Thursday, May 17, 2012
First Photo Shoot
Even though Kodee is still tiny, we decided to take her and the fam to get our pictures taken. Since we haven't had a family picture taken in over a year, we headed to Target to get them done. We had an awesome coupon....free sitting fees, free 8x10, and $3.99 per sheet. I love a good bargain especially being on a tight budget; and I think they did an awesome job. A few of our faves:
Friday, May 11, 2012
First Doctor's Visit
I can hardly believe it...already 12 days old; so we were due in for Kodee's first doctor's visit with Dr. Owen. It just amazes me how quick time is flying by. I can't get enough of our sweet little bundle.
We have had Mandee and Craig and their girls staying with us this week. They have been such a huge help and we have totally enjoyed our time with them. Today they took Ry with them on the Frontrunner to go to SLC, Rhett was in school, and J was at work. So that left me and Kenna to take Kodee to the Dr's.
When we got to Tanner Clinic, Kodee was pretty calm. We got called right back. We went into a room where I had to dress Kodee down to her diaper. Then we weighed her, got her height, and head circumference. I wanted her to gain weight since she had dropped down to 5 lbs. 14 oz. the day we were released from the hospital.
Her current stats:
Weight: 6 lb. 2 oz...4%
Height: 19 1/2 in....24%
Head: 13 1/4 in....7%
After we got her measured, Dr. Owen checked her heart, eyes, ears, hips, and general color of her skin. Everything came back A-ok! Though she is super tiny still, she is sure headed in the right way.
Next came the dreaded PKU heel prick test. I knew Kodee would HATE it and...she did. As soon as they pricked her heel, she screamed super loud. Then it turned into a whimpered cry and man that makes your heart ache to hear such a tiny cry. As soon as they filled all the circles in on her card, I quickly wrapped her back up and fed her a bottle. That seemed to make everything all better.
I had a couple concerns about Kodee...1-Her belly button. Her cord came off 2 days ago, but the inside of it still looked goopy and white. Because her belly button closes, it kept the moisture in. I have to do more cleanings with alcohol to make sure we dry it out. 2-Her breathing. The last couple nights, she has had labored breathing which has been scary. It's quick breaths, a long breath, and then about 5 seconds of no breaths. Dr. Owen said its completely normal and we shouldn't worry...just keep an eye out for it. He said it happens when babies are born early or are still really little and their spinal cords are still developing 100%.
It was a great appointment and I was happy to know Kodee is growing and progressing great. Other moments from her first two weeks...
*She still has 2 "stork's bites." One little one on her right eyelid and another bigger one between her eyes. They appear as red circles, but usually only when she's angry or crying.
*We call her squeak toy. Sometimes her little cries come out like little squeaks. Kenna calls her baby Kodee.
*She's doing better at sleeping through the night. She has her last feeding about midnight and sleeps until about 630am.
*She spends most the day eating, sleeping, and rocking in the swing.
*The kiddos just LOVE helping...feeding her a bottle, holding her, wrapping her up in blankets, and talking to her.
*Whenever Kodee cries, the kiddos try everything to get her to calm down. Usually it takes putting her bink back in her mouth. And when I'm stuck in a stationary place pumping, the extra hands sure help.
*She still has her long dark brown hair. I love putting her bows and headbands in her hair.
*She loves to be bathed now! Her favorite part is when I wash her hair and brush it...she always closes her eyes in relaxation.
*She still loves to be swaddled. Sometimes when she cries, I just have to wrap her back up nice and tight, and she calms right down.
*Justin can't get enough of holding Kodee and neither can she. If he's home, and she cries, he just has to put her in his arms and she instantly stops. There's something about his calm demeanor that she just loves. And of course, he loves his girl!
I am just ecstatic about having Kodee in our family. Each day I'm thankful for being blessed with her and getting to experience a newborn again.
Me and Kodee...12 days old
The kiddos helping with Kodee
We have had Mandee and Craig and their girls staying with us this week. They have been such a huge help and we have totally enjoyed our time with them. Today they took Ry with them on the Frontrunner to go to SLC, Rhett was in school, and J was at work. So that left me and Kenna to take Kodee to the Dr's.
When we got to Tanner Clinic, Kodee was pretty calm. We got called right back. We went into a room where I had to dress Kodee down to her diaper. Then we weighed her, got her height, and head circumference. I wanted her to gain weight since she had dropped down to 5 lbs. 14 oz. the day we were released from the hospital.
Her current stats:
Weight: 6 lb. 2 oz...4%
Height: 19 1/2 in....24%
Head: 13 1/4 in....7%
After we got her measured, Dr. Owen checked her heart, eyes, ears, hips, and general color of her skin. Everything came back A-ok! Though she is super tiny still, she is sure headed in the right way.
Next came the dreaded PKU heel prick test. I knew Kodee would HATE it and...she did. As soon as they pricked her heel, she screamed super loud. Then it turned into a whimpered cry and man that makes your heart ache to hear such a tiny cry. As soon as they filled all the circles in on her card, I quickly wrapped her back up and fed her a bottle. That seemed to make everything all better.
I had a couple concerns about Kodee...1-Her belly button. Her cord came off 2 days ago, but the inside of it still looked goopy and white. Because her belly button closes, it kept the moisture in. I have to do more cleanings with alcohol to make sure we dry it out. 2-Her breathing. The last couple nights, she has had labored breathing which has been scary. It's quick breaths, a long breath, and then about 5 seconds of no breaths. Dr. Owen said its completely normal and we shouldn't worry...just keep an eye out for it. He said it happens when babies are born early or are still really little and their spinal cords are still developing 100%.
It was a great appointment and I was happy to know Kodee is growing and progressing great. Other moments from her first two weeks...
*She still has 2 "stork's bites." One little one on her right eyelid and another bigger one between her eyes. They appear as red circles, but usually only when she's angry or crying.
*We call her squeak toy. Sometimes her little cries come out like little squeaks. Kenna calls her baby Kodee.
*She's doing better at sleeping through the night. She has her last feeding about midnight and sleeps until about 630am.
*She spends most the day eating, sleeping, and rocking in the swing.
*The kiddos just LOVE helping...feeding her a bottle, holding her, wrapping her up in blankets, and talking to her.
*Whenever Kodee cries, the kiddos try everything to get her to calm down. Usually it takes putting her bink back in her mouth. And when I'm stuck in a stationary place pumping, the extra hands sure help.
*She still has her long dark brown hair. I love putting her bows and headbands in her hair.
*She loves to be bathed now! Her favorite part is when I wash her hair and brush it...she always closes her eyes in relaxation.
*She still loves to be swaddled. Sometimes when she cries, I just have to wrap her back up nice and tight, and she calms right down.
*Justin can't get enough of holding Kodee and neither can she. If he's home, and she cries, he just has to put her in his arms and she instantly stops. There's something about his calm demeanor that she just loves. And of course, he loves his girl!
I am just ecstatic about having Kodee in our family. Each day I'm thankful for being blessed with her and getting to experience a newborn again.
Me and Kodee...12 days old
The kiddos helping with Kodee
Saturday, May 5, 2012
First "Bath"
On Thursday, May 3, I gave Kodee her first "bath." The girls were so excited to watch, but of course, like my other kiddos, she didn't like it at first.
She only calmed down when I started to wash and scrub her tiny head. She's definitely all girl and loves her hair to be played with.
I quickly got her dressed cause she was shivering. I decided to take a few pics of her...
...And the girls just had to get in the pics with her. They are so camera-happy!
She only calmed down when I started to wash and scrub her tiny head. She's definitely all girl and loves her hair to be played with.
I quickly got her dressed cause she was shivering. I decided to take a few pics of her...
...And the girls just had to get in the pics with her. They are so camera-happy!
Hospital Stay
My adrenaline must have still been going the first night, because no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't get to sleep. I finally sent Kodee to the nursery and was able to sleep for about 2 hours.
On Monday, April 30, I was awoken at 715am to get my vital signs. About 10 min. later, Kodee was brought in from the nursery to eat. Then about an hour later, Dr. Hall came in to see if I wanted to be released. I said, "No way! I'm going to milk this as long as possible!" About 15 min. after he left, Dr. Owen (the kiddos pediatrician) came in to check Kodee's vitals.
Everything looked great. Her collar bone and head looked normal especially after having the forceps and vacuumed used. Dr. Owen had said, 2 weeks earlier, one of his patient's collar bone had broken from the forceps. I was relieved to know everything looked fine with Kodee.
Davis Hospital gives you a special spouse lunch or dinner. So J came up at lunch time and we enjoyed Philly Steak sandwiches, fries, and Strawberry Cheesecake...mmm!
I spent the rest of the day enjoying my quiet, one-on-time with Kodee. After I'd feed her, all I had to do was sit her up and she'd burp herself. When she was awake, she would look wide-eyed at everything around her. We even took a nap together, which of course I just loved being able to snuggle with her. But one of my favorite things was just watching her sleep. I could stare at her all day!
I slept much better the 2nd night. When I woke up, Tuesday, May 1, they brought Kodee in from the nursery. Of course, I just stared at her. Each morning I get to see her, is like getting a present all over again. I just can't get enough of her. After breakfast, I got my things packed and ready to go...because it was time to head back into reality and leave the pampered services of the nurses.
Before I left, they had their photography staff come and do a little photo session. I was able to get a very sweet book of all the pics they took. I am so excited to get it!
J and Kenna came to pick me up about 11am. Before we left, we took a few more pics of Kodee while we waited for Dr. Hall to release me.
It was finally time; as we got our plants, belongings, and baby Kodee, I looked into my empty room. I have to admit how sad I became...I even cried. I looked at the empty cart against the wall which Kodee was sleeping in. I don't know why I get so sentimental, but I was sad to leave the serenity of the room that was my home for the past 2 days. On the other hand, I was excited to go home with our new, beautiful daughter.
J and the kiddos were so kind to make us a surprise as we pulled up at home.
Kenna even wanted to be a "mom" and take her baby on a car ride, just like Kodee. Safety first!
I wasn't sure how the kiddos would react to having a new baby in the home. But surprisingly, there hasn't been any bad feelings. The girls are in total bliss having a real baby in the house and Rhett has loved being a big brother. I feel super lucky and very blessed to have such wonderful miracles in my life!
On Monday, April 30, I was awoken at 715am to get my vital signs. About 10 min. later, Kodee was brought in from the nursery to eat. Then about an hour later, Dr. Hall came in to see if I wanted to be released. I said, "No way! I'm going to milk this as long as possible!" About 15 min. after he left, Dr. Owen (the kiddos pediatrician) came in to check Kodee's vitals.
Everything looked great. Her collar bone and head looked normal especially after having the forceps and vacuumed used. Dr. Owen had said, 2 weeks earlier, one of his patient's collar bone had broken from the forceps. I was relieved to know everything looked fine with Kodee.
Davis Hospital gives you a special spouse lunch or dinner. So J came up at lunch time and we enjoyed Philly Steak sandwiches, fries, and Strawberry Cheesecake...mmm!
I spent the rest of the day enjoying my quiet, one-on-time with Kodee. After I'd feed her, all I had to do was sit her up and she'd burp herself. When she was awake, she would look wide-eyed at everything around her. We even took a nap together, which of course I just loved being able to snuggle with her. But one of my favorite things was just watching her sleep. I could stare at her all day!
I slept much better the 2nd night. When I woke up, Tuesday, May 1, they brought Kodee in from the nursery. Of course, I just stared at her. Each morning I get to see her, is like getting a present all over again. I just can't get enough of her. After breakfast, I got my things packed and ready to go...because it was time to head back into reality and leave the pampered services of the nurses.
Before I left, they had their photography staff come and do a little photo session. I was able to get a very sweet book of all the pics they took. I am so excited to get it!
J and Kenna came to pick me up about 11am. Before we left, we took a few more pics of Kodee while we waited for Dr. Hall to release me.
It was finally time; as we got our plants, belongings, and baby Kodee, I looked into my empty room. I have to admit how sad I became...I even cried. I looked at the empty cart against the wall which Kodee was sleeping in. I don't know why I get so sentimental, but I was sad to leave the serenity of the room that was my home for the past 2 days. On the other hand, I was excited to go home with our new, beautiful daughter.
J and the kiddos were so kind to make us a surprise as we pulled up at home.
Kenna even wanted to be a "mom" and take her baby on a car ride, just like Kodee. Safety first!
I wasn't sure how the kiddos would react to having a new baby in the home. But surprisingly, there hasn't been any bad feelings. The girls are in total bliss having a real baby in the house and Rhett has loved being a big brother. I feel super lucky and very blessed to have such wonderful miracles in my life!
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Happy Birthday!!!
What a week we've had so far. We were supposed to be induced for our pregnancy on Fri. May 4th, but Kodee had other plans.
On Saturday, the 28th, I cleaned most the day because I was still trying to get ready for the induction. I cramped and contracted most the day. I kept complaining I was in pain and Ry proceeded to dress up like me and said, "I'll keep you company!"
J had a guy who got sick so he ended up being at work an extra 4 hours to make-up his work. By the time he finally got home, it was late. He hurried off to bed because he had to get up 5 hours later for inventory. I couldn't sleep, so I stayed up playing games on J's phone. About midnight, I kept getting pains about every 20 min. At first I'd be like, "Man my period is going to start." And then quickly realize, "Duh, I'm pregnant." This went on till about 2am. I was getting so restless, I decided to head to bed. I laid there about 10 min, and the pains only got worse. So I thought maybe if I take a shower I'll feel better...that only made it worse. When I got out, it was 330am and J was about to get up for work. I went and woke him up and said, "Sorry honey. I tried to hold off till your inventory was done, but I think I'm in labor and we need to go to the hospital." He just looked at me like I was kidding. When he realized I wasn't, he hurried around to get things packed. Since we thought we still had 6 days, we had nothing ready to go. While he was doing that, I figured I'd blow dry my hair. I called Kathleen to come over and watch the girls so they wouldn't have to be woken up. We had Rhett come with us because he wanted to be there.
We left for the hospital at 415am. As we were driving, I hadn't gotten a contraction for awhile. I thought, "Oh great! I am going to get there and look paranoid. After waking everyone up, I'll be sent right back home." But just as we got to the hospital, I had a huge contraction. I knew then we were delivering that day.
Since it was only 445am, the front doors weren't open. So we went thru the ER and walked up to Labor and Delivery. It was so quiet, that when we walked up to the nurse's station, we scared them. They asked if we had checked in with ER but I never saw anyone down there. But I needed to get registered, so J went back down to do that while I got checked into my room.
They had me lay down and start an IV and Penicillin. I told them I wanted an epidural and she said she needed to check me first. I was already a 7! My water hadn't broke, which I think is how Kodee stayed in so long. And I'm very grateful because I would not have wanted to deliver at home. I didn't think they would let me have an epi, but 10 min later, the anesthesiologist came in. I was numb and comfy by 520am!
The morning seemed to rush by quickly because Dr. Hall came in at 615am to check me again and I was a 10! He said I could start pushing. Usually, it's an easy thing for me. But I must have been in a weird position, because it hurt so bad to push...like my ribs were digging into my lungs. After 10 min, Dr. Hall said she was stuck. I thought, "Wow! I really don't want to deliver a 12 lb. baby." But thankfully it wasn't because she was big. Because I had labored so fast, she didn't have time to properly come down the birth canal all the way. Dr. Hall grabbed the forceps and vacuum to help her out. Kodee finally arrived at 637am. I was waiting for them to put her on my chest so we could see her, cut her cord, and take some pics. But they whisked her away to the machine....she wasn't breathing. It really scared me. But a few min later, I heard her sweet little cry...music to my ears!
I quickly turned my attention back to Dr. Hall who was trying to stitch me up. I always have an episiotomy, but because she was stuck, I had to be cut even more; which meant more stitches. I just wanted him to be done. My body started to twitch and shake. I felt like I was losing it. Dr. Hall kept assuring me he was almost done. But I just wanted to move and I couldn't. I guess I got Restless Leg Syndrome and it was driving me crazy. I wasn't breathing normal and my blood pressure and pulse dropped dangerously low. They quickly called the anesthesiologist back in and she gave me some Versed in my IV. It knocked me right out. When I came to 15 min later, they had given me oxygen which raised my BP and pulse and Dr. Hall had stitched me up. I looked around as if nothing had happened and everyone just smiled at me. Also while I was out, they had taken Kodee to the nursery to stabilize her breathing and give her a bath.
While we waited to be moved, J called into work to make sure inventory was going smoothly...it wasn't. I told him to go in and work it out or he'd stress about it all day. Besides, Rhett was with me and he was great company. We got into my post-natal room and I finally got to meet my sweet little baby. She was perfect in every way...with lots and lots of hair! J was still at work, so me and Rhett just enjoyed little Kodee...and he had lots of fun playing on J's phone.
J finally made it back to the hospital, rushed in, and quickly took Kodee. He couldn't get enough of her...Daddys and daughters sure have a special bond. She even had her first poopy diaper, and as tradition, J changed it!
J took Rhett and they left to pick up the girls from Kathleen's, eat lunch, and come back later to visit. While they were gone, I thought I was strong enough to get up and walk around. I went to my bag to get my slippers and I fell down...guess my epi hadn't wore off completely. I lay there for a few minutes thinking to myself how dumb I felt and room service just happened to come then. He asked me, "What are you doing? Are you ok?" He quickly put my food down and helped me up. I decided to spend the rest of the afternoon in bed!
I just love hospitals; the smell, the room service, and just having that alone time. But I think, mostly, I love being able to have that quiet time with the new baby. It was so relaxing to just sit and watch Kodee sleep and make her cute little noises.
When J got back with the kiddos, it was a full house. Along with them, Mom and Dad came, my sweet neighbors Bonnie and Annie Checketts, my good friend Kerri Shelton, and my awesome sister, Dawn. Though it was crazy, and the quietness quickly left, I loved having everyone visit. The girls loved meeting their sweet baby sister and they were all so cute how they doted over Kodee. At one time, Rhett even went up to her and started to stroke her head and sing a song. When he was done, he said, "That's Kodee's lullaby!"
It was a very long and draining day. I think I went about 28 hours or so without sleep. But when I look into that sweet face, I can't help but know that it's all worth it. I count my lucky stars for this sweet miracle to join our family. Talk about Love at First Sight!
On Saturday, the 28th, I cleaned most the day because I was still trying to get ready for the induction. I cramped and contracted most the day. I kept complaining I was in pain and Ry proceeded to dress up like me and said, "I'll keep you company!"
J had a guy who got sick so he ended up being at work an extra 4 hours to make-up his work. By the time he finally got home, it was late. He hurried off to bed because he had to get up 5 hours later for inventory. I couldn't sleep, so I stayed up playing games on J's phone. About midnight, I kept getting pains about every 20 min. At first I'd be like, "Man my period is going to start." And then quickly realize, "Duh, I'm pregnant." This went on till about 2am. I was getting so restless, I decided to head to bed. I laid there about 10 min, and the pains only got worse. So I thought maybe if I take a shower I'll feel better...that only made it worse. When I got out, it was 330am and J was about to get up for work. I went and woke him up and said, "Sorry honey. I tried to hold off till your inventory was done, but I think I'm in labor and we need to go to the hospital." He just looked at me like I was kidding. When he realized I wasn't, he hurried around to get things packed. Since we thought we still had 6 days, we had nothing ready to go. While he was doing that, I figured I'd blow dry my hair. I called Kathleen to come over and watch the girls so they wouldn't have to be woken up. We had Rhett come with us because he wanted to be there.
We left for the hospital at 415am. As we were driving, I hadn't gotten a contraction for awhile. I thought, "Oh great! I am going to get there and look paranoid. After waking everyone up, I'll be sent right back home." But just as we got to the hospital, I had a huge contraction. I knew then we were delivering that day.
Since it was only 445am, the front doors weren't open. So we went thru the ER and walked up to Labor and Delivery. It was so quiet, that when we walked up to the nurse's station, we scared them. They asked if we had checked in with ER but I never saw anyone down there. But I needed to get registered, so J went back down to do that while I got checked into my room.
They had me lay down and start an IV and Penicillin. I told them I wanted an epidural and she said she needed to check me first. I was already a 7! My water hadn't broke, which I think is how Kodee stayed in so long. And I'm very grateful because I would not have wanted to deliver at home. I didn't think they would let me have an epi, but 10 min later, the anesthesiologist came in. I was numb and comfy by 520am!
The morning seemed to rush by quickly because Dr. Hall came in at 615am to check me again and I was a 10! He said I could start pushing. Usually, it's an easy thing for me. But I must have been in a weird position, because it hurt so bad to push...like my ribs were digging into my lungs. After 10 min, Dr. Hall said she was stuck. I thought, "Wow! I really don't want to deliver a 12 lb. baby." But thankfully it wasn't because she was big. Because I had labored so fast, she didn't have time to properly come down the birth canal all the way. Dr. Hall grabbed the forceps and vacuum to help her out. Kodee finally arrived at 637am. I was waiting for them to put her on my chest so we could see her, cut her cord, and take some pics. But they whisked her away to the machine....she wasn't breathing. It really scared me. But a few min later, I heard her sweet little cry...music to my ears!
I quickly turned my attention back to Dr. Hall who was trying to stitch me up. I always have an episiotomy, but because she was stuck, I had to be cut even more; which meant more stitches. I just wanted him to be done. My body started to twitch and shake. I felt like I was losing it. Dr. Hall kept assuring me he was almost done. But I just wanted to move and I couldn't. I guess I got Restless Leg Syndrome and it was driving me crazy. I wasn't breathing normal and my blood pressure and pulse dropped dangerously low. They quickly called the anesthesiologist back in and she gave me some Versed in my IV. It knocked me right out. When I came to 15 min later, they had given me oxygen which raised my BP and pulse and Dr. Hall had stitched me up. I looked around as if nothing had happened and everyone just smiled at me. Also while I was out, they had taken Kodee to the nursery to stabilize her breathing and give her a bath.
While we waited to be moved, J called into work to make sure inventory was going smoothly...it wasn't. I told him to go in and work it out or he'd stress about it all day. Besides, Rhett was with me and he was great company. We got into my post-natal room and I finally got to meet my sweet little baby. She was perfect in every way...with lots and lots of hair! J was still at work, so me and Rhett just enjoyed little Kodee...and he had lots of fun playing on J's phone.
J finally made it back to the hospital, rushed in, and quickly took Kodee. He couldn't get enough of her...Daddys and daughters sure have a special bond. She even had her first poopy diaper, and as tradition, J changed it!
J took Rhett and they left to pick up the girls from Kathleen's, eat lunch, and come back later to visit. While they were gone, I thought I was strong enough to get up and walk around. I went to my bag to get my slippers and I fell down...guess my epi hadn't wore off completely. I lay there for a few minutes thinking to myself how dumb I felt and room service just happened to come then. He asked me, "What are you doing? Are you ok?" He quickly put my food down and helped me up. I decided to spend the rest of the afternoon in bed!
I just love hospitals; the smell, the room service, and just having that alone time. But I think, mostly, I love being able to have that quiet time with the new baby. It was so relaxing to just sit and watch Kodee sleep and make her cute little noises.
When J got back with the kiddos, it was a full house. Along with them, Mom and Dad came, my sweet neighbors Bonnie and Annie Checketts, my good friend Kerri Shelton, and my awesome sister, Dawn. Though it was crazy, and the quietness quickly left, I loved having everyone visit. The girls loved meeting their sweet baby sister and they were all so cute how they doted over Kodee. At one time, Rhett even went up to her and started to stroke her head and sing a song. When he was done, he said, "That's Kodee's lullaby!"
It was a very long and draining day. I think I went about 28 hours or so without sleep. But when I look into that sweet face, I can't help but know that it's all worth it. I count my lucky stars for this sweet miracle to join our family. Talk about Love at First Sight!
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