Monday, August 31, 2009

Standing?

When I burp Elijah he is so tall I can barley do it. His chin is way above my shoulder and he stands with his legs straight. So tonight, Andy and I pulled Eli to a sitting position and he pretty much straightens his legs to stand. Of course we're not rushing him or anything-but we got it on video!

It's a long one...it's one of those just for the record type of posts

No one should have to see their newborn baby look like this.

But I did.
It was 16 days and nights before Eli got to be home in his bassinet with us.
It was 9 days before I slept in the same room as my newborn.
Everyone asked when I was going to be discharged from the hospital. They asked "is he staying in your room with you yet?" I said "I was discharged 2 days after he was born. I'm staying in HIS room." He was in room H39.

I cried when my sister left on day 2 of this fiasco.
I cried in the car to and from the hospital-every time. Empty car seat and the anxiety of what could have happened when I wasn't there.
I cried when I tried to call my sister. Even during good moments-I couldn't do it.
I cried when they didn't get the spinal fluid the first time...and the 2nd time. (I may have cried with happiness that they got it the 3rd time).
I cried hard with Andy reading aloud the first blog entry my sister wrote, and many after. (to read click here )
I cried with fear that he wouldn't know us as his parents. It was like getting babysitters right away when we would leave for an hour.
I cried when I asked the doctors if Eli was going to die and there was a pause and nobody answered me. (Of course he wasn't going to, but they had no clue what was going on-and how scary of a response).
I cried when I would log onto facebook and friends of my sister that I did not even know or friends/family that I have not talked to in a while showed support.
I cried when they gave us a hard time about staying over night the first night Eli was in the ICU.
I cried when I was hooking up the breast pump in the pumping room of the ICU-instead of breastfeeding in bed at home.
I cried when I tried to listen to music-no matter the song, but specifically "A New Day Has Come" by Celine Dion and "Say Hey (I love you)" by Michael Franti and "Beautiful Boy" By Celine Dion.
I cried the first night Andy didn't stay at the hospital with me.
I cried when I missed Bailee and felt like she didn't know how much I still loved her.
I cried when I told Eli about all his Aunts and Uncles and cousins-ALL of them.
I cried after visits with people because I didn't want to sit in the waiting room and talk, I wanted to be by Eli...yet I appreciated the visit. I cried because that was confusing and people who traveled far like my brother, could not get in to see him.
I cried when Eli got the nurse who wouldn't let me breastfeed and wouldn't fight for it with the doctors.
I cried when I downloaded my first 100 pictures of Eli and they allll had medical equipment in them.
I cried when we got the nurse who rushed around and came in every beep of the monitor when other nurses had convinced us that those first beeps were ok.
I cried when they gave him his first bath (at Froedtert prior to Children's) without telling us.
I cried when one doctor (on call in the middle of the night) told us that we could have Elijah's belly button surgically fixed (for cosmetic reasons) when we were worried about a new rash and had no concerns with his belly button. She also forced me to play with a teddy bear in front of Eli to cheer me up.
I cried when I was reading books to my little guy in the ICU instead of in our new glider.
I cried when Eli cried during his car seat test.
I cried when he got new IV's (multiple in both hands, one in the foot/ankle, and one in the belly button).
I cried when I felt bad worrying about finances and medical bills.
I cried one night when the nurses didn't come in the room as soon as I wanted them to and I cried when I complained to the nurse manager about it.
I cried when they wanted to give him a new IV the night before he was supposed to leave-forced the nurse to call the doctors in the middle of the night and had Andy drive to the hospital at midnight as well to fight for no new IV.
I cried when they moved Eli from one room to another further away from the nurses station.
I cried when I realized they moved Eli to another room and didn't move his picture his cousin Charley drew.
I cried when I thought about how many people loved him and never met him.
I cried when I got heartfelt text messages from friends who didn't want to bother me but wanted to show support.

Andy and I cried a lot. Both of us, usually at different times. As one was weak, the other was strong. It was amazing how our relationship worked during this hard time. The 2 weeks after Eli was born was probably the most time I have ever spent with Andy. We hardly left each other's side... I remember one specific moment where Andy went to get breakfast and I was pumping in our little parenting room. I couldn't call him because we couldn't use the phone in that room and it was so hard to be away from him-he was my rock. At certain points I would look at Andy and think..."I'm not the only one going through this. He is Elijah's parent too". Being the Dad during pregnancy does not leave you many duties. I know this was hard for Andy. There was only so much carrying of heavy objects and rubbing of my feet that he could do. I knew he was looking forward to physically having that child to help me out with being a parent, and when Eli was in the hospital, I would sometimes look at Andy and realize how hard it was for him-his real dad duties STILL hadn't started. When Eli got moved to the ICU at Children's Hospital, the nurses had us get involved in his care. It was awesome. Whenever they asked us to change diapers-I always had Andy do it. Not because I didn't want to, but because I wanted Andy to get his hands on the little guy. (He didn't get to hold Eli for the first day).

My mom also came to visit a few times. I know she was acting very strong too. She just showed up one day-left work early and drove an hour (maybe even through rush hour) and put on the yellow gown and blue gloves-yeah she wanted to see Elijah but I know she also was just supporting me. She was prepared to give the nurses and doctors a hard time if they weren't right there to help us. She often brought food or a little something for Eli and understood when I just needed a moment or couldn't concentrate on outside stuff or didn't ask her how her day was.
And then there were my friends. One of my closest-Peggy who was DYING to get her hands on little Eli and could hardly believe he existed since she couldn't see him. I know Peggy and I know it was hurting her that she couldn't talk to me whenever she wanted...knowing she had to give me space when I was busy or emotional. I could hear it in her voice too when I did talk to her. She was so supportive of me during my pregnancy and I knew she would be a big part of our baby's life when he/she arrived...but this was unexpected-that she wouldn't be able to see the baby right away! She took me out for ice cream, met me for lunch if I needed it, organized lunches for me from co-workers and did get to be one of the first to hold Eli when the time was right. My other closest friend Melissa made a special trip and just spent time with Andy and I eating breakfast. How cool that she made that effort when she couldn't even see Eli. She brought along lots of treats for us, army shoes for Eli and even something for Bailee. And then there were my coworkers. They fed Andy and I. Every day there was a different yummy meal. This provided us time out of the medical environment and kept us strong enough to get through this time. So appreciated.
And then there was baby Eli. He had his ups and downs. And he was SO tiny-but he fought. He was such a fighter. I'll never forget a text I got from my friend Colleen who said "We are so proud of you and you're little soldier." And I thought DAMN RIGHT-he IS a soldier. That was another crying moment. Such a small body who went through so much. Too much.

But there were so many good moments too-and I'm not going to list them all. But there now is a HUGE spot in my heart for the nurses and doctors of Children's Hospital. They were SO awesome. I can't believe it-because I work with doctors and nurses in my job and the men and women who took care of Eli were soooo special to Andy and I. Andy made sure to remember each nurses name and I made sure to say thank you every time we left Eli's bedside. Some were more personal than others-but most of them were not afraid to tell us "This is normal" or "yeah this was unexpected" or even to look up a lab value for us right away. They would call me in the middle of the night to tell me Eli was ready to eat. They would be there in a heartbeat but they wouldn't hover if Andy and I needed a minute. Being away from Eli was anxiety filled time. Every time we were on our way back to the hospital after a short stint away we would get nervous that if we rounded the corner Eli might be back on oxygen or might be getting an x-ray for this or that. The nurses were always there to explain everything to us. And if a doctor left the room and we looked perplexed, they were RIGHT there to review what was talked about and what was going to happen. They all had different swaddling styles but all held Eli with care and love. Every time we walked up to Eli's room they would update us-did he poop, did he cry, did he have a gas smile etc. One particular doctor captured Andy's and my attention. He was the nicest and calmest man and man did he know his stuff. Every morning we made sure we were there as he "rounded" on Eli and answered all of our questions. This was the most important part of our day as this was when all our fears were put to rest. I think it's safe to say that Dr. Sampath saved our little son. Andy and I would feel very anxious and SURE that something was wrong and he was there to ease it all and we walked away laughing each time-knowing that everything was going to be ok...just from talking to this man. Hooray for Children's Hospital-we cannot say enough about this staff of people who truly make miracles happen.

Andy and I still cannot believe that we had a child that had to be in the ICU. We still cannot believe we didn't have a "text book" version of labor and delivery. I feel like things weren't fair. I feel like I didn't get the full experience of being a new mommy with a new baby. And that might be true-but I am trying to look at it like our experience was just different.
We grew up very fast during those first few weeks. We had to make decisions, worry about finances, do lots of explaining, sign papers, ask questions...about our brand new son that nobody EVER thinks they will have to. In addition to just plain loving him up-and that is usually enough for new parents right!? Frequently we thought we should ask for a Chaplin, but I think Andy and I did our fair share of praying on our own. That in combination with everyone else who was pulling for us-Eli made it through and he is just PERFECT.

We shouldn't have gone through that. But we did. We made it. And now we have a very healthy little boy on our hands. At one point I looked at Andy and said "Do you think this is a bad dream?". I don't remember his answer. No matter how hard that time was, I'm so glad it wasn't. It has taken me weeks to type this...and yes i cried the whole time. . It's amazing what the human body can do-no matter how small. And yes, it's true what all mom's say-I would do it again.

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Swimmer


They don't make swim diapers small enough for newborns! That is probably because you are not supposed to put a baby in a pool right? Well...we did anyways. We couldn't resist. There was a shaded area of the pool, we stuck a hat and sunglasses on the little fellow and swayed him in the water. HE FELL ASLEEP!!!

My Update (From Eli)

Hi World!
Today was my 2 month doctor appointment! I'm actually going to be 10 weeks tomorrow but today was my first round of shots! I did so well. Right before the nurses came in to do them the doctor leaned over and told me all about them and what to expect. I love that he gave me that personal attention and talked to me, the patient instead of just to my parents! He also said that I have really good head control and everything is looking just fine. Daddy was very helpful during the shots but mom sat in the corner and put her face in my blanket. (Whatever mom! Rolling my eyes). The nurses did the shots quick and I only gave out a little scream. Then they gave me 2 blue band aids, one for each leg and I love those!
When mom got home she put my Milwaukee Brewer's jammies on and I took a nap in my crib! I was very content today and not fussy. I thought that might impress mom.
When Dad came home from work today he put me in the bumbo chair. Here is a picture. I'm still pretty small for it, but it fits me really well right now because it gives me some neck/head support. Here are the rest of the stats the doctor gave me.
Height: 22 1/2 inches (18 1/2 inches at birth) I am in the 25th percentile!
Weight: 9 lbs 6.5 oz (5 lbs 4 oz at birth) I am in the 5th percentile!
Head Circumference: Not sure on actual amount, but I am in the 5-10th percentile!
Mom seemed worried about my weight, being in the 5th %, you know...being a dietitian and all. My dad said "He's only 2 months old!" but it was explained to him that it's not a comparison of age, but tells us that if I were in a room with 100 babies, there would only be 5 smaller. The doctor had to reassure my mom that since I was small at birth it seems right to him. He graphed out my weights and it makes a nice curve meaning I have been gaining a good amount of weight each time. I have gained over 4 lbs since birth and I eat realllllly good! I may hit a growth spurt in the next year at some point and catch up. But mom is happy I get to continue to wear my newborn outfits a few more times. Dad was not concerned, he's so laid back!
Here is a picture to compare me now with me when I was born. Well that's pretty much all for now, I'll write again in 2 more months after my next appointment! Love, Elijah

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

How many Roeder's does it take for a Pool Party?

Now that I figured out how to post videos-I HAVE to share this.
Here is another classic home video. This is from our trip to Tennessee. Now remember when you watch this-not everyone is in the pool. There are even more Roeder's!
But you can see how much fun this can be (and how crazy). You really have to look out for yourself when in the pool or you could get hurt.
And yes mom, that is me having a beer! I had to time my 1 beer/night and my jumping in the pool with Eli's feeding. I couldn't go in the pool right before he needed to eat because then I'd be all wet sitting on the furniture inside. And I could only have a beer right after he ate too-so that is why I am not in the pool. Often times I was in the pool just as everyone else was getting out or when everyone else is eating lunch etc.
Anyways, enjoy watching the Roeder Tennessee Trip 2009! **Just a side note-when Andy focuses on "Mr. Gabe"-take notice that he is only 2 1/2 years old and swimming (with a life vest) in 9 feet of water! Go GABERS!

Who needs an Eli fix?

Ok- for everyone who is far away-here are a few home videos of the e-bug!
They are not the best quality because we shot them at spur of the moment in dim lighting. In the 2nd one he starts to cry! We are the classic NEW parents and even have another video (that we won't post) that is over 3 minutes long of Eli kicking in his bouncy seat. (if you're THAT bored, let me know and I'll send it to you!). Next time we'll work on quality! Oh yeah and don't tell Andy that I did this-he would kill me. Again-we are the classic NEW parents-trying to get our child to smile.

Dear Dr. Eagle Scout (aka Greg)

Please help you're curious younger sister. An Eagle Scout ought to know!
Do you know how I can make sure there is no skunk living under our deck? We are scared to let Bailee out in the backyard until we know it is gone!!!

Another thing, Bailee stepped in one of those sticky rat traps (we were using to catch insects/ants behind the tv in the basement). She then used her other paws to try to get it off and finally resorted to licking her paws and now has this sticky residue all over her mouth, feet and body. An emergency vet could not help us via the phone. She had no ideas. The box says to use mineral spirits which the vet told us is paint thinner or something. We can't use that on a dog! We can't get the sticky off her paws. Any ideas of a non-toxic way to remove super sticky stuff????

Love,
Raina
ps-anyone else that reads this that might know-please enlighten me!