intermission
Just got the update on Liam via telephone. His blood gases are down to 23 % (normal is 21%) and one of his umbillical catheters was removed, so he's doing quite well. He gets to start eating tomorrow and might even get to nurse when we see him tomorrow, depending on what his doctor says. This is such a tremendous relief to all of us. Of course, there is the huge guilt that we're not going to see him today, but I am having some serious edema issues (feet swollen to the point of actual physical discomfort!) and everyone is just wiped from the past week and a half from when all of the prodromal labour started through all of the drama of the past week.
Abbey has asked if she can send "her Liam" a card in an envelope for his hopital cribby in "the baby room" (aka the NICU). She is so protective of her brother. She was obviously upset when she realized that even though mommy got to come home last night that Liam didn't. She fussed so much about wanting to go back upstairs to get Liam when we were going to get into the car that she actually knocked me over in the parking garage and landed on top of my stomach. Ouch! A very nice couple rushed up to help me get up and were so worried about me. And they say people in Pittsburgh aren't nice, lol.
It's both wonderful and miserable to be home. There's no question I was going batty in the hospital without Abbey and Bill. Plus all of the intrusions, the poking and prodding, the world's most uncomfortable bed...but being here feels wrong. It's like Liam didn't happen. My tummy, while still pregnant looking, is empty and yet my boy isn't here. It's so surreal. And at times, really depressing. I know he's in good hands. I know he'll be home as soon as next weekend, even. But I still feel like the world's worst parent for just "leaving" him there. But I guess every parent with a sick baby goes through this, and I know we're luckier than most since he's full-term and is literally getting better hourly.
And for all my boob-a-holic friends, the pumping is going fantastic! I am shocked at how much I am getting 4 days postpartum since with Abbey, my milk had just barely come in on the 4th day. Abbey did her brother a serious favour, and I feel blessed to have the experience and research behind me to make this process easier. There's no question it's hard (emotionally, anyhoo) to bring in one's milk with a pump rather than the actual baby, but it's good to know I've got a nice stash already and his milkies will be ready and waiting once he's ready to go. BTW--if you ever have to rent a medical grade pump, I *HIGHLY* recommend the Medela Symphony. WOW!
Abbey has asked if she can send "her Liam" a card in an envelope for his hopital cribby in "the baby room" (aka the NICU). She is so protective of her brother. She was obviously upset when she realized that even though mommy got to come home last night that Liam didn't. She fussed so much about wanting to go back upstairs to get Liam when we were going to get into the car that she actually knocked me over in the parking garage and landed on top of my stomach. Ouch! A very nice couple rushed up to help me get up and were so worried about me. And they say people in Pittsburgh aren't nice, lol.
It's both wonderful and miserable to be home. There's no question I was going batty in the hospital without Abbey and Bill. Plus all of the intrusions, the poking and prodding, the world's most uncomfortable bed...but being here feels wrong. It's like Liam didn't happen. My tummy, while still pregnant looking, is empty and yet my boy isn't here. It's so surreal. And at times, really depressing. I know he's in good hands. I know he'll be home as soon as next weekend, even. But I still feel like the world's worst parent for just "leaving" him there. But I guess every parent with a sick baby goes through this, and I know we're luckier than most since he's full-term and is literally getting better hourly.
And for all my boob-a-holic friends, the pumping is going fantastic! I am shocked at how much I am getting 4 days postpartum since with Abbey, my milk had just barely come in on the 4th day. Abbey did her brother a serious favour, and I feel blessed to have the experience and research behind me to make this process easier. There's no question it's hard (emotionally, anyhoo) to bring in one's milk with a pump rather than the actual baby, but it's good to know I've got a nice stash already and his milkies will be ready and waiting once he's ready to go. BTW--if you ever have to rent a medical grade pump, I *HIGHLY* recommend the Medela Symphony. WOW!