Today in the life of Daniel

For those who are following, today was still frustrating. Daniel's bilirubin level went up again, so he was started on light therapy. He was *extremely* sleepy all day today, and had only 1 fairly successful feeding. The rest were done with his feeding tube. I had an excellent nurse yesterday and today... its amazing to me how much difference that can make in how the day feels. Our nurse from Friday, though very kind, was not very helpful. She did her job and made light conversation, but at feeding time, when I could really use some help to keep Daniel awake, and some encouragment that it was going well, she would pull the curtain to give me privacy. Today's nurse was also good at her job, made light conversation and all that, but went the extra mile to help in every way possible. When the morning feeding wasnt' going well, she offered to call in the lactation department to help out. In the afternoon, I started having my own problems with a fever because of either a plugged duct or the beginnings of mastitis, she found the number for my doctor, and offered to get me some tylenol etc. What I mainly learned from that experience is that I really need to take care of myself if I am going to be effective at helping Daniel. Anyway, thanks for reading my ramblings. Thank heaven for modern medicine... I'm sure Daniel and I will both make full recoveries....

quick update

Just wanted everyone to know the latest news. Daniel is still in the hospital, though I was discharged yesterday. He is a bit jaundice, though not being treated for it just yet. Tomorrow's blood work will tell whether he needs light therapy or not. He is still not eating well, and has had several feedings through his NG tube. This is all very typical for a 34 week gestation baby, but still very hard to take in. He can come home when he has eaten on his own for 48 hours.

I know he will be fine, but I would still really appreciate any prayers in his (and my) behalf.

Video (thanks to Papa)

Introducing . . . . . .

Its a boy!

Happy Birthday: April 9, 2008

5 lbs 13 ozs
19 1/2 in
34 weeks 6 days along


He is currently staying in the NICU as he is not eating well enough on his own. He has a feeding tube down his nose, but luckily there are no issues with his lungs or anything else. I will likely go home tomorrow, but we're not sure how long he will need to stay. It all depends on when he figures out the whole eating thing. It will help when my milk supply comes in. He will certainly be fine, and come home soon, but all prayers are welcome (include Mom's emotional health as it is more unstable than Daniel's physical health). Thanks to all!

Surprise!

Our baby was just not going to be patient about joining our family. After 2 trips to the hospital in the last couple weeks with preterm labor, last night my water broke and about 4 hours later, our baby made his grand entrance. I'll write more later and post pics, so check back, but I thought I'd make the announcement...

Luckily, there was no damage or injuries

Our quiet Sunday afternoon was interrupted by a brush fire at my parents home. I have a whole new appreciation for the term "spread like wildfire" and also a better understanding of the fires in California and why they were so hard to contain! We had 3 police cars, 3 fire departments, and the forest preserve all come to contain it.This picture was taken shortly after we realized the fire had started.... (The neighbors who had started it had already called the fire department...) The following picture is taken from the far side of the field after it was under control. Its hard to tell, but the path points directly to my parents house!

My brother overheard a fireman say "It doesn't take a genius to see where this fire started."

I've been tagged...

1. My husbands name is: Benson
2. How long have you been married? 10 years in July (where does the time go?!!!)
3. How long did you date? We met 4 years before we got married, but I suppose we only dated for about a year
4. How old is he? 35
5. Who eats more? You're asking a pregnant lady. :) Actually, I have a bit less room than a couple months ago, so its probably equal now.
6. Who said I love you first? Benson (followed by a horrible silence. Poor guy, he surprised me!)
7. Who is smarter? trivia smart: BENSON! school smart? me...
8. Whose temper is worse? Thats tough, his is worse, but he has better control. I lose it a bit too often over silly little things.
9. Who does the laundry? I do, but he will often put the wet clothes in the dryer when he is home.
10. Who does the dishes? I do.
11. Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? Me
12. Who pays the bills? thank heaven for auto bill pay. we take turns with the rest.
13. Who cooks dinner? both of us. When he is home, he will cook. I cook often, but don't enjoy it much.
14. Who drives when you are together? him
15. Who is more stubborn? whats the subject we are being stubborn about? Its a toss up, we are both German
16. Whose parents do you see the most? Mine! almost daily,
17. Who proposed? Benson (despite my original silence... we worked that out, lol)
18. Who has more friends? He has many more aquantainces than I do, but we both have just a few really close friends
19. Who has more siblings? Me, I have 7 siblings, he has 5.
20. Who wears the pants in the family? we are equal partners, I'll leave it at that