Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Some Good News!

Today, while at work, Paul's boss called him into an office and let him know of some circumstances that had happened at his job. Basically, his current position was going to be filled by someone else in the company. Well, that person accepted another position, leaving Paul's job open. So, they asked Paul to resume his position!!! He has his old job back!! WOOHOO!! He still feels that the interview he had last Friday for another company went really well, so he will keep his options open. Unless they can offer him lots more money and better benefits, he'll be staying with Maersk. Thank you God!!
Also, thanks to those of you who have had us on your prayer lists. Obviously, they've worked!
Paul is out tonight watching a private viewing of Transformers 2, so Addie and I had an evening alone. My mom came over for dinner and gave Addie a bath and put her to bed. So, I'm going to try to get some sleep too, before she wakes again for her next feeding. Just wanted to give everyone the good news!! Have a good night!

Friday, June 19, 2009

Cabbage Leaves

So, I'm trying out the cabbage leaves to help me dry up. At first, I had no idea what to expect. I put in the cabbage leaves and went to sleep. About 2 hours later, I woke up and I, along with my bra and shirt, were soaked!! I knew that cabbage leaves help you dry up, but had no idea that it pulls the milk out. What a mess!! So, I put on my nursing pads and am trying again. I feel like I smell like cooked cabbage! It's pretty gross! Hopefully my visitors won't mind! Maybe they'll just think that I'm making a chinese stir-fry!
Addison is doing great. I started her on formula mid-day yesterday. She has been gobbling it up since! I think it might make her a little gassy. I've been told to give her Milicon drops before I feed her--every other time. She loves to be held, which is not too great for me! She will sleep for a little bit in her crib/pack-n-play, but really is sleeping good in someone's arms. I'm hoping this won't last long! Right now, she's laying on my legs while she sleeps. I need to get up and put her in her crib. Wish me luck that she'll stay asleep!

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Motherhood and Feedings


Wow! I always heard that motherhood was hard, but I never dreamed it would feel like this. It is absolutely the best feeling in the world. Addison is my world, along with Paul's too. Though, it is very challenging!
I am trying to be on a 3 hour schedule with Addison, as far as feeding is concerned. She seems to be going about every 3-3 1/2 hours, so that part has been okay. Breastfeeding, though, was not working for me. I couldn't get her to latch-on correctly, so I was bleeding and cracking quite a bit. I felt awful when I saw that I was bleeding into her mouth and that helped me to make my decision to pump and feed her the breastmilk in a bottle. This was working out pretty well. The only problem is that it is SO time consuming...pumping, then feeding her, was taking lots of time out of my nights. I felt like I was doing double duty. I am also trying to do a lot myself, as Paul is still working and going on interviews. I want him to get as much sleep as possible. I think I would have an easier time with this if we had a one-story house. This two-story really is a pain, going up and down the stairs a hundred times a night. Especially, right after a C-section. I've been trying to sleep on the couch downstairs with Addison in the pack-n-play. This definitely helps, but it's not ideal. I'd like to be in the same bed as my husband! So, I think I've decided to try to dry up and feed her formula. I have really debated about this and cried lots too! This would definitely help us to not have to go downstairs to get a bottle out of the refrigerator, going downstairs to pump and then put it in the refrigerator, and Paul would be able to help me out a lot more too. The downsides to this are (from what I hear) the diapers will stink, she may be allergic to the formula, and it will be more expensive. I think I could handle this though, as long as I had some relief to my pain. Plus, when Addison does have to go to the babysitter, she'll have to be on formula anyway. I won't be able to pump at work, so it will just be easier.

So, does anyone have any advice on how to dry up without much pain? I have tried to do some research on the internet and have talked to some friends. It looks like I'm going to need to buy some cabbage to help me out. I'm also going to have to try some cold compresses.

I know that there are many people who are going to read this and tell me that it does get easier and that I need to keep trying. Honestly, I need to hear from those of you who support me in this decision, rather than those who don't.

Pregnancy and Motherhood is definitely an emotional roller coaster! As I said earlier, I cry lots now!! I do know that this is normal, so I'm trying to take it in strides. Most of the time they are happy tears, but I definitely have those sad, or disheartening, ones too.

I would not trade any of this for the world though. I never realized how much I could love someone. I worry so much about the smallest things. I know it's because I'm a first time mom and am a Nervous Nelly. I want to make everything so perfect! Either way, she is absolutely adorable and is the light of my life. I still can't believe that I'm a mom!

Sunday, June 14, 2009

Our Birth Story

Sorry I haven't blogged lately...We've been a little busy! Many people have asked for my birth story, how everything happened. So, here it goes:

On Thursday, June 4th, Paul called me around 10am and told me that he had lost his job. The economy problems had hit Maersk and many people were let go, Paul being one of them. Of course, this stressed us out to no end. We spent the afternoon trying not to worry each other, crying some, but also trying to be strong. This was just not great timing to lose his job. (We had known a week prior that some people's jobs were in jeopardy, but continuously prayed and believed that it would not be Paul.) Either way, we now prayed for safety and security and for a fantastic job to fall into Paul's lap. We knew that our medical benefits and his pay would last until July 1st, so we were safe as far as delivery was concerned.
That night, I woke up around 11:45 and noticed my underwear seemed a little wet. Not sure whether or not this was something for me to worry about, I changed my underwear and went back to sleep. Then, at 3:30 in the morning, I woke up to find that my underwear was wet again. I woke Paul and told him what was going on. He suggested that I call the 24 hour nurse service through our insurance. I did, and they told me that if I was not leaking when I walked around, it probably wasn't my water breaking. It wasn't leaking, so I tried not to worry. The nurse then said that the only way that they could tell for sure was to go to the hospital. I, then, called Labor and Delivery at the hospital to get their opinion. They told me to go ahead and come on in. We really didn't want this to be a false alarm, but went ahead and headed to the hospital.
When I got to the hospital, they were able to do a test on a strip of paper. If it turned navy blue, then my water had broken. If it was yellow, it was just some sort of discharge or urine. Sure enough, it turned blue. My water had broken!! This was it!
I called my mom first, as she and Orbon had gone camping in New Braunfels. I knew it would take her the longest to get to the hospital. We, then, called the rest of the family to let them know. There was no way of knowing, but I figured my labor would go fairly quickly, as I'd been contracting for 6 weeks. They gave me Pitocin shortly after to get my contractions to speed up. I was dilated to a 3 when I went into the hospital. Dr. Cantu walked in. My doctor, Dr. Baker, was not on call this weekend. Luckily, I had already met Dr. Cantu and really liked her. She told me that she was not afraid to give me an epidural at any point if I wanted it. Meaning, when I was ready for it, I could have it. My contractions were getting pretty hard, so I decided I wanted it. That REALLY helped! I highly recommend it!!
After about 2 hours, I was only dilated to 4. They told me that there was a chance of a C-section, since I wasn't really progressing. All along, I've said I'm not scared of a c-section. Well, this was true until the time actually came. Paul was videotaping me and everyone in the hospital room. He started to ask me questions like "Where are we?" "What are we about to do?" and said things like "It's no longer going to be us two anymore." Well, I started to get upset, as my emotions were running wild. I started to cry, just out of fear. Paul was incredibly supportive and asked everyone to leave the room. We had our last minutes alone. I cried, he was so encouraging. Then, after I dried it up, I was okay. Still scared, but okay...
Then, it was time....they wheeled me into the operating room. Paul had to wait in another room while they prepped me for surgery. Finally, he was able to come in. I was trying not to cry, as I was scared to death. The anesthesiologist gave me lots of drugs and my body got really cold, a sign that the medicine was working. Dr. Cantu came in and said that she was ready to deliver Addison Grace.
They started to cut me open, telling me that I should only feel pulling and pressure. Unfortunately, I felt more than that!! The drugs hadn't kicked in yet. I felt the knife! I was shouting "Ouch, Ow!" They stopped, to make sure the medicine had worked. Then, they started again. I always thought that I wouldn't feel anything in a C-section. This was TOTALLY wrong! The pulling and tugging was AWFUL!! Come to find out later on, Dr. Cantu tried to make a small incision and was pulling out a big baby. So, there was lots of pushing and pulling on my stomach. I was starting to hyperventilate, as they had to give me oxygen. Paul was told to hold my arms down so that I wouldn't try to reach down and grab anything.
Finally, she was out. I heard her cry, which made me bawl!! They said she was 8 lbs, 8 oz, 20 inches long. I think the first thing I said was "Good God!" I never dreamed she'd actually be that big!! Earlier in the day, Dr. Cantu guessed 7 lbs, 10 oz. Guess not!
I told Paul to leave with the baby while I was getting sewn up. I was still very scared and was EXHAUSTED! I could hear the doctor and nurses talking. I tried to fall asleep, but my mind was racing!
Paul finally met me back in the recovery room. I started to calm down and ask him questions.
Then, I was wheeled back into my hospital room. I don't remember much from there, but my dad videotaped everything for us.
So, Addison's first visitors were my mom (Nana), my dad (Gramps), his girlfriend Teresa, Aunt Kristen, Paul's mom (Grammie), Paul's dad (PawPaw), Aunt Dawna, Aunt Donna, Uncle Terris, Travis, Mimi and Poppy. All I remember is that everyone told me that she was beautiful. Because I had a C-section, I had to stay in the hospital for 3 nights. (Friday-Monday).
We had other visitors like Aunt Crissy, Tony, the Chilsons, and Teresa. Once we got home, Nana, Lloyd, and Aunt Susan were waiting on us with fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and cole slaw. It was great. I was so tired though, I wasn't too into talking.
I'll add more later as a different blog. This is our story so far. My mom has come over to spend the night several times so that Paul and I get some sleep. Paul's mom has come over to make dinner and to help around the house. It's all really been great. I wouldn't trade it for the world. I am truly a very lucky woman.
Thanks to everyone for all of the well wishes. I won't be able to email or call everyone back. Hope this is good enough! I've added a few pictures from the hospital and since we've been home.





Saturday, June 6, 2009

Total and Absolute Euphoria




Once the shock and the awe wore off and the families left, all that I found was total and absolute euphoria at the site of Addison. There are little words to explain this familiar feeling in the tree of life, yet one can only truly experienced this when holding your own child for the first time.

Once the dust settled and I was able to take care of my wife and baby, the emotions truly set in. The sense of responsibility to help shape, this only hours old child, took hold. Knowing that we will be loving, teaching, and supporting this child for the rest of our lives can seem a bit overwhelming. Yet looking into her eyes you only have one choice; not to fail.

As I wrote some time ago; my dreams are no longer mine, they are no longer ours, they are now my life’s dream for my child. This was never more clearly apparent until June 5th 2009, at 3:44pm.

-Paul



Addison Grace Salsgiver


8 lbs 8 oz - 20 inches


June 5th 2009


3:44pm



Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Surprise Nana Shower


Yesterday, some of the ladies at mom's work threw her a "Surprise Nana Shower". This way, she'll have some stuff at her house for Addison and we won't have to haul everything over there all of the time! Mom was truly surprised. She didn't even see me when she walked in!! She walked into the conference room and said "Who's having a baby?!" thinking it was a friend at work! HA! Thank you ladies for doing this for her!! Everything was great!

Oh Happy Day!!

I went to see Dr. Baker today. Here are the newest pics of our little one. She looks just like Paul to me! They didn't do any measurements today, though he's guessing that Addison is about 8 1/2 pounds. Not much has changed since last week...I'm still about 3cm dilated, still about the same amount effaced, and and hasn't really moved down much. I could have hugged Dr. Baker today when he stuck to his word---he's going to induce me next week!! The hospital has me on standby for Monday. I have to call on Sunday night around 9:00, and then again on Monday around 6am. Hopefully, they'll have a spot for me. If not, I'll have to wait for Tuesday. Many of my friends have had to go home disappointed on the day of their supposed induction. So, I'm not counting on Monday for sure...It may not be until Tuesday. Either way, Paul plans to take the whole week off of work to be with me (or us!!). I am really excited. I finally see the light at the end of the tunnel!!! Please keep us in your prayers that everything goes as planned! I'll keep everyone posted, in case she finally decides to come before her induction!

Monday, June 1, 2009

Contractions and Pain and Pressure...Oh my!

Nope, still no baby!! I'm 38 weeks and am super frustrated!! I had a pretty bad weekend. Well, it was bad starting around 7pm on Saturday. I started having BIG contractions which hurt really bad. You know, things are never normal with me, so instead of being able to tell when the started and stopped, I just had constant pain. It felt like a never-ending contraction. Well, this pain lasted until THIS MORNING, which is Monday! I finally got some relief this morning, but still called the doctor. Basically, he said that I'm 38 weeks pregnant and there is not a whole lot that can be done. They said to try Tylenol...WHAT??!?! Tylenol?!?! Does Tylenol ever really help anyone? It doesn't help me, though I have been taking some. To make matters worse, I've been having quite a bit of vaginal pain/pressure this afternoon. I'm not holding my breath or getting excited that this could be a sign of labor. I'm just getting super frustrated now!! I'm sure all of you that are reading this are probably thinking "Man, is she ever writing anything positive anymore?!!" Sorry!! I don't think you'll get a really positive blog until this little girl gets out of me!! My next doctor's appointment is Wednesday morning at 8:30 where they'll do another ultrasound (BPP), monitoring (NST), and then of course the doctor's visit. He won't induce until 39 weeks, so I'm hoping I can talk him into inducing me at the beginning of next week. So..everyone say a little prayer that he feels sorry for me and is going to get her out ASAP!!