Happy Due Date, Marek!

We have finally reached the big day....my due date! I was originally due 12/13/11. Yesterday was a big day for us...not only has Marek reached his 0 days adjusted age, but we are blessed to have a healthy little boy who has thrived for the past seven weeks.

Marek weighed 9 lbs (on our scale) and measured between 21.5 and 22 inches long (he is a squirmy boy!).

We were also able to visit Marek's "due date buddy". My friend Jodi and I were both due this week. She gave birth to a beautiful and healthy baby boy on Monday. We went to the hospital and I had the privelege of holding baby Brayden. He was such a doll and seemed so BIG! It's amazing to see what a full term baby looks like!

Marek is still learning each day as well. We work on "tummy time" and he is strong enough to scoot himself forward. He is also growing stronger each day as he pulls his head back and looks around. Marek is having longer periods of wakefulness and is making more eye contact. He is also reaching out to touch his toys (mostly in the hopes he can get them in his mouth). 

I am eager to have Marek's two month follow-up on the 27th. I look forward to the doctors seeing how much he has grown. :)

Meeting "Grandma-licious"

Since the day Marek was born, my mom has anxiously awaited her first visit with her first grandchild. Originally she asked if I wanted her to come while we were still in the hospital, but I asked her to wait until we were home so we could all enjoy Marek together. Once we discharged from the hospital, she immediately booked a flight and began talking about her first weekend with her grandbaby. For anyone who does not know my mom, she is the feistiest lady. When I was pregnant she began looking at what Marek will call her. She felt that "grandma" sounded too old, so she played with many other options including her favorite, "grandmalicious." Yes...grandmalicious. Those of you that know Denise are probably laughing and nodding. I mean, come on, with those nails and stilettos "grandmalicious" is the only true option!

My mom and Chris finally arrived in Florida late December 3rd. Early on the 4th they drove up to Alabama and came straight to the house. Gregg and I had to attend church and RCIA for our Rite of Acceptance, but she didn't seem to mind "babysitting" Marek for a few hours. Honestly, I think she was just excited to have Marek all to herself! That night we went out to eat and Marek had his first outing to a restaurant. We went to the local Hibachi restaurant and I was amazed with how well Marek did with all the hustle and bustle. We ate, visited, and caught up with each other. My mom asked Gregg all about flight school and we were able to hear about McHenry life and her new job. Once we returned home we all enjoyed a glass of wine, Michael Buble's Christmas CD, and "Christmas". Marek snoozed away as we all opened presents, laughed, and enjoyed some holiday spirit.

First trip out!

Early Christmas celebrations

Monday morning we woke up and got the house cleaned a bit before my mom and Chris came over again. As it was our last full day together, we wanted to make the most of our time! We packed up and headed to the Aviation Museum. Gregg took over as tour guide and showed my mom and Chris the helicopters and explained some of the history behind Army Aviation. We even tried out our hand in a cockpit! Marek was so excited he fell asleep..but did stay still for a few photos!

After the museum we headed to lunch and then back home so Gregg could get ready for night flightline. Mom, Chris and I spent some time together at home before a dinner out at the Mexican restaurant. Gregg came home early and was able to spend some time relaxing before bed.

Tuesday morning mom and Chris came to say their goodbyes. Marek immediately cuddled up to her and fell asleep. He was obviously completely in love with his grandmalicious!

It felt so good to have my mom in town and I felt blessed to have my mom and Chris here for a visit. This was one of the moments I truly hate being away from family. I know we will not have the opportunity to pack up and drive down the road to see grandma, so we have to make the  most of the time we spend together, no matter how little it may be.

Our First Family Thanksgiving

With all the excitement of Marek coming home, we almost forgot how quickly the holidays were approaching! It's amazing what sleep deprivation will do to a family!

With Marek's prematurity, and susceptibility to the cold and flu, we decided that Thanksgiving and Christmas will have to be at home. Luckily, we have found so much support here at Fort Rucker. Gregg had two friends that were unable to spend the holiday with family. Gregg and I took the lead and made a full Thanksgiving meal (minus some amazing sweet potatoes brought by his friend Josh). With full bellies we relaxed, talked, and spent a day together...away from our blood family but with some of the people who have made us feel so at home.

Marek cat-napped through most of the festivities but woke up near the end. He seems to love the idea of being up all night and snoozing all day!

One month old and celebrating his first Thanksgiving with the family!

Kidneys...let's get it together!

Marek came home with just 11 days in the hospital. He never required the NICU and was very healthy...especially for a preemie who arrived seven weeks early. In so many ways I feel that I do not have the right to complain about any "small" health issues as his health could be much worse. In reality, we should still be in the NICU, waiting for him to breath on his own...hoping that he will gain the weight necessary to go home.

Marek is home with us...where he belongs. He shows how he is getting stronger each day. He eats well, wakes up for feedings, and asks for more when he is hungry. He is becoming more active and becoming stronger as he tries to sit up. He has increased his ability to maintain eye contact and recognizes both Gregg and my voice.

It looks like our last real hurdle will be his kidneys.

During my pregnancy I was sent to a Maternal/Fetal specialist. At first, I was referred because he had a 2 vessel umbilical cord (instead of three) and elevated AFP results (that could mean spina bifida). At the ultrasound, they told us his heart and spine looked great, but that his kidneys were slightly dilated. They told us that this is common in boys and that the problem usually resolves itself.

October 10th I had a follow-up at the Maternal/Fetal Specialist. His left kidney looked a bit better, but his right was still swollen. Again, they reminded me that the kidneys usually correct themselves and just asked for an ultrasound once Marek was born.

Two days after Marek was born, he had an ultrasound. His left kidney was "mildly" dilated while his right kidney was "moderately" dilated. This stayed true when he received a second ultrasound before we left the hospital. This meant we needed a follow-up at the Children's Hospital and Marek was put on an antibiotic to keep away any kidney infections. The specialist had warned us that a kidney infection in an infant could mean that he would lose the kidney.

Marek had his first real outing as we traveled to the Children's Hospital in Birmingham on 11/22/11. We packed up and left around 8:30. The drive seemed to take forever, but Marek did so well! Once we arrived we first went to the urology department. They sent us for an immediate ultrasound. When we met, finally, with the urologist he told us what we did not want to hear. Although his left kidney looked great, his right kidney was more swollen. I held back tears as I feared for the doctor to tell us that Marek needed surgery.

The urologist explained that when the kidney is swollen, it can mean that there is a "blockage" leading to the bladder. To rule out a bladder problem, we were sent to have a VCUG test. This required a catheter to be inserted, dye to be pumped into his bladder, and x-rays to be taken as he urinated. I tried to keep it together as we went immediately for the test. Marek seemed unsure as to why we were getting him undressed again but as the nurses attempted to give him a catheter, we fed him so he would stay calm. Well, it took 4 people to insert the catheter!! By the end, Marek was over the experience and pretty fussy. Once the catheter was in he calmed down and we were able to have the test.

Again we went to the urology department. The urologist told us that Marek's bladder functioning looked great, so the problem is definitely in the kidney. He felt confident to hold off and not send him immediately to surgery.

We have a follow-up on January 24th. At that time, Marek will be given a test to see his kidney functioning. Normally, the kidneys each perform 50% of the work. In Marek's case, they will allow 60/40 work distribution. If his right kidney does not function at least 40%, we will need a surgery.

The urologist made the surgery sound simple. They will make an incision below his right ribs, cut out any blockage, sew everything back together, and he may be able to come home the next day. I sat there in the chair biting the inside of my mouth so I would not cry. I looked at my tiny baby and tried to imagine him having surgery...someone cutting him...and the pain he would feel without the understanding needed to realize WHY he had to be in pain.

Gregg and I were silent for the first part of the drive home. We finally approached to the topic to get some of the awkwardness out of the experience. We admitted that it was not the WORST news (we did not get sent directly to surgery), however, it was not the best news. I think both of us naively believed everything would be perfect when we came in and were saddened that Marek did not get a clean bill of health.

So, January 24, 2011 we will be back to at the Children's Hospital. We hope, and pray, that Marek's kidney corrects itself.

Our little trooper waiting for the urologist...

That's Our Chubby Baby!

Marek was discharged from the hospital on 11/4/11 at 4 lbs 15 oz. The minute we brought him home he began to eat with less trouble. Within days, he was crying for additional formula and showed signs of a growth spurt.

We had a follow up at the pediatrician on 11/7/11. He weighed a whooping 5 lbs 1 oz. I felt an overwhelming sense of pride that we were able to give him what he needed to gain weight and thrive. Everything looked good, but the pediatrician asked that we come in again the following Friday to check his weight before we went to the Children's Hospital to see the urologist the following Tuesday.

On 11/18/11 he weighed a HUGE 5 lbs 13 oz. I was almost brought to tears. I knew he had gained some weight...but THAT much weight! I was so proud of my little man! We could not be more pleased by his weight gain and the way he is thriving at home!

At 1 month, we weighed him at home and he weighed about 7 lbs...up two pounds since he left the hospital! Since we see him everyday, it is hard to gauge the weight gain. However, pictures tell the story! Marek has been so strong and healthy. We are truly blessed for the gifts God has given us!

Approximately one week old. 

Just after Marek came home.

One month old (Thanksgiving)

Hospital Living

Marek was born on October 24, 2011. I will not lie, it was the scariest day of my life. I worried that he would be sick, or would not be able to breath, or would have major complications. I also felt a lot of guilt. Why couldn't I keep him inside longer? Why did my body choose to go into labor? Did I do something wrong?

Having all those emotions swirling inside of me made my stay in the hospital very difficult. I was blessed to have Gregg right there, supporting me. We had many visits from friends...who would more accurately be classified as "family" here at Rucker. I appreciated the distraction as my days of worry led to days forgetting to eat and many sleepless nights.

Now that we are home, it's hard to really tap into the emotions that I felt, but I will try.

October 24, 2011

Marek is born and from what we are told he is doing fine. They let us know that the first 24 hours is crucial as they watch his lung performance, but so far, he is breathing on his own and seems very strong.  That evening we are told that we can go visit Marek. Gregg brings me down to the nursery and I am able to hold him for the first time. I was immediately in love! I have never been a "baby person" but the overwhelming feeling I felt when I held him was amazing. He immediately became the love of my life.

October 25, 2011

Gregg is out early to get to flight line. I go to the nursery and am told that he is on oxygen. They explain that he is just so small and that breathing on his own "tired him out" and now he just needs "a little help". It was not enough to send him to the NICU in Birmingham, but if he needs the next step up he will be transported. I have never wanted Gregg with me so much! That afternoon I told him the update and we mentally prepared to be transported. When we go to visit Marek looks good and is on very little oxygen, but it breaks my heart to see him need that extra help. We are also unable to hold him due to the extra tubes. Gregg and I discuss what will happen if he is transported and how we will get up to Birmingham the fastest.

October 26, 2011

Gregg is again up and out by 5 am. I go down to the nursery early and see that Marek is off of oxygen! He is breathing much better and does not seem as labored. His color is still good and his blood oxygen level is staying relatively steady. What a relief!! Gregg and I am able to spend more time in the nursery with him. We did not get to hold him as he was still struggling a little, but we are able to hold his hand, rub him, and talk with him. He is unable to latch onto a bottle and is having trouble eating, so he is getting IV fluids. He also has an ultrasound to check his kidneys and one kidney is "mildly" swollen as the other is "moderately" swollen. He is put on antibiotics to hold off a kidney infection.

The hospital discharges me this evening, but we are able to keep the room as a "courtesy" so we can stay near Marek. 


October 27, 2011

Marek is still off oxygen. It felt so good to see him again without the oxygen tubes. Because the doctors want him to actually eat (and not just gain nutrients through the IV) a feeding tube is put through his nose. He was given 20 cc of formula/milk but can get less than half through the bottle (most of which was pretty much squirted into his mouth) and the rest goes through his tube. The nurses are also concerned with his ability to maintain his body temperature once he is no longer under the warming lights. Gregg and I spend the entire evening with him and we both get as much cuddle time with him as possible as we are able to hold him again! Holding him became in spurts as he was placed in the isolet to maintain his body temperature.

October 28, 2011

Gregg and I go up to the nursery at 4 am before he leaves for flight line. Marek still needs assistance to keep his temperature up and they are concerned with his skin color. They suspect jaundice. Gregg leaves and about an hour later they have me sign paperwork to put him under the bilirubin lights. We are unable to hold him all day, but we go to the nursery to visit him and just see him. During feedings, we were able to see him closer when they opened the door. One nurse even let us sneak in a quick 5 minute hold! He is our little trooper.

October 29, 2011

Saturday is finally here...so I will have Gregg's company all day! I felt relieved to have company all day! Gregg had been in charge of doing laundry and running home during his breaks all week, so he demanded that I do something "normal" as well.... and I finally left the hospital. I cannot describe the guilt I felt walking out of those front doors. I enjoyed seeing the sun again, but felt like a terrible mother for leaving my baby in that nursery.

Marek is out from under the bilirubin lights but still requires the extra warmth from the isolet. He is also eating almost exclusively from the feeding tube. The nurses are allowing us to have a larger part of his care, including holding him more, helping with his feedings, and even learning about feeding him through the tube when necessary.

The weekend shift arrives...with our meeting of "Miss Kim" (our favorite nurse). She is a fiesty woman (and self-named the "other Paula Dean") who took to Marek immediately. She made sure to give him all the good gossip and spend the weekend singing to him.

October 30, 2011

No new updates really. He is still working to maintain his body temperature and is still struggling to eat through a bottle. The doctor continues to increase his feedings but this also increased his throwing up (and the nurses needing to extract undigested formula/milk from his stomach before each feeding). I also have my first melt down after a particularly hard feeding that evening. We tried for almost 40 minutes and he ate about 10 ccs...the other 30 needed to go through his tube. Just as he was finishing, the formula came back up...through his mouth, nose, and tube. Watching him panic and seeing my baby like that threw me into sobs. The nurse quickly came to clean him up and checked to make sure I was okay. She also told me that this was not a major set-back...but I had begun to reach my limit. Days without eating, sleeping, or normalcy...on top of my fears for my baby...had completely shaken my nerves.

October 31, 2011

Halloween! And even better....our first day with him in the room!! Gregg had morning flightline, so we went to visit Marek at 4:30 am again. Around 7 the nurses told me that I could bring him to the room. I was ecstatic! Gregg hurried "home" after training that afternoon and we snuggled with Marek. We also put him in his first Halloween outfit! Things seem to be looking up...!

November 1, 2011

He continues to do well maintaining his body temperature, but is in many layers to keep him warm. On the average he is in a shirt, onesie, a hat (or two) and at least one receiving blanket. His blood oxygen level has been steady for a few days and there is talk of taking him off the monitors in a few days if this continues. His feedings are still long, labor intensive, and end with him eating through the tube (especially in the morning). We go back to the nursery for every feeding so they can assist if necessary. That evening they take him off the tube and decide we will feed him exclusively through the bottle. He seems to have stabilized, but the doctors will not speculate as to when he will be able to go home.



November 2, 2011

Again, about the same. His body temperature continues to remain steady, but he is still unable to eat on his own. The doctors begin to tell us he is looking great and should be able to go "maybe by Monday". We spend as much time with him... talking to him, cuddling him, and loving on him. We learn how to give him medicine and continue practice feeding him.

November 3, 2011

The first full day in the room...including feedings! Marek has become stronger in regards to eating and is now able to eat all 40 cc of formula or milk. It takes nearly and hour and we have to poke extra holes in the nipple. The last 10-20 cc are pretty much squirted into his mouth to swallow as he gets tired, but at least he is eating and does not need the IV for fluids.

He is also taken off of the blood oxygen monitor as his breathing has been steady for a week! Does this mean an end is in sight?

Due to a high volume of patients we lose our "courtesy room" and transition home. It is heartbreaking to leave Marek behind, but I use the time that evening to ready his nursery, do extra laundry, and set up the house for him. We also buy groceries so we do not have to run out once he is home. 

November 4, 2011

Gregg leaves for flightline early and I am off to the hospital after a shower in my own bathroom. I am given a similar update...he is struggling to eat, but will get the formula/milk down with enough prodding. His breathing is still steady and he is maintaining his body temperature. The doctor again tells us "maybe by Monday" we will go home. I am about sick of maybes as this point.

I cuddle on my little man all day, and Gregg does the same when he gets to the hospital after work. Around 6:00 pm we are getting ready for another feeding when a new doctor begins his rotation. He comes over to meet us and to tell us that Marek is looking good and "should be able to go home." I about want to scream as I assume this means "maybe" in a few days. He asks the nurses to weigh him...and he is holding steady at 4 lbs 15oz. He turns to us and tells us we can go home, and to bring Marek in Monday morning for a check-up.

Wait...what?! We are going home? Honestly? And hold on...you trust US to keep a child safe? Isn't there a training...or test...or certification for this?!

We quickly get baby CPR certified (just in case) and get our discharge instructions. Around 8:00 pm we are packing him up for a first night home...and for the END of our hospital adventure!

So I guess I'm in Labor?!

After we got married, Gregg and I immediately began discussing when to start a family. We wanted some time to just be together, but we also wanted to start a family before he graduated from flight school and faced a possible deployment. After the holidays 2010 we decided to begin trying. April 4, 2011 I took a pregnancy test and SURPRISE! I was pregnant. Throughout the pregnancy I anxiously waited for my December 13, 2011 due date.

October 23, 2011 Gregg and I went to church and RCIA. After, we grabbed some lunch and went to take my maternity pictures. We stayed and chatted with our friend Blythe and returned home around dinner time. We ate and went for a couple mile walk as the weather was nice and warm. I felt great and silently thanked God that the third trimester was being so nice to me.

As I was getting ready for bed, I felt an odd sensation, almost like I had lost some water. Being naturally paranoid I reminded myself I was not even 33 weeks pregnant and that it was probably Marek hitting my bladder. I went to sleep and tried to not stress.

At around 2:30 am I felt another small gush of water. I was fast asleep, so I woke up wondering if I had actually lost water, or if Marek was again playing tricks on me. I began to get concerned and decided that I would go to work the next day, do my group counseling, and call the doctor. I began to have light cramps in my lower ab region...but they were not consistent and if I turned over they seemed to feel better. I thought these may be the beginnings of Braxton Hicks contractions and attempted to sleep.

Gregg woke up at 4 am to go to flight line. I told him goodbye and that I would call the doctor in the morning. I went back to bed and at 6 I had another gush. Since I was awake, I realized that this was not Marek and that something real may be happening. I called the doctor and he told me to come in that morning. I showered, got dressed, and at breakfast (in case I was wrong and had to go to work) but also packed a hospital bag (in case he was going to place me on bedrest). Just after 7am I began driving to his office. As I drove I realized the "cramps" were consistent...every 5 minutes! They really did not hurt but I thought I remember someone telling me I should go in if contractions were 10 minutes apart. I went to grab my cell phone to text Gregg and realized that I had left my cell on the coffee table. Great...no one to calm me down! Needless to say, I sped out to Dothan for my appointment.

The ultrasound tech called me back around 8:20 am to check my amniotic fluid. She told me all looked well and I had a good amount of fluid. Marek was doing well and had a good heart rate. She warned me that the doctor would also see me "just to check." I began to feel like maybe I had imagined everything, but knew that the cramping had concerned me.

Dr. Cleveland saw me around 8:30 am. He quickly started the exam...that only lasted about three minutes before he sat back and calmly told me, "You are between 4 1/2 and 5 cm dilated. We need to get you over to Labor and Delivery. You are going to have a baby today." I immediately burst into tears! I was 32 weeks and 6 days pregnant....I CAN'T go into labor! Am I ready? Will Marek be okay? What if he cannot breath? What if the labor is too much for him? WHAT IF HE DOESN'T MAKE IT?!

When I left the examination room I met Dr. Cleveland at the desk. He was writing my admission slip. I had calmed myself down, so I asked, "Do I just drive over to the admissions area?" He looked at me crazy for a second...so I told him, "Um...I drove myself here. My husband is at the flight line." His nurse popped her head up and asked if I could get ahold of him. I told them that I had forgotten my cell phone. Dr. Cleveland's sat back and immediately asked if there was a Commander he could call. I told them Gregg's name, number, flight class, and the airfield that they fly out of. I took the admissions slip and prayed they could reach him.

I checked myself in at Admissions and called work to let them know I would not make it...for the next 7-12 weeks. Brandy, a friend from work, immediately asked about Gregg, got his number, and asked if I wanted her to come to the hospital. I did not want her to feel obligated, so I told her she could come if she wanted.

I was wheeled up to Labor and Delivery around 9:15 am. As I passed the desk, they told me that Dr. Cleveland's office had called, Gregg was contacted, and he was on his way. I was still worried, but felt grateful that Gregg would be there.

Brandy arrived by 9:45 am. She chatted with me until Gregg arrived around 10:00 am. At that time the contractions began to come twice as often and 10x as hard. The nurses refused to give me and epideral and told me to wait until Dr. Cleveland came during his lunch break. By 10:30 am the pressure began to drop more. The nurses continued to ignore my requests.

11:00 am arrives and I feel that I am actually holding Marek in. The nurse tells me that the doctor will be there within an hour, and that he will check me then. Brandy continues to go get the nurses until they finally check me (after sighing and rolling her eyes) at around 11:20 am. She informs me I am completely dilated and runs to get another nurse who also checks me and yes...I am still completely dilated. THEN they call the doctor.

Dr. Cleveland arrives around 11:40 am and begins to set up. At this time I am sure I am holding Marek in. I ask again for the epideral and that same nurse smiles slightly and says, "Oh, you are too far along now." She was lucky I was concentrating so hard on NOT having a baby or else I may have come off that table and smacked her!

Dr. Cleveland gave me a local around 11:45 am and I began to push. My labor was short, but wow...still intense! With each push I watched the monitor to see Marek's heart rate so I could ensure it was not dropping.

Marek arrived at 12:13 pm. He was 4 lbs 14 oz and 17 inches long.

After a long pause he began crying, but I kept asking the nurses if he was okay. They told me he was, but let me see him for maybe 30 seconds before rushing him to the nursery. My heart sank... does this mean there is something wrong? Does this mean they are concerned?

The doctor "fixed" me up and I was reunited with Gregg. He told me that Marek looked good and was in the nursery, and still breathing on his own. I tried to stay calm as Brandy was still there, but I couldn't help feeling in complete shock that not only did I just have a baby, but that my baby was not with me!

That evening we had the opportunity to see him through the glass. Still strong...still perfect...and still breathing on his own!

After a crazy day (and what felt like a spontaneous labor) I was a mom...and our hospital experience was just beginning!

Welcome!

When Gregg and I got married, we talked about blogging to keep our family and friends updated on our life. Unfortunately, life became too hectic to keep up a blog! Gregg is still training to fly Kiowa helicopters and I was working away with my boys at Pathway. Once the day ended, I thought very little about blogging!

With the addition of Marek, however, we feel it is increasingly important to document these big moments of his life. He is the love of our lives and we look forward to sharing with others as he grows.

Thank you for stopping by our blog...we hope you enjoy what you read!