It's amazing how your entire day can be made wonderful with great nurses.
We're in the hospital, our son is sick and in pain, our daughter is home missing her mommy and daddy and yet I can smile and laugh because we have wonderful people taking care of our family.
I am so thankful for the nurses here at this hospital because they have made our time here very smooth. They have made us feel welcome and important. They have listened to our concerns, brought us anything we needed, asked us about our family, shared good advice for my sister who is studying nursing, and always had a smile on their faces. And our current nurse has been wonderful about clustering Anthony's meds, creams and vitals so that she doesn't have to bother us all night long.
So for any nurses who read this, your work does not go unappreciated.
And here's a little Anthony update:
Anthony is improving continuously. He's been able to handle his oral meds perfectly. He's had a ton to drink today and lots of wet diapers. All of that means no more IV. We're hoping for great news in the morning and it was mentioned that we could possibly be going home tomorrow. I'm trying not to get my hopes up, but it's really hard! We want to spend Father's Day as a family!
So now I'm off to hopefully get a good night's sleep.... Yeah right, I'm sleeping on a hospital couch with a thunderstorm warning and a 2 month old... Sleep? Haha :-)
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Anthony Update
So we've gotten some better answers today for Anthony.
Originally he tested positive for the Viral Menigitis. However, the special disease doctor told us that she doubts that is accurate. They're retesting it, but she is pretty sure that it was a false positive which they've been getting a lot of lately.
However, he did test positive for Staph. She is still sure that he does, in fact, have eczema and that it became infected with the staph. He's been on the antibiotic to treat that since we arrived, just in case. And they're continuing it. They're not sure which of the two kinds of staph it is, so right now they're treating both until we find out those results, hopefully later today.
They're also treating him for the herpes virus, just in case. The pediatric doctor told us this morning that, in his opinion, he does not in fact have the herpes virus. However, if he does, it is the least severe kind and very treatable.
In addition to the two meds he's getting now, he's on hydrocortizone cream for his skin and some really strong cream for his super dryness. Today his skin is peeling in large clumps, kind of like when you have a really bad sunburn. In fact, his entire rash has looked like a really bad burn with blisters.
Early this morning, his IV slipped out of his vein and leaked into his foot. His foot swelled up and his whole leg is pretty stiff. However, it is not dangerous and our doctor said that in many countries they simply inject the saline into that part of the skin and let it seep into the fat and muscle that way. So it's just a matter of time for his body to soak it all in. They are now giving his meds orally. We begged for this to avoid the trauma of another IV. It took an hour and seven nurses to get his IV in the first time and we were not willing to go through that again. So as long as he can keep them down and not spit them out, we're going to try oral. He took the first dose well (he HATES the taste, but too bad buddy!) and so far has kept it all down.
So really we're trying to keep him hydrated and eating well so that his meds stay down and he doesn't need anymore IV.
He's been a little grumpy today, but it mostly has to do with his sore leg. And he didn't sleep well last night because of a large poopy diaper and his IV issues. So he's been sleeping a lot today.
So there's the update, I finally had time to sit down a write it since he's sleeping so well.
It's the hardest thing in the world to leave one baby at home (or at the hospital) to take care of the other. I just want both of my babies at home, with me again.
Originally he tested positive for the Viral Menigitis. However, the special disease doctor told us that she doubts that is accurate. They're retesting it, but she is pretty sure that it was a false positive which they've been getting a lot of lately.
However, he did test positive for Staph. She is still sure that he does, in fact, have eczema and that it became infected with the staph. He's been on the antibiotic to treat that since we arrived, just in case. And they're continuing it. They're not sure which of the two kinds of staph it is, so right now they're treating both until we find out those results, hopefully later today.
They're also treating him for the herpes virus, just in case. The pediatric doctor told us this morning that, in his opinion, he does not in fact have the herpes virus. However, if he does, it is the least severe kind and very treatable.
In addition to the two meds he's getting now, he's on hydrocortizone cream for his skin and some really strong cream for his super dryness. Today his skin is peeling in large clumps, kind of like when you have a really bad sunburn. In fact, his entire rash has looked like a really bad burn with blisters.
Early this morning, his IV slipped out of his vein and leaked into his foot. His foot swelled up and his whole leg is pretty stiff. However, it is not dangerous and our doctor said that in many countries they simply inject the saline into that part of the skin and let it seep into the fat and muscle that way. So it's just a matter of time for his body to soak it all in. They are now giving his meds orally. We begged for this to avoid the trauma of another IV. It took an hour and seven nurses to get his IV in the first time and we were not willing to go through that again. So as long as he can keep them down and not spit them out, we're going to try oral. He took the first dose well (he HATES the taste, but too bad buddy!) and so far has kept it all down.
So really we're trying to keep him hydrated and eating well so that his meds stay down and he doesn't need anymore IV.
He's been a little grumpy today, but it mostly has to do with his sore leg. And he didn't sleep well last night because of a large poopy diaper and his IV issues. So he's been sleeping a lot today.
So there's the update, I finally had time to sit down a write it since he's sleeping so well.
It's the hardest thing in the world to leave one baby at home (or at the hospital) to take care of the other. I just want both of my babies at home, with me again.
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Hospital Again *Updated*
We're in the hospital again with Anthony.
A very severe, mysterious rash showed up in a matter of hours and they sent us to the children's hospital 45 minutes away to get it taken care of.
At this point he's undergoing lots of tests to figure out what it is. We're hoping it's nothing serious and that the antibiotics they're giving him clear it up.
We'll be here at least through the weekend.
Prayers are greatly appreciated.
*Update*
We spoke with a whole slew of doctors this morning, including the infectious disease doctor and a pediatric specialist and a skin specialist, etc.... They were all in agreement that his skin looks like a severe eczema flare-up. Combined with his dry skin history and the fact that almost all of the tests are coming back negative, and the fact that they all looked at it and said "eczema" without hearing each other's reactions, it's looking that way.
However, he did test positive for a virus, some kind of viral meningitis (not the severe, virus in the brain one, but one more like a regular virus, thank goodness). It seems as if that's just about run its course, his fever is gone and he's been happy and alert and chatty again today.
So we're treating the eczema, they're still administering a few different antibiotics, just in case, and we're hoping that as tests continue to role in for the next 48 hours that nothing else shows up positive.
And I'm completely exhausted and ready to go home tospend the night with my Anna. Daddy has hospital duty and I have "get some sleep" duty.
A very severe, mysterious rash showed up in a matter of hours and they sent us to the children's hospital 45 minutes away to get it taken care of.
At this point he's undergoing lots of tests to figure out what it is. We're hoping it's nothing serious and that the antibiotics they're giving him clear it up.
We'll be here at least through the weekend.
Prayers are greatly appreciated.
*Update*
We spoke with a whole slew of doctors this morning, including the infectious disease doctor and a pediatric specialist and a skin specialist, etc.... They were all in agreement that his skin looks like a severe eczema flare-up. Combined with his dry skin history and the fact that almost all of the tests are coming back negative, and the fact that they all looked at it and said "eczema" without hearing each other's reactions, it's looking that way.
However, he did test positive for a virus, some kind of viral meningitis (not the severe, virus in the brain one, but one more like a regular virus, thank goodness). It seems as if that's just about run its course, his fever is gone and he's been happy and alert and chatty again today.
So we're treating the eczema, they're still administering a few different antibiotics, just in case, and we're hoping that as tests continue to role in for the next 48 hours that nothing else shows up positive.
And I'm completely exhausted and ready to go home tospend the night with my Anna. Daddy has hospital duty and I have "get some sleep" duty.
Monday, June 11, 2012
Teeth
I thought we had it easy. When she was 10 months old, Anna got her first tooth. And with it came three others. We didn't even know they were coming until they were already here. We thought, "Man, she's a great teether! Guess we don't have to worry about that!"
Wrong.
She has since gotten one more tooth on the bottom, no problem there. But her eye teeth, one more on the bottom, and two molars are all deciding to make an appearance at once.
And it's horrible.
She cries and screams for a lot of the day. Meltdowns of epic proportions.
She doesn't want to eat or drink anything. She normally eats a TON and drinks so much that I have to change her diaper like every hour and a half or she pees out of everything all day long. Yesterday she had like 2 dry diapers. She hasn't had a dry diaper since she's been born.
Her fingers are in her mouth ALL. DAY. LONG.
Her poor bottom is raw.
And to top it all off, she ran a temperature with her shots the other day.
I feel so bad for her. I know she hurts. And at the same time, it's hard to be patient with her when it continues all day.
It feels like it's been going on for forever. I know, it's only been a few days. And someday I'll look back and realize it wasn't all that bad, that I'd give anything for her to want to snuggle all day long. But right now it's hard.
Teething tablets have helped, they definitely calm her down. Tylenol/Motrin helps. Popsicles definitely help :-). But she's still in pain for much of the day and her Mama is ready for those teeth to finally poke through and give us all a reprieve.
And really that's what's consuming my days right now. Trying to avoid meltdowns and encouraging her to eat and drink. Oh yeah, and lots of snuggles, buckets of drool, and a sticky driveway from the melted popsicles.
Anthony can stay toothless for a long while, if you ask me!
Wrong.
She has since gotten one more tooth on the bottom, no problem there. But her eye teeth, one more on the bottom, and two molars are all deciding to make an appearance at once.
And it's horrible.
She cries and screams for a lot of the day. Meltdowns of epic proportions.
She doesn't want to eat or drink anything. She normally eats a TON and drinks so much that I have to change her diaper like every hour and a half or she pees out of everything all day long. Yesterday she had like 2 dry diapers. She hasn't had a dry diaper since she's been born.
Her fingers are in her mouth ALL. DAY. LONG.
Her poor bottom is raw.
And to top it all off, she ran a temperature with her shots the other day.
I feel so bad for her. I know she hurts. And at the same time, it's hard to be patient with her when it continues all day.
It feels like it's been going on for forever. I know, it's only been a few days. And someday I'll look back and realize it wasn't all that bad, that I'd give anything for her to want to snuggle all day long. But right now it's hard.
Teething tablets have helped, they definitely calm her down. Tylenol/Motrin helps. Popsicles definitely help :-). But she's still in pain for much of the day and her Mama is ready for those teeth to finally poke through and give us all a reprieve.
And really that's what's consuming my days right now. Trying to avoid meltdowns and encouraging her to eat and drink. Oh yeah, and lots of snuggles, buckets of drool, and a sticky driveway from the melted popsicles.
Anthony can stay toothless for a long while, if you ask me!
Friday, June 8, 2012
Prayers for my grandpa
My grandpa fell in his backyard Tuesday evening.
He hit his head on the concrete and fractured two vertebrae in his neck. He has had some paralyzation but they did surgery to relieve the swelling and prevent furthur damage. The seems to have been successful and he's regaining some feeling in his arms and hands.
We went to see him tonight and although it is hard to see him banged up like that, it was really good to see him and talk to him.
My grandpa is a strong guy. I've always admired his selflessness and willingness to sacrifice for others. I know it is incredibly hard on him to be in this position and unable to take care of everyone else. He mentioned tonight that he is disappointed that we have to cancel our plans to celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary. We had a weekend planned at a hotel with a fancy dinner, etc... But we reminded him that we're so thankful that we get to celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary, what a wonderful milestone!
He has a long road of recovery ahead of him, probably a long time in the hospital with therapy.
Please pray for my grandparents and family for a speedy recovery.
He hit his head on the concrete and fractured two vertebrae in his neck. He has had some paralyzation but they did surgery to relieve the swelling and prevent furthur damage. The seems to have been successful and he's regaining some feeling in his arms and hands.
We went to see him tonight and although it is hard to see him banged up like that, it was really good to see him and talk to him.
My grandpa is a strong guy. I've always admired his selflessness and willingness to sacrifice for others. I know it is incredibly hard on him to be in this position and unable to take care of everyone else. He mentioned tonight that he is disappointed that we have to cancel our plans to celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary. We had a weekend planned at a hotel with a fancy dinner, etc... But we reminded him that we're so thankful that we get to celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary, what a wonderful milestone!
He has a long road of recovery ahead of him, probably a long time in the hospital with therapy.
Please pray for my grandparents and family for a speedy recovery.
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Anthony - 2 Months Old
Our little guy is 2 months old today! How do they grow so fast?
Anthony is now 12lbs,4oz and 23 inches long. He's pretty much right on target, 50th percentile for both. His head's a little bigger at 75th percentile, but I could've told you that :-).
He is such a sweet boy and is quick to smile when talked to. He's a total Mama's boy and pretty much wants me to feed it and hold him over anyone. He loves to watch Anna play and if he hears her talking, he'll look around until he finds her.
Anthony has turned into a very good sleeper. He's taking a 1-2 hour morning nap and a 2-3 hour afternoon nap. Sometimes he takes a little 20-30 minute catnap in the evening, but not always. He goes down for bed around 7:30 and gets up to eat between 2-3. He goes right back down and gets up around 6:30 for the day. He has been putting himself to sleep at night, after a bath, lotion, reading, rocking, bottle, we swaddle him and lay him in his rock n sleep (although tonight we tried him in his crib for the first time, hopefully it's a success!). He sometimes falls asleep right away, sometimes he lays in there and coos for 20-30 minutes before falling asleep. So far he hasn't cried or whined, he just kind of talks. For naps he's primarily sleeping in the swing, but that's simply convenience, his swing is on the main floor :-).
He's eating pretty well. He eats 3-4 ounces every 2-2.5 hours. He's taking like 7 bottles a day, including his nighttime feeding. However, he's having belly issues including a lot of spitting up/screaming and gas. I'm going to ask the doctor today about it, my guess it that it's reflux. He gets a probiotic and we've used gripe water and gas drops and while they help, they don't "fix" the problem. His screaming fits are less frequent now than before we were using them, but they still happen a few times a day. Hopefully we'll get that figured out.
Update: And I was right, the doctor is pretty sure it's reflux. She put him on Zantac and after one dose, he's a different baby. He was so happy and smiley tonight, it makes me wonder why I didn't go in 3 weeks ago! He hardly spit up at all and didn't arch his back like his belly hurt all evening!
Anthony has been smiling a lot more lately and even let out a little laugh the other day. He was "talking" to himself and kind of giggled.
He quickly grew out of his 3M/0-3 month clothes. He's wearing all 6M/3-6 month stuff now. I can't get enough of the polo onesies and plaid shorts, they're just adorable!
Anthony has some super sensitive skin. We're trying different lotions/creams to see what helps the most. What worked on Anna hasn't worked on him, so we're slowly figuring that out. His skin is SUPER dry and needs a heavy lotion. Aquaphor so far is the only thing that's worked, the Cetaphil that we use for Anna just wasn't strong enough. I also use coconut oil on some areas that are super sensitive. But overall it's looking a ton better and it's just a matter of seeing what works!
Anthony, you are such a sweet little boy! Your mommy, daddy and big sister love you so much! It's a joy to watch you grow and to be your mom!
 |
| This boy has some CRAZY hair. Haircut at 2 months old? It just may hvae to happen! |
Anthony is now 12lbs,4oz and 23 inches long. He's pretty much right on target, 50th percentile for both. His head's a little bigger at 75th percentile, but I could've told you that :-).
He is such a sweet boy and is quick to smile when talked to. He's a total Mama's boy and pretty much wants me to feed it and hold him over anyone. He loves to watch Anna play and if he hears her talking, he'll look around until he finds her.
Anthony has turned into a very good sleeper. He's taking a 1-2 hour morning nap and a 2-3 hour afternoon nap. Sometimes he takes a little 20-30 minute catnap in the evening, but not always. He goes down for bed around 7:30 and gets up to eat between 2-3. He goes right back down and gets up around 6:30 for the day. He has been putting himself to sleep at night, after a bath, lotion, reading, rocking, bottle, we swaddle him and lay him in his rock n sleep (although tonight we tried him in his crib for the first time, hopefully it's a success!). He sometimes falls asleep right away, sometimes he lays in there and coos for 20-30 minutes before falling asleep. So far he hasn't cried or whined, he just kind of talks. For naps he's primarily sleeping in the swing, but that's simply convenience, his swing is on the main floor :-).
He's eating pretty well. He eats 3-4 ounces every 2-2.5 hours. He's taking like 7 bottles a day, including his nighttime feeding. However, he's having belly issues including a lot of spitting up/screaming and gas. I'm going to ask the doctor today about it, my guess it that it's reflux. He gets a probiotic and we've used gripe water and gas drops and while they help, they don't "fix" the problem. His screaming fits are less frequent now than before we were using them, but they still happen a few times a day. Hopefully we'll get that figured out.
Update: And I was right, the doctor is pretty sure it's reflux. She put him on Zantac and after one dose, he's a different baby. He was so happy and smiley tonight, it makes me wonder why I didn't go in 3 weeks ago! He hardly spit up at all and didn't arch his back like his belly hurt all evening!
Anthony has been smiling a lot more lately and even let out a little laugh the other day. He was "talking" to himself and kind of giggled.
He quickly grew out of his 3M/0-3 month clothes. He's wearing all 6M/3-6 month stuff now. I can't get enough of the polo onesies and plaid shorts, they're just adorable!
Anthony has some super sensitive skin. We're trying different lotions/creams to see what helps the most. What worked on Anna hasn't worked on him, so we're slowly figuring that out. His skin is SUPER dry and needs a heavy lotion. Aquaphor so far is the only thing that's worked, the Cetaphil that we use for Anna just wasn't strong enough. I also use coconut oil on some areas that are super sensitive. But overall it's looking a ton better and it's just a matter of seeing what works!
Anthony, you are such a sweet little boy! Your mommy, daddy and big sister love you so much! It's a joy to watch you grow and to be your mom!
Anna - 15 Months Old
Our Anna turned 15 months last weekend (the 28th). I didn't get a chance to write up a post for it until now!
At 15 months, she is so much fun. She is busy and curious and into everything. She is such a talker and repeats just about everything.
Her favorite things include:
- Daddy (she's a total daddy's girl!)
- Slides and swings
- Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. She has been walking around the house saying "Oh Toodles!" She really has only seen it a few times (mostly on vacation in the hotel room) but since we've let her watch an episode every few days and she just loves it! That's good because I picked up a Minnie Mouse costume for her at a garage sale for Halloween!
- Her new big girl bed! She's continued to do fantastically in her new bed. She doesn't get out until we come get her and she's sleep as good (and better for naps) as she did in her crib. She's just so independent!
- Her brother. She is the best big sister. She brings me burp rags for him all the time and if she finds his pacifier, she'll pick it up and try to stick it in his mouth. If he's crying when I put him in his carseat, she rocks it for him. She'll "shhhh" him when he's upset. She wants to hold him all the time and to let me know when she wants to, she sits down on the ground in front of me and waves her arms back and forth. It's adorable. When someone else picks him up or talks to him, she gets really possessive and makes sure that no one is going to take him. I can't believe what a good girl she's been since bringing a new baby home, it's truly amazing.
- Outside. She'd spend every waking minute outside if we'd let her!
- Gee-gees and blankies.
- Phones, keys, cameras, or any other technology. If she catches us with our phones or keys, she stands with her hand on her hip and holds out her hand like she's entitled to it. I'm not sure why she thinks that way, we don't give them to her when she does that, but it's hard not to laugh at her.
- Being worn. She LOVES to ride on my back in the Beco. She asks for it a lot still and frankly, it's a nice way to keep her contained and out of trouble! :-)
- There are probably more that I meant to record, but I'll have to come back and add them if I think of them :-).
Anna is such a joy. She also is very stubborn. Some days are a battle of the wills between her and I. I always win, I am just as stubborn. But it's a test of patience. She's slowly learning that mommy doesn't give in to tantrums and the way to get my attention is not by screaming at me. She's started to come up and ask for a hug or a kiss instead when she wants my attention. She's a very affectionate child and I find myself giving her a billion hugs a day!
Anna Clare, you are such a beautiful and wonderful daughter. Mommy, Daddy and Anthony love you so very much! But please stop growing up so fast!
At 15 months, she is so much fun. She is busy and curious and into everything. She is such a talker and repeats just about everything.
Her favorite things include:
- Daddy (she's a total daddy's girl!)
- Slides and swings
- Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. She has been walking around the house saying "Oh Toodles!" She really has only seen it a few times (mostly on vacation in the hotel room) but since we've let her watch an episode every few days and she just loves it! That's good because I picked up a Minnie Mouse costume for her at a garage sale for Halloween!
- Her new big girl bed! She's continued to do fantastically in her new bed. She doesn't get out until we come get her and she's sleep as good (and better for naps) as she did in her crib. She's just so independent!
- Her brother. She is the best big sister. She brings me burp rags for him all the time and if she finds his pacifier, she'll pick it up and try to stick it in his mouth. If he's crying when I put him in his carseat, she rocks it for him. She'll "shhhh" him when he's upset. She wants to hold him all the time and to let me know when she wants to, she sits down on the ground in front of me and waves her arms back and forth. It's adorable. When someone else picks him up or talks to him, she gets really possessive and makes sure that no one is going to take him. I can't believe what a good girl she's been since bringing a new baby home, it's truly amazing.
- Outside. She'd spend every waking minute outside if we'd let her!
- Gee-gees and blankies.
- Phones, keys, cameras, or any other technology. If she catches us with our phones or keys, she stands with her hand on her hip and holds out her hand like she's entitled to it. I'm not sure why she thinks that way, we don't give them to her when she does that, but it's hard not to laugh at her.
- Being worn. She LOVES to ride on my back in the Beco. She asks for it a lot still and frankly, it's a nice way to keep her contained and out of trouble! :-)
- There are probably more that I meant to record, but I'll have to come back and add them if I think of them :-).
Anna is such a joy. She also is very stubborn. Some days are a battle of the wills between her and I. I always win, I am just as stubborn. But it's a test of patience. She's slowly learning that mommy doesn't give in to tantrums and the way to get my attention is not by screaming at me. She's started to come up and ask for a hug or a kiss instead when she wants my attention. She's a very affectionate child and I find myself giving her a billion hugs a day!
Anna Clare, you are such a beautiful and wonderful daughter. Mommy, Daddy and Anthony love you so very much! But please stop growing up so fast!
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