Marleigh is 9 months old! :) She had her 9 month check up yesterday. Dr. Williams thinks she is doing amazing! She is now 16lbs, which is in the 10th percentile for 9 month olds. That is incredible considering she was born at 26 weeks! She is 25.5 inches long. Both her length & head circumferance were in the 5th percentile. She is slowly catching up!
Last night we tried some carrots. The first bite, Marleigh gave me a look like, "Mom, this is NOT squash." After she finally swallowed it, she smiled. It was such a cute little grin. Kind of like she was saying, "Okay, Mommy. I guess if I have to, I'll be a carrot monger, too!" She polished off the whole thing. We had some more carrots again tonight. It is so nice not to have to fight tummy trouble every night! :)
Friday, October 23, 2009
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Busy, busy, busy!!!
Sorry it has been so long since I updated. We have been busy.... eating squash! Marleigh is a squash monger. I don't think she could possibly open her mouth up any wider when she is ready for a bite. And, she is ready for a bite pretty much instantly after she swallows one! Mom can't seem to shovel it in fast enough. We've got some great video, so some night when I have some time, I'll try to learn how to upload it to the blog! Tonight she ate a full 2.5oz of squash & then followed it up with 3.5oz of formula! I think Marleigh should be a piggy for Halloween! Tomorrow night we will try some carrots. Hope she likes them as much as she likes squash.
When we aren't devouring squash, Marleigh is talking up a storm. She'll talk to us, the tv, her woobie, the ceiling fan, pretty much anything. It is so cute! She is rolling like crazy & has started to army crawl! She can sit up on her own now for a few seconds at a time. She is getting so much better with her balance. Tonight, Daddy even had her standing! She had both arms on the ottoman & Daddy's hand on her back for balance, but most of her weight was on her chunky little legs. She was able to stand there for 15-20 seconds. It seems like she is making so much progress in the last few weeks. We are thrilled with how well she is doing! Marleigh is really getting to be a ton of fun!
~~
Saturday, I went to my first KSU game of the year. We had a great time. The cats could do no wrong. They didn't even look like the same team from the week before. It was also good to see Marinda & Monica.
Manhattan last weekend was the farthest & longest I have been away from Marleigh. We had thought about staying the night in Manhattan, but I just wasn't ready to do that. I was a little nervous being so far away from Marleigh, but left her in good hands. Marleigh & Grandma had a blast. I am proud to say that I only called to check on her twice! Grandma said that Marleigh had a great day. No reflux & no spit up. Not any!!! Since her tummy was feeling good, Grandma put Marleigh to sleep in her crib. She slept there from 8:30-4:30! That is the all time record for her to sleep in her bed! Maybe we just need Grandma here to put her to sleep every night!
When we aren't devouring squash, Marleigh is talking up a storm. She'll talk to us, the tv, her woobie, the ceiling fan, pretty much anything. It is so cute! She is rolling like crazy & has started to army crawl! She can sit up on her own now for a few seconds at a time. She is getting so much better with her balance. Tonight, Daddy even had her standing! She had both arms on the ottoman & Daddy's hand on her back for balance, but most of her weight was on her chunky little legs. She was able to stand there for 15-20 seconds. It seems like she is making so much progress in the last few weeks. We are thrilled with how well she is doing! Marleigh is really getting to be a ton of fun!
~~
Saturday, I went to my first KSU game of the year. We had a great time. The cats could do no wrong. They didn't even look like the same team from the week before. It was also good to see Marinda & Monica.
Manhattan last weekend was the farthest & longest I have been away from Marleigh. We had thought about staying the night in Manhattan, but I just wasn't ready to do that. I was a little nervous being so far away from Marleigh, but left her in good hands. Marleigh & Grandma had a blast. I am proud to say that I only called to check on her twice! Grandma said that Marleigh had a great day. No reflux & no spit up. Not any!!! Since her tummy was feeling good, Grandma put Marleigh to sleep in her crib. She slept there from 8:30-4:30! That is the all time record for her to sleep in her bed! Maybe we just need Grandma here to put her to sleep every night!
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Pregnancy & Infant Loss Remembrance Day
Today is Pregnancy & Infant Loss Remembrance Day. A day to remember all the angel babies. Losing Natalie was horrible. I honestly don't think there could possibly be anything worse in the world than losing your child. But, we have been so lucky to have such great support from all of our family & friends. There are other couples that have lost a pregnancy or pregnancies & no one knows. No one is there for them during the worst time in their lives. I can't imagine going through that without the love & support we have received. Born or unborn, they were someone's child. Someone's baby. Please take a moment to say a prayer for all the angel babies & their parents.
Natalie's headstone has finally been placed. It is nice to have a proper headstone instead of just a marker. Please feel free to go & visit her. We visit her regularly & appreciate all the flowers, etc. that are left for her.
Natalie's headstone has finally been placed. It is nice to have a proper headstone instead of just a marker. Please feel free to go & visit her. We visit her regularly & appreciate all the flowers, etc. that are left for her.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Eyes, Ears, & Squash!
Yesterday, we went back to Wichita. Marleigh had her eyes & ears checked. Her ear test was at 11:00. We were done by 11:01. Seriously. The entire test took a total of 30 seconds. Her ears are perfect! We went to the NICU & saw some of Marleigh's old doctors nurses. Then we went to Baby's R Us. They were having a HUGE sale on clothes. Although Marleigh has more clothes than I do, I couldn't resists a few outfits. I even picked up her Christmas outfit, which is ADORABLE! Can't wait to see her in it. We then met Eva for lunch. It is always good to see her. Eva is thinking about going back to school to be a Nurse Practitioner. Go for it, Eva! You'd be great!!! At 3:15 we went to get Marleigh's eyes checked. Just like we thought, they were perfect, too. We are thrilled both appointments went so well.
Tonight, Marleigh tried squash for the first time. I was telling Marc to be patient. I was worried that since it was new, she would throw a fit & spit out most of it. Marleigh just had to prove me wrong. She didn't spit out any of it. She ate about an ounce, opening up wide for every bite! I am so proud of her. So far, it doesn't seem to bother her tummy, but we'll see how the night goes. I'm hoping her little tummy will handle it just fine. The last few nights Marleigh has gotten up 2-4 times instead of her normal once. Maybe some solid foods will cure that!
Tonight, Marleigh tried squash for the first time. I was telling Marc to be patient. I was worried that since it was new, she would throw a fit & spit out most of it. Marleigh just had to prove me wrong. She didn't spit out any of it. She ate about an ounce, opening up wide for every bite! I am so proud of her. So far, it doesn't seem to bother her tummy, but we'll see how the night goes. I'm hoping her little tummy will handle it just fine. The last few nights Marleigh has gotten up 2-4 times instead of her normal once. Maybe some solid foods will cure that!
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Gastroenterologist appointment yesterday
Today we have been home for 6 months. That seems crazy. Home, sweet, home.
We took Marleigh to her gastroenterologist yesterday. She still hadn't had a good bowel movement. The doctor was very nice. She isn't too concerned with Marleigh's reflux since she's growing well & her spit up doesn't seem to hurt her. The doctor was slightly concerned that Marleigh's tummy is so sensitive. She suggested trying some vegetables & fruits instead of rice. She said sometimes babies don't do well with rice. It is kind of frustrating because when Marleigh couldn't handle rice, I asked her pediatrician if we should try some vegetables. They said, no. They told us rice was about the easiest thing to handle. So here in a day or two, we'll try some veggies. Marleigh's bowels sounded good & her tummy was still soft, but Marleigh has still been having problems with her bowel movements. The doctor prescribed a very mild laxative. She said it would help draw water to the bowels to soften Marleigh's stools. If Marleigh doesn't handle the veggies well or if she still is constipated after a couple of days of the laxative, the doctor will scope Marleigh from both ends.
Well, the laxative worked! Jenni texted me that Marleigh had 2 good dirty diapers. I was so excited. Then Jenni called & I could hear Marleigh screaming in the background. She had a very large, hard stool that she just couldn't get out. I rushed out to help. Again, I don't want to be too graphic, but I was trying to help Marleigh & she was pushing so hard. Once she finally got the really hard stuff, there was some really loose stuff. As Holli, one of our favorite NICU nurses, would say, "Marleigh shot crap across the room." It was all over! My hand & arm, DJ's bed (so sorry DJ!!!), the floor. As soon as it was out, you could tell Marleigh felt so much better. Jenni had said she hadn't ate hardly anything all day. Poor little girl, her tummy hurt. She has had 1 more dirty diaper for a total of 4 today! She's had more today than total in the last 2 weeks! Marleigh just seemed so relaxed this evening.
Monday we head back to Wichita to check Marleigh's eyes & ears. I'm sure they're fine, but we'll check them out just to be safe.
~~
Stay warm this weekend! We had to put a new fan motor on our furnace. It was just a little bit cold this morning! I think I might have even heard there's a chance for snow this weekend?!? That is just insane!
We took Marleigh to her gastroenterologist yesterday. She still hadn't had a good bowel movement. The doctor was very nice. She isn't too concerned with Marleigh's reflux since she's growing well & her spit up doesn't seem to hurt her. The doctor was slightly concerned that Marleigh's tummy is so sensitive. She suggested trying some vegetables & fruits instead of rice. She said sometimes babies don't do well with rice. It is kind of frustrating because when Marleigh couldn't handle rice, I asked her pediatrician if we should try some vegetables. They said, no. They told us rice was about the easiest thing to handle. So here in a day or two, we'll try some veggies. Marleigh's bowels sounded good & her tummy was still soft, but Marleigh has still been having problems with her bowel movements. The doctor prescribed a very mild laxative. She said it would help draw water to the bowels to soften Marleigh's stools. If Marleigh doesn't handle the veggies well or if she still is constipated after a couple of days of the laxative, the doctor will scope Marleigh from both ends.
Well, the laxative worked! Jenni texted me that Marleigh had 2 good dirty diapers. I was so excited. Then Jenni called & I could hear Marleigh screaming in the background. She had a very large, hard stool that she just couldn't get out. I rushed out to help. Again, I don't want to be too graphic, but I was trying to help Marleigh & she was pushing so hard. Once she finally got the really hard stuff, there was some really loose stuff. As Holli, one of our favorite NICU nurses, would say, "Marleigh shot crap across the room." It was all over! My hand & arm, DJ's bed (so sorry DJ!!!), the floor. As soon as it was out, you could tell Marleigh felt so much better. Jenni had said she hadn't ate hardly anything all day. Poor little girl, her tummy hurt. She has had 1 more dirty diaper for a total of 4 today! She's had more today than total in the last 2 weeks! Marleigh just seemed so relaxed this evening.
Monday we head back to Wichita to check Marleigh's eyes & ears. I'm sure they're fine, but we'll check them out just to be safe.
~~
Stay warm this weekend! We had to put a new fan motor on our furnace. It was just a little bit cold this morning! I think I might have even heard there's a chance for snow this weekend?!? That is just insane!
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Daddy's home!!!
Marc got home this afternoon, after basically being gone for 10 days! It is so good to have him home! I have so much respect for single parents. I don't know how they do it day in, day out.
~~
The other day someone asked me if Marleigh was sitting up on her own or was crawling. When I said she was sitting up on her own for a few seconds, & wasn't crawling yet, they looked at me like I had three heads. This person then commented, "isn't she 8 months old?" Yes she is. Marleigh is doing incredibly well, but please remember, she isn't a typical 8 month old. Her first 3 months of life, she was basically fighting just to live. She didn't get the benefit of being in the womb to grow & develop the last 3 months. Her "adjusted" age is 5 months, which is about where she is developmentally. She's actually a little ahead of where she should be & is rapidly closing the gap. Also, remember the last 8 months haven't been easy on any of us. If we get excited over small things, celebrate with us!
~~
The other day someone asked me if Marleigh was sitting up on her own or was crawling. When I said she was sitting up on her own for a few seconds, & wasn't crawling yet, they looked at me like I had three heads. This person then commented, "isn't she 8 months old?" Yes she is. Marleigh is doing incredibly well, but please remember, she isn't a typical 8 month old. Her first 3 months of life, she was basically fighting just to live. She didn't get the benefit of being in the womb to grow & develop the last 3 months. Her "adjusted" age is 5 months, which is about where she is developmentally. She's actually a little ahead of where she should be & is rapidly closing the gap. Also, remember the last 8 months haven't been easy on any of us. If we get excited over small things, celebrate with us!
Friday, October 2, 2009
I totally jinxed myself.
I was so proud of Marleigh. She slept through the night both Monday & Tuesday night. She wasn't spitting up & her reflux wasn't bothering her. That came to an end in a big way Wednesday night. Her reflux was really bothering her. She was refusing to go to sleep. As if that wasn't bad enough, I had a horrible headache. Marleigh was exhausted, but kept fighting me to go to sleep. My headache kept getting worse. I finally threw up. By this point, I needed some help. I called Grandma & she came right in. We finally got Marleigh to bed at 1:00am. Normally, she goes to sleep around 8:30 or so. Thursday night was about the same minus my headache. I came to the conclusion that it was probably the pear juice. The juice has some acid in it. I think it was upsetting her tummy. I don't think it was helping anyway.
Today when I got home from work (oh yeah... I'll get to that in a minute), Marleigh was trying to have a bowel movement. I gave her a suppository. Nada. She pushed & cried & screamed. Nada. Without going into too many details, Grandma & I helped her get some relief. It just breaks my heart when I know she is in pain. Once again, I called the pediatrician. The told me to bring her in at 3:30.
We got to the office right at 3:30. We sat in the waiting room until 4:45! I fully understand they are busy, & I was trying to be patient, but SERIOUSLY!!! Waiting with a baby for an hour and fifteen minutes?!? I ended up feeding her a bottle in the waiting room. Dr. Williams wants us to try a little Caro syrup for a few days. If that doesn't work by Tuesday, then he said he will have to put her on some meds. He's not sure that the Caro syrup won't upset her tummy, so that may be an added bonus! (do you sense the sarcasm?)
Marleigh did NOT have any juice today. I had her asleep by 8:15. She hasn't made a peep (knock on wood) & it is now 10:00. Thank you, God, for letting her have a peaceful night! At least so far.
~~
Did I mention that I am working again?!? I was very torn about whether or not I wanted to go back to work. I love being a financial advisor, but love spending time with Marleigh. I am so thankful to have been home with Marleigh the last few months. I am also excited to go back to work. I like to work. I am very social & like adult interaction. What sealed the deal is that my cousin, Jenni, will be watching Marleigh. No daycare! Just Jenni, Mason (her little boy), & Marleigh! How incredibly lucky are we?!? Starting Monday, we'll take Marleigh out to her. Yesterday & today, Grandma watched her. I am now working at VonFeldt, Bauer, & VonFeldt as an accountant. For right now, I'm working part time. The past couple of days have been great! I've worked with them all before & love it there! I'm also going to opening my own investment business in the future. I am so excited about that! Marc has been so supportive. He told me to do what makes me happy. If I want to work, fine. If I want to stay home, fine. Marc & Marleigh sent me flowers on my first day. :) What a great husband!
Okay... now that this is a book, I'm going to bed! Congrats if you made it this far!
Today when I got home from work (oh yeah... I'll get to that in a minute), Marleigh was trying to have a bowel movement. I gave her a suppository. Nada. She pushed & cried & screamed. Nada. Without going into too many details, Grandma & I helped her get some relief. It just breaks my heart when I know she is in pain. Once again, I called the pediatrician. The told me to bring her in at 3:30.
We got to the office right at 3:30. We sat in the waiting room until 4:45! I fully understand they are busy, & I was trying to be patient, but SERIOUSLY!!! Waiting with a baby for an hour and fifteen minutes?!? I ended up feeding her a bottle in the waiting room. Dr. Williams wants us to try a little Caro syrup for a few days. If that doesn't work by Tuesday, then he said he will have to put her on some meds. He's not sure that the Caro syrup won't upset her tummy, so that may be an added bonus! (do you sense the sarcasm?)
Marleigh did NOT have any juice today. I had her asleep by 8:15. She hasn't made a peep (knock on wood) & it is now 10:00. Thank you, God, for letting her have a peaceful night! At least so far.
~~
Did I mention that I am working again?!? I was very torn about whether or not I wanted to go back to work. I love being a financial advisor, but love spending time with Marleigh. I am so thankful to have been home with Marleigh the last few months. I am also excited to go back to work. I like to work. I am very social & like adult interaction. What sealed the deal is that my cousin, Jenni, will be watching Marleigh. No daycare! Just Jenni, Mason (her little boy), & Marleigh! How incredibly lucky are we?!? Starting Monday, we'll take Marleigh out to her. Yesterday & today, Grandma watched her. I am now working at VonFeldt, Bauer, & VonFeldt as an accountant. For right now, I'm working part time. The past couple of days have been great! I've worked with them all before & love it there! I'm also going to opening my own investment business in the future. I am so excited about that! Marc has been so supportive. He told me to do what makes me happy. If I want to work, fine. If I want to stay home, fine. Marc & Marleigh sent me flowers on my first day. :) What a great husband!
Okay... now that this is a book, I'm going to bed! Congrats if you made it this far!
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