Joy is Born

Friday, August 21st, 2015

I had a feeling this would be our last chance to go out as a family of 4, so Michael, Karis, Judah, and I had a special evening.  We enjoyed a spicy meal at Torchy's Tacos, then dessert at Hippo Ice, Karis and Judah's favorite dessert spot.  Before heading home, I walked a few laps around the porch at Hippo Ice. There are a few things "they" say help bring on labor, and I tried 3 that night: spicy food, walking, you guess the third.

Saturday, August 22nd, 2015

5:40 a.m.

A contraction woke me up.  I tried to get some more rest, but I couldn't lay in bed through the contractions, so I began walking around the house and timing the contractions.  They decreased to 6 minutes apart pretty quickly.

6:45 a.m.

Michael woke up and asked, "Are you ok?"  My reply: "Are you ready to have a baby today?" He called his mom, and she rushed over to hang out at our house until Karis and Judah woke up.

The Car Ride
On the way to the hospital, I called my midwife and gave her the update.  We agreed to meet at the hospital at 8:00 am.  We were driving from Wharton to The Pavillion for Women in Houston - an hour and 5 minute drive.  Michael drove so fast!  As usual I was totally fine between contractions, but pretty noisy during the pain.  We were just a couple minutes from the hospital when I said, "Uh oh.  I feel like I need to poop."  I didn't really, but that's the feeling I get right before the baby comes out.

At the Hospital
Michael pulled into the valet area, and I didn't even wait for him.  I exited the car, walked as fast as I could to the elevator, and pressed the button.  I guess I held the elevator door for him.  I had one really strong contraction in the elevator, and I was thankful that we were the only ones in there.  At the check-in desk at triage, an officer asked us a bunch of questions, that I don't think I ever answered, because MY WATER BROKE! Right there on the floor!  I panicked, because during Karis and Judah's labors, my water didn't break until I started pushing.  I knew that Joy was coming NOW.  I quit listening to the officer and walked straight to the triage room.  A nurse helped me into a hospital gown and told me to get into bed.  I told her, "no, I can't!" She said, "You have to so I can check you." I complied.  She checked and informed me that we need to get to labor and delivery. (DUH!  I wanted to go straight there, but the hospital requires women to go to triage first... DUMB!)  A doctor came in to check me.  I could see the urgency on her face as she said, "Ok we're going to take you to labor and delivery." I replied, "No! We're having the baby in here." We continued to argue, but I was wheeled to Labor and Delivery anyway... which was downstairs.  Nurses pushed my bed as fast as they could, and this was the easiest part of my labor because the wind in my face felt good.  Plus, they ran the bed into the wall and a nurse cursed.  This made me laugh and feel proud that I wasn't the one cursing.

Delivery
I think I had just one strong contraction in the hallway.  I screamed, "No No, I can't do this.  I don't want to do this! Michael, what were we thinking!?"  Once I was in a room, a doctor came in quickly to help me deliver my baby.  There was no time for monitors or IV (yes!).  Baby was coming out!  Nurses tried to move me from the triage bed onto a delivery bed, but I absolutely refused.  Then, I gave a push, and saw my baby's precious little head.  This was the moment that my attitude switched from fear and anxiety to excitement and happiness.  My smile was huge as I pushed one more time and my baby's body was out.  After waiting for 9 months, I finally got to see what she looked like! (I didn't see her profile at her 20 week anatomy ultrasound because she had her arm over her face.) I immediately reached for my tiny, naked baby.  She didn't want to nurse, so I just held her close and enjoyed her for a while.  Finally, the nurses were able to lift me to the delivery bed.  At that point, Baby and I were in our own little world.  Until... I had more horrible contractions.  I said, "What is this?  What's happening?" Someone said, "You have to deliver the after birth." Oh yeah.  I forgot about that.  The umbilical cord pulsed a while, and then Michael got to cut it.  Finally, I felt like I was delivering a twin (after birth), and we were done.

Trying to Smile During a Contraction

Recovery
While Michael and I ooh'ed and aw'ed over our Baby Girl, a nurse asked, "So, what's this baby's name." Michael announced, "Joy!"  I smiled, "Really!?"  She was perfect.

Our Joy Magdalene Roberson. Born at 8:08 a.m. She weighed 8 pounds 5 ounces, and she was 20 inches long. I got cleaned up, changed clothes, and then we were moved (again) to recovery.  We spent the rest of the day celebrating Joy with lots of visitors.  It was a beautiful day!

Newborn Photo by Shannon Bedo

9 Month Check-up Update

I said I'd update you after Karis's 9 month appointment with her pediatrician.  I've put this update off, because unlike usual, we didn't have a happy visit.  Usually I'm excited to report all her new stats to you.  This time, Doc had some concerns.

Here are her current stats:

Head Circumference: 16.5 inches/10th percentile

Length: 27 inches/25th percentile

Weight: 15 lb. 12 oz. /5th percentile (I read one chart that said 10th)

Karis's head and length continue to grow at a steady pace.  Her weight, on the other hand, is increasing very slowly.  If Karis had always been in the 5th percentile, the doctor would be fine with her staying that way, but since her percentile continues to decline, that causes concern.  Doc said, "Let's wait until her one year appointment to make a decision."  I quickly responded, "I don't want to wait.  This has been a concern at her last several appointments.  If she is malnourished, I don't want to continue to starve her.  I'm worried that my milk supply is too low."  He suggested weighing K before and after feedings to see how much milk she is getting.  He also increased her solid meals from 2 to 3 per day. 

A couple of days after the appointment, Doc called Michael at 7:30 in the morning.  I was worried immediately, because usually the doctor's office calls me.  Doc informed Michael that Karis's blood count came back showing that Karis has elevated liver enzymes.  He will see her in a month to retest.  I did some research and came to two conclusions. 

1.) The medication that I take for IC, Elmiron can cause liver problems, so maybe it was affecting her.  Decision: as long as I am nursing or pregnant, I will never take Elmiron.

2.) I read some scary things on the Internet, but the one that sounds most probable: low weight and malnourishment can cause an elevation of liver enzymes.  When weight and nourishment improves, the liver heals quickly.

So, I increased Karis's solid meals immediately.  I also tried supplementing with soy formula, but Karis threw it up the first time.  After doing a weight check, we learned that Karis was getting 5 ounces of milk during her first feeding and 2 ounces during the others.  Yikes!  She is supposed to get 6 - 8 ounces per feeding.  I tried some regular formula, and Karis did well with that, but we want to be careful with the milk, since Michael has a milk allergy.  This dilemma has left me stressed, worried, and panicky.  What kind of formula am I supposed to give her?  How much?  When?  How much is this going to cost?  Is breastfeeding really coming to an end?

After much prayer and research, my worry has calmed, and we have a good plan for baby K.  Research shows that breastfed babies slow down on weight gain after about 3 months, and this tends to alarm doctors.  Often, they recommend that mothers supplement or stop breastfeeding all together.  No way am I going to stop breastfeeding.  If I've still got some milk, why stop?  I am slowly introducing organic soy formula.  Karis is doing well... hopefully Doc will agree in a few weeks. 

Tiny Cutester in her Toy Box

IC and the Stay-At-Home Mommy

A while ago I complained about the loneliness of being a stay-at-home mom.  However, it obviously has many benefits.  Of course, it is what's best for my daughter; that's why I do it.  Staying at home also makes my pain from interstitial cystitis easier to control.

Clothing
Luckily I don't have to wear business attire.  Loose fitting clothes are the best, specially on bad IC days.  I like to wear PJ pants, cotton shorts, gauchos, skirts, or scrub type pants.

Water
I drink water literally ALL day long.  It's great for keeping the bladder toxins diluted.  Plus, water helps keep up my milk supply for baby, and it helps keep her hydrated.

Bathroom Breaks
Since I drink water all day, I have to go to the bathroom frequently.  Of course I can't always go to the bathroom immediately (if I'm in the middle of feeding Karis or a diaper change).  However, I'm able to get there in a more timely manner than when I had a classroom full of students.

Stay Active
When baby is sleeping, it's easy to lay in bed and think, "Poor me and poor bladder."  I think this just makes it hurt worse.  When I get up, put on those cotton shorts, go for a walk, and get some chores done, yes the pain is still there, but at least I'm not laying around thinking about it.

Rest
Staying active is good, but enough rest is essential!  Some people don't need much sleep, and some people need a lot.  I think I'm somewhere in between.  But I have to get that rest to take care of my health.

Eat Well
I live in a small town, so fast food isn't really much of an option.  Staying at home gives me time to prepare healthy, non-greasy, non-spicy food.


Elmiron
I've had an off and on relationship with my IC medication, Elmiron.  Lately, I've not been taking it for several reasons (mostly because it's not approved for breastfeeding).  On rough days, I'm sure to wear the loose clothes, drink extra water, and try to stay busy.

Staying Active: Just Completed a 5k
(in my favorite cotton shorts!)

Peep Show

We were at a friend's little girl's birthday party.  Most of the guests were out in the yard eating lunch, playing games, and chatting.  When it was time for Karis to eat, I decided to take her inside the house where it would be cooler and more comfortable for both of us.  Sitting on the living room couch, Karis was under her "tent" eating lunch.  A little boy, who looked about 4 years old asked, "What's the baby doing?  Is the baby sleeping?"  Eight months of successfully keeping my privates private ended abruptly due to a curious 4 year old little boy.  Before I could stop him, he lifted my nursing cover way up high to see the baby.  Oh boy.  That was awkward.

I'm always worried that Karis will grab or kick the nursing cover and expose me, and in 8 months it had never happened (that I know of).  Thanks a lot little boy.

Life Outside the Tent

Eating solids has been a fun adventure.  Karis enjoys looking around while she eats.  Breastfeeding is starting to annoy her, because she is stuck under her "tent," unable to see all the excitement around her.

Here are some shots of Karis trying new things...   

First Vegetable: Organic Butternut Squash Made by Mommy

Big Brown Eyes feeding herself

More!  Feed me faster!

Fingers in the Way

First Sippy Cup

Messy Carrots

And for dessert... Mommy's face!

Away From Baby

Michael and I recently took a 3 day trip to New Orleans, LA.  (Michael had a conference for work.)  We put Karis to bed Thursday evening at his parents house.  Of course, I shed more than I few tears, and I rubbed her tummy much longer than usual.  I knew Karis was in very good hands, but I was going to miss my little buddy.

Friday morning, we woke up before the sun, treated ourselves to some coffee, picked up our friends Lee and Kelli, and began the long drive.  The road trip actually went by very quickly.  Michael and Lee sat up front talking business, while Kelli and I sat in back chatting about parenting, Pinterest, and everything in between.

The first thing we did upon our arrival: EAT!  New Orleans is all about food, and we brought our appetites.  La Bayou Restaurant is located on Bourbon Street, near our hotel.  I had a delicious catfish po' boy. 

After lunch, the business people (Michael, Lee, and Kelli) had a meeting.  Here's where I get my venting out of the way.  While they were in their meeting, I went to milking prison.  Since I was spending the weekend away from my little princess, I had to continue to express milk in order to prevent my supply from drying up.  Every six hours, I sat in my hotel bed pumping.  I think I pumped over 60 ounces while we were gone.  Two of the pumping sessions were done in the car. (The guys said they didn't even notice.  Ooh, I'm good!)  Storing the milk was a little bit of a pain too, but it was too heartbreaking to dump it all.  We were assigned a room with a broken mini bar; that was replaced quickly.  The rooms did not have microwaves.  A hotel worker told me I couldn't microwave steam my bottles due to liablity.  After some begging and explaining, he took my equipment to housekeeping and microwaved it for me.  Hang in there, I'm almost done complaining.  At one point, I was on the verge of tears, "This isn't fair!  We're in New Orleans, and I'm locked in this hotel room, a slave to my pump."  Michael's response: "Would you rather be sitting in a meeting listening to people talk about coils and condensers?"  Good point! "No thank you.  I'll continue pumping and reading my book."

Pat O's Piano Lounge

Friday evening we got dressed up for a night on the town.  Michael and I had a fancy, romantic dinner at Emeril's NOLA Restaurant.  I had the Grilled Seasonal Fish - A-ma-zing, and for dessert, Creme Brulee trio - mouth watering!  After dinner we hung out at Pat Obrien's Piano Lounge and had a blast singing along with the talented musicians.

Boat, Charlie, Michael

Saturday morning, breakfast was provided at 7:45.  Somehow, we threw ourselves together for that.  Luckily, I got to go back to the room for a nap.  For lunch, a college friend living in the area took us out for a local favorite, outside of the French Quarter.  Satsuma Cafe was kind of a hipster joint with interesting sandwich combinations.  My mozzarella, basil, and tomato on ciabatta was scrumptious, and Michael's roasted pear and brie melt literally made my mouth water.  Not only was the food great, so was the conversation.  We really enjoyed catching up with a friend that we hadn't seen in a year.  After lunch, we had to stop by the world famous Cafe Du Monde for some scrumptious beignets covered in a mountain of powdered sugar.

Pretty sure beignets will be served in Heaven 

Saturday's dinner was provided by the hotel.  It was delicious, but I'll spare you the details.  Sunday morning I was ready to roll!  I woke up bright eyed and bushy tailed at 6:30 am.  I wanted to cram in as much fun as possible before leaving town.  We had omelets at Cafe Beignet. Yum!  Then we walked straight on over to the aquarium.  I was super giddy to see the aquatic life.

Waiting in line at Cafe Beignet

Aquarium