One Month Old!

I had the best of intentions to post a few times over the past few weeks, but Hadley had other plans. Between frequent pumping sessions, feedings, diaper changes and attempts at 2 hours of uninterrupted sleep, I have found myself slacking in terms of all other household duties and regular daily activities. Thank goodness I have an amazing husband who is hands on and supportive of my daily mood shifts (which I continue to blame on hormones - how long can I use that excuse?) and my preoccupation with everything baby.

Today, Hadley is one month old! The past four weeks have been a roller coaster - never could I have prepared for the emotional journey we have been on since she arrived. The past month has been the most challenging - and the most rewarding - time of my life. The old adage is true - "the days pass slowly, but the years quickly" (it's only been a month, but I'm sure the same will be true when we are actually looking back at years past).

We had our one month appointment with pediatrician today and Dr. Brown reports that Hadley is "perfect" (I could have told her that!)

At one month, Hadley:
 - is 20 inches long (50th percentile)
 - weighs 7 lbs 4 oz (5th percentile)
 - loves eating and is taking up to 4 oz of formula at each feeding
 - likes spending time in her swing
 - loves to snuggle, especially at night

Though she is pretty easy going most of the time, we have found a few things she dislikes: getting dressed and being cold (especially following a bath) are the two quickest ways to get her upset.

She is a pretty good sleeper, but mainly during the day which has led to some pretty tired parents as we adjust to this crazy schedule. Jason has been amazing since we brought her home, as he continues to cook and clean and help with the baby so I can try to sleep when possible. We have enjoyed spending quality time with our family and friends and we look forward to more visits soon. This week, my little sister is coming into town and next week my best friend is visiting. I also hope to plan a trip home at some point, but we will have to see when I can work that out.

I feel like she changes a little bit every day, and I cannot stop taking pictures. I'm sure I annoy everyone around me, but I know I'll be happy to have these memories in the future. Here are a few of my favorite pictures from the past month:

We are so in love with our little Haddy Bear and I can't wait to see what changes and adventures await for us in the next month!

She's Here!

I'm a bit late in getting around to this post, but as parents everywhere can understand, our lives have been completely and forever changed (in the best way possible!) over the past few weeks. The last time I posted, we were 38 weeks along and looking forward to a sonogram appointment. When we went in for the appointment, we were faced with the unexpected...

Over the last few weeks of my pregnancy, I began losing weight and the sonogram showed that Hadley no longer had the appropriate amount of amniotic fluid. Because of this, and because we were considered full-term, our doctor surprised me by telling me I needed to go straight to the hospital to be induced. I was not prepared for this news and my emotions quickly took over leading me to cry in the doctor's office. Luckily, Jason remained calm, cool and collected (initially at least!) and he stepped up to take care of the details while I headed over to the hospital. 

Once I arrived at the hospital and was admitted, we reached out to our families with the surprising news and the grandparents began frantically making travel arrangements. After getting an IV started, I was given Cervidil as the first medication to prepare for induction. I will say that was less than comfortable but, in hindsight, it was a good preparation for what was to come over the next day. After taking care of the dog, and running some last minute errands, Jason joined me at the hospital and we enjoyed a not so restful night of sleep together. 

On Friday morning, I was given Pitocin to induce labor and within an hour I was having strong contractions as regularly as every 4 minutes. After an hour and a half, the doctor came in to break my water (also not my favorite procedure). My mom arrived to the hospital before 10 a.m. and Jason's dad and step-mom were on their way, due to arrive late afternoon. My contractions continued to speed up and, after five hours, I had reached my limit and asked for an epidural. I recognize that I don't have a particularly impressive pain tolerance, and I am emotional under the best of circumstances so I had always planned to get an epidural. I will say that the anesthesiologist became my favorite person within 5 minutes of his entering the room. I was much more comfortable after getting the epidural and I was able to rest for a few hours while my labor progressed. 

Shortly after 6:00 p.m., my in-laws arrived to the hospital and I visited with them for a few minutes. I began to feel a lot of pressure and asked the nurse to come in to check my progress. To my great surprise, she said I was ready to begin pushing! Jason had walked out with his parents and we had to quickly call him back into the room. The doctor also had to be called in, but I was able to begin pushing with the help of the nurses. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that, for me, pushing was the easiest part of labor, and in a short 22 minutes, our little Peanut entered the world. 

I was immediately overcome with emotion and, while I couldn't stop crying, Hadley was completely calm and never made a noise. After being placed on my chest, she looked around the room and cuddled, never crying. The next several hours went by in a blur, and before we knew it, we were moved to a new room and were able to introduce Hadley to her aunt and uncle, cousins and grandparents. 

Our little Peanut was tiny indeed - just over 5 lbs at birth. Due to her size, and being jaundiced, we stayed an extra day in the hospital before being discharged. I will say I was not disappointed by having to stay longer, as our hospital staff was amazing. I am so happy we chose to deliver at Shawnee Mission and I would highly recommend the Birth Center to anyone in the Midwest. One of the perks of delivering at Shawnee Mission is working with Bella Baby Photography. Within the first 24 hours, a photographer comes into the room to take pictures and my amazing in-laws bought the digital file so that we have access to all of the pictures.

HADLEY QUINN WHITTAKER 

1.22.16

7:12 P.M.

5 lbs, 3 oz, 19 3/4 inches 

On Monday January 25th, we were discharged and came home to begin our newest, greatest adventure. My next update (when I can fit it in between feedings) will include all the details of life since coming home....