Samuel is translated Heard Of God, God Hears. Shama (shah-mah): to listen carefully / intelligently with a sense of intensity, so named after his mother asked for a son, and the Lord listened and answered SHAMA! What a great and appropriate name for our son, huh? :)
In honor of our Samuel's 3rd Birthday- January 26, 2012, I am posting my blogs from the weeks before and after he was born. What a miracle he is!
Dec. 28th, 2008
mood: thankful
Thank you to everyone who has asked, prayed and/or commented about my stay in the hospital over Christmas. Please forgive me for choosing such a way as to respond to everyone, yet only having to type this up once. I decided to start this blog because after my hospital stay, I was put on bed rest, thus limiting the amount of time I am allowed to sit up and type. I hope this blog serves to share what is going on with us, allowing your information to be accurate and your prayers to be targeted. So, to answer first things first, "Why were you in the hospital over Christmas?"
I have had to start seeing a Maternal Fetal Medicine specialist (because of high risk pregnancy) and when I went to my first appointment on Tuesday (go twice a week) they realized that my cervix was literally as thin as a sheet of paper and that I would have gone into preterm labor in about a day or so, remember I am only 6 months now, so it's way too soon. Anyway, they suddenly and quickly put me on my head and sent me to the hospital where I had to have a rescue cervical cerclage (surgical procedure). I had to stay after that until they were sure that I didn't have an infection, etc. Dr. Scardo told us after the surgery that during the procedure, he put touched my cervix and could feel Sam's head on the other side! His words were, "Discovering this was a miracle and saved your baby's life."
As I said, I am on bed rest, and will be until Sam is born. This means that I can sit up on occasion, go to the bathroom and shower and can stand long enough to fix myself something to drink or a sandwich. That's it.
God really took care of me. I was literally on the way out the door when someone in their office said, "Let me check something, just in case." I was in the hospital the 23-26, but- under the circumstances, what a great Christmas to still have our baby boy on the way.
I'll keep you all posted.
Love to all.
Susan
Dec. 31st, 2008
Tired of relaxing....
One would think that any full time mother (or step mother, in my case) would relish the thought of being told, "Stay in bed, rest, relax, don't cook, clean or do laundry..." However, I am quickly learning about myself that I do not like to need help. My mama is coming over today to do my laundry. On Tuesday, she ironed enough clothes for Jason to have something to wear every day this week. The girls have been making their own lunches (since they are out of school until Jan. 5th) and Jason and the girls are doing a great job keeping the house clean. My father-in-law calls me every day to check on me and the family have graciously decided to make dinner for us in the evenings..... everyone has been great! My friend Lorrie is even coming on Friday to take the girls out for a little while. Although ALL of me is grateful, a part of me really hates it. I have come to the conclusion that it's not fair for me, who loves to help people, to not allow or contempt help from others. Does that mean I have to like it? I think, at least, I should ask God to allow me to be that person for now and maybe this practice will help be stay that way forever.
My mama sweetly said to me, "Susan, you have the most important job. Getting Sam here is more important than anything." She is right and God bless her for making me feel useful. Don't get me wrong, I really do understand how important my job is. Getting Sam here (in the right time) is more important to me than anything and I will do whatever I have to do to make sure that happens....even if it is do nothing, which is exactly what I am doing.
I went on Monday to get my first of weekly progesterone shots and biophysical profiles. Everything looked good. The doctors are hopeful that the cerclage will hold and that we will at least make it to 30 weeks. There are lot of little things that have to stay perfect, however, I believe, now more than ever, that God is able.
Back to the bed for me....
Until next time-
Susan
My mama sweetly said to me, "Susan, you have the most important job. Getting Sam here is more important than anything." She is right and God bless her for making me feel useful. Don't get me wrong, I really do understand how important my job is. Getting Sam here (in the right time) is more important to me than anything and I will do whatever I have to do to make sure that happens....even if it is do nothing, which is exactly what I am doing.
I went on Monday to get my first of weekly progesterone shots and biophysical profiles. Everything looked good. The doctors are hopeful that the cerclage will hold and that we will at least make it to 30 weeks. There are lot of little things that have to stay perfect, however, I believe, now more than ever, that God is able.
Back to the bed for me....
Until next time-
Susan
Jan. 13th, 2009
Moving Mountains....
It has been said that "it takes two to make a baby," and I guess in the raw sense of things that it true. In our case, it seems that it takes two, plus an entire family, teams of doctors, nurses, ultrasound techs, hospital staff and the actual hand of an Almighty God. How thankful we are that we have all of those helping getting our baby Sam here safely.
On Monday morning I went to my regular appointment for a biophysical profile (BPP), progesterone shot, blood work, urine test, etc. During the BPP it was discovered that there was absent blood flow in the umbilical cord. They thought it might be because my blood pressure was elevated, so they increased my medication and made me return this morning for another BPP. My blood pressure was great, but the absent flow was still there. I will attempt to explain this the way it was explained to me. Simply, if you hold a sponge up to the faucet, the pressure will force the water through the sponge. If you turn the water pressure down, the water can have a hard time passing though, until that pressure is increased again. This is called "absent" when referring to blood going through the cord to the baby. So, when my heart beats, a surge of pressure pushes blood though, when my heart rests, it is "absent" because there is no longer enough pressure to get the blood through properly. This, in and of itself, is not a huge problem at this point because the blood flow in the liver (and rest of his little body) is still good. However, because it can change so rapidly, without my knowledge, I go back to the hospital for an indefinite period of time, starting tomorrow morning. The doctors, of course, want to keep me pregnant as long as possible, however, at any point that it gets more dangerous for him to stay inside, versus going into the nursery, they will take him. Today, I am 27 weeks and 1 day. At 28 weeks, he has a 98% chance for normal, no long term problems, survival. Jason and I, personally, hope to make it to at least 32 weeks, which is not an unrealistic goal, according to our doctors. If we make it, this would potentially put me in the hospital for 5 weeks. And, folks, this could mean that my baby shower, planned for February 28th (invitations should be arriving next week) may have to be relocated to my hospital room.
This quote is going above Sam's crib, "Let him sleep, for when he wakes, he shall move mountains." (available through Julie Nichols of Uppercase Living). In the meantime we believe that God will move mountains on his behalf.
So, that is the latest in our journey with Sam. I hope I will be able to continue to blog from the hospital, assuming that I can get a WI-FI signal there, I will.
On Monday morning I went to my regular appointment for a biophysical profile (BPP), progesterone shot, blood work, urine test, etc. During the BPP it was discovered that there was absent blood flow in the umbilical cord. They thought it might be because my blood pressure was elevated, so they increased my medication and made me return this morning for another BPP. My blood pressure was great, but the absent flow was still there. I will attempt to explain this the way it was explained to me. Simply, if you hold a sponge up to the faucet, the pressure will force the water through the sponge. If you turn the water pressure down, the water can have a hard time passing though, until that pressure is increased again. This is called "absent" when referring to blood going through the cord to the baby. So, when my heart beats, a surge of pressure pushes blood though, when my heart rests, it is "absent" because there is no longer enough pressure to get the blood through properly. This, in and of itself, is not a huge problem at this point because the blood flow in the liver (and rest of his little body) is still good. However, because it can change so rapidly, without my knowledge, I go back to the hospital for an indefinite period of time, starting tomorrow morning. The doctors, of course, want to keep me pregnant as long as possible, however, at any point that it gets more dangerous for him to stay inside, versus going into the nursery, they will take him. Today, I am 27 weeks and 1 day. At 28 weeks, he has a 98% chance for normal, no long term problems, survival. Jason and I, personally, hope to make it to at least 32 weeks, which is not an unrealistic goal, according to our doctors. If we make it, this would potentially put me in the hospital for 5 weeks. And, folks, this could mean that my baby shower, planned for February 28th (invitations should be arriving next week) may have to be relocated to my hospital room.
This quote is going above Sam's crib, "Let him sleep, for when he wakes, he shall move mountains." (available through Julie Nichols of Uppercase Living). In the meantime we believe that God will move mountains on his behalf.
So, that is the latest in our journey with Sam. I hope I will be able to continue to blog from the hospital, assuming that I can get a WI-FI signal there, I will.
That nose proves that this is my baby! ;)
Jan. 18th, 2009
Loved in this beige box
It is Sunday, day number four or five in the hospital. This is my first blog from room 630 at SRMC. I have thought of this update every day that I am here, but just wasn't sure of what exactly I wanted to share. In some ways, there is so much happening and in other ways, I feel like I am completely removed from my life and isolated in box of beige walls, bad food and cable television. But, let’s look at the bright side for a moment. The actual stay at the hospital has not been that bad. I have a biophysical profile every morning, followed by meetings with one of my fetal specialists, two fetal monitoring sessions, several vital sign checks and labs. It makes me comfortable that they are keeping such a good watch on Sam. It is comforting to know that IF anything changes, they will know quickly and can respond immediately in his best interest. So, in that sense, the stay has been great. Medically speaking, everything is the same, but not worse, which is good.
On a lighter note, I have actually watched a full television show and have not been interrupted. I have taken a long shower and not had anyone knock on the door to go to the bathroom and I haven't had to wash one load of laundry, wash one dish, or cook one meal. Plus, I have had visitors every day. Getting to spend a little time with people I love is always good.
All of that being said, I miss my family. I hate being away from Jason and the girls and I am realizing, every day, how blessed I am with the life I live with Jason. People always say, "Absence makes the heart grow fonder." Well, although, I believe that is true, in my case, I think its more like, "absence makes the heart realize how fond it already was." Being away from my life has made me realize how much I love it and the people in it.
So to Jason, I want to say, that I have realized that I have gotten too comfortable and taken for granted that I have something with you, my best friend that most people never have. Jason, you have earned the privilege to be Sam's daddy and I am more than blessed to be on this journey with you and to become Sam's mommy, even now, even from this beige box. I am honored to be your wife and the mother of your son. I love you.
While writing this blog, I have been listening to the service at our church (www.rwoc.org) online. Apostle Ron said this, "Prosperity is having everything you need to fulfill the assignment you have on your life." So, today, I know that I am blessed and He has made me prosperous because I have everything I need to do this job that God has given me. My mama, or Sam's Granny, as she likes to be called, gave me this scripture. Consequently, it is the same scripture associated with Samuel's name is Micah 7:7, which says, “But as for me, I watch in hope for the LORD, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me." So, Sam, baby, He does hear and your daddy and I are just watching and waiting for God to bring you to us in His timing. You are already my greatest accomplishment. So, stay inside, and grow because you are destined to live.
On a lighter note, I have actually watched a full television show and have not been interrupted. I have taken a long shower and not had anyone knock on the door to go to the bathroom and I haven't had to wash one load of laundry, wash one dish, or cook one meal. Plus, I have had visitors every day. Getting to spend a little time with people I love is always good.
All of that being said, I miss my family. I hate being away from Jason and the girls and I am realizing, every day, how blessed I am with the life I live with Jason. People always say, "Absence makes the heart grow fonder." Well, although, I believe that is true, in my case, I think its more like, "absence makes the heart realize how fond it already was." Being away from my life has made me realize how much I love it and the people in it.
So to Jason, I want to say, that I have realized that I have gotten too comfortable and taken for granted that I have something with you, my best friend that most people never have. Jason, you have earned the privilege to be Sam's daddy and I am more than blessed to be on this journey with you and to become Sam's mommy, even now, even from this beige box. I am honored to be your wife and the mother of your son. I love you.
While writing this blog, I have been listening to the service at our church (www.rwoc.org) online. Apostle Ron said this, "Prosperity is having everything you need to fulfill the assignment you have on your life." So, today, I know that I am blessed and He has made me prosperous because I have everything I need to do this job that God has given me. My mama, or Sam's Granny, as she likes to be called, gave me this scripture. Consequently, it is the same scripture associated with Samuel's name is Micah 7:7, which says, “But as for me, I watch in hope for the LORD, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me." So, Sam, baby, He does hear and your daddy and I are just watching and waiting for God to bring you to us in His timing. You are already my greatest accomplishment. So, stay inside, and grow because you are destined to live.
Feb. 2nd, 2009
Heart & Home
For 16 days, my heart longed to come home. Little did I know that when I came home, it wouldn't be here any more, at least not all of it. On January 26th at 5:50 pm, my heart went to bed 21 of the NICU at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center, and today, February 2nd, there it remains. Our beautiful baby boy, Samuel Josselin Jacobs, lives there for now. The important part is that he lives, HE LIVES.
He, today, is one week old. He is off the light that lowers his billy reuben levels. He is breathing room air and is not on the ventilator anymore. They have tried to feed him breast milk and he wasn't quite ready to digest that, so they will try again in a few days. Until then, he gets his nutrients through an IV in his umbilical cord, much like he would if he were still in my belly. His papa is exactly right when he says, "He is perfect."
On the morning of January 26, 2009 at about 8 am, transport came to pick me up from my room and take me to Regional Maternal Fetal Medicine. I had my biophysical profile as I did every morning. There were a few abnormalities, slight reversal in the cord blood flow, beginning stages of reversal in the ductus, and weekly measurements showed that Sam hadn't grown as much as he should have. Dr. Vermillion said these things, paired with my awareness of decreased movement and a few decreases in Sam's heartbeat, made him want close observations of Sam that day. So, I was sent back to my room and placed on the fetal monitor for a few hours before I was called back to have another biophysical profile that afternoon. At about 3 pm I was in the room with three ultrasound specialists who collectively agreed that it was "time to deliver." Shortly thereafter I was in the room with Dr. Vermillion who confirmed their statements. He told me that within 2 hours we would have a baby. I was immediately taken to triage of labor and delivery and Dr. White was scheduled to preform an emergency c-section.
It seemed like, literally, within minutes, my brother, Chris, my sisters, Jackie and Katie, my mom and Jason's dad and my Aunt June were there waiting. I was so afraid. I was nervous about the operation, of course, but I was so scared that it was just too early for Sam to come. Dr. Cole, Sam's neonatalogist, told me not to expect to hear Sam cry. He said he and his team would be right there to take care of him as soon as he came out. I was so tense that my muscles in my shoulders and neck were hard and shaking. Being awake for such a surgery is, in Jason's words, like, "lying down and voluntarily being mauled by a bear." I don't think it would have been so bad, at least, emotionally, if it were a "normal and timely" procedure. But, it wasn't and I was more terrified than I ever thought I would admit to anyone.
I stayed in the hospital until Saturday, January 31st. Leaving the hospital was more difficult than I thought it would be. I wanted and was ready to come home. However, I did not want to leave without Sam. Jason and I went and spent some time with him before we left. When we got home, the girls were standing at the door, waiting on me, with my mama. The smiles on their faces were so sweet. You can't get much better than having your babies and your mama as your homecoming. It was really nice.
My recovery, physically, has been a little longer than I anticipated. Today I have felt the best I have so far. Every day from here, I am sure, will get better and better.
Jason and I had our first session of Kangaroo Care yesterday. Really, this was one of the best days of my life. Having that baby in my arms was magnificent. Being there with Jason and Sam, I couldn't have been happier. Oh, how blessed I am.
He, today, is one week old. He is off the light that lowers his billy reuben levels. He is breathing room air and is not on the ventilator anymore. They have tried to feed him breast milk and he wasn't quite ready to digest that, so they will try again in a few days. Until then, he gets his nutrients through an IV in his umbilical cord, much like he would if he were still in my belly. His papa is exactly right when he says, "He is perfect."
On the morning of January 26, 2009 at about 8 am, transport came to pick me up from my room and take me to Regional Maternal Fetal Medicine. I had my biophysical profile as I did every morning. There were a few abnormalities, slight reversal in the cord blood flow, beginning stages of reversal in the ductus, and weekly measurements showed that Sam hadn't grown as much as he should have. Dr. Vermillion said these things, paired with my awareness of decreased movement and a few decreases in Sam's heartbeat, made him want close observations of Sam that day. So, I was sent back to my room and placed on the fetal monitor for a few hours before I was called back to have another biophysical profile that afternoon. At about 3 pm I was in the room with three ultrasound specialists who collectively agreed that it was "time to deliver." Shortly thereafter I was in the room with Dr. Vermillion who confirmed their statements. He told me that within 2 hours we would have a baby. I was immediately taken to triage of labor and delivery and Dr. White was scheduled to preform an emergency c-section.
It seemed like, literally, within minutes, my brother, Chris, my sisters, Jackie and Katie, my mom and Jason's dad and my Aunt June were there waiting. I was so afraid. I was nervous about the operation, of course, but I was so scared that it was just too early for Sam to come. Dr. Cole, Sam's neonatalogist, told me not to expect to hear Sam cry. He said he and his team would be right there to take care of him as soon as he came out. I was so tense that my muscles in my shoulders and neck were hard and shaking. Being awake for such a surgery is, in Jason's words, like, "lying down and voluntarily being mauled by a bear." I don't think it would have been so bad, at least, emotionally, if it were a "normal and timely" procedure. But, it wasn't and I was more terrified than I ever thought I would admit to anyone.
I stayed in the hospital until Saturday, January 31st. Leaving the hospital was more difficult than I thought it would be. I wanted and was ready to come home. However, I did not want to leave without Sam. Jason and I went and spent some time with him before we left. When we got home, the girls were standing at the door, waiting on me, with my mama. The smiles on their faces were so sweet. You can't get much better than having your babies and your mama as your homecoming. It was really nice.
My recovery, physically, has been a little longer than I anticipated. Today I have felt the best I have so far. Every day from here, I am sure, will get better and better.
Jason and I had our first session of Kangaroo Care yesterday. Really, this was one of the best days of my life. Having that baby in my arms was magnificent. Being there with Jason and Sam, I couldn't have been happier. Oh, how blessed I am.
Samuel Josselin Jacobs
January 26, 2009
5:50 pm
2 lbs 4 oz
13.5 inches long
January 26, 2009
5:50 pm
2 lbs 4 oz
13.5 inches long
Feb. 9th, 2009
Tiffany & Co.
Sam has had a hard day today, consequently, so has his Mommy. We got a call this morning that Sam had to be put back on the ventilator during the night. Come to find out it was an "emergency," he had just about stopped breathing. His heart beat was getting lower because his breathing was so heavy. It seems that he has a little reflux, which found its way into his lungs and kind of started this whole mess. His blood work then confirmed that he had an infection in his bloodstream. The nurse used the word "septic," and I just about lost it there at his bedside. I was so glad that I wasn't there alone. My mom was with me. For those of you that don't know, my dad died after becoming septic following his kidney transplant. Putting what happened to Daddy and what was going on with Sam together was a little much for my post-pardom emotions.
Sitting by his bedside today, I looked at him in his little box. He was beautiful, precious and perfect, snuggled with a blanket that was Tiffany blue, white and pink. In that moment, I thought, Tiffany & Co. don't have anything on you baby. No amount of money, diamonds, or boxes stamped with that famous Tiffany seal, could compare to the gift God gave me when Sam was born.
So sweet baby, you listen to Mommy. You will continue to grow. You will have supernatural power to live outside of my womb, even though it really isn't time for that now. You will be whole and free of infection and disease and you get better every moment until you come home to me and Daddy. I will not stop praying for you and neither will your Daddy or Granny or the countless people who are reading this blog. We will not give up on you and we will scream for you into God's ears until you come home.
Thank you to everyone of you who allow me to share, sometimes in the most raw way. Somehow it helps me. It helps to know that I am not praying for him alone and that you, my friends, are sharing this difficult story with me. (A special thanks to Mama, Kimmy and Shannon- my "deep heart friends" who have been there for me in the most intimate, loving and heart felt ways. I love you.)
If some of you don't mind, please write your prayers and/or statements in a comment for me. I want to put them all in his book. One day I want to show him how people fought with us and helped pray him home.
Love to all. I will try to post again soon.
Sitting by his bedside today, I looked at him in his little box. He was beautiful, precious and perfect, snuggled with a blanket that was Tiffany blue, white and pink. In that moment, I thought, Tiffany & Co. don't have anything on you baby. No amount of money, diamonds, or boxes stamped with that famous Tiffany seal, could compare to the gift God gave me when Sam was born.
So sweet baby, you listen to Mommy. You will continue to grow. You will have supernatural power to live outside of my womb, even though it really isn't time for that now. You will be whole and free of infection and disease and you get better every moment until you come home to me and Daddy. I will not stop praying for you and neither will your Daddy or Granny or the countless people who are reading this blog. We will not give up on you and we will scream for you into God's ears until you come home.
Thank you to everyone of you who allow me to share, sometimes in the most raw way. Somehow it helps me. It helps to know that I am not praying for him alone and that you, my friends, are sharing this difficult story with me. (A special thanks to Mama, Kimmy and Shannon- my "deep heart friends" who have been there for me in the most intimate, loving and heart felt ways. I love you.)
If some of you don't mind, please write your prayers and/or statements in a comment for me. I want to put them all in his book. One day I want to show him how people fought with us and helped pray him home.
Love to all. I will try to post again soon.
Feb. 17th, 2009
3 pounds!
Being Sam's mom has been quite the journey for me and he isn't even home yet. Everyone told me that I would feel "different" and that things would "never be the same." I didn't realize how right they were.
I have been at the hospital every day. Usually I go at night, after Jason gets home from work, which makes for a long day, but I just have to go. Not going is just not an option. Something in me wouldn't be able to live with myself if I didn't go. More than that, I really want to be there. I think I would just stay there with him all the time if my life allowed.
Today, Sam is 3 weeks and 1 day old and he is 3 pounds!! These past three weeks, he has already changed so much. He is growing into a strong little boy. His nurses laugh at him because he is so "feisty." He moves around a good bit and when put on his side, he always flips himself to his back. When he doesn't want to be bothered, which is most of the time, he sticks his little hands and legs straight up in the air. His nurse, Rose, calls this his "stop sign." If you bother him too long he gets mad, which is quite funny. He already makes the funniest little faces and I always catch a little smile when I am holding him. Rose also tells me that he tries to "get out of his bed." I think Jason and I may have our hands full when he comes home. :)
The pneumonia has cleared up and he is doing really well. He is still receiving calcium, and nutrients by IV and is also taking breast milk regularly. He has had to get blood transfusions a couple of times, but this is normal for babies in his position. Bone marrow regulates the red blood cells, which carry oxygen. Preemies (and newborns up to 2 months) do not have bone marrow. Because they take so much blood from him and are doing other things that decrease his red count, they must give him blood because he isn't able to regenerate those red blood cells. The transfusions take care of this for him until he is able to do it on his own. He is also still on antibiotics until they are sure that the infection in his blood stream is completely gone.
How happy I am that is all I have to report. He is going great! Please keep him in your prayers. We still hope he will be home by St. Patrick's Day- which will thrill my Irish heart. :)
Love you all....
Feb. 22nd, 2009
Bon Qui Qui Mama
Sam is still doing great. He is getting bigger and is free of infection. He is up to 9ccs of breast milk, every three hours and is tolerating that well. A couple of days ago he pulled is own IV out of his head, which I am sure was painful and made him have to be re-stuck. He quite the spunky little boy and continuously pulls out his feeding tube and pulls off the wires that are stuck to his little chest and belly. He looks so much like his daddy that it makes me laugh, except for his nose, of course, which is just like mine and my sisters'. I am still seeing him every day. Jason has asked my cousin Melissa and she has agreed to come to my house three days a week so that I can go to the hospital during the day- which I love. The other two weekdays, I will continue to go at night. I am a little more free about choosing times to go on the weekends because Jason is home. I can't tell you how glad I will be to bring that little boy home, although it will be at least three more weeks. Yesterday, Jason and I made HUGE strides in getting my office cleaned out to make him a nursery. My baby shower is next weekend and I can't wait! I think it will go a long way to making his coming home seem more "real" because right now, there aren't many signs of him around the house.
As all of you mother's know, there is something that happens you when you become a mommy. So many little things that I couldn't begin to name them here, but the one I have realized about myself lately is simply this: I do not feel the need to be so "nice" when it comes to Sam. Don't get me wrong, I still consider myself a very friendly and courteous person. However, I have noticed, when it comes to Sam being cared for or possibly being hurt, I just don't feel that need anymore.
Here are a couple of examples. First, when Sam had those few days of not doing well, no one at the hospital called us. Jason and I both had asked nurses to make sure they call us when something major happens and for whatever reason, they just weren't doing it. It was major stuff too, like his heart stopped and he had to recessitated, he had to have the vent put back in, he had pneumonia and got a bacterial infection in his blood. All of this happened in a matter of about a week and we only knew because they would "slip up" little bits here and there or we knew enough to ask the right questions that we would then have to force (asking over and over specific questions) them to tell us the whole truth. Normally, I would have been like, "Well, we are getting the information, no need to upset anyone." Not so true of me anymore. I called the nurse manager and the doctor. I don't want to be called when he sneezes, but, if his heart stops, come on. Now, I was not mean, but I did make our point VERY clear. Secondly, same was on vapor-therm which is the little tubes that blow moisturized air down his nose. He is now on a high flow cannula, which is similar. Because he has this little device, he lips get really sticky dead skin and moisture. It's gross and it gets so sticky, if not cleaned off, that his lips can get stuck together and he can not pull them apart. Now he is only about 3 pounds and tomorrow he will be 4 weeks old. At this point and has been in the hospital his entire life and has to fight to stay alive. Does he really need to have to fight to pull his own mouth open??? I don't think so. I have told EVERY nurse he has had and the doctor that I expect his mouth to be cleaned off regularly and if I go in and it isn't, I always say something. Again, I have not had to be ugly, but about anything in my life so far, I would not have "pushed" the issues.
I feel like, I have become the "Bon Qui Qui" of mothers. "Don't mess with my baby, cuz gurl, I will CUT YOU!!" All of you mothers know what I mean and I bet some of you, who have more babies than I do, and a lot more time at it (PL,TG) might have actually done it!! Others of you (SC) prefer hand guns!! ...LOL ;)
If you don't know who Bon Qui Qui is... watch this clip.
Irish Dream- March 2009
Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
Boy how time is flying by. Although when Sam was born, Dr. Cole said Sam may be home by today, he still has a couple of weeks to go. Monday, our little Irish dream turned 7 weeks old and today is weighing at a husky 4 lbs and 9 oz. He went into an open air crib, or “big boy bed” as I have been calling it, on Saturday night (March 14, 2009) and Jason and I were so proud of him! He is staying swaddled in his own blankets and wearing the tiniest little clothes now, that are still too big, but are helping him stabilize his own temperature, without the help of a warmer. He to have gotten past the little digestion issues, and is increasingly handling his feeds better. He is really close to being able to learn to bottle feed. He has started physical and occupational therapy and is responding wonderfully. I believe he is finally on the home stretch!
He has had a busy couple of weeks, Papa (David Dodd, Jason’s Dad), Grammy (Lisa Dodd, Jason’s step-mom), Papa Lou (Louis Dodd, Jason’s Grandfather) got to hold him and he had his first visit from Grandma Shirley (Shirley Dodd, Jason’s Grandmother), who is, based on outward reaction alone, Sam’s biggest fan. Granny (Patti Courtney) visited a couple of times and yesterday he got a surprise visit from my dear friend Kim Moseley.
The girls will be able to visit Sam on or after April 1st, if he is still there. They are pretty excited about meeting him. Maddie asks me almost every day, “Are we going to see Sam today,” or “Is today April 1st, Mommy?” I know meeting Sam will make him coming home so much more real to them and I am sure they will just love him!
Sam seems to be in love with one of his nurses, Rose, who is equally in love with him. She has been a NICU nurse for 36 years and it is such a blessing for me to know she is taking care of him. I sleep better when I know she is working. Even when he is being fussy or “showing out” as Aunt Jackie calls it, like pulling out things that shouldn’t be pulled on she just laughs and says, “he is just misunderstood.” I told her today that I had a feeling that when Sam grew up he was going to be attracted to black women and not know why. I told her I would have to tell him it was because of her. He really does love her! When he hears her voice he smiles as big as can be. The other night when Jason was holding Sam, Rose walked over and he followed her with his eyes, smiling until she left.
Below is a photo that I took of Sam today. He is wearing an outfit that his Aunt Jackie got him that says, “Baby’s 1st St. Patrick’s Day.”
