Yesterday was Cara's 2 month well baby check up. Lately, we have noticed that she was getting chubby and her belly always looked so full after feedings. Of course, weight gain is normal, so we blew it off. I mean, at most, we figured she'd weigh about 9lbs (an once a day for about a month...). Imagine my shock when we went into the doctor and Cara tipped the scale to...11 lbs, 1 oz! She's almost doubled her birth weight of 6 lbs, 6 oz, which supposedly doesn't happen until around 6 months. SO, it seems that Cara is a little bit ahead of the game. Still, she's only in the 50% for weight but 90% for height. When her pediatrician saw her, she commented on how healthy and glowing Cara looked and to continue whatever I was doing. She asked me how often Cara ate and for how long. I think, because of her weight, she expected me to say that she ate practically 24/7. Actually, I guess Cara is a power-eater because she only nurses for about 20 minutes most of the time. She must get down to business when she eats or something. Her pediatrician gave Cara the nickname of "Guzzler"...seems fitting, at least right now.
Here are her complete weigh-in stats:
Weight-11 lbs, 1 oz
Height-21 1/2 inches
Head circumference-16 1/4 inches
She also got three shots that day but took them like a champ. Only cried briefly until given her pacifier and some Tylenol and has been just fine since.
Her next appointment is in November, it will be fun to see how much she's grown. No doubt that Cara is as different as night & day from Caitlin. We were still concerned about Caitlin's weight rebounding from birth at her 2 month check up. So, it's nice to be on the other side of the equation now.
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Thursday, September 21, 2006
Cara Fix, Part 3
Exercising some head control---
Step aside Mr. Ali!
Look how big (long) I am--Cara Louise @ two months!
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
Just call me Tinker Bell
These pictures are from a mother-oldest daughter visit to the Climbing Tree Children's Museum in Montrose. One rainy afternoon, I decided to have some quality time with Caitlin. What can I say, we both had a blast. They did an awesome job with this place. Inside, they have a huge treehouse and lots of little activity centers. It reminds me of the Denver Children's Museum on a smaller scale. Caitlin's favorite activity, by far, was the huge trunk of dress up clothes. In the hour or so that she was there, she as Sleeping Beauty and then, Tinkerbell complete with fairy wings. Anyway, I had to pull Caitlin out of there when it was time to go...thankfully, there weren't that many people to see her meltdown and give me the "bad mommy" stare!
Creative Explorations
As I mentioned in another post, I took Caitlin to storytime at the library here in town. This was the first time that she had been to an organized storytime and she loved it. The theme was "Things to do outside". The librarian read a couple of books about nature walks and the great outdoors and then the kids (about 6 total) went outside of the library to collect some leaves and twigs to make a fall collage. It was supposed to be like a landscape. Here is what Caitlin & I (the artistically challenged one) came up with.
While it will never hang in the Met, we were proud of it.
While it will never hang in the Met, we were proud of it.
My girls
Being a mommy has been my greatest joy as of late...the one thing that I can hold on to and give my all and watch them blossom. Caitlin continues to be such of a firecracker, always keeping me on my toes. She has great fun playing pretend and her favorite thing to pretend to be is a puppy. She even has a "bone" that we have to throw for her. Caitlin had her first experience with big girl library storytime last week, and had a blast listening to the stories and making an art project afterwards. She has also spent hours making play dough creations at Grandma's kitchen counter. My eldest daughter is so smart and creative!
Cara has changed so much, even in the past few weeks, it's amazing. I feel like I need to constantly have a video camera on in order to capture everything. Lately, she has been smiling all the time, especially when she first sees me after a nap or if I laugh. She has also become much more alert, staying awake a lot more and interacting with people and toys. She loves to "play" with the bug that hangs down from her carseat and has staring contests with the lion on the tray of her swing. She has also mastered the skill of holding her head up for minutes at a time. I just love being there to watch her accomplish these milestones though part of me wants to tell her to slow down! Caitlin grew up (and contines to) too fast and I'm afraid the same thing is happening to Cara. I am anxious to get her into the doctor for her 2 month appointment to see how much she has grown. She is a happy, chubby and hungry baby.
Life Coaching...
I just got out of my first counseling session with a life coach. I decided that it would be a good idea to have an impartial third party to talk to about this mess that I call my life. In the past month, I've lost my home, my career, my husband and one of my best friends--it has been a lot to digest. I find myself, sitting, and thinking, "Where do I go from here?" I know that I need to pick up the pieces and move on, I'm just not sure how to do that. Part of me feels so cheated. Here I was, prepared to spend quality time raising my two daughters and enjoying exploring the big city with them and now, my world has been turned upside down...all of my expectations have been tossed to the wind. Now, I am living with my parents (again) and may be forced to join the minimum wage workforce just to pay some of my bills. The idea of having to do unskilled labor just doesn't sit well with me when I think about how I worked my butt off for 4 years in college and then have several years of experience working in a library. It just seems so demeaning and I'm having a hard time getting past that. Plus, when I think about it, it hardly seems worth my while to go to work at some job that I'm really not going to like, put both of my children into the arms of strangers, make minimum wage and only have a few $$ left to pay off creditors. I suppose though, that having a little bit of money is better than not having any. I have faced the facts that my good credit rating is forever ruined. I just pray that my car (which I just finally paid off) holds out for another 7 years! It's scary for me not to have my credit to fall back on since that's how my family has survived for the last almost 6 years...need something? Laura will charge it. I am going to have to get used to living within my means without my safety neat--SCARY.
I am also dealing with the reality that I'm going to be a single parent and that my girls are well on their way to becoming a national statistic. I am so scaredthat I'm not going to be able to handle it or provide a good life for my girls. I know, I need a serious shot of "believe in thyself" but it's so hard for me to think positive right now. Since I am going to have sole physical custoy, I am going to be the sole person responsible for raising my girls to be positive members of society, a task that frightens me to no end. I'm not the best parent, I lose my cool a lot, getting very short and frustrated. I know this much, I'm going to try my darnest! I just want my girls to be happy and well adjusted, that's all that matters to me.
Thankfully, Caitlin hasn't been affected too much yet by what's going on. She does know that we're living with Grandma and Grandpa and that Daddy lives somewhere else but that's about all that she understands. Someday, I'm going to have to explain it to her. She adores her daddy and I think the feeling is mutual with him, so I will do what I can to preserve her relationship with him. Cara is so young and doesn't have a clue, for better or worse. Her daddy is really going to have to work hard to have a relationship with her.
Oh, the changes that our lives are going to be going through.
I have started the process of filing the divorce paperwork. It's 20 pages long! Ben & I are going to have to get together a few times to work out some things, but hopefully, by my 29th birthday, the divorce will be final and then, I'll be really free to move on. I need to figure out how to live my life on purpose and get through all of these transitions.
Okay, thanks for reading this rather somber post...I just felt that I needed to vent about everything that I have been feeling...
I am also dealing with the reality that I'm going to be a single parent and that my girls are well on their way to becoming a national statistic. I am so scaredthat I'm not going to be able to handle it or provide a good life for my girls. I know, I need a serious shot of "believe in thyself" but it's so hard for me to think positive right now. Since I am going to have sole physical custoy, I am going to be the sole person responsible for raising my girls to be positive members of society, a task that frightens me to no end. I'm not the best parent, I lose my cool a lot, getting very short and frustrated. I know this much, I'm going to try my darnest! I just want my girls to be happy and well adjusted, that's all that matters to me.
Thankfully, Caitlin hasn't been affected too much yet by what's going on. She does know that we're living with Grandma and Grandpa and that Daddy lives somewhere else but that's about all that she understands. Someday, I'm going to have to explain it to her. She adores her daddy and I think the feeling is mutual with him, so I will do what I can to preserve her relationship with him. Cara is so young and doesn't have a clue, for better or worse. Her daddy is really going to have to work hard to have a relationship with her.
Oh, the changes that our lives are going to be going through.
I have started the process of filing the divorce paperwork. It's 20 pages long! Ben & I are going to have to get together a few times to work out some things, but hopefully, by my 29th birthday, the divorce will be final and then, I'll be really free to move on. I need to figure out how to live my life on purpose and get through all of these transitions.
Okay, thanks for reading this rather somber post...I just felt that I needed to vent about everything that I have been feeling...
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Cara Fix-part 2
I figured that since I posted pictures of one daughter, I had better be fair and post pictures of the other.
Here are some current pictures of Cara, who turned 6 weeks (*gasp*) on Monday.
Can we say spirit fingers everyone?
Look at that face!
Looking so cool, calm and fashionable. (Taken at my brother's dorm room where we celebrated the many July/August birthdays in the family)
Cara @ 1 month. Excuse the carseat picture but, I wanted to compare it to another car seat picture from her first doctor's appointment to see how much she's grown.
The calming effects of the swing--works on the newest addition too.
Here are some current pictures of Cara, who turned 6 weeks (*gasp*) on Monday.
Can we say spirit fingers everyone?
Look at that face!
Looking so cool, calm and fashionable. (Taken at my brother's dorm room where we celebrated the many July/August birthdays in the family)
Cara @ 1 month. Excuse the carseat picture but, I wanted to compare it to another car seat picture from her first doctor's appointment to see how much she's grown.
The calming effects of the swing--works on the newest addition too.
The Dog Days of Summer-Literally
One of the best things about being at Grandma's house is the huge backyard (my parents have just under an acre) complete with wading pool. The downside, having to share it with a water-crazy four-legged friend...
Somehow, water from the hose always tastes better.
Caitlin shares her pool with Winston although, he would argue that it was his pool first!
Dog and child, cooling off.
Somehow, water from the hose always tastes better.
Caitlin shares her pool with Winston although, he would argue that it was his pool first!
Dog and child, cooling off.
Caitlin--down on the farm
Our "city girl's" first experience on a farm. One of my mom's co-workers has a gentleman's farm complete with cows, horses, sheep, ducks, chickens and turkeys. We took Caitlin one day and she had a blast feeding the animals and collecting fresh eggs from the hen house. We got a dozen to take home and let me tell you, there is a big difference between farm fresh and those from the supermarket.
Caitlin feeding and becoming friendly with the sheep. The family does 4H and these were prize winning sheep. I think Caitlin liked them more than they liked her!
Cowgirl Caitlin on her first horse--doesn't she look like a natural?
Caitlin feeding and becoming friendly with the sheep. The family does 4H and these were prize winning sheep. I think Caitlin liked them more than they liked her!
Cowgirl Caitlin on her first horse--doesn't she look like a natural?
Friday, August 18, 2006
Blown Out of the Water
Okay everyone, are you prepared to be shocked? Take a deep breath...
On Sunday, my husband of almost 6 years asked me for a divorce! You're probably wondering what brought this on?! Honestly, I'm still not exactly sure. True, we had a fight but it was the first fight we had had in about 8 months. We have had some rocky times in our marriage, but this really wasn't anything out of the ordinary and I figured it was water under the bridge after it happened. After all, I got the impression that things were going quite well for us. We had moved back to the big city where my husband felt more at home, we appeared to be happy, he had a good job and we had just brought our second daughter into the world. Obviously, I must've seen our marriage through rose tinted glasses. So, you can imagine my shock when my husband announces his desire to end our marriage. The reality still hasn't hit me. Plus, I don't feel that I have the luxury of falling apart, I have two beautiful girls to raise. Anyway, my husband explained his reasoning--he stated that he had fallen out of love with me and that we had nothing in common. He simply wanted his freedom and felt that I was holding him back. After this spiel, he asked me to leave. Not being one who needs to be asked twice, I packed up some essentials for the girls and myself and began our journey west to the only other shelter I had--my parents' house. I am so lucky to have parents who will always love me unconditionally and help me out in times of need. My husband may see this as my weakness but, to me, it's a strength. You can't put a value on the love of a family. We spent Sunday night in a hotel where I spent a good couple of hours talking to a good friend of mine. You know who you are and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for being there for me. We got up Monday morning and continued the trek to Montrose and have been here ever since.
I am not entirely sure what the future hold for me or my girls. I just know that I need to establish some normalcy as soon as possible. Children thrive on routines and, unfortunately, Caitlin's routine has been greatly distrubed. I know that I need to start over and can't think of a better place to do it. I feel that I need to be close to my support system, so I can't imagine, at least not now, venturing far from Montrose. It hurts me to think about what I am leaving behind in Denver but I'm hoping to stay in touch with the friends I've made and get together when I'm in the area. I have also faced the music that I'm going to have to get a new job. My dream of staying at home where shot dead with the announcement of the big "D" word. I have put a feeler out with my old boss to see if it would be possible to get my old position back as a library technician at the correctional center in Delta. I am anxiously awaiting her response. Otherwise, I am not sure what I will do or where I will go. I would love to get my Masters of Library Science but, that would require relocating to Denver or Kansas. There are many unknowns at this point, I'm just trying to go with the flow as I pick up the pieces of my life.
I have also been doing some research into divorce proceedings and got my second shock in a short time when I found out how much it typically costs to get a divorce--$4000! Yikes! I am sincerely hoping that my husband and I can agree on the terms of
our divorse and just file the paperwork pro se. This will be quicker and save us a lot of money. People are surprised when I tell them how long it takes to get a divorse. There is a 90 day waiting period from the separation and then takes an additional 4-6 months (best case scenerio) to have it finalized. It is my hope to have everything wrapped up by my birthday next year. That is, if we can agree and go pro se. Otherwise, it will be awhile before I'll have thousands of dollars to throw away on a lawyer.
Am I scared? No doubt! I'm on my own for the first time in about 10 years and this time, I have two children to care for. Am I sad? Sure. However, I am starting to see that this could be a good thing if it allows for both of us to move on and lead productive live and be the best possible parents to our girls. I know that they are our only reasons for living, at least at the present time.
I just wanted to thank everyone who's been there for me during all of this. I don't know what I'd do without you! I love you all! Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers for awhile as this is not going to be an easy time in my life.
On Sunday, my husband of almost 6 years asked me for a divorce! You're probably wondering what brought this on?! Honestly, I'm still not exactly sure. True, we had a fight but it was the first fight we had had in about 8 months. We have had some rocky times in our marriage, but this really wasn't anything out of the ordinary and I figured it was water under the bridge after it happened. After all, I got the impression that things were going quite well for us. We had moved back to the big city where my husband felt more at home, we appeared to be happy, he had a good job and we had just brought our second daughter into the world. Obviously, I must've seen our marriage through rose tinted glasses. So, you can imagine my shock when my husband announces his desire to end our marriage. The reality still hasn't hit me. Plus, I don't feel that I have the luxury of falling apart, I have two beautiful girls to raise. Anyway, my husband explained his reasoning--he stated that he had fallen out of love with me and that we had nothing in common. He simply wanted his freedom and felt that I was holding him back. After this spiel, he asked me to leave. Not being one who needs to be asked twice, I packed up some essentials for the girls and myself and began our journey west to the only other shelter I had--my parents' house. I am so lucky to have parents who will always love me unconditionally and help me out in times of need. My husband may see this as my weakness but, to me, it's a strength. You can't put a value on the love of a family. We spent Sunday night in a hotel where I spent a good couple of hours talking to a good friend of mine. You know who you are and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for being there for me. We got up Monday morning and continued the trek to Montrose and have been here ever since.
I am not entirely sure what the future hold for me or my girls. I just know that I need to establish some normalcy as soon as possible. Children thrive on routines and, unfortunately, Caitlin's routine has been greatly distrubed. I know that I need to start over and can't think of a better place to do it. I feel that I need to be close to my support system, so I can't imagine, at least not now, venturing far from Montrose. It hurts me to think about what I am leaving behind in Denver but I'm hoping to stay in touch with the friends I've made and get together when I'm in the area. I have also faced the music that I'm going to have to get a new job. My dream of staying at home where shot dead with the announcement of the big "D" word. I have put a feeler out with my old boss to see if it would be possible to get my old position back as a library technician at the correctional center in Delta. I am anxiously awaiting her response. Otherwise, I am not sure what I will do or where I will go. I would love to get my Masters of Library Science but, that would require relocating to Denver or Kansas. There are many unknowns at this point, I'm just trying to go with the flow as I pick up the pieces of my life.
I have also been doing some research into divorce proceedings and got my second shock in a short time when I found out how much it typically costs to get a divorce--$4000! Yikes! I am sincerely hoping that my husband and I can agree on the terms of
our divorse and just file the paperwork pro se. This will be quicker and save us a lot of money. People are surprised when I tell them how long it takes to get a divorse. There is a 90 day waiting period from the separation and then takes an additional 4-6 months (best case scenerio) to have it finalized. It is my hope to have everything wrapped up by my birthday next year. That is, if we can agree and go pro se. Otherwise, it will be awhile before I'll have thousands of dollars to throw away on a lawyer.
Am I scared? No doubt! I'm on my own for the first time in about 10 years and this time, I have two children to care for. Am I sad? Sure. However, I am starting to see that this could be a good thing if it allows for both of us to move on and lead productive live and be the best possible parents to our girls. I know that they are our only reasons for living, at least at the present time.
I just wanted to thank everyone who's been there for me during all of this. I don't know what I'd do without you! I love you all! Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers for awhile as this is not going to be an easy time in my life.
Sunday, August 06, 2006
Cara Update
Cara had her 2 week doctor's appointment on Thursday and I'm happy to report that our little Peanut is doing so well. Here are her stats:
6 lbs 9 oz (rebounded from 6lbs 2oz two days after birth)
20 inches long
Her doctor was very pleased with her progress as was I. For those that might remember, we really had some trials with Caitlin when she was really little. For starters, she had trouble gaining her weight back after birth so we had to have her weighed several times a week, and then, there was the thrush incident that ended breast feeding at 6 weeks. Refreshingly, breast feeding with Cara has been a piece of cake, she took to it like a pro. I can also tell that she's eating enough because she has gotten quite the belly lately, it's so cute. I feel so good that I'm able to feed my baby without any problems and watch her grow and prosper. Dr. Quinn said that she should now gain about an once a day for quite a while...holy smokes! No wonder I feel like a cow...she eats every 3 hours like clockwork!
We are also thrilled that Cara's jaundice appears to be on the way out. When she was tested at the doctor's office two days after birth, her billirubin levels were elevated. We were told to have her re-tested (oh my gosh, what a story there is around that) a few days later and if it wasn't down, that they would do the "light treatment". We went to the ER at her doctor's hospital (different than where she was born, another long story) to have her blood drawn and we told we had to go to the hospital where she was born, University of Colorado Hospial. We did, blood was drawn and we waited for the results. Come to find out that her levels were still slightly elevated (15.3 for those familiar) and that the family medicine doctor wanted us to do the natural light treatment at home. Basically, we had to strip Cara down to her diaper and lay her in her cradle near a window that got lots of sunlight. We did this for a few days and then took her back to have her billirubin levels checked again. Thankfully, it was done quite a bit so they let us go without any further "treatment". Hopefully, everything will be back to complete normal at her 2 month check up. If not, it will be UV lights for our little Peanut.
Onto happier notes...we assembled the swing for Cara this morning and I think she was in second heaven. She loved staring at the little lion and mirror on the tray of the swing and was soon off to visit Mr. Sandman. We also assembled the cutest little floor gym for her, having somehow misplaced or gotten rid of the one we had with Caitlin. This one has a little bird on top that flies around. I think the parents got a bigger kick out of it than the baby...at least at this age. She just stared at something for a long time, I'm still not sure what.
I guess that's it for now. Pictures will come later.
6 lbs 9 oz (rebounded from 6lbs 2oz two days after birth)
20 inches long
Her doctor was very pleased with her progress as was I. For those that might remember, we really had some trials with Caitlin when she was really little. For starters, she had trouble gaining her weight back after birth so we had to have her weighed several times a week, and then, there was the thrush incident that ended breast feeding at 6 weeks. Refreshingly, breast feeding with Cara has been a piece of cake, she took to it like a pro. I can also tell that she's eating enough because she has gotten quite the belly lately, it's so cute. I feel so good that I'm able to feed my baby without any problems and watch her grow and prosper. Dr. Quinn said that she should now gain about an once a day for quite a while...holy smokes! No wonder I feel like a cow...she eats every 3 hours like clockwork!
We are also thrilled that Cara's jaundice appears to be on the way out. When she was tested at the doctor's office two days after birth, her billirubin levels were elevated. We were told to have her re-tested (oh my gosh, what a story there is around that) a few days later and if it wasn't down, that they would do the "light treatment". We went to the ER at her doctor's hospital (different than where she was born, another long story) to have her blood drawn and we told we had to go to the hospital where she was born, University of Colorado Hospial. We did, blood was drawn and we waited for the results. Come to find out that her levels were still slightly elevated (15.3 for those familiar) and that the family medicine doctor wanted us to do the natural light treatment at home. Basically, we had to strip Cara down to her diaper and lay her in her cradle near a window that got lots of sunlight. We did this for a few days and then took her back to have her billirubin levels checked again. Thankfully, it was done quite a bit so they let us go without any further "treatment". Hopefully, everything will be back to complete normal at her 2 month check up. If not, it will be UV lights for our little Peanut.
Onto happier notes...we assembled the swing for Cara this morning and I think she was in second heaven. She loved staring at the little lion and mirror on the tray of the swing and was soon off to visit Mr. Sandman. We also assembled the cutest little floor gym for her, having somehow misplaced or gotten rid of the one we had with Caitlin. This one has a little bird on top that flies around. I think the parents got a bigger kick out of it than the baby...at least at this age. She just stared at something for a long time, I'm still not sure what.
I guess that's it for now. Pictures will come later.
Friday, August 04, 2006
Happy Birthday Little Princess!
Ginger the Giraffe
Princess Caitlin & her balloons
The Disney Princess Big-Girl Bike
Caitlin's 3rd Birthday Cake--all about the Princesses
Caitlin on her new bike**Sorry for the delay in posting about Caitlin's birthday. We actually celebrated on the 27th**
It seems like just yesterday that we brought Caitlin home from the hospital and now, here we are, celebrating her 3rd birthday. She was actively involved in the planning, insisting that she have the Cinderella cake and party supplies that we found at Target a month or so earlier. Yes, the Disney Princess obsession is still going live and strong.
We celebrated here at home (with Ben, Cara & I along with Grandma Ogoe and Aunt Effie who were visiting from MI) after debating whether or not to go to Chuck E Cheese or somewhere else. Turns out that Caitlin had a blast regardless of the location...she was living up the moment. Ben cooked a big batch of his wonderful spaghetti, I made some french garlic bread and we had veggies on hand for a nice big salad. Caitlin's favorite meal (besides Tyson chicken nuggets) is Daddy's spaghetti, so dinner was a big hit. Afterwards, we presented her with her Disney Princess cake and she was so excited and ready to blow out the candle.
This year, Caitlin received, from Mommy & Daddy, a Little Tyke's easel complete with paints, crayons, marker, glitter pens, colored pencils, stickers, paint sponges...the whole nine yards. It has been a hit since she has been creating little masterpieces (and putting her creative mark on our off-white carpet) every day since we assembled it. On one side there's a big clip for paper and on the other side is a chalkboard. By far, the paints and paper have been the biggest hit.
Aunt Effie (and Uncle Kofi) got Caitie the cutest little Disney Princess big-girl bike. True, it only sits about a two feet off of the ground and has training wheels, but it's a big-girl bike nonetheless. We took Caitlin to a park up in Estes Park (pictures to come) and let her try out her bike the following day. She loves to sit on it and put things in the little backpack but...she's having difficulty pedaling because, unlike her tricycle, she cannot pedal backwards on this bike, when she does, it applies the brake, which frustrates her. So, we have some bike-riding lessons in store of her. No doubt that she will pick it up quickly with a little practice.
Earlier in the week, Aunt Effie took Caitlin to Build-A-Bear Workshop where Caitlin made a birthday giraffe named Ginger. Ginger proudly follows Caitlin just about everywhere wearing her Cinderella outfit. Caitlin had a blast picking out her animal (she wanted just about all of them and we had to convince her that she could only have one) and then dressing her up. Unfortunately, I didn't think to get any pictures from Build-A-Bear. She did, at one point, have a piece of fake hair on and she looked exactly like a little Beatle, no joke!
Anyway, enjoy the pictures! :)
Thursday, July 27, 2006
A Peanut Gallery
Here are some pictures of Cara from the last week. She is such of a good baby, hardly ever cries and is content to just cuddle with Mommy.
Friday, July 21, 2006
Lips, dimples and more...
Little peanut has been home for three days now, so I thought I would highlight some of the happenings.
A Peanut Personality: Cara is a very happy & content little baby. She loves to be swaddled and cuddled, stare into everyone's eyes and grab onto fingers. She has discovered the pacifying joys of her vibrating bouncy seat and loves to snooze there between feedings.
First Doctor's Appointment: Yesterday was the first of many well baby check ups for Cara. She is seeing the same husband/wife family practice that Caitlin does and we just adore both Doctor Dena and Doctor Quinn. We expect to have a positive relationship with them for years to come. Doctor Quinn got the pleasure of examining Cara. He reported that she must be eating well because she only lost 4 ounces since her birth, which was very good. We are a little concerned about jaundice but are not going to panic until the test results come back. Cara could get her first exposure to bright lights...blue lights, that is. Mommy also noticed, during this visit, that Cara, who looks very much like her big sister Caitlin, shares something more than adorable facial features. The girls also both have sachral dimples...Cara's being more of a sunburst in shape. Mommy was comforted to learn that the Doctors' daughter has one too--we are not alone. We have decided to do an ultrasound to rule out any foreseeable problems. Once again, our small baby will be on a stretcher. Overall though, our little Peanut was given two thumbs up and cleared until her next appointment on August 3rd.
Fascination with Daddy's lip: Babies have a very strong sucking reflex and Cara certainly proved that yesterday. Her daddy went to pick her up from her crib and was holding her level with his face and they were gazing into each other's eyes...a very precious scene. What did Cara do next, you wonder? Well, we all thought it was an innocent kiss but...she grapped Daddy's lower lip and began sucking. She wouldn't let go! Daddy said he had a hickey after she was done! We all got a wonderful laugh out of that.
On a side note: Mommy's feet are so swollen and she thought it was bad before Peanut came into the world. Darn midwife was right, it got worse before it got better. Poor Mommy could barely stuff her gigantic feet into her Crocs yesterday. Oh, the agony!
We imagine that life with two girls is going to be a riot and the adventure of a lifetime. Stay tuned for more.
A Peanut Personality: Cara is a very happy & content little baby. She loves to be swaddled and cuddled, stare into everyone's eyes and grab onto fingers. She has discovered the pacifying joys of her vibrating bouncy seat and loves to snooze there between feedings.
First Doctor's Appointment: Yesterday was the first of many well baby check ups for Cara. She is seeing the same husband/wife family practice that Caitlin does and we just adore both Doctor Dena and Doctor Quinn. We expect to have a positive relationship with them for years to come. Doctor Quinn got the pleasure of examining Cara. He reported that she must be eating well because she only lost 4 ounces since her birth, which was very good. We are a little concerned about jaundice but are not going to panic until the test results come back. Cara could get her first exposure to bright lights...blue lights, that is. Mommy also noticed, during this visit, that Cara, who looks very much like her big sister Caitlin, shares something more than adorable facial features. The girls also both have sachral dimples...Cara's being more of a sunburst in shape. Mommy was comforted to learn that the Doctors' daughter has one too--we are not alone. We have decided to do an ultrasound to rule out any foreseeable problems. Once again, our small baby will be on a stretcher. Overall though, our little Peanut was given two thumbs up and cleared until her next appointment on August 3rd.
Fascination with Daddy's lip: Babies have a very strong sucking reflex and Cara certainly proved that yesterday. Her daddy went to pick her up from her crib and was holding her level with his face and they were gazing into each other's eyes...a very precious scene. What did Cara do next, you wonder? Well, we all thought it was an innocent kiss but...she grapped Daddy's lower lip and began sucking. She wouldn't let go! Daddy said he had a hickey after she was done! We all got a wonderful laugh out of that.
On a side note: Mommy's feet are so swollen and she thought it was bad before Peanut came into the world. Darn midwife was right, it got worse before it got better. Poor Mommy could barely stuff her gigantic feet into her Crocs yesterday. Oh, the agony!
We imagine that life with two girls is going to be a riot and the adventure of a lifetime. Stay tuned for more.
This is the story of a baby called Peanut...
This is the story...of how our little Peanut came into the world...enjoy!
I started off the day feeling a bit "odd" but decided to go to work because I had a lot to finish up and wanted to talk to with my co-worker about our plans for Tuesday. We were both going to call in and have some fun, just the girls. So, I went to work with some mild discomfort but didn't think anything of it. Around 12:30-1, things started to pick up a little, so that I was a tad uncomfortable but still, I blew it off as Braxton-Hicks since I was still about two weeks away from my due date. Just for kicks, I decided to get on the Department of Corrections' instant messenger and see if one of my other co-workers, Jeanne, was on. She was and I asked her to help me time these "contractions". She did and asked me what I was feeling. She was determined that I was in real labor and spent an hour trying to convince me to either go home or to the hospital. I was determined to finish up the paperwork that was on my desk before I went. After all, it was nothing and I would just sit on my butt at home.
Well, around 2:30, I finally decided that I'd better go 'cause I was getting more and more uncomfortable. I had Ben call my midwife as I got the heck out of the facility. I had a contraction while waiting to get out of the prison. Other staff on their way in were concerned about me, asking me if I'd be okay driving . Thankfully, UCH-Fitzsimons is all of about 5 minutes from my work, so I knew I'd be fine. I walked out to my car and called Ben. He said that my midwife wanted me to go to the hospital to get checked out.
I walked into the labor & delivery unit all calm and said, "I think I might be in labor, maybe not, but..." and then ushered me into the triage area. I was talkative and joking the whole time...contractions not disrupting anything at this point. They hooked me up to the fetal monitor and watched the heartbeat and contractions. At this point, they were coming every 3 minutes. Then, my midwife, Jessica, came in and did a vag exam. I was so shocked to hear that I was 5-6 centimeters and would be having my baby that day.
I called my mom and she & my dad began the journey from Montrose. I had to stay in triage until they got a reactive strip on the baby and then got moved into a labor and delivery suite. Wow, was that room nice! I had a wonderful view of the on-going construction.
My contractions were picking up but still nothing major...this was about 4 o'clock. Ben & Caitlin (we decided to bring her to the hospital) arrived around 5pm and things were steadily starting to pick up...I couldn't talk between contractions, etc.
Well, Ben & Caitlin didn't have long to wait because within 30 minutes, I was deep in labor--panting and all. At one point, I was told I could not push due to my cervix not being completely ready, and I was about to get drugs...then...three or four pushes later and whoosh--out came Cara Louise!
It all happened so fast that we didn't get any "arrival" pictures of Cara and didn't have anyone there to take pictures of Ben cutting the cord, etc. My labor was 5 hours from start to finish with only about 30 minutes of
"hard labor".
My parents arrived around 8pm and got to meet and snuggle with their 2nd grandchild. My mom was right, she didn't make it having to come all the way from Montrose. I just can't believe that Ben & I did it all by ourselves and with Caitlin witnessing the whole thing ("the baby was all bloody and came out of my momma's butt!"). We are so proud of her for being so good and so brave. Everyone was saying what a good job I did, but I'm no hero, just a happy mom! :)
We were moved pretty quickly to post partum where we all relaxed, ate and slept. I was discharged around 6pm on Tuesday. I was actually ready to come home and be a mom to both of my girls. Caitlin has been a wonderful big sister, being very loving to Cara and helping Mommy.
There ya have it, the whole story...hope you wanted to hear it.
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Our newest arrival!
I'd like to introduce the newest member of our family---*drumroll*--Cara Louise Adowa Ogoe! Our second daughter was born on July 17, 2006 at 6:07pm. After a very fast and uneventful labor, our little peanut entered the world weighing 6 lbs, 6 ounces and 19 1/2 inches long. Mom & baby were released from the hospital last night and are recuperating and bonding at home with Dad and big sister Caitlin.
More details on Baby Cara's arrival will come soon!
Friday, July 07, 2006
Could she be?!
***For the record, Cara was not posterior at all. The ultrasound showed that she was in a favorable position. This obviously helped her "fast decent" when she was born! :)***
I don't know how to start this because I rarely post about worrisome things but, this is pulling down my soul, so I felt that I'd better get it out in the open.
I had my 37 week midwife appointment on Wednesday and everything was going hunky-dory until my midwife and student (it's a teaching hospital) decided to measure the baby. Well, they were applying some pressure up top and down below and were looking at each other. My midwife had the student do the same. The conclusion, neither could be totally sure that little Cara was head down, ready for delivery. My midwife said that is almost felt like TWO HEADS?! I'm sure the look on my face was priceless as I grabbed Anne, the midwife's, arm. She assured me that the odds were very slim since I'd had two ultrasounds already and they only saw one baby...but still, I think my heart skipped a few beats. Then, she went on to say that they want to schedule another ultrasound ASAP to make sure that Cara is head down. I think that she's posterior, like her big sister was, and that's throwing them off...a sunny-side up baby. So, I'm sitting here waiting for a call from the ultrasound clinic to schedule my appointment. What will they do, you ask, if she's breech? Well, turns out that they will admit me as outpatient to the hospital and send me up to see the OB doctors. They will attempt to turn her in utero and see if that doesn't work, a c-section will be scheduled for Cara's delivery.
This is not how I wanted things to be...not to say that there's anything "wrong"--yet , but still, I don't need this stress and worry so close to my due date. I was hoping that all of this excitement would be a signal to Cara to surprise everyone and make her appearance. So far nothing, just a lot of movement and fierce kicks.
I suppose a c-section isn't the end of the world but it sure would complicate my recovery and totally violate my expectations. Instead of a nice, calm birth, I will be in a sterile environment with doctors that I don't know (midwives cannot do c-sections) having my belly cut open. The thought sends chills down my spine, so I'm trying not to think worse case scenerio.
Actually, in light of what a few of my friends have gone thru lately, I feel incredibly blessed, even if I do have a breech baby.
Right now, we're just taking everything one step at a time starting with the appointment for the ultrasound.
Could you all cross fingers, pray, think good thoughts or whatever it is you to for luck for me? We are all kind of sitting on pins & needles right now...
Thanks!
I don't know how to start this because I rarely post about worrisome things but, this is pulling down my soul, so I felt that I'd better get it out in the open.
I had my 37 week midwife appointment on Wednesday and everything was going hunky-dory until my midwife and student (it's a teaching hospital) decided to measure the baby. Well, they were applying some pressure up top and down below and were looking at each other. My midwife had the student do the same. The conclusion, neither could be totally sure that little Cara was head down, ready for delivery. My midwife said that is almost felt like TWO HEADS?! I'm sure the look on my face was priceless as I grabbed Anne, the midwife's, arm. She assured me that the odds were very slim since I'd had two ultrasounds already and they only saw one baby...but still, I think my heart skipped a few beats. Then, she went on to say that they want to schedule another ultrasound ASAP to make sure that Cara is head down. I think that she's posterior, like her big sister was, and that's throwing them off...a sunny-side up baby. So, I'm sitting here waiting for a call from the ultrasound clinic to schedule my appointment. What will they do, you ask, if she's breech? Well, turns out that they will admit me as outpatient to the hospital and send me up to see the OB doctors. They will attempt to turn her in utero and see if that doesn't work, a c-section will be scheduled for Cara's delivery.
This is not how I wanted things to be...not to say that there's anything "wrong"--yet , but still, I don't need this stress and worry so close to my due date. I was hoping that all of this excitement would be a signal to Cara to surprise everyone and make her appearance. So far nothing, just a lot of movement and fierce kicks.
I suppose a c-section isn't the end of the world but it sure would complicate my recovery and totally violate my expectations. Instead of a nice, calm birth, I will be in a sterile environment with doctors that I don't know (midwives cannot do c-sections) having my belly cut open. The thought sends chills down my spine, so I'm trying not to think worse case scenerio.
Actually, in light of what a few of my friends have gone thru lately, I feel incredibly blessed, even if I do have a breech baby.
Right now, we're just taking everything one step at a time starting with the appointment for the ultrasound.
Could you all cross fingers, pray, think good thoughts or whatever it is you to for luck for me? We are all kind of sitting on pins & needles right now...
Thanks!
Monday, July 03, 2006
Be happy & safe!
Here's hoping that you all have a safe and wonderful 4th of July!
Not sure what we're going to do this year since the holiday falls on a Tuesday (who's bright idea was that?) and I have to work today (Monday). In years past, we've gone up to Ouray, CO for the whole day. They have a wonderful small town celebration with a parade, water fight and all of the tourist-y stores are open late. We would go up in mid-afternoon and hang out in town (sometimes soaking in the hot springs) and then curl up in blankets and watch the fireworks shoot off from the mountains overhead. It was the coolest thing because the fireworks would echo off of the mountains, making a huge BOOM! sound. Trust me, not much compares.
We are thinking about hitching the Light Rail downtown and strolling around LoDo (if anything is open) and then watching the show from Invesco Field @ Mile High. We'll see what ends up happening...all that I can say is that I'm thankful to have the day off.
(And yes, that's the Denver skyline!)
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
Cars anyone?
No, we're not in the market for a new car--I wish. I'm actually talking about Disney Pixar Animations newest full-length animated movie---CARS!
Caitlin had been anticipating Cars' arrival to the big screen since seeing a preview on her Toy Story 2 DVD. She kept saying, "Pixar Animations presents Cars" and stating that it was coming out pretty soon. Well, we decided to treat Caitlin to her first movie at the theatre where she could see Cars on the big screen. On opening night, the Ogoe-McLean clan piled into the trusty Trail Blazer to catch the 7:00 show at the Chinese theatre in Aurora. Having a genius moment, I decided to purchase our tickets online so that we were promised seats. It was probably a good thing that I did because there were only a few empty seats in the stadium style theatre.
Anyway, Caitlin ran inside and made a bee line for the concession stand. Once there, she decided to get some candy and a Sierra Mist. Mommy had pretzel bites and Daddy got popcorn. Armed with our goodies, we entered the theatre to claim our seats. Caitlin was afraid to go into the dark theatre at first, but when Daddy picked her up and she saw other kids go in, she got over her fear.
We were concerned that she wouldn't sit still or would be really loud during the movie. We had to remind her to use her quiet voice a few times and she got restless towards the end (a 90+ minute movie) but, I for one, was so impressed with how good she did...she was totally into the movie! Everyone was telling me that I was nuts to take a not even 3 year old to the movie theatre well...poo on them! We had a blast and plan to do it again soon, when another cool kid movie comes to town. I think we're also going to try the circus and Disney on Ice. Having a big girl is so much fun!
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