Yum Yum!
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Monday, August 18, 2008
How quickly they grow...
I was taking some pictures of Ryan playing football the other day, and I remembered a picture we had taken of Ryan at 2 months of age. We had put James' football beside him to show his size in relation to an object (for family members that were far away at the time and didn't get to see how he was growing). I just can't believe Ryan is going to be 3 years old in less than a month. In some ways it seems like just yesterday that he was as big as the football, and in others it seems like forever ago. It's fun to see him now, actually playing with the football, and I realize how blessed we are to have two healthy children.
Ryan at 2 months old
Ryan--one month shy of 3 years old (not the size of a football anymore!)
Speaking of growing...Ella is just over a month old now. If I am being honest, I have to say it has been an exhausting month! While I said in an earlier post that I am trying not to wish away these newborn days just for an extra wink of sleep...perhaps wishing away one day...for just one extra wink...would be ok!? Whew!
A couple of weeks ago I noticed some blood in Ella's stool. In addition, her fussiness took on a whole new level...crying for hours at a time. I took her to the pediatrician and he thought that perhaps she had a food allergy (after ruling out that it was a possible bacterial infection). So...he set us up with a Gastroenterologist. At our visit with him last Monday, he evaluated her stool and confirmed that it was testing positive for blood (thank goodness for people that WANT that job...but who in their right mind would think of that as their ideal profession?). He told us that it appears that Ella is allergic to something in my diet. As a result, he told me to give up dairy (including beef), soy and nuts for a week and then bring her back to re-evaluate and to be sure the blood has left her stool. We go back to him on Wednesday of this week. The dairy hasn't been as much of an issue for me (as they make a dairy free substitute for just about everything that I would normally eat/drink) but the soy has been the biggest issue. Soy is in just about EVERYTHING!! If it wasn't for Wegman's and their natural/organic food aisle...I'm not really sure what I would eat! I've become quite the label reader in the past week! Ella seems to be doing a little bit better, so hopefully we will go back to the doctor on Wednesday and get a good report. It has been stressful, to say the least.
The good news about Ella is that she has gained well in the past month. When they weighed her at the specialist's office the other day, she was up to 8lbs, 7 oz, and she measured at 22 inches. I am hoping we can get past this food allergy stuff and that we can begin enjoying life with 2. Ryan has been a trooper and has been hanging in there with us...he unfortunately has to take a back seat to Ella's fussiness sometimes.
Ella posing in her pretty dress
Ella-one month old
She's lucky she's cute and that she has paused from a few crying spells in the last couple of days to give me a smile or two (real ones, I believe!).
Ryan at 2 months old
Ryan--one month shy of 3 years old (not the size of a football anymore!)
Speaking of growing...Ella is just over a month old now. If I am being honest, I have to say it has been an exhausting month! While I said in an earlier post that I am trying not to wish away these newborn days just for an extra wink of sleep...perhaps wishing away one day...for just one extra wink...would be ok!? Whew!
A couple of weeks ago I noticed some blood in Ella's stool. In addition, her fussiness took on a whole new level...crying for hours at a time. I took her to the pediatrician and he thought that perhaps she had a food allergy (after ruling out that it was a possible bacterial infection). So...he set us up with a Gastroenterologist. At our visit with him last Monday, he evaluated her stool and confirmed that it was testing positive for blood (thank goodness for people that WANT that job...but who in their right mind would think of that as their ideal profession?). He told us that it appears that Ella is allergic to something in my diet. As a result, he told me to give up dairy (including beef), soy and nuts for a week and then bring her back to re-evaluate and to be sure the blood has left her stool. We go back to him on Wednesday of this week. The dairy hasn't been as much of an issue for me (as they make a dairy free substitute for just about everything that I would normally eat/drink) but the soy has been the biggest issue. Soy is in just about EVERYTHING!! If it wasn't for Wegman's and their natural/organic food aisle...I'm not really sure what I would eat! I've become quite the label reader in the past week! Ella seems to be doing a little bit better, so hopefully we will go back to the doctor on Wednesday and get a good report. It has been stressful, to say the least.
The good news about Ella is that she has gained well in the past month. When they weighed her at the specialist's office the other day, she was up to 8lbs, 7 oz, and she measured at 22 inches. I am hoping we can get past this food allergy stuff and that we can begin enjoying life with 2. Ryan has been a trooper and has been hanging in there with us...he unfortunately has to take a back seat to Ella's fussiness sometimes.
Ella posing in her pretty dress
Ella-one month old
She's lucky she's cute and that she has paused from a few crying spells in the last couple of days to give me a smile or two (real ones, I believe!).
Monday, August 4, 2008
A Conversation with Ryan...
First, let me set up the scenario for you. It was bedtime for the kiddos at the Carlson house. James was working nights (his first weekend back to work since we brought Ella home) and had already gone off to work. I was trying to figure out exactly how I was going to get both kids ready for bed without him. I fed Ella and put her down in her crib. Feeling somewhat successful, I went into Ryan's room to get his jammies on and get him ready for bed. Ella started to cry (as a side note, she seems to be suffering from a bit of colic...although on this particular day/night it sure seemed like more than just a "bit"). Thinking to myself that she had already been changed and fed, I decided to let her cry for a bit while I took care of Ryan's needs and got him somewhat settled for the night. With Ella screaming in the background, here is how the conversation in Ryan's room played out:
Ryan: "Mommy, why is the baby here?"
Mommy: "Well, Ryan, she is part of our family, so she belongs here with us."
Ryan: "Well, why did we bring her home?" (did I mention we have hit the "why" stage?)
Mommy: "We brought her home because she is your baby sister and we love her."
Ryan: "My ears hurt."
Mommy: "You know what, Ryan? Mommy's ears hurt too!"
Ryan: "Do Daddy's ears hurt?"
Mommy: "No, Daddy's ears don't hurt because he is at work."
Ryan: "Oh."
You have to love toddlers...they are so honest! At least I could empathize with him...my ears had had enough, too!
Saturday, July 26, 2008
MiMi's Visit
My Mom (aka MiMi) came for a visit this past week to meet Ella. We hadn't seen her for 7 whole months (WAY too long!). Mom takes care of my 88 year old grandfather in her home in Maine and isn't able to get out much. He requires full time care these days. Hospice has come in to help, which made it possible for my Mom to get away for 5 days. We are thankful she was able to visit and we enjoyed our time with her. Here are some new pictures...some random, some from my Mom's visit. Enjoy!
Ella relaxing on a quilt made by one of my Mom's friends
Mom holding Ella
Proud Mom and Grandmother
Yet another shot of Ryan holding his sister (I just can't resist getting the camera out...he's so darn cute with her!)
Ella relaxing on a quilt made by one of my Mom's friends
Mom holding Ella
Proud Mom and Grandmother
Yet another shot of Ryan holding his sister (I just can't resist getting the camera out...he's so darn cute with her!)
Friday, July 18, 2008
Ella's First Week at Home
Ella will be one week old tomorrow. So far her days consist of sleeping (A LOT) and eating (A LOT MORE!). If she is not napping, she is eating. We need to fatten her up a bit...she's just a little peanut! Hopefully she will soon be able to fill out all of the adorable baby outfits we have for her!
Ryan is quite enamored with his little sister. His reaction to her is much different than I thought it would be. I haven't seen too much of the jealousy that I expected. He just loves to kiss her and cover her up (yikes!) and he can't wait to hold her in the morning when he gets up. He is such a great big brother...and has been a pretty big helper for Mommy and Daddy!
James and I are adjusting to the newborn phase again. It's funny how much you forget from the first time around. While I do feel a little more relaxed about what to do when such and such happens...each baby is so different and there are things that pop up that make me wonder...am I doing this right!? All in all we are adjusting pretty well. I know the newborn phase doesn't last forever. I am trying not to wish it away just for a few extra winks of sleep. When they turn 3 they don't like to cuddle as much!!
Here is a peek at some photos from Ella's first week at home. Enjoy!
Sweet little Ella
Grandma and Grandpa come for a visit (and Ryan is saying cheese)
Mommy trying to catch a few Zzzzzzs
Our little lady in her first summer dress
Proud Big Brother Ryan
Ryan is quite enamored with his little sister. His reaction to her is much different than I thought it would be. I haven't seen too much of the jealousy that I expected. He just loves to kiss her and cover her up (yikes!) and he can't wait to hold her in the morning when he gets up. He is such a great big brother...and has been a pretty big helper for Mommy and Daddy!
James and I are adjusting to the newborn phase again. It's funny how much you forget from the first time around. While I do feel a little more relaxed about what to do when such and such happens...each baby is so different and there are things that pop up that make me wonder...am I doing this right!? All in all we are adjusting pretty well. I know the newborn phase doesn't last forever. I am trying not to wish it away just for a few extra winks of sleep. When they turn 3 they don't like to cuddle as much!!
Here is a peek at some photos from Ella's first week at home. Enjoy!
Sweet little Ella
Grandma and Grandpa come for a visit (and Ryan is saying cheese)
Mommy trying to catch a few Zzzzzzs
Our little lady in her first summer dress
Proud Big Brother Ryan
Introducing...
Ella Naomi Carlson
Saturday, July 12th, 6:51 pm
7 lbs, 4 oz, 21 inches
We are praising God for another healthy baby. Labor and delivery went well (much faster than the 21 hours I was in labor with Ryan!). In fact, James almost missed the delivery because he was in the hallway calling my Mom and his parents to let them know that it would probably be a few more hours, as I was only 5 cm dilated when the doctor checked me at around 6pm. After he hung up the phone, he stopped off in the restroom. When he came out...the nurse was calling for him from down the hall saying "Hurry up, Dad...this baby is coming sooner than we thought!". By some gracious miracle I dilated 5 cm in 20 minutes and began pushing at 6:30. Ella made her grand appearance at 6:51 pm. Whew!
Saturday, July 12th, 6:51 pm
7 lbs, 4 oz, 21 inches
We are praising God for another healthy baby. Labor and delivery went well (much faster than the 21 hours I was in labor with Ryan!). In fact, James almost missed the delivery because he was in the hallway calling my Mom and his parents to let them know that it would probably be a few more hours, as I was only 5 cm dilated when the doctor checked me at around 6pm. After he hung up the phone, he stopped off in the restroom. When he came out...the nurse was calling for him from down the hall saying "Hurry up, Dad...this baby is coming sooner than we thought!". By some gracious miracle I dilated 5 cm in 20 minutes and began pushing at 6:30. Ella made her grand appearance at 6:51 pm. Whew!
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Baby Update
Why is it that you prepare for 9 months+ for a baby...and you wait and you wait in that last month for labor to begin...but when the doctor actually TELLS you when labor is going to start...you feel like you are not ready!? AHHHHH! I went to my 38 week appointment yesterday and the doctor told me he would like to induce me on Saturday!! Due to this antibody that is in my blood, he feels there is no benefit to waiting until 40 weeks, and the risk of the antibody crossing the placenta only increases as time goes on. I was a little worried, at first, when he started talking about inducing...wondering if there was something he was concerned about, but not telling me. He put my fears at rest though and told me that he was still reassured that everything looks good. He then said that SELFISHLY he wants to be there for the delivery and that he is on-call all weekend so he wants me there first thing Saturday morning (like 7am, first thing!!).
For those not familiar with what I am talking about with the whole antibody thing...I found out mid-way through my pregnancy that the Antibody Screening that they do as part of the normal prenatal blood work came back positive. They had a hard time determining what the antibody was, but after sending the blood work away to the Red Cross, they determined that it is something called anti-lutheran b. At some point during my delivery with Ryan, his blood mixed with mine and basically my immune system took over and said "Hey--this doesn't belong here" so it created an antibody to fight it off. Yay to my immune system for working correctly! I guess Ryan and James both have the lutheran b antigen in their blood (which is "normal" for them and their blood make-up). The antibody has no real affect on me (other than if I were to need a blood transfusion, it would mean I would need to draw from a rare pool of blood donors with the same antibody). The only time it is an issue is during pregnancy. The greatest risk is to the baby, and in some cases could cause severe anemia in the baby. They have done several tests on the baby to see how her blood flow is and to try and determine whether or not there is cause for concern. My doctor told me that he is reassured that everything looks good and that she has been growing as she should be. But--to be safe--or selfish--he wants to induce at 39 weeks (normally they would induce at 37 weeks if they thought there was a problem). So--there it is--my long explanation. I can honestly say that I don't enjoy being a medical mystery!! As far as I know, mine is the only case of this that my doctor has ever dealt with!!
At any rate, I am going to be induced on Saturday. Please pray for us, for a safe and uncomplicated delivery of Baby Girl Carlson! Oh, and if you could throw in there for my labor not to last 21 hours...ya, that would be great, too! :)
For those not familiar with what I am talking about with the whole antibody thing...I found out mid-way through my pregnancy that the Antibody Screening that they do as part of the normal prenatal blood work came back positive. They had a hard time determining what the antibody was, but after sending the blood work away to the Red Cross, they determined that it is something called anti-lutheran b. At some point during my delivery with Ryan, his blood mixed with mine and basically my immune system took over and said "Hey--this doesn't belong here" so it created an antibody to fight it off. Yay to my immune system for working correctly! I guess Ryan and James both have the lutheran b antigen in their blood (which is "normal" for them and their blood make-up). The antibody has no real affect on me (other than if I were to need a blood transfusion, it would mean I would need to draw from a rare pool of blood donors with the same antibody). The only time it is an issue is during pregnancy. The greatest risk is to the baby, and in some cases could cause severe anemia in the baby. They have done several tests on the baby to see how her blood flow is and to try and determine whether or not there is cause for concern. My doctor told me that he is reassured that everything looks good and that she has been growing as she should be. But--to be safe--or selfish--he wants to induce at 39 weeks (normally they would induce at 37 weeks if they thought there was a problem). So--there it is--my long explanation. I can honestly say that I don't enjoy being a medical mystery!! As far as I know, mine is the only case of this that my doctor has ever dealt with!!
At any rate, I am going to be induced on Saturday. Please pray for us, for a safe and uncomplicated delivery of Baby Girl Carlson! Oh, and if you could throw in there for my labor not to last 21 hours...ya, that would be great, too! :)
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