rather than bottle feed. And maintaining her oxygen levels on her own.<br />
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<i>For you are great and do wondrous things;</i></div>
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<i>you alone are God.</i></div>
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<i>Teach me your way, O Lord,</i></div>
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<i>that I may walk in your truth;</i></div>
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<i>unite my heart to fear your name.</i></div>
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<i>I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart,</i></div>
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<i>and I will glorify your name forever.</i></div>
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Psalm 86:10-12</div>
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manymasonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14557847246643168437noreply@blogger.com0