Saturday, August 25, 2007
Atty's Oldest Friend
Atticus went on his first "play date" today with the little guy who will, later in life, be referred to as his oldest friend: Phineas. Phin was born only a couple of weeks after Atty to our friends Billy and Jackie. And here are the pictures we'll show their girlfriends when they're all getting ready to go to Prom together:
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Complicated
Without the sour, the sweet just isn't as sweet...
Let's go back a bit. After a week of relatively smooth sailing in our new-parenthood, we hit a patch of rough sea. On the Wednesday after Atticus was born, Jodi had an appointment to follow up on her c-section incision and have her staples removed. At that time, she was told that she seemed to have a minor skin infection, and the doctor prescribed some oral antibiotics.
Just a few hours later, I was changing the dressing on the incision, and I noticed a marked increase in drainage and odor. I knew that this was a symptom of infection, but after all, we were told earlier in the day that Jodi had an infection. So, we didn't panic, but we decided to call the office first thing in the morning.
After a frustrating administrative delay, the office asked us to come in, and by late afternoon, we were in with two doctors, and they're telling us that the infection has gotten much worse, and that they are admitting Jodi to the hospital.
To make matters worse, the doctors told us that Jodi would be in the hospital for at least 5-6 days and-- the kicker-- that Atticus would not be able to visit. The thought of a week-long hospital stay was bad enough, but the additional blow of not letting a mother see her week-old newborn was absolutely unbearable. We understood the logic that because Jodi was on a regular adult floor, Atty might be exposed to some germs that his nascent immune system might not be able to handle. On the other hand, if Jodi didn't get to see him, her infection would be the least of her ills.
Fortunately, by the next morning, Jodi's appeals to the powers that be at the hospital had allowed Atty to visit, so we at least had that. Jodi's parents graciously came over from Melbourne to pitch in, so with their help and the help of my parents, we were able to juggle baby duties with hospital visits while all getting a little chance to eat and sleep.
Anyway, on Friday (the 3rd), Jodi had surgery to remove a fairly sizable chunk of infected tissue. Because of the infection, they weren't able to just sew her up after the surgery-- they want her to heal from the inside out. So instead, they hooked her up to this machine that seals off the wound and applies constant suction to the wound to reduce the infection and promote healing.
In addition, she needed to get a semi-permanent IV line so that she could receive IV antibiotics after she went home. This sounds fairly straight-forward, but Jodi's veins did not agree. After trying for three hours on Monday (they don't do them on the weekend, of course) and another three hours on Tuesday, they were unable to install a line. Finally, on Wednesday, they were able to install a port in her chest.
After 6 days in the hospital she was allowed to go home at last. Of course, she still had to go to the doctors office on Thursday, which led to another short trip to the hospital to redo her x-rays. Friday's adventures included her first wound dressing change at home (which is extremely painful and trying).
Jodi's recovery will probably last at least another 6-8 weeks, but at least she's home now, and we're able to really cope as a family.
We'd like to apologize to anyone who we didn't tell what was going on. We felt weird about calling people and telling them what was up, but at the same time we were never home when people called and didn't really have time to call people back. Can you forgive us?
Through all of it, we are just glad that Atticus is doing fine, and that we have such amazing friends and family to help us through life's little complications like this week.
Let's go back a bit. After a week of relatively smooth sailing in our new-parenthood, we hit a patch of rough sea. On the Wednesday after Atticus was born, Jodi had an appointment to follow up on her c-section incision and have her staples removed. At that time, she was told that she seemed to have a minor skin infection, and the doctor prescribed some oral antibiotics.
Just a few hours later, I was changing the dressing on the incision, and I noticed a marked increase in drainage and odor. I knew that this was a symptom of infection, but after all, we were told earlier in the day that Jodi had an infection. So, we didn't panic, but we decided to call the office first thing in the morning.
After a frustrating administrative delay, the office asked us to come in, and by late afternoon, we were in with two doctors, and they're telling us that the infection has gotten much worse, and that they are admitting Jodi to the hospital.
To make matters worse, the doctors told us that Jodi would be in the hospital for at least 5-6 days and-- the kicker-- that Atticus would not be able to visit. The thought of a week-long hospital stay was bad enough, but the additional blow of not letting a mother see her week-old newborn was absolutely unbearable. We understood the logic that because Jodi was on a regular adult floor, Atty might be exposed to some germs that his nascent immune system might not be able to handle. On the other hand, if Jodi didn't get to see him, her infection would be the least of her ills.
Fortunately, by the next morning, Jodi's appeals to the powers that be at the hospital had allowed Atty to visit, so we at least had that. Jodi's parents graciously came over from Melbourne to pitch in, so with their help and the help of my parents, we were able to juggle baby duties with hospital visits while all getting a little chance to eat and sleep.
Anyway, on Friday (the 3rd), Jodi had surgery to remove a fairly sizable chunk of infected tissue. Because of the infection, they weren't able to just sew her up after the surgery-- they want her to heal from the inside out. So instead, they hooked her up to this machine that seals off the wound and applies constant suction to the wound to reduce the infection and promote healing.
In addition, she needed to get a semi-permanent IV line so that she could receive IV antibiotics after she went home. This sounds fairly straight-forward, but Jodi's veins did not agree. After trying for three hours on Monday (they don't do them on the weekend, of course) and another three hours on Tuesday, they were unable to install a line. Finally, on Wednesday, they were able to install a port in her chest.
After 6 days in the hospital she was allowed to go home at last. Of course, she still had to go to the doctors office on Thursday, which led to another short trip to the hospital to redo her x-rays. Friday's adventures included her first wound dressing change at home (which is extremely painful and trying).
Jodi's recovery will probably last at least another 6-8 weeks, but at least she's home now, and we're able to really cope as a family.
We'd like to apologize to anyone who we didn't tell what was going on. We felt weird about calling people and telling them what was up, but at the same time we were never home when people called and didn't really have time to call people back. Can you forgive us?
Through all of it, we are just glad that Atticus is doing fine, and that we have such amazing friends and family to help us through life's little complications like this week.
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Home Sweet Home
Can you believe it? They actually let us take this little miracle home with us. It's truly surreal- we went into the hospital a couple of days ago, and it's all been a blur... and suddenly, we're at home and our lives will never, ever be the same.I cannot express the joy we're feeling and the love we have for this little guy that we have only really known for 3 days. But then, added to that joy, we came home to find that some of our friends and family have been conspiring to clean out Atty's new room, including moving large pieces of furniture, boxing up large quantities of books and even shampooing the carpet.
Here we were thinking how lucky we were to have a healthy, beautiful boy, but then we realized how much our cup just runs over with blessings.
Thanks so much to those of you who have helped us out in so many ways. We love you all, and hope that we can be as much help to you someday.
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Heeeeeerrrrrreeeee's Atty!
I am very, very pleased to announce that Atticus Britt Rothman Failes made it into the world, safe and sound! He was born yesterday, July 25 at 10:36 PM. He was 7lbs, 6oz. and 19 inches long. Mommy and Baby are doing great (he's sleeping on her chest right now, in fact). Thanks for all of the congrats and calls, and we can't wait to introduce him in person!!More updates to follow...
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Who delivers baby storks?
Finally, we have a date: If Jodi doesn't go into labor by Friday, July 27, she'll be induced that morning, so mark your calendars : ) And if you know Jodi (and especially if you know her mom), you know that being able to plan ahead is very important.
Getting that date, however, has been a bit of a roller coaster. About 2 and a half weeks ago, we found out that Atticus was in a breech position (feet-down). At 35 weeks, we were told, there was a very slim chance that he would have room to turn himself around, so... we needed to schedule a cesarian section.
This was not part of our plan. We had read books and seen videos that all agreed that a c-section was not the ideal way to begin a child's life. The natural birth process is very important in getting an infant ready for life on the outside. But... we knew that if he was going to be obstinate, it was the only way to ensure a safe delivery. So we came to terms with it, and even began to look on the bright side: at least Jodi won't have to go through the pain of labor, at least it would be done quickly, and most of all-- we'd have a date.
This week, we went to our regular doctors appointment, and when we walked in, one of the admins gave us a very exciting piece of paper-- we had a date scheduled for the cesarian! But before that fact even sunk in, we were in the exam room with the doctor. She was checking to see if Jodi's cervix is dilated, and she tells us that either this baby has a really hard butt, or... he's turned around.
So we go down the hall to the ultrasound room to confirm the doctor's suspicions, and sure enough-- the little booger had wiggled his little cabeza around into position. So we canceled the cesarian (and gave up our precious date) in favor of an again-possible traditional birth.
Because of Jodi's history of hypertension, the doctors want to minimize the risk of pre-eclampsia. To do that, they suggested we schedule an induction during Jodi's 39th week (hence 7/27). In the meantime, Jodi's on bed rest-- which she is eternally greatful for-- and we're doing what we can to get ready for B-day: installing a car seat, washing and folding clothes and sleeping through the night (at least I am).
We really can't wait because, well, pregnancy sucks. I know having a baby will be no picnic either, but at least then we'll have the upside of actually getting to see, hold and interact with our bundle of joy! Wish us luck!
Getting that date, however, has been a bit of a roller coaster. About 2 and a half weeks ago, we found out that Atticus was in a breech position (feet-down). At 35 weeks, we were told, there was a very slim chance that he would have room to turn himself around, so... we needed to schedule a cesarian section.
This was not part of our plan. We had read books and seen videos that all agreed that a c-section was not the ideal way to begin a child's life. The natural birth process is very important in getting an infant ready for life on the outside. But... we knew that if he was going to be obstinate, it was the only way to ensure a safe delivery. So we came to terms with it, and even began to look on the bright side: at least Jodi won't have to go through the pain of labor, at least it would be done quickly, and most of all-- we'd have a date.
This week, we went to our regular doctors appointment, and when we walked in, one of the admins gave us a very exciting piece of paper-- we had a date scheduled for the cesarian! But before that fact even sunk in, we were in the exam room with the doctor. She was checking to see if Jodi's cervix is dilated, and she tells us that either this baby has a really hard butt, or... he's turned around.
So we go down the hall to the ultrasound room to confirm the doctor's suspicions, and sure enough-- the little booger had wiggled his little cabeza around into position. So we canceled the cesarian (and gave up our precious date) in favor of an again-possible traditional birth.
Because of Jodi's history of hypertension, the doctors want to minimize the risk of pre-eclampsia. To do that, they suggested we schedule an induction during Jodi's 39th week (hence 7/27). In the meantime, Jodi's on bed rest-- which she is eternally greatful for-- and we're doing what we can to get ready for B-day: installing a car seat, washing and folding clothes and sleeping through the night (at least I am).
We really can't wait because, well, pregnancy sucks. I know having a baby will be no picnic either, but at least then we'll have the upside of actually getting to see, hold and interact with our bundle of joy! Wish us luck!
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