On the right side of the blog, you'll see I'm taking a poll about the blog. Please vote! I'm curious if I should continue to blog on Mrs. Pregnant in the Lowcountry or transition the blog to Mrs. Lowcountry Momma. Let me hear from you. I've already secured the "Momma" url.
I do see that 10 readers have responded....thank you!!!
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Monday, September 27, 2010
Save the Date: Carolina Consigns-Fall Sale
Ladies mark your calendars for October 22-23 for the 2nd Carolina Consigns event. It is time to do your fall closet clean out (garage and kitchen for that matter)! This event is for women's clothing and house wares!
I am certainly going! A consignment sale is a great place to get some "transition" clothes for me to go back to work. Ideally, I'll be in my original size before going back to work, but realistically, I tried on a pair of my jeans and couldn't get them passed my knees (depressing)! I will need some transition clothes. I don't want to spend a lot of money on them, but of course, I want cute stuff. This sale will allow me to "look cute for less" until I can access my wardrobe that is packed away until I lose this baby weight!
Fun Fun Fun...I can't wait!!!
CONSIGNORS prep, price & tag your gently used designer clothing, shoes, accessories & home furnishings and we’ll sell them for you at the semi-annual consignment sale! Earn 70% on your items sold!
SHOP for great deals! It’s fashionable recycling!
VOLUNTEER for great perks (shop early)!
Go to http://www.carolinaconsigns.com/ for details and to register as a consignor, volunteer, or to shop the private sales event if you’re a teacher!
Calendar of events:
It will be at Hamlin Plantation Clubhouse in Mt. Pleasant.
Thurs. 10/21—drop-off (5-7PM)
Fri. 10/22-drop-off (8AM-noon)
Fri. 10/22—private sale for VIPs, volunteers, consignors & school teachers. Check website for details
Sat. 10/23—public sale (8-11:30AM and noon-4PM 50% off)
Make sure to mention that you heard about it from Mrs. Pregnant in the Lowcountry Blog. Chanel, the sale organizer, is a blog follower too!!
I am certainly going! A consignment sale is a great place to get some "transition" clothes for me to go back to work. Ideally, I'll be in my original size before going back to work, but realistically, I tried on a pair of my jeans and couldn't get them passed my knees (depressing)! I will need some transition clothes. I don't want to spend a lot of money on them, but of course, I want cute stuff. This sale will allow me to "look cute for less" until I can access my wardrobe that is packed away until I lose this baby weight!
Fun Fun Fun...I can't wait!!!
CONSIGNORS prep, price & tag your gently used designer clothing, shoes, accessories & home furnishings and we’ll sell them for you at the semi-annual consignment sale! Earn 70% on your items sold!
SHOP for great deals! It’s fashionable recycling!
VOLUNTEER for great perks (shop early)!
Go to http://www.carolinaconsigns.com/ for details and to register as a consignor, volunteer, or to shop the private sales event if you’re a teacher!
Calendar of events:
It will be at Hamlin Plantation Clubhouse in Mt. Pleasant.
Thurs. 10/21—drop-off (5-7PM)
Fri. 10/22-drop-off (8AM-noon)
Fri. 10/22—private sale for VIPs, volunteers, consignors & school teachers. Check website for details
Sat. 10/23—public sale (8-11:30AM and noon-4PM 50% off)
Make sure to mention that you heard about it from Mrs. Pregnant in the Lowcountry Blog. Chanel, the sale organizer, is a blog follower too!!
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Another Letter of Encouragement! (Thanks to all my mom readers)
First let me say, thank you to everyone who reads. I often wonder if I am talking to myself or if people are actually reading and following (my readers don't seem to be the commenting type (shame, shame folks!)). It has been so nice to receive emails of encouragement and congratulations since Tillman arrived from you. Also, it has been wonderful to get to know you through email as well. Thanks so much!
Mom Reader-Letter of Encouragement with Breastfeeding (I have found that everyone has a unique story with breastfeeding. It isn't easy, and it isn't the "dreamy" picture they paint in the "books" and classes." It is HARD, TIRING & FRUSTRATING (at times). I hope that to-be-moms, breastfeeding moms, etc. read all of these mom letters of encouragement A. to know it is hard. B. to know there is more than one way of doing things besides text book style. C. to know you are not alone if you have troubles with feeding or take a different route to nursing your child.)
Fri, Sep 24, 2010 at 12:25 PM
I'll tell you what I did about breastfeeding - PUMPED! My daughter was born 6 weeks early (at MUSC) and was not a good latcher - it took 6 days for my milk to really come in, so while she was in NICU, they supplemented a little along with the 1/2 oz I could occassionally muster up with the pump. She had gone from 5.4 lbs to 4.8 lbs when she left the hospital a week later. I had to use a nipple guard when feeding- that's the only way she'd get any milk. I suffered through "breastfeeding bootcamp" for about 6 weeks (which included HOURS of cluster feeding at night) and finally came to the realization I would still feed her strictly breastmilk, but in a bottle. I went back to work when she was 7 weeks old and started pumping 6-7 times a day and then after several months was able to "train" my body to produce what she needed and then some. We were able to make it 6 months on strictly breast milk and had a month supply in the freezer to boot. Six years ago I couldn't find any other moms that did what I did, so at first I felt a little guilty.
Now, my son was a different story - he was an aggressive latcher (I wanted to thump that sweet hungry little head) and my milk came gushing out the day he was born (5 weeks early). I started strictly pumping with him at 3 weeks and we were both happier people since he didn't have to listen to me sob the whole time he ate :-) . Unfortunately I got a horrible UTI that took 3 weeks to cure when he was 4.5 months old and my milk supply completely dried up, despite all efforts to keep it going. Luckily I had about a month supply in the freezer for him as well.
Funny how motherhood makes most topics open for conversation with people you barely know :-) I have several friends that say it gets much easier after 6-8 weeks. I just thought I'd shed light on another way of breastfeeding (or "breastmilking")!
Best of luck with your journey!
Mom Reader-Letter of Encouragement with Breastfeeding (I have found that everyone has a unique story with breastfeeding. It isn't easy, and it isn't the "dreamy" picture they paint in the "books" and classes." It is HARD, TIRING & FRUSTRATING (at times). I hope that to-be-moms, breastfeeding moms, etc. read all of these mom letters of encouragement A. to know it is hard. B. to know there is more than one way of doing things besides text book style. C. to know you are not alone if you have troubles with feeding or take a different route to nursing your child.)
Fri, Sep 24, 2010 at 12:25 PM
I'll tell you what I did about breastfeeding - PUMPED! My daughter was born 6 weeks early (at MUSC) and was not a good latcher - it took 6 days for my milk to really come in, so while she was in NICU, they supplemented a little along with the 1/2 oz I could occassionally muster up with the pump. She had gone from 5.4 lbs to 4.8 lbs when she left the hospital a week later. I had to use a nipple guard when feeding- that's the only way she'd get any milk. I suffered through "breastfeeding bootcamp" for about 6 weeks (which included HOURS of cluster feeding at night) and finally came to the realization I would still feed her strictly breastmilk, but in a bottle. I went back to work when she was 7 weeks old and started pumping 6-7 times a day and then after several months was able to "train" my body to produce what she needed and then some. We were able to make it 6 months on strictly breast milk and had a month supply in the freezer to boot. Six years ago I couldn't find any other moms that did what I did, so at first I felt a little guilty.
Now, my son was a different story - he was an aggressive latcher (I wanted to thump that sweet hungry little head) and my milk came gushing out the day he was born (5 weeks early). I started strictly pumping with him at 3 weeks and we were both happier people since he didn't have to listen to me sob the whole time he ate :-) . Unfortunately I got a horrible UTI that took 3 weeks to cure when he was 4.5 months old and my milk supply completely dried up, despite all efforts to keep it going. Luckily I had about a month supply in the freezer for him as well.
Funny how motherhood makes most topics open for conversation with people you barely know :-) I have several friends that say it gets much easier after 6-8 weeks. I just thought I'd shed light on another way of breastfeeding (or "breastmilking")!
Best of luck with your journey!
Saturday, September 25, 2010
To Our Fury, Four-Legged Child-Happy Adoption Day!
Today, marks 3 years since we "adopted" Graham (our yellow lab). A lot has changed since we've had Graham-Nick and I got married, moved to a new house, of course Tillman's arrival, and everything in between. September seems to be our month when it comes to our "children" and birthdays!
Since I have been sharing tons of emails this week, here is yet another one. This was the email I sent out 3 years ago about Graham.
Since I have been sharing tons of emails this week, here is yet another one. This was the email I sent out 3 years ago about Graham.
Date: Wed, Sep 26, 2007 at 9:21 AM
Subject: Meet Graham
Hey!
Most of you probably thought that you would never get an email from me about a dog. Well, prepare yourself, we got a dog! Nick has been dying for a dog for ever since he moved to Charleston, so Nick's wish was granted for his 30th birthday.
Graham "Cracker" is a yellow lab about 4 months old. He was "rescued" off Hwy 17 S in Ravenel. SC by a dog trainer that lives out that way. I heard about him through our pet therapy program at MUSC Children's Hospital. We picked Graham up last night. We hope he will enjoy his new home. Nick plans to take him to work with him each day, so I am sure Graham will become the Sunburst Landscaping (my husband's and Father-in-law's company) mascot!!
9/25/07
Photo taken the night we arrived home with Graham
9/15/10
Graham being introduced to Tillman for the first time.
Friday, September 24, 2010
From My Inbox-Similac Recall
With the latest developments with Tillman's feeding and the possibility of needing to supplement. My interest was peaked to the Similac Recall mainly because I had just received a sample box of two cans. Sure enough, yesterday I looked both up on the recall, and one has been recalled. I filled out the information on the Similac website last night, so I am waiting for a FedEx shipping label. Abbott Labs want all effect containers back to get a refund. It sounds like a waste of money for Abbott to do this, but that is just me! I am sure there is a reason.
Here's an email I got this morning from Abbott Labs about the recall. If you use Similac, it is probably good to check your cans. The website was VERY SLOW yesterday and was stalling out when I tried to put information in. May have to try a few times to get through.
------------------------
Dear Meredith,
We take our product quality and safety responsibilities very seriously. As such, we have initiated a proactive, voluntary recall of certain Similac®-brand, powder infant formulas that did not meet our quality standards.
We are recalling these products following an internal quality review, which detected the remote possibility of the presence of a small common beetle in the product produced in one production area in a single manufacturing facility. Please be assured that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has determined that while the formula containing these beetles poses no immediate health risk, there is a possibility that infants who consume formula containing the beetles or their larvae, could experience symptoms of gastrointestinal discomfort and refusal to eat as a result of small insect parts irritating the GI tract. If these symptoms persist for more than a few days, a physician should be consulted.
Our first and foremost responsibility is to provide the highest quality product for your baby. We are working to resolve this matter quickly and thoroughly.
The recall of these powder infant formulas includes:
Certain Similac product lines offered in plastic containers.
Certain Similac product lines offered in 8-ounce sample cans, 12.4-ounce and 12.9-ounce cans.
To immediately find out if the product in your possession is included in this recall please visit www.similac.com/recall. Once at the site, type in the lot number to determine if your product is affected. If your product is affected, links on the website will provide specific information on next steps. You can call (800) 986-8850 24-hours a day, 7-days a week to speak to an Abbott Consumer Relations representative, as well.
Please also see the link below to find an alternative of your Similac product not impacted by this recall.
Throughout this recall, our primary concern continues to be the safety of those who use our products.
We are committed to ensuring that every product we sell is manufactured to the highest level of quality. We apologize for any confusion or inconvenience this issue may cause you.
Sincerely,
Scott White, Senior Vice President, U.S. Nutrition, Abbott
Here's an email I got this morning from Abbott Labs about the recall. If you use Similac, it is probably good to check your cans. The website was VERY SLOW yesterday and was stalling out when I tried to put information in. May have to try a few times to get through.
------------------------
Dear Meredith,
We take our product quality and safety responsibilities very seriously. As such, we have initiated a proactive, voluntary recall of certain Similac®-brand, powder infant formulas that did not meet our quality standards.
We are recalling these products following an internal quality review, which detected the remote possibility of the presence of a small common beetle in the product produced in one production area in a single manufacturing facility. Please be assured that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has determined that while the formula containing these beetles poses no immediate health risk, there is a possibility that infants who consume formula containing the beetles or their larvae, could experience symptoms of gastrointestinal discomfort and refusal to eat as a result of small insect parts irritating the GI tract. If these symptoms persist for more than a few days, a physician should be consulted.
Our first and foremost responsibility is to provide the highest quality product for your baby. We are working to resolve this matter quickly and thoroughly.
The recall of these powder infant formulas includes:
Certain Similac product lines offered in plastic containers.
Certain Similac product lines offered in 8-ounce sample cans, 12.4-ounce and 12.9-ounce cans.
To immediately find out if the product in your possession is included in this recall please visit www.similac.com/recall. Once at the site, type in the lot number to determine if your product is affected. If your product is affected, links on the website will provide specific information on next steps. You can call (800) 986-8850 24-hours a day, 7-days a week to speak to an Abbott Consumer Relations representative, as well.
Please also see the link below to find an alternative of your Similac product not impacted by this recall.
Throughout this recall, our primary concern continues to be the safety of those who use our products.
We are committed to ensuring that every product we sell is manufactured to the highest level of quality. We apologize for any confusion or inconvenience this issue may cause you.
Sincerely,
Scott White, Senior Vice President, U.S. Nutrition, Abbott
It is nice to know I'm not alone
After yesterday's post about breastfeeding, I received two emails from "mom readers" who had the same issues with their children. It sure does feel good to know Tillman and I are not alone.
I look forward to meeting with the lactation consultant and the pediatrician today. Hopefully, between the two appointment, we will see much progress with Tillman's feeding.
Here are excepts from the "mom reader" emails I received. I think it is important to share these. Not only for my readers who are to-be-moms, moms who may have had lots of trouble with breastfeeding and had to seek alternative and moms who are up right now (1AM) Goggling this very topic to find answers.
side note: I get hits everyday on the topics I write about each day from Goggle. I have a traffic tracker on the blog to tell me how people arrived at the blog: key word searches, from Facebook, Goggle, etc. Some of my most popular topics are the 9 week ultrasound, Slushy craving, the cheer, "my back aches my skirts too tight," in light of the latest news story regarding it this post has been visited by thousands of people (check out comments on that post), and growth scan just to name a few.
Email excerpts:
"I just read your latest blog post. I went through the EXACT same thing with "A." She finally dropped down to the 3rd percentile. It was VERY scary. We supplemented with formula every now and then even at newborn stage, and it never stopped her breastfeeding progress (when it finally took off). We started by supplementing in the hospital. Because I was in labor for 15 hours, and because my water broke at 5 pm but had no contractions (similar to you), I had had NO sleep in almost 48 hours. By the time our first night with her rolled around, I was shaking, crying, and completely beside myself. We decided for her to stay in the nursery and they cup fed her. The next night they brought her to me once during the night. Other than in the hospital, she never had straight formula - it was always formula/breast milk mix....in the hospital, the lactation consultant put water (I think) on my nipple to get "A" to suction better with a syringe and a tube attached to it. So, we took that little thing home, not realizing what we were doing or why we may need it. We fed her - finger fed her - with that tube and my breastmilk for about 6 days....We still gave her a bottle at night - we wanted her to be good and full, and it was always both formula and breastmilk - remember formula digests more slowly than breastmilk. I also didn't want her to become familiar with having to nurse to sleep. That would just be something else to have to break later....Anyway, I just wanted to share with you that I had been through the exact same thing. Don't freak out about it. I breastfed "A" for over 10 months and never regret continuing trying."
" I read your blog on breastfeeding and Tillman gaining weight and wanted to let you know we went through the same thing when I began to breastfeed. The first few weeks were nicknamed by me and my mom as "breastfeeding bootcamp". It takes a ton of work, but you will get in a groove soon and it will become like second nature. Because '"C" was so little they needed her to gain weight rapidly in the beginning so my pediatrician told me that no matter what I had to feed her every two to three hours no matter what. I had to wait until she weighed a little more before I was breastfeeding on demand. Anyway, I'm going to keep checking your blog on your progress and just know that it will become easy soon. The beginning is always hard because you just aren't sure of how much milk they are getting. Oh and one more thing, I breastfed "C" until she was done and then had to pump afterward to not get engorged. You do NOT want a breast infection. It is the worst!! Hang in there! xoxoox"
To my "mom readers" thank you for your emails and encouragement. It sure is nice to know I'm not alone, and I hope by including your advice to me in this post will help a mom who is up in the middle of the night Googling this same topic!
I look forward to meeting with the lactation consultant and the pediatrician today. Hopefully, between the two appointment, we will see much progress with Tillman's feeding.
Here are excepts from the "mom reader" emails I received. I think it is important to share these. Not only for my readers who are to-be-moms, moms who may have had lots of trouble with breastfeeding and had to seek alternative and moms who are up right now (1AM) Goggling this very topic to find answers.
side note: I get hits everyday on the topics I write about each day from Goggle. I have a traffic tracker on the blog to tell me how people arrived at the blog: key word searches, from Facebook, Goggle, etc. Some of my most popular topics are the 9 week ultrasound, Slushy craving, the cheer, "my back aches my skirts too tight," in light of the latest news story regarding it this post has been visited by thousands of people (check out comments on that post), and growth scan just to name a few.
Email excerpts:
"I just read your latest blog post. I went through the EXACT same thing with "A." She finally dropped down to the 3rd percentile. It was VERY scary. We supplemented with formula every now and then even at newborn stage, and it never stopped her breastfeeding progress (when it finally took off). We started by supplementing in the hospital. Because I was in labor for 15 hours, and because my water broke at 5 pm but had no contractions (similar to you), I had had NO sleep in almost 48 hours. By the time our first night with her rolled around, I was shaking, crying, and completely beside myself. We decided for her to stay in the nursery and they cup fed her. The next night they brought her to me once during the night. Other than in the hospital, she never had straight formula - it was always formula/breast milk mix....in the hospital, the lactation consultant put water (I think) on my nipple to get "A" to suction better with a syringe and a tube attached to it. So, we took that little thing home, not realizing what we were doing or why we may need it. We fed her - finger fed her - with that tube and my breastmilk for about 6 days....We still gave her a bottle at night - we wanted her to be good and full, and it was always both formula and breastmilk - remember formula digests more slowly than breastmilk. I also didn't want her to become familiar with having to nurse to sleep. That would just be something else to have to break later....Anyway, I just wanted to share with you that I had been through the exact same thing. Don't freak out about it. I breastfed "A" for over 10 months and never regret continuing trying."
" I read your blog on breastfeeding and Tillman gaining weight and wanted to let you know we went through the same thing when I began to breastfeed. The first few weeks were nicknamed by me and my mom as "breastfeeding bootcamp". It takes a ton of work, but you will get in a groove soon and it will become like second nature. Because '"C" was so little they needed her to gain weight rapidly in the beginning so my pediatrician told me that no matter what I had to feed her every two to three hours no matter what. I had to wait until she weighed a little more before I was breastfeeding on demand. Anyway, I'm going to keep checking your blog on your progress and just know that it will become easy soon. The beginning is always hard because you just aren't sure of how much milk they are getting. Oh and one more thing, I breastfed "C" until she was done and then had to pump afterward to not get engorged. You do NOT want a breast infection. It is the worst!! Hang in there! xoxoox"
To my "mom readers" thank you for your emails and encouragement. It sure is nice to know I'm not alone, and I hope by including your advice to me in this post will help a mom who is up in the middle of the night Googling this same topic!
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Coburg don't have nothin' on me!
We went to his first pediatican appointment yesterday. Here is some email exchanges I had with the MUSC lacation services after his appointment. Lacatation consultants are the best resource for mom-baby success with breastfeeding. Dr. Villers told me before I delivered "you are a mom, and have no idea how to be a mom. Tillman is a baby, and he has no idea how to be a baby. It is a learning process you will go through together." She couldn't be more right!
Email exchange:
From: Meredith
Sent: Thursday, September 23, 2010 2:08 AM
Subject: Feeding volumes
I need more of your advice.
Tillman went to the pediatrician today. They don't feel like he is getting enough to eat. She encourage me to talk to an Lactation Consultant about it and drink tons of water. We go back on Friday for a weight check. She says that his face shows signs of Jaundice and dehydration (little sinking in around the eyes and dry lips). If he doesn't gain enough by Friday, they would like for us to supplement or use some lactation devices to get him more intake.
Do you know what device she is speaking of? She said we could provide more volume without using a bottle nipple. She said there are devices that well mimic the nipple.
I feel he has eaten better over the past two days, but think we got him behind with my milk coming in and being engorged (yes people, the girls were like rocks! They were so hard, I couldn't even pump, but applying heat to them worked great!).
At birth, he weighed 6 lbs 3ozs.
Leaving the hospital he weighed 5lbs 9 ozs.
Yesterday he was 5lbs 13 ozs. She wanted him to be back to birth weight by now.
Thanks you for all the advice.
Meredith
-----------------------
Good morning,
Only a mother e-mails at 2 am. I think you have a good handle on it. He probably got a little behind with the engorgement. He should be eating at least 8 times per day for 15-20 minutes minimum, could be as many as 12 times with cluster feeding. He should be wetting 5-6 diapers and at least one stool (could be many). If he is doing this he should be doing well. Drink only to thirst, 8-10 glasses per day. Not gallons. Rest. The next 24 hours (before your next pediatrician's appt) should be all about breastfeeding and rest. Do not go out, or shop or anything. Just allow him to eat whenever he wants and wake him if he has not woken by 3 hours after his last feed. Put him skin-to-skin on your chest at 3 hours and wait for feeding cues. He should be eating within 30 minutes.
I am on tomorrow. What time is your pediatrician's appt? If he has not gained weight I can show you how to use the Supplemental nursing system. We have them here (MUSC). You just put breastmilk or formula in a bottle that has a tube that goes down to the breast. When he latches the tube goes in his mouth also so he will get extra breastmilk or formula when he sucks.
This is not uncommon. Don't worry. Try to stay relaxed and focused solely on Tillman and breastfeeding today.
Page me tomorrow after the pediatrician's appt. or if you have any questions.
MUSC Lactation Service
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Conair and Dyson make great babysitters....
Before leaving the hospital we were told to watch a video called "The Happiest Baby on the Block." Boy, are we glad we did! This video explains the 5 S's. One of the S's is SHHHHH (shushing)! You can make the noise with your mouth, but you must over come the baby's cry to soothe the child. The video we watched said the SHHH noise could even come in the form of a vacuum, hair dryer, etc.
Well, I am here to tell you that I am writing this post beside my Dyson! It works! Nick and I have used the hair dryer tonight as well...it works! I must say the sound of the Dyson and Conair are much better than a screaming baby's cry. This "white noise" works instantly to make them stop crying, and don't worry about the sound being too loud for your child. The sounds in the womb are much louder says Dr. Karp, the 5 S's expert.
I used the Dyson in between him latching to breastfeed. I have a very impatient child when hungry. The vacuum allows him to calm down enough to latch.
We used the hair dryer to get his diaper changed and swaddle him before the feedings.
We are very grateful to our lactation consultant in the hospital, Barbara, who encouraged us to watch the video!
What are the other S's? Sucking, Swaddling, Swinging (or shake, but not vigorously...they demonstrated the technique on the video), and Side Sleeping.
We have used all of these techniques. More to come on how we've done with the other S's.
Check out the video below of Dr. Karp demonstrating his magic of the 5 S's!
PS after looking at my hair dryer closely, I have a Vidal Sassoon....
Well, I am here to tell you that I am writing this post beside my Dyson! It works! Nick and I have used the hair dryer tonight as well...it works! I must say the sound of the Dyson and Conair are much better than a screaming baby's cry. This "white noise" works instantly to make them stop crying, and don't worry about the sound being too loud for your child. The sounds in the womb are much louder says Dr. Karp, the 5 S's expert.
I used the Dyson in between him latching to breastfeed. I have a very impatient child when hungry. The vacuum allows him to calm down enough to latch.
We used the hair dryer to get his diaper changed and swaddle him before the feedings.
We are very grateful to our lactation consultant in the hospital, Barbara, who encouraged us to watch the video!
What are the other S's? Sucking, Swaddling, Swinging (or shake, but not vigorously...they demonstrated the technique on the video), and Side Sleeping.
We have used all of these techniques. More to come on how we've done with the other S's.
Check out the video below of Dr. Karp demonstrating his magic of the 5 S's!
PS after looking at my hair dryer closely, I have a Vidal Sassoon....
Friday, September 17, 2010
Sunday's Child
I've grown up with the poem below. Every time we would hear of a birth, my mom would quote this poem. I was a Wednesday child-full of woe. Lucky me for my mom to have a planned birth on a Wednesday and for it to be April Fool's Day as well!
Nick was born on a Saturday, and I couldn't agree more that he fits the Saturday child profile-works hard for its living.
Tillman was set up for a pretty good out come. He was due on a Tuesday-full of grace and born on a Sunday-blithe and bonny and good and gay!
Here's our blithe and bonny and good and gay child!
He fits this definition 20 hours out of the day. He turns into a Wednesday child between 2-6 AM, but we love him just the same. We think his days and nights are mixed up for sure. He has little patients for breastfeeding during those hours, and really just wants to be held and suck your finger. Nick, my mom, and my finger have been in his mouth more than he has breastfed since being home from the hospital! We're not using a paci yet, as we are told it can affect his interest in a breastfeeding latch.
Monday's Child (poem name)
Monday's child is fair of face,
Tuesday's child is full of grace,
Wednesday's child is full of woe,
Thursday's child has far to go,
Friday's child is loving and giving,
Saturday's child works hard for its living,
And a child that's born on the Sabbath day
Is blithe and bonny and good and gay.
"‘Monday's Child’ is one of many fortune-telling songs, popular as nursery rhymes for children. It is supposed to tell a child's character or future based on the day they were born. As with all nursery rhymes, there are many versions. It has a Roud Folk Song Index number of 19526." Published in 1838.
Nick was born on a Saturday, and I couldn't agree more that he fits the Saturday child profile-works hard for its living.
Tillman was set up for a pretty good out come. He was due on a Tuesday-full of grace and born on a Sunday-blithe and bonny and good and gay!
Here's our blithe and bonny and good and gay child!
Monday's Child (poem name)
Monday's child is fair of face,
Tuesday's child is full of grace,
Wednesday's child is full of woe,
Thursday's child has far to go,
Friday's child is loving and giving,
Saturday's child works hard for its living,
And a child that's born on the Sabbath day
Is blithe and bonny and good and gay.
"‘Monday's Child’ is one of many fortune-telling songs, popular as nursery rhymes for children. It is supposed to tell a child's character or future based on the day they were born. As with all nursery rhymes, there are many versions. It has a Roud Folk Song Index number of 19526." Published in 1838.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Preparing For Birth During Final Weeks Of Pregnancy
I would suggest to anyone now after going through the labor process to talk about your wants and needs before the big day. As I found out, the big day is not the due date always and can come at any time. Nick, Dr. Villers and I were all on the same page. Check out this video of us discussing with Dr. Villers our questions, thoughts, and wants about our experience.
Well....embedding the video won't work for me, so here's the link.
We were hoping for a normal delivery, but it just wasn't in the cards for us with Tillman since my water broke prematurely (before I was in labor). However, the birthplan forced me to think about the possibility of a c-section. I am sure glad we filled out the plan!
Well....embedding the video won't work for me, so here's the link.
We were hoping for a normal delivery, but it just wasn't in the cards for us with Tillman since my water broke prematurely (before I was in labor). However, the birthplan forced me to think about the possibility of a c-section. I am sure glad we filled out the plan!
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Picture from Cici's Camera
Picture right before going to OR for C-section
CiCi and JRS with one drugged up mommy ready for after the C-section
Hour 21 after breaking water
Meet Tillman Alexander
Got a small cut on his head from the procedure
Here he is checking out the world
Monday, September 13, 2010
Tillman's Birthday!
Tillman surprised us yesterday at 2:45AM with my water breaking (premature membrane rupture). I labored until the late night, and Dr. Villers concluded a c-section was needed. They are unsure, but think I acquired an infection since my water broke before being in labor.
Tillman is 6 lbs 3 ozs and 19 1/2 inches long and was born on 9/12/10 at 11:00PM. We are certainly proud parents!
More news to come in the upcoming days. Hope to be back to blogging soon.
Tillman is 6 lbs 3 ozs and 19 1/2 inches long and was born on 9/12/10 at 11:00PM. We are certainly proud parents!
More news to come in the upcoming days. Hope to be back to blogging soon.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Dimple Dilated
That was "the word" from my appointment yesterday. I didn't think it was a common term, but I "google" everything, and sure enough, dimple dilated is a thing. Dr. Villers also said that I'm still around 50% effaced. In previous post, I've expressed that the checks are uncomfortable, but I guess I didn't know until yesterday these checks get worse after dilation starts (yuck...I just can't write it; if you have to know, email me). I'm hoping Tillman will hang in there next week. Dr. Villers is out of town next week, and I'll see her again on September 20th.
Dear Tillman, be patient for 10 more days at least for Mommy and Daddy. I know that patients doesn't run in the family, but impress us all and show us how it is done, buddy!
Last night Nick and I went to a newborn class, 1-2-3 For Parents To Be, at MUSC. I think it was helpful, but we got out way past my bedtime of 9PM (yawn!). I just didn't feel like I could leave--too scared to miss something I didn't know (and I don't know much about newborns).
Some things we learned
~the first poop is AWFUL! You must get it off the baby ASAP. It is better to use lotion to wipe up the baby than baby wipes. This stuff is like tar and is sticky! YUCK!
~Breastfed babies poop should not stink. When they poop, their diaper should have yellow liquid stuff with "seseme seed" like things in it.
~Crib bumpers are dangerous (what?) and should not be in the crib. We are to take it out before he sleeps there....SIDS.
~We're the only couple, in all our classes, who have a birth plan. Most of the dads didn't know they could cut the cord. For your sanity, fill out a birthplan. It really does help to create the experience you hope to have.
Dear Tillman, be patient for 10 more days at least for Mommy and Daddy. I know that patients doesn't run in the family, but impress us all and show us how it is done, buddy!
Last night Nick and I went to a newborn class, 1-2-3 For Parents To Be, at MUSC. I think it was helpful, but we got out way past my bedtime of 9PM (yawn!). I just didn't feel like I could leave--too scared to miss something I didn't know (and I don't know much about newborns).
Some things we learned
~the first poop is AWFUL! You must get it off the baby ASAP. It is better to use lotion to wipe up the baby than baby wipes. This stuff is like tar and is sticky! YUCK!
~Breastfed babies poop should not stink. When they poop, their diaper should have yellow liquid stuff with "seseme seed" like things in it.
~Crib bumpers are dangerous (what?) and should not be in the crib. We are to take it out before he sleeps there....SIDS.
~We're the only couple, in all our classes, who have a birth plan. Most of the dads didn't know they could cut the cord. For your sanity, fill out a birthplan. It really does help to create the experience you hope to have.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Hormones
I think it is really funny how people speak of pregnant lady hormones. In my case, I've hear men refer to them more than women which is truly frustrating. Speaking from my case, I don't really think I have been off my rocker the past 9 months. I know you are thinking..."oh, she just doesn't know," but Nick will be the first to back me up on this.
Beyond the hormone subject, I also haven't felt it to be too necessary to pull "the preggo card." When I refer to this, I mean-walking slow and big-foot like, using pregnancy as an excuse (I can't pick up that 5 lb box...), taking those annoying deep breaths, rubbing the belly (you don't have to do this...everyone knows you are pregnant!), holding the back and leaning backwards (PS I've hear this only is a quick relief and really isn't good for you) just to name a few!
So...it really infuriates me when someone says..."oh, you know...she is pregnant, and her hormones are all out of wack." Lucky for them, they haven't mentioned this to my face, but seriously? I love to have someone talk that way about me...not!!! I think this is their way of making themselves feel good by doing inexcusable things and having an excuse for themselves (oh, the pregnant part of the lady is the problem....If she wasn't pregnant, it wouldn't be this way). However, when you do inexcusable things, you can expect a reaction-pregnant or not!
There you have it for today...hormones are not an excuse for Mrs Pregnant in the Lowcountry, and they are certainly not a "blame" excuse for others!
Beyond the hormone subject, I also haven't felt it to be too necessary to pull "the preggo card." When I refer to this, I mean-walking slow and big-foot like, using pregnancy as an excuse (I can't pick up that 5 lb box...), taking those annoying deep breaths, rubbing the belly (you don't have to do this...everyone knows you are pregnant!), holding the back and leaning backwards (PS I've hear this only is a quick relief and really isn't good for you) just to name a few!
So...it really infuriates me when someone says..."oh, you know...she is pregnant, and her hormones are all out of wack." Lucky for them, they haven't mentioned this to my face, but seriously? I love to have someone talk that way about me...not!!! I think this is their way of making themselves feel good by doing inexcusable things and having an excuse for themselves (oh, the pregnant part of the lady is the problem....If she wasn't pregnant, it wouldn't be this way). However, when you do inexcusable things, you can expect a reaction-pregnant or not!
There you have it for today...hormones are not an excuse for Mrs Pregnant in the Lowcountry, and they are certainly not a "blame" excuse for others!
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
38 weeks
This week I packed Tillman's bag and 1/2 my bag for the hospital. They tell you to pack all of that stuff in advance, but that just isn't possible. I can't pack some things until the last minute, as I use them everyday! I just hope I'm at home when this whole labor thing starts! It would make it a lot easier, but if I am not, I have a list going of everything that needs to go in the bag before it comes to the hospital.
Here's the babycenter.com update: "Your baby has really plumped up. He weighs about 6.8 pounds and he's over 19 1/2 inches long (like a leek). He has a firm grasp, which you'll soon be able to test when you hold his hand for the first time! His organs have matured and are ready for life outside the womb.
Wondering what color your baby's eyes will be? You may not be able to tell right away. If he's born with brown eyes, they'll likely stay brown. If he's born with steel gray or dark blue eyes, they may stay gray or blue or turn green, hazel, or brown by the time he's 9 months old. That's because a child's irises (the colored part of the eye) may gain more pigment in the months after he's born, but they usually won't get "lighter" or more blue. (Green, hazel, and brown eyes have more pigment than gray or blue eyes.)"
I am really hoping Tillman has blue eyes. Nick's eyes are brownish and mine are blue. I know we'll love him just the same, but it is a wish. We also have other random wishes for Tillman-hope he doesn't get eaten by mosquitoes like I do, hope he doesn't have dry skin like his dad, hope he gets the skinny genes, hope he get the smart and athletic genes (from somewhere), etc. Most of all, we hope the little guy is healthy!
To help with the healthy part, we have decided not to do anything to induce labor, we want to keep him in his happy place for as long as possible. Many people schedule their due date to be induced, have membranes stripped, do random exercises to move the process along, but we've decided that isn't for us. We're going to let nature do its thing. If nothing has progressed after his due date, we'll look at options. Dr. Villers says he has to come out at 41 weeks (no value to keep him in after that point as the placenta gets old), so we know he'll be born on or before September 28th.
Friday, September 3, 2010
Auntie M x 5 as of 12:23PM yesterday!
I've been "Auntie M" for 8 years today. My my first nephew, Colin, was born September 3rd, 2002 (Happy Birthday, buddy). Yesterday (90210...how cool!), my 5th nephew was born, Lance, at 12:23PM weighing 7 lbs 10 ozs and 18 inches long. My parents report Lance has a full head of hair!
We have lots of September birthdays in my family. My brother's birthday is Sunday (Sept 5th), one of my brother-in-law's birthday is the 13th, Tillman is due the 21st, and my other brother-in-law's birthday ends the month.
While my sister was in labor in Columbia, I had my 37 week appointment with Dr. Villers. We did the "good ol' check," and she said I am right on time (she doesn't think I'll be early...fine with me!). She thinks I'm 50%-75% effaced, and have definitely progressed since my last check. She said it is hard to tell since it is my first pregnancy, and I haven't started to dilate. When one dilates, it is easier for the physician to measure/guesstimate effacement. With first pregnancy, the women effaces then dilates. With multiple pregnancies, a women will efface and dilate together.
Happy LABOR day weekend! Be safe!
Thursday, September 2, 2010
"Publix" will be Tillman's first word
At the shower in August, the hostesses had all the girl/ladies fill out a prediction sheet about Tillman. One of the items on the list was "what will his first word be?" One of my silly friend, Stefanie, said it would be "Publix!" After yesterday, I think it will be! I had a HUGE coupon success at my local Publix on Huggies diapers!
If you are in that diaper buying phase or need an excellent gift for a shower, you've got to check out this deal!
First, you need to join the Publix baby club. They send all sorts of coupons. My first packet of coupons is expiring on Sept 4th, so I was in a "mad dash" to use the ones I thought I could. Grandma's can join the baby club too (Mom, if you are reading, please join!). For this deal, I used the baby club coupon of buy one box of diapers and get wipes for free.
If you are in that diaper buying phase or need an excellent gift for a shower, you've got to check out this deal!
First, you need to join the Publix baby club. They send all sorts of coupons. My first packet of coupons is expiring on Sept 4th, so I was in a "mad dash" to use the ones I thought I could. Grandma's can join the baby club too (Mom, if you are reading, please join!). For this deal, I used the baby club coupon of buy one box of diapers and get wipes for free.
Scope out the service desk for this flyer. Great coupons inside including a $5 off any Huggies diaper and $2 off Huggies wipes (these are store coupons...only can be used at Publix).
Huggies coupons are easy to find in the paper or online! There are plenty opportunities to get manufacturer coupons. Remember, I mentioned all the other coupons are STORE coupons including the baby club coupons? Well, this is where the awesome coupon policy of Publix come into play. They offer STACKING! Stacking allows you to use one store coupon and one manufacturer coupon for the same product (two coupons on one product).
With my stacking, I was able to get two containers of wipes and two packs of diapers for $4.97!!
The receipt is blurry, but here is the break down.
Store Coupons: $22.99
Vendor Coupons: $5.50
Total Savings: $28.49
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
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