Week 3

Not too much has changed around the Cox household. We are just chugging along at Jadyn's pace... it's her world and we just live in it, =). Last night she slept in about two 4 hour increments which was awesome although she was down in the living room with her dad and I was up in bed so either way was fine with me. I'm still breast feeding (hanging in there!) so instead of her coming up, I just woke up when she was ready to eat, Jay gave her a bottle of pumped milk and I pumped then too. It's a lot easier and faster to just wake up, pump and go back to sleep than to burp, change a diaper, get her back to sleep, etc... It's been nice the last two nights as we have done that but poor Jay either doesn't sleep or sleeps on the couch. I'm sure we won't be doing that too long but it's been nice while it lasted.

Of course I included some pictures of the kiddo. She is such a cutie! These were taken within the last couple days. I've been trying to catch a smile. She is starting to smile a little while awake but most of her smiles happen right after she gets done eating and has fallen asleep. She is doing well... working on her head control and everything else newborns do.

We have our follow up appointment with Neurosurg on Feb. 16th. We'll have a head sono through her top fontanel at 8 am and the appt. with the doc at 10:15. I know when it gets closer I'll start becoming a basket of nerves just because we feel she is doing so well and there is no sign of increased pressure in her head, right now. I'm just worried the head sono will tell otherwise. I had Jay measure her head circumference the other day because it had been awhile since it was checked at the pediatrician's office. It was the same, ;-) but that's me being paranoid. I'll be the crazy mom on the playground with her measuring tape following her around.

Jadyn made her first mini-road trip on Monday. We went to Potomac Mills in Va. for a day of shopping and her dad was so thrilled about going. I don't recommend going if you live near Arundel Mills here in Baltimore/AA Co. The only plus about the mall was the Coach Factory Outlet and my new pink coach purse, lol. Other than that, it had just about everything else I'd shop at Arundel Mills. It was nice to get out though... although I was exhausted at the end of the day from walking.

That's about it for us. She is ready to eat so I must go!

9 Pound Mark

Yes, we did it. After much struggles with breast feeding and finding a nice happy medium between breast milk and formula, Jadyn finally has gained back her birth weight plus a little more. From Friday to yesterday, Wednesday, she gained .5 pound (8 ounces). She eats like a champ so that is a little bit more than she really should be picking up but the doc is happy with her gain. She was 9 pounds even yesterday and we are clear from the pediatrician until the 6-7 week mark. She'll probably be due for shots that visit, ugh! I've done pretty good with the heal sticks (Jay too) and actually yesterday we waited a little longer than I wanted for her second PKU that I wanted to do it myself and get the heck outta the doctor's office.

We have made some mall visits to have lunch and do Christmas exchanges but we've been very careful and left her in the infant seat. No one gets to touch either... but many stop and want to know how old she is and this and that.

On Tuesday me and Jadyn had our first trip without dad to my work holiday luncheon at Bluestone Restaurant in Timonium. It was very tasty. She slept during the lunch which was great and after everyone was finished I got her out for a visit and then it was eatin' time. It was almost 2 weeks post delivery for me so I was feeling much better but I was still a little worried about carrying her infant seat. I hadn't put her in, taken her out or carried the seat at all. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be and we even made a short stop to return a Christmas gift too.

I'm finally getting around to cleaning the bathroom and our bedroom that I have been wanting to do since before delivery. I can't relax and chill out until I know everything is done. It's just my nature... I can't control it! I took a mini break to down some McDonald's and it's back to work to finish it up. I just wanted to update this really quickly and put up a couple new pics of the babe.

As for the rest of the household... or just Jake.. he is doing pretty good. He has come around and is back to his normal eating self.. which is inhaling his food in 2 seconds flat. He got himself a haircut and looks like a completely new pup-very cute! He is sleeping overnight like a gem...like he never did before and not bothering us at 7 in the morning to go outside to pee. It's great. He is doing well. other than that....nothing too exciting is going on except eating, sleeping and pooping so we'll keep in touch.

The Cox's

Purple Friday

Just wanted to post a new picture... our first family picture and say "Go Ravens!!"

Bitter sweetness

My, did I have no idea what I was going to endure after my OB appt. Tuesday, Dec. 29th. My water was low-below normal, I was 3 cm dilated, her head circum. was 1.5 weeks ahead (normal but getting hard to push out) and there was an open bed so I was told to go to L & D to get induced and so I figured I had to comply. They started pit on me finally at 11:15 pm. Needless to say I got 1.5 hours sleep on Tuesday into Wednesday because pit was increased every 30 minutes and vitals were taken ever 1 hour so I always had someone coming in my room. I tried to just rest as best as I could since I saw I wasn't going to get any sleep. I finally got an epidural about 12 hours later or so because they really wanted to up the pit and make faster progress. By 6 pm I was finally fully dilated and 100 effaced and ready for the biggest pushing I've ever done before. during my pushing phase I didn't think I had an epidural at all. It was the worst pain ever, ever, ever! I'm not sure what the deal was with the epidural but it certainly let me down, lol. Jadyn Nicole was born at 8:41 pm weighing in at 8 pounds, 11 ounces and 19 inches long (incorrect we found out at the docs-20.5 rather). She scored a 9 twice on her APGAR score which was great and after I got to give her a kiss, she was carted off to the NICU for evaluation and monitoring. Once I finished on the L&D unit I was pushed over to the mother/baby unit around 12:30-1 in the morning, got checked in and went to see her around 1 ish in the morning on New Years Eve. She looked like she took up the entire warmer, lol. Big baby! She was doing well... on IV fluids because she was supposed to be getting surgery on New Years Day. Her head CT scan showed some fluid but the NICU doc said wait to discuss it with our doc, Dr. A later in the day when he comes in. We visited with her a little but I had to get back to the room because I was completely exhausted and couldn't keep my eyes open any longer. Plus, I felt like a train had just hit me and I actually lived through the crash, lol.

The next day anesthesia came in at 6 am and I signed her consent for surgery. I was waiting for neurosurg to come in and discuss the CT and get consents signed for that but the hours kept passing by without a rep from the team. Around 10:30-11 am Dr A came to visit us and had just been by to see Jadyn and said she looks wonderful. He showed us her CT scan and couldn't really explain how the vents decreased dramatically and how she had a head full of brain tissue but she wouldn't need surgery (just yet), she could leave the NICU because she didn't need to be there and she could go home with us on Friday, New Years Day. I was close to tears when I heard that but didn't cry. I was probably still too exhausted to cry, hehe. She only has moderate ventriculomegaly right now. We aren't in the clear but we are certainly better off than we EVER imagined we'd be. Maybe something helped going through the birth canal?? Beats me.

We finally got baby in our room around 1:30 in the afternoon and we were super excited just to be with her. I know I was supposed to take advantage of the nursery but after not being able to be with her the first night, I wasn't putting her there the 2nd night. New Years Eve had started out as one of the best days of my life until I got the call that my Harley baby had been attacked and was being rushed to the Pet ER, once again. Those who know his story two years ago understand why I said: once again. He was shaken by a dog back in 2007 in my front yard which was his first attack. His second was more serious. The dog got him around his neck and bit him hard causing major damage to his neck/airway/esophagus. He is currently trached =( This dog was out for blood and it was really an attack this time. The animal hospital was able to stabilize him and the first 12 hours are the most important. He made it through with flying colors as he always does. He is certainly my little trooper. He has been hanging in there this weekend while the surgical team was out but after evaluation today by the surgeon, he needs many repairs. I have been busy with baby so I was
avoiding the hospital but I went up to see him Sunday night and he is so pitiful looking but doing okay. He licked my nighttime lip balm-Burts Bees off my lips, twice. He did that every night I put it on. He still sits on your foot and throws himself back so you will scratch his belly and the insides of his thighs. He was doing all his normal Harley tricks. After conversation with the team this morning and hearing how extensive the damages are and what 1:1 care he would need, we decided not to put him through anymore suffering. He would maybe need a permanent trach and very likely a GT that could or could not be permanent depending on the damage they find when they open him up. For those who know me, they know I'd do anything for him no matter the cost and trachs and GTs are my speciality but I just can't take care of him and a newborn at the same time. He was put to sleep on Monday night in Jay's arms with the support of Jay's mom and my Dad. Jay had to be my representative as I just couldn't bring myself to be there. He was my first dog after 24 years of putting a dog on my Christmas list and he has been the best little guy for the past 5.5 years, even though a lot of the time I'd tell you otherwise. I know he was well taken care of, better than most dogs and even some human beings =). I know he knows it too. The house is very quiet without him even with a new baby and Jake still. Harley surely must have been the one who brought the excitement and or yelling, hehe =). He'll always be my "first born" even if he was only a pup.

It just stinks in this time of joy with our daughter and the great news about her health that we have to suffer through something like this. We just can't seem to get a break but I know no matter what, she is most important and that is what I'm trying to focus on.

On another note, Jayson was completely awesome during all of my hospital admission and I couldn't have done it without him. He was my own personal nurse and I'm thankful for that. He was also extremely helpful with Harley and visited him many times for me when I just couldn't bring myself do it. He is also doing a lovely job as a first time dad with feedings, diaper changes, burping and all that jazz. He is already too protective of her and doesn't want one single boy around, hehe.

We had our first pediatrician visit on Monday and her weight dropped a little and her bili went up a little too so we had another appt. on Wed. Her weight was stable but no gain and her bili decreased slightly. Since she didn't increase weight, we have another appt. tomorrow (Friday) and I'm praying she at least gained something. I've trying breast feeding and to be completely honest, it's the pitts but I'm giving it a honest effort before I quit. I know this is the best for her and it's has some pretty good advantages for me too. The doc wants me to offer her breast feeding every 2 hours and it's been tough to stick to an every 2 hour schedule. It takes almost 1 hour to get her awake, alert, latched, burped, switched to the other side, and do it all over again. We really have 1 hour in between feedings. I haven't stuck to an every 2 hour schedule as supposed to but I just can't. Overnight I alternate with Jay too because it's too much for me to be up every hour. We supplement with formula and she takes both nicely.

Hope everyone had a great new years! Even though we have been through a lot, we did have a very good one too as it was the first night we were all together as a family. My goal is to update as frequently as I can but everyone who is parent know how that goes. I finally found some time to get to this and it's been a week and 1 day later. I'll also try to post more pictures soon. The two I posted was from Sunday afternoon but I have taken a bunch on my phone. I just need to send them to my email.

No Christmas Baby

Well blog followers....here is my Christmas baby to the left. It looks like Harley and Jake get to be the Christmas babies around here once again. I've got another two week check up on Tuesday, Dec. 29th. I had a sono today and everything checks out well and stable so there is no rush to get her outta there without a good enough reason. Her vents stayed stable since two weeks ago (and for many weeks before that too) and her head is measuring right along track. She is at the 54% for head circumference and growth which is right in the middle, not too big and not too small. Her est. weight today was about 6 pounds 13 ounces. I do know she is feeling heavy in there esp. when she squirms around. She takes up every available spot in my torso. Thank goodness I'm a little on the taller side and have a longer torso that can stretch. If not, she would be really cramped and me too! Although some days I would love for her to be out, I think it's best she stay in and bake some more and give me some more time to deal with the impending labor that I have to go through. I'll be 37 weeks tomorrow so my next check up is right before 39 weeks. I never imagined we'd make it to 37 weeks or even 39 weeks! I thought for sure back a couple months ago she'd be here already and probably in the NICU for a little bit. Thank goodness things have remained stable and she is doing well. At this point, I'm not even sure if surgery would take place right after birth or what. I would like to ask that question but as I mentioned before, I'm staying off the neurosurg's radar for the time being. Every time we have an OB/sono appt. I think it's that time and it turns out to be not "that" time. I still haven't packed that hospital bag but I think I need to tomorrow or Thursday. I just want to be prepared since I'm getting down to the wire.

I told the doc today that although it would be great to have baby before Christmas I also don't mind returning the a couple outfits if that means labor is pushed off another week or so. As you can see, it's not something I'm looking forward to. =)

We got some good deals with Babies R Us coupons on our stroller and infant seat so while Jay put it together in the living room tonight I couldn't help but put Jake in for a ride and picture. He was such a good boy sitting there. He didn't even move. If I could mix Harley and Jake together to make 1 dog, it would be the perfect dog however apart they are bad! =) Sorry boys.

As for us... we are just waiting. Things are ready for baby and almost ready for Christmas. I can't believe it's next week already. Crazy how time flies. I was waiting for her arrival for Christmas cards but it seems I should get my Christmas cards out very soon since she probably won't be here. Thanks for reading and I think I covered everything. Have a very Merry Christmas since I probably won't be updating before Christmas unless she makes her entrance into the world before then.

Buying Time...Week 36

I haven't really taken any belly shots during pregnancy or posted any so I figured for those who never see me... here is a picture at 35.5 weeks (this weekend). I made sure to cut my head out of it in case it surfaces anywhere else, ha.
I had my OB appt. today and I think it was a good one. I'm 2 cm dilated, 50 percent effaced and my cervix is soft. Based off that, it seems I could possibly go into labor early on my own. I doubt I would in the next week but I guess you never really know. I've bought another week and 1 day though. I have a sono appt. on Tuesday, Dec. 15th and my next OB appt. directly after it to do another check. They want to see where her head measurements are next week. As I mentioned before, things are stable but her head has been measuring about 2 weeks ahead of schedule as it's been mostly the entire pregnancy. Her head can't get too big though because I wouldn't be able to deliver vaginally. As we were told today, her head measurement can't really get too much past 40 weeks as those babies heads with increased vents/fluid don't really conform through the birth canal like other babies do. So, perhaps next week is looking better than this week. Either way, I'm happy there will be no labor induction this week except if it came on it's own. Although I'd like to avoid it all together (labor-fat chance), I'd be fine with week 37. I'd like to avoid the week of Christmas if possible. Just seeing the signs for the Labor and Delivery unit got my heart rate up today, lol. It's quickly approaching.


Here is a cute picture of Harley that I thought I would post, lol. He is such a rotten dog! I didn't really have too many pictures for this post so I thought I'd throw him on here.

As for all our nesting work... Jay finished the hall bathroom painting last week and we both like it a lot. He touched up some marks and scrapes throughout the entire house. We started painting our bedroom last night. While I was down on the ground cleaning the baseboards I thought to myself I must be insane. I'm almost 36 weeks pregnant, I've got this big belly, my back is sore and I'm cleaning the baseboards when I should have my feet up watching TV, lol. Before we started it sounded like a better idea. However, the room needed this so we'll just continue. One coat of paint is on 3 walls. We'll finish it up tonight and then work on the last wall. I also cut up some cracked caulk up the stairs and re-caulked it. For anyone with a newly built house or maybe just Ryland builders, contractors LOVE to hide their mistakes with caulk. It must be like the "fix it all" material...something like duct tape. I have a lot more to do sooner or later.
I guess that's about it for now with the Cox family. No name for baby. I think we are getting close ha or not!

Approaching 9 Months

Tomorrow, Wednesday will put me at 35 weeks which means I'm one week short of 9 months already. Crazy how time flies. I had my OB appt yesterday and my sono today. Jay had some time to use or lose at work before he takes his "maternity" leave so he was able to join me at both this week. He usually can only make one appt since it's been back to back days the last couple weeks.
I've put him up to a little work around the house during his days off. Since we had the paint supplies out for the baby's room, we bought paint for the hall bathroom so that's now painted. We didn't paint it from the beginning because it was a bathroom not used but now I have the Whale baby tub in there so I figured it's not like we are moving anytime soon...I might as well use the bathroom. I'd also like to do our bedroom too since we bought paint two years ago for it and never got around to doing it. It's almost time to change our decor in the bedroom and we are just getting around to painting! ha! Truly though the problem with our bedroom is the furniture is too heavy for me to help Jay move it away from the wall so we need a second male. It would have been painted a long time ago if I was able to move the furniture.
But anyway, back to the appt. Yesterday's OB appt was the usual... weight, blood pressure, heartbeat check, measurement of the belly... all within normal limits which is great. When I started some swelling I started flipping myself out over my blood pressure. It's still remains my norm.. which is low. I talked to the doc about induction based off Dr. A's thoughts so I have another appt. next Monday to make sure everything remains good with me and check my cervix and see if it's "favorable" for induction. That was pretty much it. Today's sono was good. Everything is stable and the same except her "chunkyness" as Aunt Jennie called it. Per the sono machine and Jen's measurements, she is weighing in about 6 pounds 11 ounces. I find it REALLY hard to believe. I'm estimating a little bit smaller than that, lol. She just can't be that big already but I know it's a good sign since I will be getting induced before 40 weeks. However, I do feel the heaviness in my belly that's now getting bigger. My numbness has moved along my right side now which is probably because she is getting so big and pulling down. We located her foot which is under the right side of my rib cage that continues to get kicked. It's a feeling I just haven't learned to love. It's getting very tight in there with her being so big. I just wonder when it'll be not enough room, lol. At the end of the sono, the doc came in and we discussed a little bit about induction and 36 weeks. He said it's based off my cervix and if it's "favorable" for induction. If it hasn't started to get shorter then labor would be really rough. Since things are stable there is not a hugh rush to even go through all that. I guess basically it's still a waiting game until Monday's appt. I'm happy we *might* not be looking at 36 weeks because I'd like her to be as well developed as possible before coming out but I also wanted to avoid being so close to Christmas and the possibility of not being able to take her home. I'm going to email the neurosurg again for some better information about taking her early and the plan after delivery. It's getting close and I feel completely lost in what will be happening.
That was about it for both my appt. this week. I've washed a lot of blankets, towels, wash clothes, some clothes, socks, and packed the diaper bag in case we can take her home right away. The room is pretty much together. We have done lots of exchanges and buying and seem to be well prepared and just waiting. I'm going through the nesting phase in rapid motion. I don't even seem to stop because there is always things to do... I think next on my list is ripping up calking in the foyer and replacing it. It's starting to split and look a mess. And the bedroom needs painted.. maybe this weekend, lol, lots to do! =)
Like I said earlier, my next OB appt. is next Monday. I'll update afterwards.