Cody's new trick? Spitting up breastmilk.
Through his nose.
Now really, is this any way to pay your compliments to the chef? Sadly for him, I think it hurts inside his nose, based on his current wailing, grunting and sweating.
This reminds me of my relative who at one time used his flatulance as a weapon of mass destruction/party trick. And like some weapons can, it backfired, resulting in the famous phrase: "Ohh, I think I tore something."
Showing posts with label cody. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cody. Show all posts
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Tuesday, March 09, 2010
Monday, March 08, 2010
Month 1: Cody
Dear Cody,
Today marks one month since you made our family four. I must say that you have been a great baby so far. You are a great eater, sleeper, and a champion pooper!
You are teaching Daddy and I so much about being parents. When we had your brother, it was two of us and one of him, putting the numbers in our favor. Now we have you and are juggling two boys, but it’s been a good thing. Somehow the increased chaos has made your father and me an even better team as we do the two-kid dance.
Today was our first day alone together. Well, Friday Daddy went to his teacher work day, but if things got hairy he could always leave, so today was the real deal. Thanks so much for taking a couple of big naps this morning to give me some energy, I really appreciate it.
There’s not much to say yet about your development; you’re still kind of in the floppy stage, and your main expression seems to be crossing your eyes. Try to grow out of that, okay? The ladies aren’t too hip on cross-eyed fellas.
Anyhoo, we all love you so much and are so happy to have you in our family.
Love,
Mama
Today marks one month since you made our family four. I must say that you have been a great baby so far. You are a great eater, sleeper, and a champion pooper!
You are teaching Daddy and I so much about being parents. When we had your brother, it was two of us and one of him, putting the numbers in our favor. Now we have you and are juggling two boys, but it’s been a good thing. Somehow the increased chaos has made your father and me an even better team as we do the two-kid dance.
Today was our first day alone together. Well, Friday Daddy went to his teacher work day, but if things got hairy he could always leave, so today was the real deal. Thanks so much for taking a couple of big naps this morning to give me some energy, I really appreciate it.
There’s not much to say yet about your development; you’re still kind of in the floppy stage, and your main expression seems to be crossing your eyes. Try to grow out of that, okay? The ladies aren’t too hip on cross-eyed fellas.
Anyhoo, we all love you so much and are so happy to have you in our family.
Love,
Mama
Thursday, March 04, 2010
On the sunny side of the womb (Cody’s Birth Story, Part III)
I’ll admit it, when I got to the OR, I was scared. It felt good to walk there (instead of being wheeled in), but my old fears started coming back, so I tried to get back to what was actually happening. The room was different, the circumstances were different. Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car” played on the radio, and my mind jumped back in time to the British camp counselor who first introduced me to Tracy Chapman in the summer before 8th grade.
As I sat on the operating table while the anesthesiologist prepped my back for the spinal block, I watched the nurses prepare the room for surgery. I found the choreography of their work soothing: the methodical unpacking of supplies, the calling out of items on a checklist to make sure everything was in order before moving forward, it all calmed me. They know what they’re doing. Everything will be okay.
Finally we were ready. Josh came in and said, “I’ve had a vision. We’re having a girl and we’re going to name her Violet.” Erm, okayyyyy. . .
Josh stroked my hair and I took deep cleansing breaths. I eavesdropped on the small talk of the doctors that distracted me from the fact that my body was being cut open. I felt some tugging, and then he (thank goodness, because I was NOT down with Violet Henig) was here. While Cody doesn’t get his name from Wild Bill Cody and Jesse James, he came out gun ablaze. “He’s peeing!” Josh cried, and I felt so happy that he was here and he was safe.
Cody was in the OP (Occiput Posterior), or “Sunny Side Up” position, which is a more difficult way of delivery, and could have presented some complications. He also had the cord wrapped around his neck. Twice. Evidently in the 10 days since my last ultrasound (when his head was facing towards my back in the optimal birth position), he’d flipped. My theory is that mystery pain that I had a few weeks ago was Cody changing position. Silly monkey baby! Anyway, if labor had progressed, the cord would have wrapped tighter around his neck as he moved down the birth canal, and let’s just say that I was very grateful that labor stalled and we chose C-Section.
They brought him back and I was happy to see him, and happy to be feeling at all. This was the opposite of the numbness that I felt during Jacob’s delivery, the distraction of medication and shivering and nausea leaving me emotionless. I was awake and sitting up in the recovery room, not passed out, not feverish. I could even call my family, nurse Cody within a half hour of his birth.
So different. So good. No regrets.
As I sat on the operating table while the anesthesiologist prepped my back for the spinal block, I watched the nurses prepare the room for surgery. I found the choreography of their work soothing: the methodical unpacking of supplies, the calling out of items on a checklist to make sure everything was in order before moving forward, it all calmed me. They know what they’re doing. Everything will be okay.
Finally we were ready. Josh came in and said, “I’ve had a vision. We’re having a girl and we’re going to name her Violet.” Erm, okayyyyy. . .
Josh stroked my hair and I took deep cleansing breaths. I eavesdropped on the small talk of the doctors that distracted me from the fact that my body was being cut open. I felt some tugging, and then he (thank goodness, because I was NOT down with Violet Henig) was here. While Cody doesn’t get his name from Wild Bill Cody and Jesse James, he came out gun ablaze. “He’s peeing!” Josh cried, and I felt so happy that he was here and he was safe.
Cody was in the OP (Occiput Posterior), or “Sunny Side Up” position, which is a more difficult way of delivery, and could have presented some complications. He also had the cord wrapped around his neck. Twice. Evidently in the 10 days since my last ultrasound (when his head was facing towards my back in the optimal birth position), he’d flipped. My theory is that mystery pain that I had a few weeks ago was Cody changing position. Silly monkey baby! Anyway, if labor had progressed, the cord would have wrapped tighter around his neck as he moved down the birth canal, and let’s just say that I was very grateful that labor stalled and we chose C-Section.
They brought him back and I was happy to see him, and happy to be feeling at all. This was the opposite of the numbness that I felt during Jacob’s delivery, the distraction of medication and shivering and nausea leaving me emotionless. I was awake and sitting up in the recovery room, not passed out, not feverish. I could even call my family, nurse Cody within a half hour of his birth.
So different. So good. No regrets.
Friday, February 19, 2010
I so happy, I not crying (Cody’s Birth Story, Part II)
A month or so ago, Josh picked up Jacob at daycare, and Jacob was very upset and didn’t want to leave. This is unusual, because usually Jacob is saying, “My Daddy! My Daddy!” and can’t wait for pickup, but on this particular day he was having too good of a time. The next day, he was back to normal, and when Josh came to pick him up, he said, “I so happy, I not crying.”
This phrase could have been the tagline of my labor with Cody. Not only did I say it over and over again, I felt so happy through the 16 hours of labor. Tired and in pain, but happy. I felt like an athlete well trained for a marathon, only most of my training was psychological. All the hard work, the blogging, the reliving and letting go of Jacob’s birth had served its purpose; because I felt so great, even through the contractions (does this mean I need to retract my Gisele rant?).
I walked into labor & delivery with my silver birth ball and a smile on my face. I had my birth plan. I rejected meds, even when I thought that the pain from the contractions might tear my body apart. I felt present and completely in my body, and just kept thinking that this is what my body is supposed to do. I felt so damn good.
Onto the nitty gritty.
We got set up in our room and Nurse Mary got out a ph strip to confirm the presence of amniotic fluid, and it turned color immediately. She checked my cervix and I was at 2 cm, 80% effaced.
At 7 am, we got the next nurse, Nurse Diane, and I was about 3 cm dilated.
At 9 am, I was about 4.5 cm dilated, and things started to slow down. Keiki’s heart rate was dropping with each contraction (decels), so they set me up on IV fluids and oxygen to even out his heart rate. This is the part that I hated with Jacob’s birth, because the length of the oxygen tube from the wall to the mask was so short that I was pretty much tethered to the bed. This time, I was okay. I’d still rip it off when I had a contraction, but I tried to sit up in the bed, or sit on the birth ball right next to the bed.
Between 9 and 2, I was checked hourly, and there was little progress. Dr B let me continue because my labor was steady and strong, and Keiki was doing okay, but at 2, we decided that if there was no change by 4 pm, we’d move forward with a C-Section.
By 3 pm, fatigue was setting in, and I wondered how much longer I could go on without rest or pain relief. I knew that the contractions would only get stronger and more frequent, and as it was they were shredding through me, making me feel like my body was cracking open with each one. I wanted to know my fate, so I asked Nurse Diane to check me early. When she noted that there had been no change, I knew that a C-Section was imminent, which Dr. B confirmed via phone.
Once I knew we were going forward with the C-Section, I started crying, a really big, ugly cry. As Josh and Nurse Diane tried to comfort me, I tried to explain that I was okay, but the only thing that came out was blubbering sobs. I was disappointed to say the least, but I knew that I had done everything I could, and that for me, this was the right choice. The contractions were slowing down; my body was slowing down; it was time to let go of the VBAC option. I was okay with my decision, but had a lot of emotion to release, and sometimes crying is the only way to do that. I wanted to say “I’m not sad, I’m just crying.”
The anesthesiologist came in, and it was the same doctor from Jacob’s birth. I re-introduced myself and shared a little bit about my previous experience on the operating table: the uncontrollable shivering, the nausea. He explained that the shivering was pretty standard, but that he’d try to be mindful of it and any nausea and minimize both side affects. He made me feel heard, and that helped with my fears about returning to the operating room.
It was 4:53 pm, I had been in labor for 16 hours, and we were on the home stretch.
This phrase could have been the tagline of my labor with Cody. Not only did I say it over and over again, I felt so happy through the 16 hours of labor. Tired and in pain, but happy. I felt like an athlete well trained for a marathon, only most of my training was psychological. All the hard work, the blogging, the reliving and letting go of Jacob’s birth had served its purpose; because I felt so great, even through the contractions (does this mean I need to retract my Gisele rant?).
I walked into labor & delivery with my silver birth ball and a smile on my face. I had my birth plan. I rejected meds, even when I thought that the pain from the contractions might tear my body apart. I felt present and completely in my body, and just kept thinking that this is what my body is supposed to do. I felt so damn good.
Onto the nitty gritty.
We got set up in our room and Nurse Mary got out a ph strip to confirm the presence of amniotic fluid, and it turned color immediately. She checked my cervix and I was at 2 cm, 80% effaced.
At 7 am, we got the next nurse, Nurse Diane, and I was about 3 cm dilated.
At 9 am, I was about 4.5 cm dilated, and things started to slow down. Keiki’s heart rate was dropping with each contraction (decels), so they set me up on IV fluids and oxygen to even out his heart rate. This is the part that I hated with Jacob’s birth, because the length of the oxygen tube from the wall to the mask was so short that I was pretty much tethered to the bed. This time, I was okay. I’d still rip it off when I had a contraction, but I tried to sit up in the bed, or sit on the birth ball right next to the bed.
Between 9 and 2, I was checked hourly, and there was little progress. Dr B let me continue because my labor was steady and strong, and Keiki was doing okay, but at 2, we decided that if there was no change by 4 pm, we’d move forward with a C-Section.
By 3 pm, fatigue was setting in, and I wondered how much longer I could go on without rest or pain relief. I knew that the contractions would only get stronger and more frequent, and as it was they were shredding through me, making me feel like my body was cracking open with each one. I wanted to know my fate, so I asked Nurse Diane to check me early. When she noted that there had been no change, I knew that a C-Section was imminent, which Dr. B confirmed via phone.
Once I knew we were going forward with the C-Section, I started crying, a really big, ugly cry. As Josh and Nurse Diane tried to comfort me, I tried to explain that I was okay, but the only thing that came out was blubbering sobs. I was disappointed to say the least, but I knew that I had done everything I could, and that for me, this was the right choice. The contractions were slowing down; my body was slowing down; it was time to let go of the VBAC option. I was okay with my decision, but had a lot of emotion to release, and sometimes crying is the only way to do that. I wanted to say “I’m not sad, I’m just crying.”
The anesthesiologist came in, and it was the same doctor from Jacob’s birth. I re-introduced myself and shared a little bit about my previous experience on the operating table: the uncontrollable shivering, the nausea. He explained that the shivering was pretty standard, but that he’d try to be mindful of it and any nausea and minimize both side affects. He made me feel heard, and that helped with my fears about returning to the operating room.
It was 4:53 pm, I had been in labor for 16 hours, and we were on the home stretch.
Monday, February 15, 2010
"Either my water broke or I peed the bed" (Cody's Birth Story, Part I)
Like so many, Cody’s birth story began in the middle of the night. One week ago, I woke up in a pool of wetness, put on my glasses on and noted the time. It was 12:50 am, and the wild rumpus of labor was just beginning.
When I was in labor with Jacob, my OB broke my bag after my epidural, so I had no reference point for what was happening. I laid there for a few minutes, feeling the liquid, and there was a lot. Finally I roused Josh: “Honey? Either my water broke, or I majorly peed the bed.”
I went into the bathroom and Josh went on the Internet. Based on his research, we were pretty sure that it was amniotic fluid, I felt a little better, because with liquid coursing down my legs, the only other option that I had lost all bladder control.
Anyhoo.
We called Dr B’s answering service and set about getting ready to go to the hospital, finishing up packing, calling my neighbor to come be with Jacob, changing the sheets, writing down last minute directions for Jacob. I was pretty excited because Keiki was coming in the next 24 hours. We tried to count contractions on line, but kept monkey braining. My best guess is that I was about 7 min apart, but we wanted to get to the hospital to make sure it was amniotic fluid, and because of the possibility of an emergency C-section.
Finally we got in the car and were on our way. It was 3:30 am, February 8, and Keiki was coming. Go Keiki, go!
When I was in labor with Jacob, my OB broke my bag after my epidural, so I had no reference point for what was happening. I laid there for a few minutes, feeling the liquid, and there was a lot. Finally I roused Josh: “Honey? Either my water broke, or I majorly peed the bed.”
I went into the bathroom and Josh went on the Internet. Based on his research, we were pretty sure that it was amniotic fluid, I felt a little better, because with liquid coursing down my legs, the only other option that I had lost all bladder control.
Anyhoo.
We called Dr B’s answering service and set about getting ready to go to the hospital, finishing up packing, calling my neighbor to come be with Jacob, changing the sheets, writing down last minute directions for Jacob. I was pretty excited because Keiki was coming in the next 24 hours. We tried to count contractions on line, but kept monkey braining. My best guess is that I was about 7 min apart, but we wanted to get to the hospital to make sure it was amniotic fluid, and because of the possibility of an emergency C-section.
Finally we got in the car and were on our way. It was 3:30 am, February 8, and Keiki was coming. Go Keiki, go!
Friday, February 12, 2010
My Baby Ate My Homework
Dear Internet and Readers,
I know I've been remiss in blogging!. However, I have the BEST excuse in the world, I promise. Are you ready? Wait for it. . . .
I had a baby! And I've been in the hospital for most of this week, my phone is not smart, not SMART at ALL, so I here I am a few days late in updates.
There is so much to write about, so I'll just give you some highlights:
Cody James Henig was born at 5:27 pm on Monday, February 8. Of course a birth story will be forthcoming, but the answer to the VBAC/C-Section debate is both. My labor stalled so we went to C-Section, and thank goodness gracious, because he came out sunny side up (best to have baby facing your back) with the cord wrapped twice around his neck, and with the exception of a small trench in his head made my my pelvic born, he is as beautiful and healthy as can be. I have no regrets about my experience, and the C/S was SOO much better this time, so much so that it warrants a whole post.
Jacob is getting more intrigued by his brother, as if we brought a little puppy home. He likes to stroke his cheek and try to give him his pacifier, and then my heart melts like a snow cone in Hawaii. It should be an interesting few months to say the least.
My recovery is going well. It kind of feels like my organs have been rearranged and are still loose in my body, and the incision pain is a BITCH without medication, but I am worlds apart from where I was 5 days postpartum with Jacob. I'm sleep-deprived and achy boobed and tired, but I am also bursting with a happiness that I'm trying to savor and suck on while it lasts, instead of thinking that this must be some sort of post-partum psychosis and denial of the chaotic truth of my new life. I mean, I have showered once since Sunday, my house looks like a tornado hit it, but I don't care because Cody's little face is begging for a kiss and I have to hold myself back from just nibbling his ear off.
Sincerely,
Monkey Brain
I know I've been remiss in blogging!. However, I have the BEST excuse in the world, I promise. Are you ready? Wait for it. . . .
I had a baby! And I've been in the hospital for most of this week, my phone is not smart, not SMART at ALL, so I here I am a few days late in updates.
There is so much to write about, so I'll just give you some highlights:
Cody James Henig was born at 5:27 pm on Monday, February 8. Of course a birth story will be forthcoming, but the answer to the VBAC/C-Section debate is both. My labor stalled so we went to C-Section, and thank goodness gracious, because he came out sunny side up (best to have baby facing your back) with the cord wrapped twice around his neck, and with the exception of a small trench in his head made my my pelvic born, he is as beautiful and healthy as can be. I have no regrets about my experience, and the C/S was SOO much better this time, so much so that it warrants a whole post.
Jacob is getting more intrigued by his brother, as if we brought a little puppy home. He likes to stroke his cheek and try to give him his pacifier, and then my heart melts like a snow cone in Hawaii. It should be an interesting few months to say the least.
My recovery is going well. It kind of feels like my organs have been rearranged and are still loose in my body, and the incision pain is a BITCH without medication, but I am worlds apart from where I was 5 days postpartum with Jacob. I'm sleep-deprived and achy boobed and tired, but I am also bursting with a happiness that I'm trying to savor and suck on while it lasts, instead of thinking that this must be some sort of post-partum psychosis and denial of the chaotic truth of my new life. I mean, I have showered once since Sunday, my house looks like a tornado hit it, but I don't care because Cody's little face is begging for a kiss and I have to hold myself back from just nibbling his ear off.
Sincerely,
Monkey Brain
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