Friday, January 25, 2008
The Pooh Debate - 1/25/08
Laura –
Laura is home and doing very well. She came home on Monday. However, she still spends her days at the hospital (with the babies). She seems to never tire.
Jack and Kaelin –
The babies are doing very well. Both have had their IV's removed and are on formula. They have been increasing their food intake a small amount every feeding. One feeding a day Kaelin takes through a bottle. Jack is up to two bottles a day. The rest they get through a tube. Yesterday they were put together in a crib. They seem to enjoy this better. They are still sleeping a lot but when they get fed they are more and more alert.
Their mental diet has been a steady stream of Winnie the Pooh. Their favorite so far is “Don’t Talk to Strangers, Pooh!” They both believe the underlying message of the story is on point in today’s post-post-modern society. However, they had a heated debate over the storyline. Kaelin felt it was warm and believable. Jack on the other hand finds the idea of a bear being afraid of strangers, especially in the hundred acre woods, as a contrived, in-plausible social construct of liberal academia. The dispute was settled with a punch in the nose. Kaelin won.
Grandpa and Grandma Labhart –
My parents spent most of this week with us. They were life savers. They drove Laura to the hospital as well as took care of Lucy Bug and the house. They were a tremendous help. We miss them already.
Uncle John –
Laura’s brother John is next up on deck. He is flying into Atlanta tomorrow. He is going to stay with us for a while to help with the transition from the hospital to the house. Laura can’t drive for at least 1 more week and John has offered to help transport her from the house to the hospital among other things.
The Bug –
Lucy Bug is feeling a little neglected, although Grandma and Grandpa gave her quite a bit of attention while they were here. Since the babies were born, I have become her best ally at the house. This does not bode well for the Bug’s future. My only hope is that her and the twins will find things to do together. She is looking forward to seeing her BFF John again. If his last visit is any indication, the bug will be getting the treatment she is accustomed (and in her opinion deserves) once again. When I asked her about the Twin’s Pooh debate she replied “it’s fun to eat”. A mental giant she is not.
Laura is home and doing very well. She came home on Monday. However, she still spends her days at the hospital (with the babies). She seems to never tire.
Jack and Kaelin –
The babies are doing very well. Both have had their IV's removed and are on formula. They have been increasing their food intake a small amount every feeding. One feeding a day Kaelin takes through a bottle. Jack is up to two bottles a day. The rest they get through a tube. Yesterday they were put together in a crib. They seem to enjoy this better. They are still sleeping a lot but when they get fed they are more and more alert.
Their mental diet has been a steady stream of Winnie the Pooh. Their favorite so far is “Don’t Talk to Strangers, Pooh!” They both believe the underlying message of the story is on point in today’s post-post-modern society. However, they had a heated debate over the storyline. Kaelin felt it was warm and believable. Jack on the other hand finds the idea of a bear being afraid of strangers, especially in the hundred acre woods, as a contrived, in-plausible social construct of liberal academia. The dispute was settled with a punch in the nose. Kaelin won.
Grandpa and Grandma Labhart –
My parents spent most of this week with us. They were life savers. They drove Laura to the hospital as well as took care of Lucy Bug and the house. They were a tremendous help. We miss them already.
Uncle John –
Laura’s brother John is next up on deck. He is flying into Atlanta tomorrow. He is going to stay with us for a while to help with the transition from the hospital to the house. Laura can’t drive for at least 1 more week and John has offered to help transport her from the house to the hospital among other things.
The Bug –
Lucy Bug is feeling a little neglected, although Grandma and Grandpa gave her quite a bit of attention while they were here. Since the babies were born, I have become her best ally at the house. This does not bode well for the Bug’s future. My only hope is that her and the twins will find things to do together. She is looking forward to seeing her BFF John again. If his last visit is any indication, the bug will be getting the treatment she is accustomed (and in her opinion deserves) once again. When I asked her about the Twin’s Pooh debate she replied “it’s fun to eat”. A mental giant she is not.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Baby Update - 1/21/08
Both Jack and Kaelin are still breathing on their own. They are each getting an additional 1 cc of formula every feeding on their way towards getting weaned off of their IV. We were told yesterday that Laura may get discharged from the hospital today.
Cousin Julie stopped by the hospital yesterday (pictures forthcoming). She was conscripted into pushing the double wide all the way back from Children's hospital. Rumor has it that she was breathing heavy by the end of the push.
Grandma and Grandpa Labhart arrived yesterday (pictures to be posted at a later date). They are whipping the house into shape in preparation for Laura's return. Things at the house got a little out of control while Laura was gone. I blame the Bug!
Cousin Julie stopped by the hospital yesterday (pictures forthcoming). She was conscripted into pushing the double wide all the way back from Children's hospital. Rumor has it that she was breathing heavy by the end of the push.
Grandma and Grandpa Labhart arrived yesterday (pictures to be posted at a later date). They are whipping the house into shape in preparation for Laura's return. Things at the house got a little out of control while Laura was gone. I blame the Bug!
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Baby Siting - January 18 @ 7:11 PM
Well the babies made their world debut yesterday. Jackson Grady Labhart was born at 7:11 PM on January 18, 2008. Kaelin Rose Labhart was born 2 minutes later at 7:13 PM. Mom and the babies are doing well. Since Jack was ready to come out but Kaelin was not, the doctors had no alternative but to do a C-section.
Both Jack and Kaelin are a little over 4lbs in weight and 17 inches in length. Jack was able to breath on his own immediately after birth. Kaelin was initially put in an oxygen tent but at 5 AM on 1/19/08 she was removed from the tent and has been breathing on her own every since. The nurses that are caring from the babies told us that both Jack and Kaelin were more developed than they typically see at 32 weeks for twins. They look and are functioning more like 34 week old babies which is very good. The only bogie that we see right know is that Jack's head is on the large end of the normal scale. The nurse practioner told us that she did not believe that it was something to be concerned about. As a matter of practice on preterm babies both Jack and Kaelin will have an ultrasound done on their head on Monday to see if there is fluid building up.
Laura and I were able to hold Jack today. Kaelin still has a line in her umbilical chord that they were using to monitor the level of oxygen in her blood. They are taking this out and we will be able to hold her later this evening. I am attaching some video and some pictures for those of you that live far away.
No word from the Bug
Both Jack and Kaelin are a little over 4lbs in weight and 17 inches in length. Jack was able to breath on his own immediately after birth. Kaelin was initially put in an oxygen tent but at 5 AM on 1/19/08 she was removed from the tent and has been breathing on her own every since. The nurses that are caring from the babies told us that both Jack and Kaelin were more developed than they typically see at 32 weeks for twins. They look and are functioning more like 34 week old babies which is very good. The only bogie that we see right know is that Jack's head is on the large end of the normal scale. The nurse practioner told us that she did not believe that it was something to be concerned about. As a matter of practice on preterm babies both Jack and Kaelin will have an ultrasound done on their head on Monday to see if there is fluid building up.
Laura and I were able to hold Jack today. Kaelin still has a line in her umbilical chord that they were using to monitor the level of oxygen in her blood. They are taking this out and we will be able to hold her later this evening. I am attaching some video and some pictures for those of you that live far away.
No word from the Bug
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Baby Watch - Into Week 2
Laura -
Laura is into her 32nd week which is very good. She has now been in the hospital for 9 days and I think it is taking a toll on her. Her only contact with the outside world is yours truly and quite frankly I'm not that exciting. Lucky for me she didn't figure this out until after the ceremony. She doesn't require me to wear a wedding ring because I, and I am quoting, "do not have game". But I digress. Laura really appreciates all the phone calls, keep them coming. She is able to work from her hospital which helps the day go by faster. She also enjoys our daily rides in the double wide (wheelchair). Last night we played scrabble. The very first word I put down was R-A-D-I-A-T-E. Yes, that is correct, it is a 7 letter word. She may be in the hospital but winning is winning. Again I digress. We are very excited about being in week 32. Thanks to the fact that Laura picked good doctors, our babies have had an extra 9 days and counting to develop prior to their world debut. Good job Baby!
Jack and Kaelin -
A couple of days ago, Jack, I believe it was, ran his elbow or knee or something down the length of Laura's stomach. It looked like the scene from the Matrix when Neo dove into Mr. Smith just prior to exploding him into a million pieces. Laura confessed that if freaks her out a little when that happens. I was glad to hear it, because quite frankly it freaks me out too. All and all the babies are doing good. Kaelin is back up in Laura's rib cage. This seems to be her comfort zone.
Bug -
With me splitting my time between work and the hospital, Lucy Bug is spending a lot more time in the slammer. I keep telling her she needs to get her mind right if she is going to do the time. I hope I am getting through. Most of her incarceration is spent in solitary. I did take her out into the general population (the dog park) the other day and she nearly got shanked by a terrier with an attitude. The dispute was over the ownership of a muddy tennis ball (doggy cigarettes) and though Lucy was twice the size of the other dog, she lost. She did manage to salvage her rep by looking around at the other dogs and saying "that dog is crazy" and then cooly walking off. I always knew she was too pretty to survive in the slammer.
Laura is into her 32nd week which is very good. She has now been in the hospital for 9 days and I think it is taking a toll on her. Her only contact with the outside world is yours truly and quite frankly I'm not that exciting. Lucky for me she didn't figure this out until after the ceremony. She doesn't require me to wear a wedding ring because I, and I am quoting, "do not have game". But I digress. Laura really appreciates all the phone calls, keep them coming. She is able to work from her hospital which helps the day go by faster. She also enjoys our daily rides in the double wide (wheelchair). Last night we played scrabble. The very first word I put down was R-A-D-I-A-T-E. Yes, that is correct, it is a 7 letter word. She may be in the hospital but winning is winning. Again I digress. We are very excited about being in week 32. Thanks to the fact that Laura picked good doctors, our babies have had an extra 9 days and counting to develop prior to their world debut. Good job Baby!
Jack and Kaelin -
A couple of days ago, Jack, I believe it was, ran his elbow or knee or something down the length of Laura's stomach. It looked like the scene from the Matrix when Neo dove into Mr. Smith just prior to exploding him into a million pieces. Laura confessed that if freaks her out a little when that happens. I was glad to hear it, because quite frankly it freaks me out too. All and all the babies are doing good. Kaelin is back up in Laura's rib cage. This seems to be her comfort zone.
Bug -
With me splitting my time between work and the hospital, Lucy Bug is spending a lot more time in the slammer. I keep telling her she needs to get her mind right if she is going to do the time. I hope I am getting through. Most of her incarceration is spent in solitary. I did take her out into the general population (the dog park) the other day and she nearly got shanked by a terrier with an attitude. The dispute was over the ownership of a muddy tennis ball (doggy cigarettes) and though Lucy was twice the size of the other dog, she lost. She did manage to salvage her rep by looking around at the other dogs and saying "that dog is crazy" and then cooly walking off. I always knew she was too pretty to survive in the slammer.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Another Day in Bed
I've had my daily visit from the doctor, and although I am stable, he indicated I will most likely remain at the hospital for the duration of the pregnancy. This wasn't completely unexpected, but I'm still trying to get used to the idea of 3 more weeks here. Right now, the plan is to continue monitoring my contractions and the babies' heartbeats about 2-3 hours every day - and continue on oral medication to suppress contractions. I have had a few contractions during the daily monitoring - I still can't feel them, and they're not consistent so it's of less concern to the doctors.
Mike and my good friend Apryl have loaded me up with a fresh supply of books, magazines, and food, which was the high point of yesterday. Mike did hand me a crushing defeat at Scrabble yesterday - he got a little too much enjoyment out of beating a bed-ridden pregnant woman! And of course my laptop has allowed me to get some work done and brush up on my Free cell skills.
My daily hospital meals are far from gourmet - but the nursing staff is giving me the inside scoop on how to get food that may be more appealing - another sign I have been here too long. I'm not sure why a hospital cafeteria tries to serve fish - or why they put fake whipped cream on the top of every dessert served. At least the nurses help has saved me from another fish lunch today. All of the nurses have been great - we're working out a relationship where I give them my old magazines and they give me lots of TLC.
Mike and my good friend Apryl have loaded me up with a fresh supply of books, magazines, and food, which was the high point of yesterday. Mike did hand me a crushing defeat at Scrabble yesterday - he got a little too much enjoyment out of beating a bed-ridden pregnant woman! And of course my laptop has allowed me to get some work done and brush up on my Free cell skills.
My daily hospital meals are far from gourmet - but the nursing staff is giving me the inside scoop on how to get food that may be more appealing - another sign I have been here too long. I'm not sure why a hospital cafeteria tries to serve fish - or why they put fake whipped cream on the top of every dessert served. At least the nurses help has saved me from another fish lunch today. All of the nurses have been great - we're working out a relationship where I give them my old magazines and they give me lots of TLC.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Baby Watch - Day 5
Laura -
Laura got to leave the building in her double wide wheel chair today. She was very excited to go outside although with hills in every direction we decided to sit on the hospital stoop. Visions of Laura sailing down to the main strip at 80 MPH in her wheel chair kept us from venturing any farther. There are three doctors in the office that we go to. Depending on which doctor we talk to we get a different impression as to what will happen next. They all are very good doctors and they all agree that Laura and the babies are doing well. However, we can't get a good bead on whether Laura will be leaving the hospital prior to delivery. Yesterday's doctor gave her the impression that she might get to go home. Today's doctor gave the opposite impression.
Jack and Kaelin -
Not much has changed with these guys. They are still active and are still in the same positions they were yesterday.
The Bug -
Bug wanted to give everyone a report on yesterday's walk -
3:00 PM - Put nose against the door so that Mike can't get the harness on
3:01 PM - The harness is on and secure ... dang it!
3:02 PM - Wrap Mike up in the leash while he tries to open the door
3:03 PM - Eat fungus in the mulch while Mike tries to close the door
3:05 PM - Go the wrong way on the walk ... again
3:07 PM - Find and eat some poop ... score!
3:08 PM - Chase a leaf into traffic
3:09 PM - See if I can yank Mike's arm from socket ... maybe next time
3:10 PM - Stop and stare menancingly at the woods
3:12 PM - Kids playing ... must jump on them ... Can't breath ... harness choking me
3:16 PM - Eat some more poop
3:17 PM - Lick Mike
3:19 PM - Eat dog treat from nice neighbor lady ... what the heck ... milk bone again?!
3:21 PM - Home at last
3:30 PM - pee on the carpet
More Videos -
Bug's arch nemesis -
Laura got to leave the building in her double wide wheel chair today. She was very excited to go outside although with hills in every direction we decided to sit on the hospital stoop. Visions of Laura sailing down to the main strip at 80 MPH in her wheel chair kept us from venturing any farther. There are three doctors in the office that we go to. Depending on which doctor we talk to we get a different impression as to what will happen next. They all are very good doctors and they all agree that Laura and the babies are doing well. However, we can't get a good bead on whether Laura will be leaving the hospital prior to delivery. Yesterday's doctor gave her the impression that she might get to go home. Today's doctor gave the opposite impression.
Jack and Kaelin -
Not much has changed with these guys. They are still active and are still in the same positions they were yesterday.
The Bug -
Bug wanted to give everyone a report on yesterday's walk -
3:00 PM - Put nose against the door so that Mike can't get the harness on
3:01 PM - The harness is on and secure ... dang it!
3:02 PM - Wrap Mike up in the leash while he tries to open the door
3:03 PM - Eat fungus in the mulch while Mike tries to close the door
3:05 PM - Go the wrong way on the walk ... again
3:07 PM - Find and eat some poop ... score!
3:08 PM - Chase a leaf into traffic
3:09 PM - See if I can yank Mike's arm from socket ... maybe next time
3:10 PM - Stop and stare menancingly at the woods
3:12 PM - Kids playing ... must jump on them ... Can't breath ... harness choking me
3:16 PM - Eat some more poop
3:17 PM - Lick Mike
3:19 PM - Eat dog treat from nice neighbor lady ... what the heck ... milk bone again?!
3:21 PM - Home at last
3:30 PM - pee on the carpet
More Videos -
Bug's arch nemesis -
Friday, January 11, 2008
Baby Watch - Day 4
Laura -
When I came in this afternoon Laura was dressed in her own clothes, she'd been for two walks and she had done some work tasks on her laptop. Things are definitely looking up. Laura had zero contractions in the 30 minutes that they monitored her today. The doctors have asked her to walk around some today. We're not sure, but we think they are trying to assess whether she can go home or not.
Jack and Kaelin -
The babies are doing good. They haven't changed positions since yesterday. They passed their ultrasound with flying colors.
The Bug -
Lucy Bug is quite frankly letting herself go. It is sad to watch. Some dogs just do not do well without structure.
More Videos of The Bug -
Bug in the morning -
When I came in this afternoon Laura was dressed in her own clothes, she'd been for two walks and she had done some work tasks on her laptop. Things are definitely looking up. Laura had zero contractions in the 30 minutes that they monitored her today. The doctors have asked her to walk around some today. We're not sure, but we think they are trying to assess whether she can go home or not.
Jack and Kaelin -
The babies are doing good. They haven't changed positions since yesterday. They passed their ultrasound with flying colors.
The Bug -
Lucy Bug is quite frankly letting herself go. It is sad to watch. Some dogs just do not do well without structure.
More Videos of The Bug -
Bug in the morning -
Bug Helps with the chores -
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Laura - Day 3
Mike went to work today, so I have had the nurses and support staff as my company today. I have my big field-trip via wheelchair back to the perinatal clinic where they will again hook me up to monitor the babies heartbeats along with my contractions. Last night they did an hour of monitoring during which I only had one contraction, which is really good news. I am feeling good, days are going pretty fast - the side effects of the two medicines are not good, but the doc said I should grow a tolerance. In the meantime, I am handling the shaky hands and fast heartbeat - and trying not to make too many typo's. I take medicine every two hours orally, so last night was not good for sleeping - plus since it makes my heart race, going right back to sleep is usually not an option.
Thanks for everyone's love and support - it's wonderful to have a little window into the outside world! I am being told the field-trip is starting.....the only thing left I have is to thank my husband for being so wonderful and strong - I couldn't do this without him.
Thanks for everyone's love and support - it's wonderful to have a little window into the outside world! I am being told the field-trip is starting.....the only thing left I have is to thank my husband for being so wonderful and strong - I couldn't do this without him.
Baby Watch - Day 3
Laura -
Laura is still on intermitent monitoring and is taking muscle relaxers every 2 hours. Her IV ports were removed today. During the hour that she was monitored today, she only had one contraction. This is a significant improvement from yesterday and would point to a long stay for her in the hospital. She seems to be in good spirits.
Jack and Kaelin -
For the record, I have been spelling my daughter's name incorrectly in previous blogs. The correct spelling is Kaelin ... My Bad. The babies are still looking good. They have changed positions since Monday's ultrasound.
Bug -
It is clear from the strategic plaecment of chew toys on Laura's side of the bed that Bug has officially claimed this space. We've always known that she wanted to be the "Top Dog" in the house. Sometimes when she looks at me lately I get the feeling that I am next on her list. When I asked Bug if she missed Laura. Her reply was, "Laura who?" I'm anticipating a cold reunion.
Below are videos of the Bug intended primarily to give Laura a lift. They are slightly boring but you are welcome to view them.
Bug Playing with Favorite Toy -
Bug gets out of the slammer -
Lucy goes for a walk -
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Baby Watch - Day 2
It is 1:09 PM on Wednesday 1/9/2008. Things for Laura and the Babies are looking up today. It has been 24 hours since the second dose of surfactant and therefore the effects of the drug should have begun to take effect.We've moved to the antepartum section of the hospital (we were in labor and delivery). This is the area they send women who they are trying to keep from delivering. We could be here up to 8 weeks.
The best news is that Laura's contractions are down to 3 to 6 per hour (They were up in the 6 to 9 per hour range). Well maybe that is the second best news. Laura is allowed to eat again and she is doing so with extreme prejudice. Jack and Kaeline appear to approve. They were bouncing around following the first meal.
All the monitors and IV's have been removed. Laura finished with her Magnesium earlier today. They will be checking the contractions and the babies heart beats once a day. She is still getting muscle relaxers every 4 hours. They make her a little nauseous.
Lucy Bug is excited about the prospect of going to the dog park tonight. Without Laura's help at home I am having difficulty keeping her stimulated. My job is enforcement. Fun is Laura's department.
Baby Watch - Day 1
Hello All –
Here is an update on our baby situation –
Laura –
Here is an update on our baby situation –
Laura –
Laura went into the hospital on 1/7/08 with signs of pre-term labor. She is at 31 weeks (out of a possible 40 for those guys on this distribution who are as clueless as I am/was). The doctor’s are trying (using a variety of medicines) to stop or at least slow her contractions in order to give the babies more time to develop. In the 32 hours that they have been trying they have not been able to make them stop. The doctor’s have been successful in keeping the contractions at about 8 minutes apart. It is looking like she will be in the hospital until the babies are born, which could happen in anywhere from a couple of days to 8 weeks from now according to her doctors. She does not feel the contractions yet and is in no pain from the contractions. However, the medicine is making her feel like she has the flu and she hasn’t eaten in 32 hours.
Jack and Kaeline (the babies) -
The babies are each close to 4lbs, which is a very good weight according to the neonatologist (premature baby specialist). Laura has had two courses of surfactant, which is a steroid used to accelerate the growth of the babies lungs. Her last shot of surfactant was today at 1PM. The drug takes 24 hours to have its full effect, so by 1PM tomorrow the babies should be good to go. If the babies are born prior to 35 weeks, they will more than likely be in ICU on respirators until their lungs fully develop which on the average occurs at 35 weeks. Laura insisted that we go to doctors that specialize in high risk pregnancy working in a hospital that has a neonatal unit. It looks like this was a good call.
Bug (the dog) –
Lucy Bug is doing good and wanted to give a shout out to all her fans. While she does miss Laura, she feels the time apart will do them both some good.
-Mike
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