Happy Halloween!

Houston, We have Coos!!!

That's right! Hailey cooed!! 2 times!! She was playing on her play mat gym and she cooed! Now it was only 2x and it's not consistent or anything but she still gave me a big smile and a nice loud coo...twice!!!

This makes me so happy because infants typically do not coo until around 2 months. Because Hailey is a preemie she is expected to hit these milestones according to her adjusted age (going by her due date). Her adjusted age isn't even a month old. Usually around one month infants begin to smile but she has been doing that for awhile now. So this tells me she is just a few weeks behind rather then a whole 7 weeks behind.

Hopefully she will begin cooing on a regular basis but for now at least I know she's beginning too! I can't wait to hear her giggle!!

Update!

Got a call from her pedi about the X-ray. Everything looks good!

Hailey's Christmas Dress

I found Hailey's Christmas Dress! Why I am so excited? Excited enough to write a blog about it? Because I HATE Velvet. ALL Christmas dresses I can find, have velvet on them. I can't stand to touch it or hear it be touched. It's like nails on a chalkboard for me! I was very frustrated to find that all dresses for Christmas have velvet on them! BUT I randomly found this on a website and it is so cute and festive....and TA DA! NO VELVET!!! I ordered it immediately and hopefully when it arrives, it will be as cute as the picture. And at this rate with the weather, the fact that it is sleeveless won't matter! I have a cute white, soft jacket (so cute too!) I got at one of my showers that she can wear if it's cold.

Can't wait for Christmas! Although, by then I will be back at work and that I CAN wait for!

Halloween for Jake

And some of you thought that just cause Hailey is here Jake would be ignored! Pshhhhh!!!

Is he supposed to be Woody from Toy Story

The hat doesn't look like a cowboy hat but it will do.

Silent Reflux

The Gastro doc called Hailey's reflux, Silent Reflux. Because she doesn't spit up like a usual reflux baby and gains weight just fine then this is what her reflux is considered. This means the food goes up the esophagus and back down (versus up and out the mouth) which basically means she gets burned twice.

Hailey saw her pedi again today and she agrees that it's her reflux that is causing all the fussiness and pain. She still ordered the Xray to see if there's a bigger element that we could be missing. I am unsure as to when we will get those results but we did go for the Xray after her appointment.

She seems MUCH better and was back to the happy baby she usually is yesterday. She fussed a little at night before she went to bed but nothing major like the other nights have been!

I will keep you posted.

SIDE NOTE: For those of you who get my blog postings in an email, sorry if you got a bunch of blank emails. I have no idea why but it kept erroring out when I would try to type and then I noticed it was posting blank blog posts. =)

First Stressful Moment

I had my first stressful moment last night when Hailey was crying. Randy took over because my head felt like it would burst from the stress. Not because she was crying but because I have no idea whats wrong with her but I know its something and she's in such pain that it made me cry. I had to take a moment to clear my head.

I called my pedi at 10pm and talked to her for a good half hour about Hailey as she screamed in the background. Now my pedi wants to do an X-ray to see whats going on internally and my pedi seemed disappointed that all the specialist did was give her a new medication. I think she wanted some tests run.

So once again, I am going to the pedi's office tomorrow morning. To once again, hope to get some answers and some relief for Hailey. Gosh, being a parent can be so stressful especially when they are so little and can't tell you what's wrong!

Professional Photo Shoot

So I here some of you cannot view the photographer's website (darn WebTv). Here are a few. I will post more a little later. For you WebTv-ers, let me know if there are any prints you want and what sizes and I will tell you the pricing and order them for you!

She was actually supposed to be naked in these pictures but she really didn't seem to like to be. She cried the entire time (and peed all over us! haha) so we put a diaper back on and wrapped her up. She finally calmed down and then we got some good shots. There's lot more cute ones! I will post more soon!

Update on Specialist

The specialist thinks its just her reflux really acting up so he increased her meds and then gave another one to help with the pain of the acid. He wants to see her again in 2 weeks to see if the meds are helping. I hope this works!! She has been much better today!

Not Sure If This Makes Me More Worried.....

As you know, Hailey hasn't been having a good time since Monday. Very fussy. My pedi seems very concerned. She called twice today to check up on her. I am happy she is so concerned but it also makes me worry that she is so concerned. Concerned enough to call twice....

When she called the second time she told me that if Hailey didn't quiet down in an hour to go to the ER. Yikes, when a pedi tells you to go to the ER you know she means business. That was at 5pm. So far she has calmed down a bit. Fusses from time to time but not like how she was earlier.

She has the appointment with the specialist tomorrow morning so hopefully we get to the bottom of this. =(

Bloggy Awards

My great friend Kristy nominated me for a bloggy award. She actually did this weeks ago and I am just now following instructions! I have known Kristy since Junior High School. We became great friends at the end of the 8th grade. We were on Drill Team and Song (Cheer) together and along with Beth & Kori, we were inseparable! She now lives in Idaho with her beautiful family. And even though we live far a part we always manage to stay in touch! AND her mother was a nurse the NICU where Hailey stayed and was her nurse a few times too!

So here it goes....

First of all, here are Rules:
1.The winner puts logo on her/his blog.
2.Link the person you received your award from.
3.Nominate 7 other blogs.
4.Put links of those blogs on yours.

5.Leave a message on the blogs of those you’ve chosen

It is hard to narrow it down to just seven because I really enjoy reading about all of your experiences but rules are rules so-

My nominees for best blogs are:

1. Krista's Blog: Krista I met through TheNestbaby.com and it one of my favorite Nesties! We are also labor buddies and I can't wait to get the text that she is in labor! I am looking forward to "meeting" her beautiful Emma. We have been through a lot together and I am so glad to have her as a support system!

2. Stacy's Blog: Stacy I also met through TheNestBaby.com. Her story is inspiring and touches the souls of anyone who reads it. She recently lost her first born son after only 16 minuted of life. She is one of the strongest people I "know." Her strong faith is very inspiring and I highly suggest reading her story about her sweet Isaac. Grab some tissues.....

3. Danielle's Blog: Danielle I met through my mom. She is the daughter of my mom's friend Lesley. She's such a sweetheart and was very supportive and uplifting through my miscarriage. She's Surviving the Quarterlife and her blog has some funny anecdotes and a lot of fun to read!

4. Tricia's Blog: Tricia I also met through TheNestBaby (are we seeing a trend here? haha). She has a great uplifting story of infertility and the birth of her adorable son (14 weeks early) Robbie. I love reading her blog because every part of her is real and she doesn't hide behind anything. I love her writing style!

5. Jenn's Blog: Jenn I met in High School. We were on Cheer together and she was such a firecracker! So much fun to be around and after 10 years she still is! She just recently had a beautiful baby boy, Aiden. She's an aspiring photographer and I love seeing the pictures she takes of Aiden!

6. Gabby's Blog: Gabby us another follow Nestie! I have had the pleasure of meeting her in person since she only lives 20 minutes away from me!! She, too, is a part of the great support system I found after I had my miscarriage (all my Nesties are!). She has an adorable son named Andy.

7. My Other Blog: Yea I know, it sounds really conceited to nominate myself right?! But this blog was my therapy through my miscarriage. I wrote out all of my thoughts and feelings and it helped me so much to do that. Even if nobody reads it, I know it's there and I can reflect on what I went through at anytime. I can see how far I have come from this tragedy and realize how much stronger I am now. Scars remind us the past is real, and even though scars hurt, I don't want to erase mine!

Wow, that was fast!

Insurance approved for Hailey to see the Gastroenterologist already! We have an appointment set for Friday @ 9:15! I will keep you posted!

Hailey needs to see a specialist

A Gastroenterologist to be exact. She is becoming more and more fussy. Could be due to her reflux or the milk protein allergy. She is now on Nutramigen formula. No more bloody stools but since Monday she has been extremely fussy (She did have some vaccines). Anyway, she decided to refer her to one because Hailey seems to cry when she pushed on her tummy.

I feel so bad. Hailey will be happy and smiling one minute then cry then happy. She will relax and then tense up and cry. Hopefully the referral will go through quickly so we can get to the bottom of this and I can get my happy baby back.

Now the wait for my insurance company. I will nag them everyday. Maybe I will do it while Hailey is crying to they can understand why I am so anxious. A baby in pain is not fun. =(

Like Mother, Like Daughter

Only 2 months old and already taking after her mother!

2 Month Appointment

Hailey had her 2 month appointment today. She now weighs 9lbs 4.2oz! She almost gained a pound since her last appointment! She is also now 21 inches long.

There's a possibility that she may have a milk protein allergy and has been put on a special formula. It's not soy or lactose free, it's hypo-allergenic. She'll be on that exclusively for the next few days to see if her fussiness decreases and there is no longer any blood in her stool (common indicators of this allergy).

We did our photo shoot today. She was pretty fussy and took awhile to calm her down. The photographer said she thinks she got some good shots however. The proofing should be up by Friday so cross your fingers we got some good ones!

Hailey's next doctor's appointment isn't until December unless she needs to come in for any specific reason.

Pumpkin Patch

Today was Hailey's first big outing. We went to Froniers Farms in Mission Hills with Randy's brothers & sisters and all the kids. They had a corn field maze, hay rides, kiddie ride area and tons of pumpkins everywhere.

Hailey did really well. She slept most of the time of course! And once we got there she blew threw her diaper. Good thing we came prepared with extra clothes (I hate Huggies diapers. Swaddlers are much better!). It wasn't too hot either. We used our Bjorn baby sling thing to walk around the maze. She had no idea what was going on but it was still fun!

For Halloween she is going to be a bumble bee. I also have a cat costume my assistant gave me at one of the showers. We are not going trick or treating, just stopping by the grandparents houses and at our friends house who enters in a Halloween House decorating contest for their city each year. So all the houses are really done up and the neighborhood is great for kids!


And now for the pictures!!!

The Most Precious One of All

I realized that I didn't upload this one! This is my favorite!

Mini photoshoot #2

Because I am completely obsessed! And I can't quite figure out why a few of these uploaded flipped and I can't fix them! Oh well! ENJOY!








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Some Adorable Pictures

Some good news to report (besides the fact that she is getting cuter and cuter everyday!), the epogen shots she has been getting 3x a week are finally done! I am sure she is happy and of course I am! She has her next doctor's appointment on Monday so I will have more updates then!

And now for the pictures....

Today we remember.....

Today, October 15, is the National Day of Remembrance for pregnancy and infant loss. In honor of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day, it has been suggested that grieving parents and family members light a candle at 7 p.m. in their respective time zones to create a wave of light around the world in memory of babies lost to pregnancy and infant loss. Would you join me in this today?

Did you know that October 15 is National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day? Many people aren't aware that this day has been designated a national day of remembrance for miscarriage, stillbirth, and infant loss.

The resolution to declare October 15 a remembrance day passed the United States House of Representatives on September 28, 2006. It was the result of tireless efforts by a group of miscarriage awareness activists led by Robyn Bear, who had six first-trimester miscarriages in the span of 1997 through 1999 before ultimately receiving a diagnosis of balanced translocation.
In honor of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day, Bear suggests on her website that grieving parents light a candle at 7 p.m. in their respective time zones to create a wave of light around the world in memory of babies lost to pregnancy and infant loss.

Early Intervention

Since Hailey was released I have been in contact with the regional center in my area regarding Occupational Therapy (OT). An OT worked with her in the NICU with her eating but now she will be evaluated with her reflexes and other development.

The OT came by today for the first time. She tested various reflexes in Hailey. She said Hailey did well and had all of them except for one. The one she didn't have she did in the NICU before she was released but that's ok. Hailey was upset because she was rudely awaken from a nap and stripped of her clothes and then tested. She wasn't a happy camper by any means! She fussed through the entire thing. Poor girl!

The OT recommended someone come out 1-2x a month for the next 6 months to make sure she stays on track. Of course I am ok with this. I actually worked with a few OTs in my behavioral therapy days so I am comfortable and understand what OT is about!

Petition for Preemies

In the United States today, 1 in 8 babies is born prematurely. More newborns die from premature birth than any other cause. But solutions are within our grasp. Together, we can find the causes of premature birth, ensure moms get health care during pregnancy, and create workplaces that support maternal and infant health.

Act now and let everyone know it’s time to do more to help moms have healthy, full-term babies. November is March of Dimes Prematurity Awareness Month. Sign the Petition for Preemies.

P. S. Want to make an even bigger difference? Please forward this message to family and friends. Tell them you signed the petition and ask them to join you!


http://www.marchofdimes.com/padpetition/index.aspx?a=1&z=1&c=1

Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day

October 15th is National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day in the United States. Each year, over half a million dreams are shattered. Out of 3.3 million born alive, some 30,000 die during the first 28 days. Another 39,000 babies are still born. Miscarriage occurs in fifteen to twenty percent of pregnancies, while ectopic pregnancy occurs in one percent.

More than 25,000 children are stillborn in the United States every year leaving mothers, entire families and communities devastated. Estimates of the rate of occurrence of stillbirth make it at least as common as autism.

Stillbirth is not an intractable problem. Greater research would likely significantly reduce its incidence, but good research requires good data. H.R. 5979: Stillbirth Awareness and Research Act is under consideration by Congress. This proposed bill would standardize stillbirth investigation and diagnosis, thus providing more data for the needed research. Better research means fewer children born still.

On October 15th, remember the thousands of unfinished children lost and the families who remain to grieve them. Honor them by taking action. Let's help pass H.R. 5979.

My Sleeping Angel

I absolutely love taking pictures of Hailey when she's asleep. I don't know what it is but it's just so precious to watch her as she sleeps!

A Story of Life and Loss

My heart breaks as I read Stacy's blog. She gave birth to her beautiful son today. After 16 minutes, he passed away. Her husband and her prepared for this day. Instead of planning a shower, decorating a nursery, or picking out a "coming home" outfit, she planned her unborn son's funeral and memorial service. I type this, as I am holding Hailey. I sobbed as I read the sad news of baby Isaac and held Hailey a little tighter. I looked at her and cried. Sad that Stacy would not experience this with Isaac and thankful that I am able to with Hailey. I could not imagine what she is going through. To carry her son to full term to only say goodbye. I bet those were the best 16 minutes of her life. I don't think she will ever forget how it felt and he will have a place in her heart forever. She is one of the strongest people I "know". My heart breaks for her and I wish her strength through this devastating time.



If you would like to read Stacy's story,

http://sgirl79.blogspot.com/

I hate Reflux

Hailey has reflux, I am not sure if I talked about this much before. It's kinda like acid reflux adults get but a little different. Every baby has a form of it (spit ups) just some are worse than others. Reflux is very common in preemies and Hailey has the luxury of being one of them.

Her reflux is the reason for her being on the apnea monitor. Reflux makes her food back up her esophagus which pushes on her diaphragm and slows her heart rate (This is called a Brady). It can be very painful.

This past weekend it really seemed to be acting up. She was crying throughout feedings and after feedings. Spitting up a lot more than normal. No Bradys (thank God). Choking more often and arching her back in pain although hungry and wanting to eat just not having a great time with it.

I decided to call her pedi yesterday just to see what I can do to help her. I tried keeping her upright and elevated 20-30 minutes after eating, elevating her mattresses (put a phone book underneath), burping her more often when eating, and giving her a pacifier (when she would actually take it) after she eats because it helps push her food back down in her tummy where it belongs. The pedi wanted her to come in.

So we went in today. She now weighs 8lb 6oz! Obviously the frequent spitting up wasn't effecting her that much! The doctor doesn't think it's getting worse, it could have been what I ate the day I pumped the milk she drank (I am so far ahead with my milk supply I don't remember what I ate the day she's eating). or just a random bad reflux day which can happen. Overall, she's not worried because Hailey is still gaining weight rapidly and looks great when examined. And of course, as it works out, Hailey seems to be doing much better today...figures. But still great.

One bit of shocking news is that her doctor plans to possibly have Hailey on the apnea monitor until she's 6 months old! SERIOUSLY? It hasn't even gone off. She wasn't put on it because she has apnea episodes. Strange. I don't know. Whatever. While the monitor can be annoying, it is a great piece of mind. We don't really have to worry about SIDS because this monitor alarms if she were to stop breathing for more than 20 seconds. Having reflux, putting her on her side to sleep can help so having her hooked up to the monitor allows us to do that. Because of SIDS, side sleeping is a huge no-no.

It just sucks that she gets to spend the 1st 6 months of her life hooked up to monitors with those sticky leads suck to her skin and wires hanging out the bottom of her clothes. Plus when she goes to daycare, she'll still be on it so I don't know if this will effect her acceptance. We have a lady in mind who will watch her 2 days a week. She runs an at home daycare out of her home. Having an apnea monitor is a lot of responsibility to take on and I wouldn't blame her if she didn't want to deal with it while also caring after other kids too. Especially since she doesn't charge that much compared to other home daycare so add that to taking on a preemie with an apnea monitor...may not be worth it for her. We'll see.

My job allows me to be off 2 days during the week, which will cover the 2 days she would have to be in daycare but then I work all weekend long and there is not 1 day in which Randy and I will have off together. Not to mention I don't really want to be with this company for long after I go back. I am ready to move on to a different company, but that also means working a Mon-Fri job. I am not going back into retail HR, I want to get away from it because it doesn't pay well.

Okay now I feel like I am rambling! Hailey's next appointment is on October 20th for her 2 month check up. Also that same night, we are taking professional pictures of Hailey with the same photographer who did my wedding. Can't wait!!

Our Spoiled Little Girl

Here's a few pictures of Hailey. You must excuse the quality of them, they were taken with my cell phone. The last photo was with my cell's flash and it gave it this blue coloring. But it's such a cute photo of her I had to post it!!

Sleeping on Daddy
I am happy with my bunny bib.

Hailey's 6 week check up

Hailey is now 8lbs and 20.5 inches long!! She's a growing girl! Doctor says she's doing great! She goes back in 2 weeks for her 2 month check up (wow, she's going to be 2 months old in 2 weeks!!).