Sleeping Baby?

Have you noticed that I post a lot of pictures of a sleeping baby? Well, I think this baby only sleeps when she is being photographed. There hasn't been much sleeping going on in our household the last couple of nights. Emerson has decided that she wants to eat more frequently and that she dislikes her pack n play. If she isn't sleeping in mommy or daddy's arms, she doesn't want to sleep...we need to find a fix for this before it becomes a bad habit...or has it already?!

Emerson is a Big Girl Now (well, almost)

I took Emerson to the doctor today for a weight check, and she is up to 6 pounds 1 ounce. I just knew that she had gained weight since last week because she has been eating like a little piggy.

We had our first poop explosion today. My friend, Belinda, stopped by after work to meet Emerson. She told me a story about her daughter making a mess in her lap, and I told her that hadn't happened with Emerson, and in my mind, I didn't think it would ever happen. Well, not five minutes later, Belinda told me there was a problem and was asking for a paper towel. I just assumed little Emerson had peed on her, but nope, she colored her pink Gap onesie and Belinda's nice dress a lovely mustard color. Sorry, Belinda....Emerson promises that she won't poop on you next time.

One Week Old

I cannot believe that one week ago today I was in the hospital recovering from the birth of Emerson. Before I know it, she will be 10, and I will be wondering what happened to the time.

Emerson had an eventful today. She met her pediatrician today and loved her. Our check-up was good. Emerson is almost back up to her birth weight and there is no concern for the jaundice. She has to go back next week for a weight check and then she does not have to return until her one month check-up.

Emerson also had her first stroll around the community tonight. Jim and I decided to take a practice run with Emerson and Cosmo so that I can walk them both during the day. At first, Cosmo was excited about her walk and ran ahead of us. Cosmo later realized that Emerson was in the stroller and she had to stop occasionally and peek into the stroller to make sure Emerson was okay. It was the cutest thing ever! The walk wore Emerson out...the picture above was taken right after our walk.

Introducing Emerson Paige

Wow...who would have known that giving birth is so easy. I had a few problems, but everything was over before I could blink my eyes. On Sunday, September 9th at 8 p.m., I was given Cervidil to induce my labor. At some point during the night (maybe 1 or 2 a.m. but I was on drugs so I don't recall the time), I was having major cramps in my stomach and back and the baby wasn't responding well to them. The nurses came rushing in and gave me an injection to stop my contractions. My mom and Jim were completely freaked out because the nurse wasn't giving them any information and the process seemed to be taking hours (although I'm sure it was just a few minutes).

On September 10th at around 7 or 8 a.m., I was given pitocin. I started contracting shortly after and the nurse asked if I was ready for an epidural. I was debating on whether I was ready for one because I was afraid it was too early but my doctor said to go for it. Luckily, I got one when I did because just after I got it my mom and Jim came back into the room and the nurse told them to get ready for a baby. After 30 minutes of pushing, I delivered Emerson Paige Kaminski at 11:17 a.m. She weighed 5 pounds 15 ounces and was 18-3/4 in length.

Although my labor and delivery were easy, Emerson arrived with her umbilical cord tightly wrapped around her neck. The cord was cut and I was able to hold her briefly before the NICU doctor took her away. Although we were worried about her stay in NICU, she had an awesome doctor and we knew she was in good hands. Luckily, she was in NICU only a few short days and was released to come home yesterday.

Today is our first full day at home together and we are trying to adjust. Emerson seems to be the only one getting sleep around here...mom, dad and Cosmo haven't had much sleep.

Two More Days

This morning I spent about an hour at the doctor's office having my last non-stress test before induction. Everything looked great so I was sent on my way to wait for my induction on Monday night. Feeling a little excited and overwhelmed, I thought I could relieve my stress by doing some shopping at the Children's Place. While deciding which sleepers to buy, I received a call from my doctor's office. Of course, my initial reaction was panic because I had just left the doctor's office. The nurse assured me that everything was okay, but the doctor wanted to move my induction up one day. I guess that a doctor from my OB's office is the on-staff OB that night and he wanted to be able to closely monitor my progress. My favorite OB will be there on Monday for delivery, so I'm okay with the date change. It's only one day sooner but it's still a little overwhelming.

I can't believe that I am going to be a mom in a couple of days, and Cosmo will be getting a sister! Speaking of Cosmo, she was a rescue dog so I don't know her exact b-day but she was born in September of 1997. She could be celebrating her 10th birthday on the baby's birth date. I guess that next year I will have to bake cupcakes for two!

One More Week

After my ultrasound today, my doctor decided that she would induce my labor next week...two weeks early. The ultrasound showed the baby weighing approximately 5-1/2 pounds and she isn't gaining weight as rapidly as she should. However, she's considered full term this week so the doctor said we should deliver her early so that she can get better nourishment outside of the womb.

If all goes as planned, the baby will have a September 11th birthday. My doctor asked if it would be okay with me, and I told her as long as I have a healthy baby I don't care what her birth date will be.

I can't tell you how overwhelmed I felt when I left the doctor's office today. I have repeatedly said that I would love for her to come early, but now that it's a week way, it's a bit scary. Everyone keeps telling me to get my rest this week but how can I rest knowing that I will have a baby girl this time next week!

Stay tuned for postings of baby pictures.

Hostess with the Mostess

Miss Cheryl mailed me a lovely note with pictures from my baby shower in July. I just had to post a picture of Belinda, the Hostess with the Mostess, because she gave me an awesome shower. Also, many thanks to Linda T, Cheryl and my mom for helping out and to everyone that was able to share my special day. It was great to see my family and friends.

I'm beginning my 37th week so I will hopefully have some updates to post after my doctor's appointment on Tuesday.