Here's our MAJOR updated to-do/buy list for preparing for Baby Luke.
We still need to BUY:
nursing stool (25)
cradle mattress ($52 from http://www.pearlekids.com/Custom-Mat...inets-8266.asp)
Spray lanolin
changing table cover
new trash can to use as diaper pail
2 King size pillow cases (to use as sheets in cradle)
breast friend pillow (45)
seat back protectors (10)
breathable bumper (29)
nursing tops & bras
Wet bag for diaper bag
Pail liner
We still need to DO:
General Cleaning:
Filing & sorting through piles of papers
Boxes in living room
Halloween decorations
Dust t.v.
Scrub up used baby toys
Scrub our bathtub
Mop bathrooms
Clean behind the microwave
Scrub window sills
Wash car inside & out
Bathe dogs
Clean carpets
Actually organize garage
Nursery Preparation:
Paint red stripe
Hang shelves
Paint wall letters
Clean out top of Luke’s closet
Other:
Pack hospital bags
Order cradle mattress
Write birth plan
Finish Thank You cards
Scrapbook w/ Mandy
We still want:
breast pump
diaper bag (ju ju be be prepared) (180)
baby signs (40)
bath tub spout cover (15)
closet organizers (25 each)
jumperoo bouncy toy (90)
Bumbo (supposed to be getting one from a friend)
BOUGHT/DONE:
a crib mattress $36 @ Wal-Mart!!!
cradle bedding--mom bought the stuff to make the bumper
nursing pads from JoAnna (15)
Snappis--they're here!
changing table pad--yay--a late baby shower present!
crib & dresser are assembled!
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Circumcision
First, let me say that I think circumcising your child is a very personal decision. It should be made by the parents of the child alone. Nobody else can decide for you what to do to your child.
Secondly, let me say, that to leave comments about it & then not leave a reply e-mail addy is lame. Especially when I didn't ask for information or input.
Finally, our son will be circumcised. I'm not too particular about which method is used, as long as it is done correctly and neatly. My largest concern is that my baby is given pain medication and local anestesia prior to the surgery and then given pain medication as needed after the surgery.
The decision to circumcise Luke was not an easy one. I did a LOT of research. We are not doing it for any religious reasonings.
There is medical evidence that states that circumcision later in life hurts MORE and takes longer to heal (if it heals correctly) than circumcision as a newborn.
Both sides of our families have had complications with uncircumcised boys having problems as children/teens and needing to have operations and circumcisions. Those boys all say that they wish it had been done as a baby, so they'd have no memory of it. They will remember and be effected by the pain of late-in-life circumcision forever.
We are going to fight to have Tim go with Luke, to hold his hand and console him during the 10 minute long procedure. Luke will be numbed before and will have access to pain medication after. The operating table that is used is heated and Luke will be swaddled during the procedure, not spread eagle on a plastic board like you see in the horror films on Youtube. Immediately following surgery, Luke will return to me. He will not be held in the nursery or required to have any length of "recovery" in the nursery.
If Luke resents us later in life for having him circumcised, well, we'll deal with it then! I'm sure he'll resent us for other things along the path of life too! That's part of being a parent. Most likely, he won't care either way, just like all the guys in my life, don't care. It's just how it is.
Secondly, let me say, that to leave comments about it & then not leave a reply e-mail addy is lame. Especially when I didn't ask for information or input.
Finally, our son will be circumcised. I'm not too particular about which method is used, as long as it is done correctly and neatly. My largest concern is that my baby is given pain medication and local anestesia prior to the surgery and then given pain medication as needed after the surgery.
The decision to circumcise Luke was not an easy one. I did a LOT of research. We are not doing it for any religious reasonings.
There is medical evidence that states that circumcision later in life hurts MORE and takes longer to heal (if it heals correctly) than circumcision as a newborn.
Both sides of our families have had complications with uncircumcised boys having problems as children/teens and needing to have operations and circumcisions. Those boys all say that they wish it had been done as a baby, so they'd have no memory of it. They will remember and be effected by the pain of late-in-life circumcision forever.
We are going to fight to have Tim go with Luke, to hold his hand and console him during the 10 minute long procedure. Luke will be numbed before and will have access to pain medication after. The operating table that is used is heated and Luke will be swaddled during the procedure, not spread eagle on a plastic board like you see in the horror films on Youtube. Immediately following surgery, Luke will return to me. He will not be held in the nursery or required to have any length of "recovery" in the nursery.
If Luke resents us later in life for having him circumcised, well, we'll deal with it then! I'm sure he'll resent us for other things along the path of life too! That's part of being a parent. Most likely, he won't care either way, just like all the guys in my life, don't care. It's just how it is.
So, if you're going to comment on this post, I ask that you please leave a reply e-mail, so I can write back to you. I hate not being able to respond to comments. Comments that are hateful, ugly, rude, vulgar, or use profanity will be deleted. Comments w/o an e-mail address may be deleted (at my discretion.) I love comments, but don't comment on something so personal & not let me write back to you. Thanks!
Monday, October 5, 2009
Hospital Tour
Well, tonight was our hospital tour at Leigh. I'm pretty happy with where we'll be delivering Luke. I am pretty sure I can have the birth I envision there.
We started out in a "classroom" and the nurse went over a lot of things. I'm going to jot down my notes here so I can remember what we talked about & learned.
What to Bring to the Hospital:
slippers
robe
extra pillows
laptop
camera
no jewelry
baby's outfit for going home
baby's outfit for picture
blanket
mittens
pjs & blankets for Tim
Things to Ask Dr. Morgan About:
1. Procedure for going to hospital (call him first, go in, etc.)
2. Circumcision procedures w/in the practice (nobody at Leigh uses plastibell)
3. Delayed cord cutting
4. Continuous monitoring (20 on 20 off ???)
Normal Hospital Procedures:
-3 people allowed in room at a time, can rotate until pushing starts
-house pediatrician will check on baby each morning
-Nourishment room available (has coffee, hot chocolate, ice, etc.)
-Staff fridge available for saving left-overs
-our365.com for baby photos
-between 9 pm & 5:30 am enter through ER, go straight to L&D
-Vaginal birth soonest discharge 24 hours w/ 1 day follow up or 36-48 hours
-C-Section birth soonest discharge 48 hours but normally up to 3-4 days
-C-Section rate over 30% in Virginia
-24 hour liquid diet w/ C-Section
-24/7 Roomming in available...baby is bathed & everything in the room (even weighed)
-Baby goes to nursery for hearing screening, doctor check-ups in AM, and circumcision
-Baby placed on warm towel on belly
-no teli-monitors
-they have birthing balls
-no birthing tub or stool
-If I want a squat bar bed I need to ask at admission b/c they only have a few
-Heplock is ok, as long as you don't need an IV for antibiotics or fluid
-Their rooms are LDRP (labor/deliver/recover/postpartum)
-After a C-section 1 hour baby in nursery, mom in Recovery
-It's not a teaching hospital...they do have student nurses but you can request not to have one
-Own clothing ok after delivery
-No food or drink (ice chips & popsicles only)
-Lactation consultant available Mon-Saturday
We started out in a "classroom" and the nurse went over a lot of things. I'm going to jot down my notes here so I can remember what we talked about & learned.
What to Bring to the Hospital:
slippers
robe
extra pillows
laptop
camera
no jewelry
baby's outfit for going home
baby's outfit for picture
blanket
mittens
pjs & blankets for Tim
Things to Ask Dr. Morgan About:
1. Procedure for going to hospital (call him first, go in, etc.)
2. Circumcision procedures w/in the practice (nobody at Leigh uses plastibell)
3. Delayed cord cutting
4. Continuous monitoring (20 on 20 off ???)
Normal Hospital Procedures:
-3 people allowed in room at a time, can rotate until pushing starts
-house pediatrician will check on baby each morning
-Nourishment room available (has coffee, hot chocolate, ice, etc.)
-Staff fridge available for saving left-overs
-our365.com for baby photos
-between 9 pm & 5:30 am enter through ER, go straight to L&D
-Vaginal birth soonest discharge 24 hours w/ 1 day follow up or 36-48 hours
-C-Section birth soonest discharge 48 hours but normally up to 3-4 days
-C-Section rate over 30% in Virginia
-24 hour liquid diet w/ C-Section
-24/7 Roomming in available...baby is bathed & everything in the room (even weighed)
-Baby goes to nursery for hearing screening, doctor check-ups in AM, and circumcision
-Baby placed on warm towel on belly
-no teli-monitors
-they have birthing balls
-no birthing tub or stool
-If I want a squat bar bed I need to ask at admission b/c they only have a few
-Heplock is ok, as long as you don't need an IV for antibiotics or fluid
-Their rooms are LDRP (labor/deliver/recover/postpartum)
-After a C-section 1 hour baby in nursery, mom in Recovery
-It's not a teaching hospital...they do have student nurses but you can request not to have one
-Own clothing ok after delivery
-No food or drink (ice chips & popsicles only)
-Lactation consultant available Mon-Saturday
Sunday Update
Sunday Sept. 27
We ended up skipping church because we worked WAY too hard on Saturday. We should have gotten stuff done but we didn’t. Instead it was 5:00 before we made it to Tom and Peggy’s house for Cousin Amy & me to have our shared birthday party. Only, Loren & Beth had a ton of their friends over, so it was pretty awkward. Peggy & Tom gave me $20. We didn’t leave there until late.
Monday Sept. 28
I can’t remember anything. The only thing on my calendar is childbirth class @ 7:00.
Tuesday Sept. 29
I subbed at Northside Middle School again on Tuesday. This time it went really well.
Wednesday Sept. 30
I was off on Wednesday. I had errands to run and I got a lot done. I took Carolynn to meet the new babysitter. Her name is Mrs. Jen. Caro really seemed to like her. Chrissy went to the social services office to apply for assistance. I had a 2:00 appointment to get my car inspected and my oil changed. I had the courtesy shuttle take me home. When Tim got home we went to pick up my car. I can’t remember much else.
Thursday Oct. 1
Subbing at Ingleside for Ms. Walters
Friday Oct. 2
Subbing at Ingleside for Ms. Walters & then I had the boys after school & took a nap. Tim and I didn’t accomplish anything. Mandy came by & got the boys.
Saturday Oct. 3
We didn’t get anything done on Saturday morning (*wink*)…Tim ended up heading to the bank & Wal-Mart. I went out to lunch w/ Melanie for a mystery shop and we had a great time! Lots of birth/baby talk because we could talk freely w/ no littles around! After lunch we went to Toys R Us and then back to Melanie’s. When I left there I went to Rock a Bye Baby and got a swaddle me blanket, a boppy cover, and some valves for sippy cups. We are still a couple Playtex valves short so I’ll be on the lookout for those for a while.
Sunday Oct. 4
We spent all day Sunday cleaning the house. Tim worked on the garage. I worked on the inside of the house. Loren came over and helped w/ a little bit of both. We got a LOT done & we were all exhausted by supper time at 7:00. I had a huge to-do list to tackle & got most of it done. The house looks amazing!
Monday Oct. 5
Today started out w/ getting up early and heading to the Nansemond Pediatrics office to meet Dr. M who will be Luke’s doctor. We like her & are happy with her answers to our questions.
Then we headed home for a little while to do some housework.
Around 10:15, we headed to MY Dr. M’s office for my ultrasound. I already posted the update about that.
After the doctor’s appointment we went to Chic Fil A.
When we got home, Tim headed to the grocery store & I worked on the housework & unpacking my Halloween stuff.
Tim dropped off the groceries & then went to the post office. I continued working on the house. When he got back he got to work on scrubbing the walls & mopping the kitchen. I kept cleaning.
Around 5:15, we left for our hospital tour. It went well.
Afterwards we went to Tom and Peggy’s to pick up my car. Then we headed home.
I made grilled cheese & soup for dinner. Then I did the dishes. Tim finished scrubbing the walls in the hall.
Now, we’re heading to bed.
Sorry for the SUPER abbreviated notes...I have no energy & can't remember everything that happened!
We ended up skipping church because we worked WAY too hard on Saturday. We should have gotten stuff done but we didn’t. Instead it was 5:00 before we made it to Tom and Peggy’s house for Cousin Amy & me to have our shared birthday party. Only, Loren & Beth had a ton of their friends over, so it was pretty awkward. Peggy & Tom gave me $20. We didn’t leave there until late.
Monday Sept. 28
I can’t remember anything. The only thing on my calendar is childbirth class @ 7:00.
Tuesday Sept. 29
I subbed at Northside Middle School again on Tuesday. This time it went really well.
Wednesday Sept. 30
I was off on Wednesday. I had errands to run and I got a lot done. I took Carolynn to meet the new babysitter. Her name is Mrs. Jen. Caro really seemed to like her. Chrissy went to the social services office to apply for assistance. I had a 2:00 appointment to get my car inspected and my oil changed. I had the courtesy shuttle take me home. When Tim got home we went to pick up my car. I can’t remember much else.
Thursday Oct. 1
Subbing at Ingleside for Ms. Walters
Friday Oct. 2
Subbing at Ingleside for Ms. Walters & then I had the boys after school & took a nap. Tim and I didn’t accomplish anything. Mandy came by & got the boys.
Saturday Oct. 3
We didn’t get anything done on Saturday morning (*wink*)…Tim ended up heading to the bank & Wal-Mart. I went out to lunch w/ Melanie for a mystery shop and we had a great time! Lots of birth/baby talk because we could talk freely w/ no littles around! After lunch we went to Toys R Us and then back to Melanie’s. When I left there I went to Rock a Bye Baby and got a swaddle me blanket, a boppy cover, and some valves for sippy cups. We are still a couple Playtex valves short so I’ll be on the lookout for those for a while.
Sunday Oct. 4
We spent all day Sunday cleaning the house. Tim worked on the garage. I worked on the inside of the house. Loren came over and helped w/ a little bit of both. We got a LOT done & we were all exhausted by supper time at 7:00. I had a huge to-do list to tackle & got most of it done. The house looks amazing!
Monday Oct. 5
Today started out w/ getting up early and heading to the Nansemond Pediatrics office to meet Dr. M who will be Luke’s doctor. We like her & are happy with her answers to our questions.
Then we headed home for a little while to do some housework.
Around 10:15, we headed to MY Dr. M’s office for my ultrasound. I already posted the update about that.
After the doctor’s appointment we went to Chic Fil A.
When we got home, Tim headed to the grocery store & I worked on the housework & unpacking my Halloween stuff.
Tim dropped off the groceries & then went to the post office. I continued working on the house. When he got back he got to work on scrubbing the walls & mopping the kitchen. I kept cleaning.
Around 5:15, we left for our hospital tour. It went well.
Afterwards we went to Tom and Peggy’s to pick up my car. Then we headed home.
I made grilled cheese & soup for dinner. Then I did the dishes. Tim finished scrubbing the walls in the hall.
Now, we’re heading to bed.
Sorry for the SUPER abbreviated notes...I have no energy & can't remember everything that happened!
To Do List Update!
To Do:
filing
mop bathrooms
scrub our bath tub
scrub walls in hall
paint stripe
paint Luke's wall letters
get Luke's room 100% done
pack hospital bags
couple more boxes to unpack in living room
office papers
filing
mop bathrooms
scrub our bath tub
scrub walls in hall
paint stripe
paint Luke's wall letters
get Luke's room 100% done
pack hospital bags
couple more boxes to unpack in living room
office papers
36 Week Check Up Update
Well, I'm still pregnant & planning on staying this way! Our ultrasound was fine, Luke was SOUND asleep & no amount of jiggling or poking was getting him to spread his legs. We really wanted to confirm gender!! Oh well. She said if they saw it at 20 weeks, it's still there & they're rarely wrong.
Luke was in the frank breech position. I felt him turn during the night. He's still a little wiggle worm! So, right now, he's facing my right front, his spine is along my left side. His butt is down & his feet & hands are up in my right abdomen. My doctor said, "Don't go into labor while he's breech...we don't do breech delivery, only c-section." Fun. So, we either get him to turn or delay going to the hospital until they'd have to let me birth him...or just suck it up & have the CS.
His head measured correctly at 35w6d and 36w0d....but....his belly, arms, and legs all measured behind. The farthest along any of those measured was 34 weeks and a few days. The lowest was 33 weeks and a day. I don't really know what those measurements mean or if there is anything to those numbers, but he definitely seemed small.
She said his estimated weight was 5 lbs. 6 oz. According to the internet at 36 weeks they should be about 5 lbs 9 oz to up to 6.5 lbs. So, he might be a little light.
I'm ok w/ him being a peanut. There was nothing at all wrong w/ his placenta or cord & his blood flow & heart were fine...so he's a-ok!
His heart rate was 154. My blood pressure was 110/80 (I think.) I forgot to ask Dr. M my fundal height.
I had "nothing going on" w/ my cervix...which OMG that HURT!!! It felt like he jammed his whole freaking fist up there!!
I also had my Group B Strep test today.
I also have GREAT news!! I gained 2 WHOLE pounds this past 2 weeks!! I knew we grew a lot this past 2 weeks & I thought I had gained some...so I was SO happy to see that I'm to 201.5 now! That's the MOST I've gained in between appointments the whole pregnancy! Yay!
So, overall, one of my better appointments.
Our next appointment is Tuesday afternoon. I'll be 37 week then!
After the doctor appointment, Tim and I went to Chic Fil A & I ate 9 nuggets & a whole thing of fries! I was starving! Now, Tim's gone to the grocery store & I have to get some housework done!
Luke was in the frank breech position. I felt him turn during the night. He's still a little wiggle worm! So, right now, he's facing my right front, his spine is along my left side. His butt is down & his feet & hands are up in my right abdomen. My doctor said, "Don't go into labor while he's breech...we don't do breech delivery, only c-section." Fun. So, we either get him to turn or delay going to the hospital until they'd have to let me birth him...or just suck it up & have the CS.
His head measured correctly at 35w6d and 36w0d....but....his belly, arms, and legs all measured behind. The farthest along any of those measured was 34 weeks and a few days. The lowest was 33 weeks and a day. I don't really know what those measurements mean or if there is anything to those numbers, but he definitely seemed small.
She said his estimated weight was 5 lbs. 6 oz. According to the internet at 36 weeks they should be about 5 lbs 9 oz to up to 6.5 lbs. So, he might be a little light.
I'm ok w/ him being a peanut. There was nothing at all wrong w/ his placenta or cord & his blood flow & heart were fine...so he's a-ok!
His heart rate was 154. My blood pressure was 110/80 (I think.) I forgot to ask Dr. M my fundal height.
I had "nothing going on" w/ my cervix...which OMG that HURT!!! It felt like he jammed his whole freaking fist up there!!
I also had my Group B Strep test today.
I also have GREAT news!! I gained 2 WHOLE pounds this past 2 weeks!! I knew we grew a lot this past 2 weeks & I thought I had gained some...so I was SO happy to see that I'm to 201.5 now! That's the MOST I've gained in between appointments the whole pregnancy! Yay!
So, overall, one of my better appointments.
Our next appointment is Tuesday afternoon. I'll be 37 week then!
After the doctor appointment, Tim and I went to Chic Fil A & I ate 9 nuggets & a whole thing of fries! I was starving! Now, Tim's gone to the grocery store & I have to get some housework done!
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Busy Me
Wow, I've been a busy little bee lately...way too busy to blog. I'll entertain you with today's to-do list for now & then hopefully have time to blog/update later. I'll definitely have an update for you in the next couple days about our appointments tomorrow. (8:30-meet the pediatrician, 11:00 ultrasound, 6:00 hospital tour)
To Do:
lots of laundry
filing
decorate for Halloween
mop bathrooms/kitchen
scrub our bath tub
scrub walls in hall
paint stripe
paint Luke's wall letters
pack up scrapbooking stuff to go to Mandy's
clean giant mess in living room
clean kitchen
clean out Luke's closet & get his room 100% done
pack hospital bags
wash some of the preemie/newborn clothes
To Do:
lots of laundry
filing
decorate for Halloween
mop bathrooms/kitchen
scrub our bath tub
scrub walls in hall
paint stripe
paint Luke's wall letters
pack up scrapbooking stuff to go to Mandy's
clean giant mess in living room
clean kitchen
clean out Luke's closet & get his room 100% done
pack hospital bags
wash some of the preemie/newborn clothes
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