New Normal

Does anyone else feel like my blog postings have been one funeral...
after hospital stay...

after hospital stay...

after hospital stay?

Okay so technically those last two were connected, sort of! In case you couldn't tell from the picture, Alvin was also Jaundice and had to be placed under the bili lights. The morning we went to go pick him up from the hospital to take him home with us, Randy didn't recognize him because they had put him under the lights without us knowing. As a result we had to wait around all day long for the results from his jaundice test to come back at least lower than they had been that morning. It was just something else to throw into the mix of emotions we had been going through. Not only was he in the NICU but we really couldn't hold him much. Luckily, we were able to get him discharged from the hospital that evening, but he had to be on the bilibed at home too (still not much holding involved). He is off the lights now and is doing well. In fact at a follow up appointment we went to for him, we found out that he has gained 7 oz. in 4 days (discharge weight 8lb. 1 oz.- 4 days later 8lb. 8oz.). He's chugging it!!!

For your viewing pleasure, here are some pictures of the less eventful moments prior to Alvin's birth. The girls were playing doctor and pretending that the dresser had fallen on Belinda. Doesn't that sound like fun? (Sarcasm involved)!

We also were surprised to be able to "make" a new friend!

Also for your viewing pleasure, here are the pictures of Alvin's first day of life, before he was admitted to the NICU. I hope by now you can tell a difference and that it goes without saying that any really good pictures on my blog were taken by my incredibly talented sister.

We are a crazy family!!!

Our three beautiful children.

Our family has grown by two MORE feet.

I'm thinking Katie Marie's coloring, my mom thinks red (wishful thinking)!!! I'll be optimistic about that though.

Our little tiger finally came home. Bandaged hand and all!!!

The girls were happy to see their brother home, even if they didn't get to hold him.

They've made up for that though.

We're trying to figure out what the new normal is for us right now. I just woke up from my nap to another loud CRASH (not nearly as loud as the last one). Not to worry, Katie Marie just broke a shelf in our fridge and broken glass from a salsa jar with about 5 other jars and the eggs were scattered all over the floor!!! I think I've about had it with rude wake up calls, hospitals, and the like. I sent Randy with Alvin to the hospital for the two different jaundice follow up appointments and we have about 5 more appointments in the next month for Alvin, Katie Marie and I.

Here's something I feel like sharing that's totally random: Belinda was begging me to give her a cup of milk. I looked in the fridge and saw the milk that I had to pump the night Alvin was in the hospital without us. We hadn't freezed it yet and I didn't want it to go bad, so that's what I gave her (in a sippy cup). There is something kind of weird about her drinking it. It kind of grossed me out honestly, but I don't know how it's any different than having my other child drinking it. Belinda didn't have any complaints, in fact, she asked for more.

Here are 3 random things I've learned this month:

1. Better safe than sorry or better safe than aesthetically pleasing (Bolt your furniture to the wall).

2. Be prepared. Label your phones with your address, phone # and 911 (Don't just put the info. on a fridge magnet. Honestly, are you going to want a babysitter standing at your fridge telling the dispatcher your address when your child is bleeding in the back room? Just saying.)

3. Some things are better left unsaid (enough said).

NICU

Alvin was sent to the NICU. He was having respiratory problems. He has had his blood drawn to check for infection. He is on an IV to keep his blood sugar levels up, he was on oxygen, and he is on a bunch of monitors to check his oxygen levels, respiratory rate, and heart rate. We had to go home without baby. I'm pretty tired. It's a good thing we have insurance because I'll tell you what, our kids this year!!!

Alvin is doing well and everything should turn out okay. He sure is a sweet little thing.

As far as the delivery went, I went unmedicated again, but was a total wimp this time. The difference between this one and Belinda's delivery was night and day. I delivered him on my hands and knees and was basically screaming (for me) the whole time. It wasn't that enjoyable and I'm glad it's over with. If you want further details talk with me.

It's been a long week, actually month, I'm tired! But extremely blessed.

News

Alvin was born

8 lbs 4 oz.
19.5 inches

Still Waiting

The phone calls have begun arriving, but no baby has begun arriving. Sorry folks!!! Alvin is the one in charge and I'm starting to suspect that my grandfather is up in heaven with him telling him to come a whole week late so that he'll be born on his birthday!!! Katie Marie keeps asking me if I can go to the hospital right now because she wants Alvin to come "today!" I've tried explaining that that is not exactly how it works and I don't get to decide. She's tried talking to him and telling him he needs to come, but apparently he's not easily persuaded.