I am often at the bar counter in the morning, in my pjs.
Neglect
4 years ago
All of Us
At I's wedding in July 2019. Back row from left: My oldest D (27) and his wife B (27), My 6th K (16), My 3rd L (23), My 5th T (19), and my 7th A (14). Front row from left: My 9th Z (11), My 10th M (9), Me!, My new son-in-law L (23), My 4th I (22), my love D, My 2nd J (25), and my 8th M (11).
Sunday, March 02, 2008
Monday, February 18, 2008
Don't think much of it
I think his expression in these photos says it all. Hopefully he'll like it better when he's a little older.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
What Happened Next
By the time we got home, M. was very out of sorts, crying a lot and refusing to nurse. He'd been intermittently refusing to nurse throughout the day, going 4+ hours without nursing, then guzzling, then crying afterwards. He was definitely uncomfortable. I suspected ear infections, so in the morning I took him and T., who was still feverish, to the pediatrician. T's oxygen level was a little low, but she responded to a breathing treatment, and they determined that she had walking pneumonia. When they checked M's oxygen levels, they were in the low 90s. They gave him a breathing treatment, checked again, and they hadn't improved. In addition, his respiratory rate was too high and he was working hard to breathe--his chest was really sucking in as he was using a lot of muscle power to breathe. So I got the bad news--he needed to go to the ER. I called Daryl, who didn't answer, and our babysitter, who said she'd meet me at the pediatrician's office to pick up T., K. and A. She lives 30 minutes away, however, and when they heard that they said it was too long, and that she should meet me at the ER. I headed to the ER, and along the way I got hold of Daryl, who said he'd meet me there.
Once we were at the ER, and M. had been thoroughly examined, they said they wanted to observe him to see what happened when he went to sleep. They administered another breathing treatment and x-rayed him. He didn't have pneumonia, which was good news. When he fell asleep, however, his oxygen levels fell into the low 80s, which was unacceptable. When asleep, he wasn't working as hard to breathe and consequently he was getting a lot less air. He needed oxygen during those times, so he was admitted. He had bronchiolitis, which it turned out was caused by RSV. They swabbed his nose and ran a culture to determine what organism was causing it, in order to know what to expect based on the typical course of that particular illness.
As the evening went on, his oxygen levels were very good even while sleeping, and he was receiving only a tiny amount of supplemental oxygen. Since they had told me that he would have to not need oxygen for 24 hours before he could be released, I requested that we try turning it off around 8pm to see how he did. The respiratory therapist was happy to do that. The rest of the evening and through the night his oxygen levels were in the low 90s when asleep without any oxygen, which they said was acceptable.
His roommate also had bronchiolitis. I was never told whether she also had RSV. Hopefully she did, so they weren't exchanging germs. She was 11 months old, and her father and grandmother visited, but did not stay the night with her. She was sicker than M., and had previously been in intensive care. Her condition, combined with being alone, made her cry most of the night. The nurses did come in and attend to her, a lengthy routine of suctioning her, changing her diaper, giving her a fresh bottle, and comforting her, which she cried through. The staff levels aren't sufficient to provide continuous one on one with a child. I felt sorry for her, and for me, as I was totally exhausted.
Our room was small, filled with 2 giant cribs and other equipment. Parents weren't allowed to use the bathroom, despite the fact that neither of the patients in our room could use it, because it was shared between 2 rooms, and there were older children in the adjoining room that did use the bathroom. I had to walk a long way down the hall to a restroom, and leave M. behind, since he was attached to an oxygen tube and pulse-oximeter. There was a short, narrow padded bench in the room for each child's parent(s). It was only about 4 feet long, and impossible to sleep on. Since M. likes to sleep with me, and I was worried that if I feel asleep on the bench while holding him I'd drop him, and his crib was bigger than my bench, I got into the crib with him. I did fall asleep for a short while, despite the crying and constant interruptions.
Then I was rudely awakened by a doctor that I hadn't met. (This is a teaching hospital and consequently you meet many different doctors, residents, medical students, etc.) She wanted to know if M. had a wet diaper on or not, because the previous diaper had not been weighed, which is what they were doing to measure output and be sure M. was not becoming dehydrated. I had left it in the proper place but apparently the nurse had forgotten. The doctor informed me that if M. didn't have a wet diaper on they would have to put in an IV right away because that would mean he was dehydrated. I knew he had a very wet diaper on because he'd fallen asleep with it needing to be changed, and I hadn't wanted to wake him to do it, so I left it on, thinking he'd wake up later and I'd do it then. He was now sound asleep, of course, but I had to change it immediately. I handed it to her, saying, "Here--now you can weigh it." She took it with a look of disgust, then set it down and said, "A nurse will do that." An IV was not necessary.
In the morning our pediatrician came. She felt that he was doing much better and could go home. Of course, it took a long time to get the paperwork completed, etc. and he was actually discharged around 11am.
This was the University of Michigan's Mott Children's Hospital. They are in the process of building a new children's hospital, which the nurse told me will feature private rooms that contain a bed for the parent. This is essential, since if a child were there for a lengthy stay the abysmal accommodations would really take a toll on the parents. I know that the hospital expects parents to stay and help care for their child because Daryl's niece had surgery there recently, and in the pre-op packet her parents received was a letter stating that.
I am so lucky that we have never had a child admitted to the hospital before! It was a learning experience.
M. is fine now. He recovered quickly, thankfully.
Once we were at the ER, and M. had been thoroughly examined, they said they wanted to observe him to see what happened when he went to sleep. They administered another breathing treatment and x-rayed him. He didn't have pneumonia, which was good news. When he fell asleep, however, his oxygen levels fell into the low 80s, which was unacceptable. When asleep, he wasn't working as hard to breathe and consequently he was getting a lot less air. He needed oxygen during those times, so he was admitted. He had bronchiolitis, which it turned out was caused by RSV. They swabbed his nose and ran a culture to determine what organism was causing it, in order to know what to expect based on the typical course of that particular illness.
As the evening went on, his oxygen levels were very good even while sleeping, and he was receiving only a tiny amount of supplemental oxygen. Since they had told me that he would have to not need oxygen for 24 hours before he could be released, I requested that we try turning it off around 8pm to see how he did. The respiratory therapist was happy to do that. The rest of the evening and through the night his oxygen levels were in the low 90s when asleep without any oxygen, which they said was acceptable.
His roommate also had bronchiolitis. I was never told whether she also had RSV. Hopefully she did, so they weren't exchanging germs. She was 11 months old, and her father and grandmother visited, but did not stay the night with her. She was sicker than M., and had previously been in intensive care. Her condition, combined with being alone, made her cry most of the night. The nurses did come in and attend to her, a lengthy routine of suctioning her, changing her diaper, giving her a fresh bottle, and comforting her, which she cried through. The staff levels aren't sufficient to provide continuous one on one with a child. I felt sorry for her, and for me, as I was totally exhausted.
Our room was small, filled with 2 giant cribs and other equipment. Parents weren't allowed to use the bathroom, despite the fact that neither of the patients in our room could use it, because it was shared between 2 rooms, and there were older children in the adjoining room that did use the bathroom. I had to walk a long way down the hall to a restroom, and leave M. behind, since he was attached to an oxygen tube and pulse-oximeter. There was a short, narrow padded bench in the room for each child's parent(s). It was only about 4 feet long, and impossible to sleep on. Since M. likes to sleep with me, and I was worried that if I feel asleep on the bench while holding him I'd drop him, and his crib was bigger than my bench, I got into the crib with him. I did fall asleep for a short while, despite the crying and constant interruptions.
Then I was rudely awakened by a doctor that I hadn't met. (This is a teaching hospital and consequently you meet many different doctors, residents, medical students, etc.) She wanted to know if M. had a wet diaper on or not, because the previous diaper had not been weighed, which is what they were doing to measure output and be sure M. was not becoming dehydrated. I had left it in the proper place but apparently the nurse had forgotten. The doctor informed me that if M. didn't have a wet diaper on they would have to put in an IV right away because that would mean he was dehydrated. I knew he had a very wet diaper on because he'd fallen asleep with it needing to be changed, and I hadn't wanted to wake him to do it, so I left it on, thinking he'd wake up later and I'd do it then. He was now sound asleep, of course, but I had to change it immediately. I handed it to her, saying, "Here--now you can weigh it." She took it with a look of disgust, then set it down and said, "A nurse will do that." An IV was not necessary.
In the morning our pediatrician came. She felt that he was doing much better and could go home. Of course, it took a long time to get the paperwork completed, etc. and he was actually discharged around 11am.
This was the University of Michigan's Mott Children's Hospital. They are in the process of building a new children's hospital, which the nurse told me will feature private rooms that contain a bed for the parent. This is essential, since if a child were there for a lengthy stay the abysmal accommodations would really take a toll on the parents. I know that the hospital expects parents to stay and help care for their child because Daryl's niece had surgery there recently, and in the pre-op packet her parents received was a letter stating that.
I am so lucky that we have never had a child admitted to the hospital before! It was a learning experience.
M. is fine now. He recovered quickly, thankfully.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Heading Home
On Monday morning we went to downtown Disney, where we bought some souvenirs. I. had begged and begged for this charm necklace.
M. seemed worse, and I was worried, but didn't want to miss my flight and stay in Orlando without my family. I consulted with our pediatrician and decided to fly home.
By the next morning, however...
More climbing
Left to right--L., age 12; K., age 4; A., age3; I., age 10.
A. was feeling much better this day. The steroids had worn off and she was happy all day. T. was ill, and we rented her a stroller to ride in, which was a big help.
Cold Day
K. is quite a character, and wore his ears over his hood all day.
The temperature had dropped dramatically overnight, and it was quite chilly on Sunday.
Once again, the Magic Kingdom was open until 11pm and we had planned to head over there after the Animal Kingdom closed at 6pm, but by now the temperatures had dropped into the 40s and it was windy, so we decided we were done.
I was disappointed because I'd really wanted to go back there. There was a lot we didn't do, due to long lines, a sick toddler, and it being the first day and we hadn't learned yet how to maximize our time.
Overall, considering the circumstances, we had a really good time.
Getting Sick
On Sunday I was awoken very early by M., who had coughed more each day and gradually become more and more congested. He was now coughing a LOT and appeared to be having trouble breathing. His ribs were sucking in and out, which the dr. had told me to watch out for. So off we went to the ER around 7am, which was conveniently next door to our hotel.
They listened to him, did a chest x-ray, and took his pulse-oxygen levels. They determined that he was fine, that the congestion was all in his throat and nose, and said that the chest movements we observed were being caused by the fact that he was attempting to nose breathe through a stuffed nose, so he had to work harder to draw air, but that if he'd open his mouth he would have no trouble breathing. I was given saline and a bulb syringe with instructions to suction him vigorously.
When we returned to the hotel room around 9am, T. told me that she didn't feel well. I took her temperature--101F. Gave her some Motrin and off we went to the Animal Kingdom.
Wearing my baby
I carried M. in the pouch a lot of the time, and the rest of the time he rode in his carseat in the stroller.
Those who didn't have slickers got really wet
The Magic Kingdom was open until 11pm, and we had intended to go back there in the evening after Epcot, but the younger kids were exhausted, and soaked to the skin, so Daryl dropped the older kids at the Magic Kingdom, took the young ones and I to the hotel, and then joined the older ones for some late night fun. It continued to rain all evening, just not as hard.
Wearing our slickers
We spent the majority of Saturday at Epcot, which began cold and foggy, quickly became hot and muggy, later changed to perfect, and then at dusk it began to pour--literally a torrential downpour.
The Princess in her Kingdom
Our first full day, Friday, we spent the morning in the Magic Kingdom and then rushed to Hollywood studios, where we had dinner reservations at a too fancy and too expensive restaurant, but they included reserved seats for a fantastic show. One of the things we learned was that 2 restaurant reservations for the same day is difficult, because it takes a long time to go from park to park, and it was stressful to try and do it at a certain time. You can't get a seat in a sit-down restaurant without a reservation, however.
Tired Princess
Poor little thing, she was also very fatigued, and every evening ended like this for her.
A. and K. with Pooh
A.'s mood varied from moment to moment over the next 2 days, going from happy to having a hysterical tantrum in a matter of moments. I have been told that moodiness is a side effect of steroids and I have to believe that was the cause, because she is normally much happier. Unfortunately, she chose demands that we couldn't meet (we were trying to indulge her) at inconvenient times, like deciding that she MUST have some Cheezits right NOW just as we reach the front of a line. Her breathing was fine and her fever gone by Friday, so we were able to stop carrying the nebulizer around.
Disney
We did it--something we've considered before, but never wanted to spend the money or brave the crowds--we took the family to Disneyworld.
Overall, we had a good time, but there were a few snafus.
Mon. Jan. 14--I take A. to the dr. because I believe her ear infections have either recurred or never gotten better. I am correct, and both eardrums are bulging and pus filled. She prescribes a different, bad tasting antibiotic. Later that day, K., who had had a cough since Christmas, begins running a low grade fever.
Tues. Jan. 15--Late in the afternoon A. spikes a high fever--103-104. Motrin does not bring the fever down. K. still has a low grade fever.
Wed. Jan. 16--A. still has very high fever upon waking, and is now panting. Daryl and I take K. and A. to the dr., where A. is diagnosed with pneumonia, and K. with walking pneumonia, otherwise known as mycoplasma. A. is given 3 breathing treatments in the office, and we are given our first nebulizer to take home (and on vacation). A. is also put on steroids, and both kids get Zithromax. The dr. says it is OK to travel in the morning with A., but warns us that it could be less fun and more hassles. Ya think? Baby M. begins coughing later that evening.
Thurs. Jan. 17--We fly to Florida, nebulizer in hand, giving A. a last minute breathing treatment before boarding the plane. By the time we arrive, get our luggage, rent a car, check into hotel, and get a bite to eat it is early evening. We head to the Magic Kingdom, where the big kids head off for roller coasters and we manage to ride one ride before lining up to see a light parade that occurs at 7pm. A. has a huge meltdown, wants to go "home", wants to be held instead of riding in stroller, and held only by mama. At close to 40 lbs. that was a challenge after the first 5 minutes. The parade was delayed, and she kept crying. By the time it began, she had fallen asleep and I was able to transfer her to Daryl's stronger arms. The parade was fantastic, and it was followed by the best fireworks I've ever seen. The park closed at 8pm and we went back and the oldest 5 kids went swimming, while the little ones went right to bed.
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Saturday, February 02, 2008
Meme
Gretchen at A House Full of Boys and Dot at Flowergirl6 both tagged me for this meme.
The rules for this meme are:
(1) Link to the person that tagged you.
(2) Post the rules on your blog.
(3) Share six non-important things/habits/quirks about yourself.
(4) Tag six random people at the end of your post by linking to their blogs.
(5) Let each random person know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their website.
Six non-important habits/quirks about myself.
1) I must drink water out of a glass cup, not plastic. I need a new cup after meals because there might be a dirty lip print on it.
2) I have to have a glass or bottle of water nearby at all times. I never leave home without a bottle.
3) I wash my babies' clothes in Dreft for their entire first year.
4) I won't eat store bought cookies, only homemade.
5) I don't enjoy driving, although I certainly log enough hours behind the wheel.
6) I believe in soul mates, and that I am married to mine.
The rules for this meme are:
(1) Link to the person that tagged you.
(2) Post the rules on your blog.
(3) Share six non-important things/habits/quirks about yourself.
(4) Tag six random people at the end of your post by linking to their blogs.
(5) Let each random person know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their website.
Six non-important habits/quirks about myself.
1) I must drink water out of a glass cup, not plastic. I need a new cup after meals because there might be a dirty lip print on it.
2) I have to have a glass or bottle of water nearby at all times. I never leave home without a bottle.
3) I wash my babies' clothes in Dreft for their entire first year.
4) I won't eat store bought cookies, only homemade.
5) I don't enjoy driving, although I certainly log enough hours behind the wheel.
6) I believe in soul mates, and that I am married to mine.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
From online to IRL!
I had the privilege last week to meet in person these lovely ladies, that I have been corresponding with on a forum for mothers of large families for the past seven years! On the far right is the author of flowergirl6, a blog linked in my sidebar. Next to her is the author of this blog:
http://lotsoftots10.blogspot.com/index.html
that I have yet to add to my sidebar.
On the far left is the moderator of the board, Jenn aka Nosewiper.
It was really fun and I'm glad we had a chance to get together!
Birth Announcement
I finally sent out the birth announcement, which was this photo, taken when he was 8 days old, held in my hands. On the back side of the paper it was mounted on it said, in large font, "
We have been blessed again!"
That was followed by his name, time and date of birth, weight and length. Under that it said,
"Paula, Daryl, D...(all the kids's names) are so glad to have him!"
Avatar
This is the best Avatar I could find/make of myself for the message boards I participate in . Anyone have any better sites for me to visit?
Where I Got The Shirt
It only comes in youth sizes, so I couldn't get one for every child since several of mine now wear adult sizes! (Click the post title--it is a link to the website where I bought the shirt).
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Summing it up
The words on his shirt, "I am one of many blessings" describe our feelings about having a large family perfectly.
Monday, January 07, 2008
Friday, January 04, 2008
Christmas Letter
Greetings everyone! We sincerely hope that our letter finds you all healthy and happy.
We have just completed one of the busiest years of our lives. Although it was filled with good things, it was at times very intense. In January, we moved out of our home to facilitate the extensive renovations and building of an addition which were underway. We were lucky to find a nice house nearby. We were a little cramped, but it was only supposed to be until June. In March, we were elated to discover that we were expecting our eighth child! In May, we realized that our house wouldn't be ready until July. Also in May, Paula and Daryl celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary.
In early July, we went on vacation. This year, we decided to take an unadventurous but relaxing trip to northern Michigan, where we rented a house on Lake Michigan, and spent the week enjoying the beach--the waves, the sand, the wind, the beautiful thunderstorms. On our way home, we took a short detour and visited Mackinac Island. When we returned, it was obvious that our house wouldn't be ready in July, either. Luckily, our landlord had not rented our temporary home and we were able to stay there.
All year long, Daryl and Paula spent many hours each week having meetings with the architect and builder, doing research, shopping for materials, and making decisions related to the renovation project. The construction project entailed an addition, which included more bedrooms and bathrooms, a new family room, mudroom, and garage. It also included renovating the existing house both inside and out. Our house was formerly comprised of two sections, one built in the 1860s and the other added on in the 1970s. The 1970s section, which included the kitchen and dining room, was largely gutted and redone. The 1860s portions was structurally unchanged, but received a facelift and modernization, including new plumbing and wiring, refinished floors, new windows and fresh paint.
On September 22, we were overjoyed to move back into our house. The work was not complete, however--about one third remained to be done. For the next seven weeks there were tradesmen and painters on the job seven days a week. At that point all of the major work was complete, and we called the project to a halt to prepare for the next big event, the birth of the newest XXXXXX! Our son Mateo arrived on Nov.21, narrowly avoiding his siblings A and L's birthdays, which are Nov. 19 and 20, respectively. Paula and Mateo were home in time for Thanksgiving dinner, which was a joyous family celebration in our "new" home.
We still have a fairly lengthy list of details to be completed on the house in the new year, but for now we are just enjoying being here. Throughout all of this chaos and adventure, the kids were able to roll with the punches, keeping up their good grades and (mostly!) good attitudes.
D. is now 15, a sophomore in high school, still playing football and basketball and running track. He and his buddies were an indispensable help during our two moves.
J. is 13 and in the eighth grade. She is still our busiest family member, playing flute and piano, running track and cross country, horseback riding and playing basketball, and still finding time to be the one who reminds us to keep family traditions and to be a truly special big sister to her younger siblings.
L., now in the sixth grade, is the friendliest family member, with an active social life. At age 12 he is still dedicated to soccer, and has kept playing the piano and clarinet.
I. began playing the clarinet this year, and is still playing the piano and horseback riding. She is now 10 and in the fifth grade. Another social butterfly, she has many friends and is very outgoing.
T. is now 7 and in the 2nd grade. She is an avid reader and loves nothing more than to curl up with a good book. This year she began horseback riding with her sisters.
K., now 4, attends preschool. He has blossomed into an extremely inquisitive child, wanting to know about everything and peppering us with nonstop questions in his quest to learn more.
A., who recently turned 3, also attends preschool. She has changed dramatically from a toddler into a highly opinionated little girl. While last year she refused to wear dresses, now she loves to dress up and pink is her favorite color.
Mateo is a sweet, easygoing baby who loves to be held. He is unfazed by the constant hubbub and happy to be passed around from sibling to sibling.
Daryl is currently on sabbatical. While he is still working as hard as ever on his research and his work at XXXXXXXXX, he does not have to teach this academic year.
Paula is enjoying her fulfilling role as mother and household manager more than ever.
Wishing you a blessed and happy 2008,
The XXXXXXXs
Merry Christmas!
I hope all of you had a lovely holiday season, and the joy of the Lord was with you.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Birth Story
I'd had 2 sleepless nights in a row on Sunday and Monday, making me a tired and grumpy woman on Monday and Tuesday, Nov. 19 and 20, which were also A and Ls 3rd and 12th bdays, respectively. I pulled myself together, baked cakes and pulled off the birthday celebrations. Daryl joked with me on Tuesday morning that I only had to get through another 16 hours or so until it was tomorrow because the then baby would come, to get it's own birthday.
Tuesday night we finished birthday cake around 10pm and I headed to my room to lay down. I was watching TV, totally exhausted, when around 10:30pm I had a very strong contraction, stronger than any I'd had on the preceding nights. I had one every 10 minutes for the next half hour, but they weren't all as strong as the first. Daryl came to bed at 11pm and I warned him that this might be it.
During the next half hour, they shortened to about one every 7 minutes. I completed packing my bag during this time. I now told Daryl not to fall deeply asleep, as I wanted his help. He jokingly said, "Don't worry--I'll drive you." I told him I needed his help with dealing with the contractions, so he got out of bed and made an espresso. When he came upstairs again, he witnessed a difficult contraction. After it was over, he said, "Get dressed. We're going." I called labor and delivery triage to tell them we were on our way. Our big kids were still up, as Daryl had told them around 11:30pm that we were leaving soon. It was now midnight. We arrived around 12:30am. The contractions were now about 5-6 minutes apart. Some were very painful, others were not--they varied in intensity.
After running the obligatory monitor strip, asking me the same questions over several times, etc. the head triage nurse came in to check my cervix. She said she couldn't feel any cervix, just a lip and a bulging bag of waters. I was speechless when I realized that she meant that she couldn't feel my cervix because it was TOTALLY DILATED. She went to get a doctor, saying they would probably just break my water and I'd have a baby.
They quickly moved me to a room, and the doctor (Chief Resident) came in. He wanted to know if I'd consider waiting to see if they could give me the antibiotics for Group B Strep. For the antibiotics to be effective, they have to be administered 3 hours before baby arrives, or the baby will have to have a shot. He said it was possible that my water wouldn't break on it's own for 3 hours. I told him I didn't want to wait that long and didn't see the point, since most likely the baby would have to have the shot, and then I"d have taken the antibiotics (and continued laboring really hard) for nothing.
The Chief Resident went and got the Attending, who had the same discussion with Daryl and I. The doctors left the room briefly so we could think about it and dh and I were confused by how hard they were pushing this idea. At that point, the nurse, who was wonderful, told us, "Just tell them what you want to do." When they returned, we said that we wanted to break my water and have the baby. I also declined an IV but agreed to a heplock inserted in my hand in case of emergency, which doctors said was not negotiable due to the risk of heavy bleeding associated with having had so many babies.
Next the pediatrician came in, and we had the SAME discussion about antibiotics with her! I was now contracting every 3-4 minutes, and they were more intense. Finally, after convincing them all that we were SURE we didn't want to start the antibiotics, the Attending, who was a woman with a very warm and friendly midwife-like approach, checked me. She said that while I was fully dilated, the baby was too high to break my water without risking cord prolapse. She said that was an option if we were willing to risk it, but that the other 2 options were: continue laboring and wait for my water to break on it's own or she could poke a tiny hole in the amniotic sac with a needle, wait for some water to drain, and then fully rupture the membranes.
I chose the latter option. What she didn't tell me was that I had to stay laying down while she kept her hand inside, massaging the sac to drain the fluid. I did NOT appreciate this during contractions. After a few contractions, she felt it was safe to rupture the sac, but had some trouble getting it to break. When it did, there was a thick meconium. She had warned me that my cervix might recede to about 8cm after my water broke, as the bag was holding it open. This did happen. I had done some pushing during the draining of the fluid and after, but it wasn't very effective.
At this point she said I could do whatever I wanted, so I stood up. I knew instinctively that I needed gravity to bring the baby down and redilate the rest of the way. Standing up made the monitor lose the baby's signal, so they insisted I either lay back down, or allow a fetal scalp monitor. I allowed them to place the fetal scalp monitor. After another contraction, they checked me again and said I was 8-9cm, but so stretchy I could push any time I wanted. I still didn't feel the urge, so I kept standing. Halfway through the next contraction, I felt the urge to bear down really strong. I jumped back onto the bed and said "I need to push NOW." The staff scurried to break down the bed and call pediatrics (due to the meconium). I pushed through the rest of that contraction, and during the next one his head emerged. They encouraged me to continue pushing and another contraction began, but his shoulders were stuck. This happened so quickly that I was unaware of it, but suddenly the bed was flat (I had been pushing in a semi-upright position) and the nurse was pushing on my belly and there was a commotion around the baby. I said "What's going on?" but everyone just told me to push, so I did, and the Attending reached in and rotated his shoulder, and out he slid. He was only stuck for a matter of seconds.
They whisked him away to suction him. He was fine, and we were relieved. Meanwhile, I had a small gush of blood after he was born. This alarmed the doctors, who ordered pitocin and began attempting to free the placenta. Up to this point, until the baby was out, I had not shed a single drop of blood--no bloody show or other bleeding during labor, which was unusual for me. Although they told me that it normally takes 20-30 minutes for the placenta to emerge, they kept pulling at it and massaging my uterus. After 10-15 minutes, they handed me Mateo and I put him to the breast. He latched right on like a pro. I immediately felt cramping, and said to the nurse that it was either his nursing or the pitocin kicking in. She said it was definitely the nursing, since she was just getting the pitocin started. I did not hemorrhage or even bleed heavily despite the doctors' worries. Soon the placenta emerged, the doctors all left, and Daryl and I were alone with Mateo and the nurse.
He was born at 2:11am. Around 4:30am Daryl headed home. He had called home soon after Mateo arrived and told our oldest daughter the news.
The shoulder dystocia, which seemed like a big at the time, in retrospect does not, although the Attending told us that it was "a true obstetrical emergency". Looking back on other births, I can certainly remember the midwife reaching in and easing the shoulders out, especially with my biggest babies, but just being more low key about it.
If we hadn't spent all that time discussing whether or not to have antibiotics, Mateo probably would have arrived much sooner. I am truly glad that my water didn't break in the car, since there would have been a good chance that we wouldn't make it to the hospital. I would love to know how dilated I was when labor began that evening, since the number of truly hard contractions I had was probably 10-12 at most.
I had to stay 36 hours due to GBS, but the pediatrician released us after only 33 so I went home at 11am in time for Thanksgiving dinner!
And yes, now we have birthdays on Nov. 19, 20 and 21!
Tuesday night we finished birthday cake around 10pm and I headed to my room to lay down. I was watching TV, totally exhausted, when around 10:30pm I had a very strong contraction, stronger than any I'd had on the preceding nights. I had one every 10 minutes for the next half hour, but they weren't all as strong as the first. Daryl came to bed at 11pm and I warned him that this might be it.
During the next half hour, they shortened to about one every 7 minutes. I completed packing my bag during this time. I now told Daryl not to fall deeply asleep, as I wanted his help. He jokingly said, "Don't worry--I'll drive you." I told him I needed his help with dealing with the contractions, so he got out of bed and made an espresso. When he came upstairs again, he witnessed a difficult contraction. After it was over, he said, "Get dressed. We're going." I called labor and delivery triage to tell them we were on our way. Our big kids were still up, as Daryl had told them around 11:30pm that we were leaving soon. It was now midnight. We arrived around 12:30am. The contractions were now about 5-6 minutes apart. Some were very painful, others were not--they varied in intensity.
After running the obligatory monitor strip, asking me the same questions over several times, etc. the head triage nurse came in to check my cervix. She said she couldn't feel any cervix, just a lip and a bulging bag of waters. I was speechless when I realized that she meant that she couldn't feel my cervix because it was TOTALLY DILATED. She went to get a doctor, saying they would probably just break my water and I'd have a baby.
They quickly moved me to a room, and the doctor (Chief Resident) came in. He wanted to know if I'd consider waiting to see if they could give me the antibiotics for Group B Strep. For the antibiotics to be effective, they have to be administered 3 hours before baby arrives, or the baby will have to have a shot. He said it was possible that my water wouldn't break on it's own for 3 hours. I told him I didn't want to wait that long and didn't see the point, since most likely the baby would have to have the shot, and then I"d have taken the antibiotics (and continued laboring really hard) for nothing.
The Chief Resident went and got the Attending, who had the same discussion with Daryl and I. The doctors left the room briefly so we could think about it and dh and I were confused by how hard they were pushing this idea. At that point, the nurse, who was wonderful, told us, "Just tell them what you want to do." When they returned, we said that we wanted to break my water and have the baby. I also declined an IV but agreed to a heplock inserted in my hand in case of emergency, which doctors said was not negotiable due to the risk of heavy bleeding associated with having had so many babies.
Next the pediatrician came in, and we had the SAME discussion about antibiotics with her! I was now contracting every 3-4 minutes, and they were more intense. Finally, after convincing them all that we were SURE we didn't want to start the antibiotics, the Attending, who was a woman with a very warm and friendly midwife-like approach, checked me. She said that while I was fully dilated, the baby was too high to break my water without risking cord prolapse. She said that was an option if we were willing to risk it, but that the other 2 options were: continue laboring and wait for my water to break on it's own or she could poke a tiny hole in the amniotic sac with a needle, wait for some water to drain, and then fully rupture the membranes.
I chose the latter option. What she didn't tell me was that I had to stay laying down while she kept her hand inside, massaging the sac to drain the fluid. I did NOT appreciate this during contractions. After a few contractions, she felt it was safe to rupture the sac, but had some trouble getting it to break. When it did, there was a thick meconium. She had warned me that my cervix might recede to about 8cm after my water broke, as the bag was holding it open. This did happen. I had done some pushing during the draining of the fluid and after, but it wasn't very effective.
At this point she said I could do whatever I wanted, so I stood up. I knew instinctively that I needed gravity to bring the baby down and redilate the rest of the way. Standing up made the monitor lose the baby's signal, so they insisted I either lay back down, or allow a fetal scalp monitor. I allowed them to place the fetal scalp monitor. After another contraction, they checked me again and said I was 8-9cm, but so stretchy I could push any time I wanted. I still didn't feel the urge, so I kept standing. Halfway through the next contraction, I felt the urge to bear down really strong. I jumped back onto the bed and said "I need to push NOW." The staff scurried to break down the bed and call pediatrics (due to the meconium). I pushed through the rest of that contraction, and during the next one his head emerged. They encouraged me to continue pushing and another contraction began, but his shoulders were stuck. This happened so quickly that I was unaware of it, but suddenly the bed was flat (I had been pushing in a semi-upright position) and the nurse was pushing on my belly and there was a commotion around the baby. I said "What's going on?" but everyone just told me to push, so I did, and the Attending reached in and rotated his shoulder, and out he slid. He was only stuck for a matter of seconds.
They whisked him away to suction him. He was fine, and we were relieved. Meanwhile, I had a small gush of blood after he was born. This alarmed the doctors, who ordered pitocin and began attempting to free the placenta. Up to this point, until the baby was out, I had not shed a single drop of blood--no bloody show or other bleeding during labor, which was unusual for me. Although they told me that it normally takes 20-30 minutes for the placenta to emerge, they kept pulling at it and massaging my uterus. After 10-15 minutes, they handed me Mateo and I put him to the breast. He latched right on like a pro. I immediately felt cramping, and said to the nurse that it was either his nursing or the pitocin kicking in. She said it was definitely the nursing, since she was just getting the pitocin started. I did not hemorrhage or even bleed heavily despite the doctors' worries. Soon the placenta emerged, the doctors all left, and Daryl and I were alone with Mateo and the nurse.
He was born at 2:11am. Around 4:30am Daryl headed home. He had called home soon after Mateo arrived and told our oldest daughter the news.
The shoulder dystocia, which seemed like a big at the time, in retrospect does not, although the Attending told us that it was "a true obstetrical emergency". Looking back on other births, I can certainly remember the midwife reaching in and easing the shoulders out, especially with my biggest babies, but just being more low key about it.
If we hadn't spent all that time discussing whether or not to have antibiotics, Mateo probably would have arrived much sooner. I am truly glad that my water didn't break in the car, since there would have been a good chance that we wouldn't make it to the hospital. I would love to know how dilated I was when labor began that evening, since the number of truly hard contractions I had was probably 10-12 at most.
I had to stay 36 hours due to GBS, but the pediatrician released us after only 33 so I went home at 11am in time for Thanksgiving dinner!
And yes, now we have birthdays on Nov. 19, 20 and 21!
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Family room
This is the family room. The main entrance is immediately to the left, at the end of the slate walkway. This room is a new addition.
Dining area looking toward fireplace
Now I am standing on the slate near the buffet. The fireplace was modified to have a window. In the future it will be fit with gas jets. For now, we can still burn wood in it (we need to put the giant grate back in front of the window).
Dining area looking toward kitchen
Now I am standing on the slate, looking at the kitchen. You can see the stone wall in the background and the backside of the bar.
Dining room looking toward buffet and family room
Formerly our house consisted of a part built in 1862 and an addition built on in the 1970s. During this renovation, we gave the 1862 house a facelift, gutted and mostly redid the 1970s part, and added another addition. From this vantage point in the dining area, you can see the slate walkway between the dining area and family room. This is the 1970s portion of the house and it previously ended at the slate. There was a window there, looking out at our nonfunctional pool. This room had the large beams you see going across, but they were embedded in a drywall ceiling, so the room was very dark. Above this room was an unfinished attic. We removed the ceiling, leaving the beams, and added a wood ceiling with skylights. Now the room is light and bright!
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Halloween 2007
Here they are: Burger King, a Deviless, a wacky lady, Santa, and the fairy princess. L. had already left and is not in the photo, but he was a party animal, which consisted of a monkey mask wearing a hat that said party animal. He trick or treated with a friend whose older brother drove them around in a golf cart, resulting in WAY too much candy being acquired.
The 3 girls walked around together, and Daryl and I took the 2 little ones around riding in their wagon. A's fairy princess dress was a tad too long, so she had to be helped up the steps to every porch so she wouldn't fall. The Santa costume, chosen by K., and which I thought would be hard to find in a small size but I luckily stumbled on one at Babies R Us, turned out to be the biggest hit. People thought it was hilarious and very original.
Despite having my membranes stripped that afternoon and doing a lot of walking, the evening only resulted in too much candy, no baby.
Last Friday, 9 days after Halloween, I tossed all remaining candy due to sugar poisoning. I tired of the crying over wanting more candy, and complete meltdowns over wanting candy for breakfast. I honestly think that the more they ate the worse they behaved. Even J., 13, said some nasty things about how mean I am for throwing it out. Today, after several days of detox, they seem to be back to their sweet selves.
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
38 week bellly with henna tattoo
I had this done last Sunday. The big flower represents me, with 7 vines for my 7 children, and the little flower at the bottom is the baby.
I also asked the priest to bless my baby on the way out of church, which he did, and it is amazing how much calmer I feel, and less obsessed with when I will give birth.
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About Me
- Paula
- SE Michigan, United States
- Mother to 10 fabulous kids, ages 9 to 27 years! Mother-in-law to 2 more awesome young adults! Married for 32 years to my best friend.
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God Will Make A Way6 years ago
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