6 weeks

Well, I am finding that it is becoming difficult to keep up with the increasing demand for more photos! Every two weeks is apparently not enough for you people :) I don't have as much free time as I used too...funny how that is. And as if caring for an infant doesn't keep me busy enough, I just can't seem to sit still when I do get a chance! Over the past two weeks we've gone to church, the mall, the park, the zoo, the pool, and out to lunch or dinner a few times, too! Hopefully the photos will satisfy the fans for a bit ;)

Our little girl is growing and developing right on schedule. She weighed-in at over 10lbs during her last doctor visit on April 25, and she keeps getting chunkier! She focuses on faces, follows moving objects with her eyes, and has even given us a smile or two this past week. She is sleeping for 4-hour stretches at night, and during the day she finally hangs out in her bouncy chair without crying!

Kealon and Haidyn are officially sharing a room now, as Haidyn has made the move from bassinet to crib. It's working well for now! Kealon hasn't budged when Haidyn fusses or cries in the middle of the night. The only issue is that Kealon doesn't want to go to sleep unless the baby is in there with him, and she doesn't really go down for the night until 10:30pm or so! I'm sure he'll adjust soon.

Kealon is still in love with his sister and wants to be with her ALL THE TIME, but he just can't resist the urge at times to torture her.  We don't know where he gets this, but he gets right up in Haidyn's face and says, "Mr. Mr. Mr. Go-Go!" and "Pumpkin, pumpkin, pumpkin!" He also enjoys trying out all of Haidyn's toys...and apparently her hair bows, as well :) These pictures and stories are going to be great when he gets older!

I have to say THANKS again to Wendy for doing another amazing photo shoot with Haidyn :) If any locals are interested in her services, you can check her out at www.wendyhuriaux.com

One Month Old!

Things have been going well since our return from the hospital. Kealon was very happy when mommy and baby sister were back and things returned to "normal." The day we were discharged, he asked several times, "Mommy, you and Haidyn home now?"

Kealon continues to be a loving big brother, and he is still very curious about babies. One day he was concerned about the fact that Haidyn does not have any teeth. He asked me, "We go to the store and get Haidyn some teeth?" Kealon feels sorry for his little sister because she cannot enjoy treats with him like fruit snacks and cookies! At least he is not trying to sneak things into her mouth--yet.

Kealon is also becoming more comfortable holding the baby. He now likes to lay her on his chest and pat her back--very cute! This week I got a surprise, though, when Kealon picked Haidyn up and carried her across the room. "Here you go, Mommy! She's crying for you!" Surprisingly, he was doing a pretty good job holding her, so I didn't freak out as much as I could have :) I just snatched her up and told him it was dangerous for kids to pick up babies! I'm sure it won't be the last time that happens...

As for Haidyn, she is still doing a lot of sleeping and eating. At her most recent appointment (last Monday) she weighed 8lbs 7.5oz! And she has officially graduated into size 1 diapers :) Her newest thing is crying at night between 7pm and 9pm for about an hour or so. Good times. At least it's not in the early AM hours! We now try to go on walks during her crying time, since the great outdoors is always a sure cure for crying babies.

Our outings over the past week have included Daddy's office and the PwC picnic. Stetson's work picnic at was at "Lupton's Boggy Bottom Ranch". There were pony rides, a train, bouncy houses, clowns, carnival games and lots food! Kealon was in heaven :) He loved playing the carnival games and won a stick horse that makes galloping sounds! He named the horse "Cabbie" and rides it all over the house. I have no idea where the name came from!

I can't wait to see how Haidyn develops over the months to come. The first month seems to go by so slowly; but once it passes, everything else starts happening so quickly! Before we know it, she'll be rolling over, sitting up, crawling, and walking. It's so hard to imagine all of that now...I'm going to enjoy these tiny baby days while I can!

Trip to the ER :(

If you haven't yet heard about our recent hospital visit, here is a summary of the week's events. And for those who have been waiting for the next update, you can just skip to the end!

On Tuesday evening I noticed that Haidyn felt a bit warm and had also noticed during the day that she seemed congested. She ended up having a fever of 101 degrees. The doctor advised us to take her to the ER. So, at around 7:30pm we dropped Kealon off at a friend's house and rushed over to the hospital.
The ER pediatrician told us that because she was so young and had a fever, she would need to be tested for everything...including meningitis! Poor Haidyn had to have several vials of blood taken, as well as undergo a spinal tap. These samples were sent to the lab where they had to be observed for 48-72 hours before we were able to get the most accurate results. We were given "preliminary results" that the most dangerous illnesses had come back negative but were informed that Haidyn would still need to be monitored and receive antibiotics through an IV drip until the most accurate results became available. By 3am, a room had opened up for us in the Pediatric Wing, and we settled in.

On Wednesday afternoon Haidyn's fever broke but she was still congested and very sleepy all day. Another test was done to check for common colds and viruses; thankfully, nothing serious came up. Throughout the day, Stetson and I kept busy with phone calls, sending emails, and we even had a few visitors. Kealon's daycare is right by the hospital, so he spent the day there. Friends kept Kealon busy in the evening and Stetson took him home at night, while I remained at the hospital.

Thursday, the nurses said that Haidyn looked "fantastic!" She was much more awake and alert and her congestion was almost gone. However, we still had to wait for the 48-72 hours to pass before the doctor could be completely sure she was ok and allow us to go home! Nothing new really happened on Thursday--at that point it was just a waiting game.

Now it's Friday morning I am really feeling the effects of sleep deprivation, stress and hospital room confinement! I'm ready to get out here ASAP. The hospital pediatrician just updated us on the status of the blood culture and spinal fluid sample taken late Tuesday night. He said everything looks good in the 48 hour report, so Haidyn can be taken off antibiotics for the remainder of her stay. (She is being treated as if she has meningitis through an IV drip of antibiotics.) BUT she will still have to be monitored for another night to see if the fever returns once off the medication. That means one more night in the hospital for us :( At least the end is in sight...we should be released by Saturday at some point. Tomorrow won't come soon enough!

Thanks for all of the prayers, phonecalls, emails and visits! I would have gone crazy being in here without talking with people to make the days go by faster. We weren't expecting to have to go through this experience with a baby who is still so new to the world. It's nice to have had the support of so many people through her first few weeks of life! We are truly blessed.

2 Weeks Old

We've past the 2 week mark already! Haidyn is doing a great job adapting to life in the outside world. She is still a good sleeper and eater, and I'm hoping the trend continues :) At her last apppointment (a week ago) she was up to 7lbs 2.6 oz! She is still tiny but we can see noticeable changes since we've brought her home. She is really filling out and getting some of those baby fat rolls; her complexion is getting darker and her hair is also getting more wavy--I wonder how curly it will get!

Kealon continues to be a very loving and helpful big brother (how long will this last?). His new sister is still the first thing on his mind when he wakes up and when he comes home from daycare or from an outing with daddy. He has been asking lots of questions--wondering where Haidyn's teeth are, why she is "eating mommy's stomach", and why the baby is sleeping AGAIN! He even sat in the rocker one day, lifted his shirt up, and announced that it was his turn to feed the baby! I'm sure Kealon won't appreciate me sharing that with everyone once he's older :)

Over the past 2 weeks I've really tried to refrain from housework and lifting things other than the baby. It's hard to resist doing the laundry (ha ha), but I've been blessed to have such supportive family and friends around. Stetson has taken on many of the everyday housekeeping tasks and gets Kealon ready for bed and for school, all while juggling work and MBA classes. People from church have been sending meals, which has been a tremendous help--it's so nice to have one less thing to think about! And we've had lots of family and friends visiting who have given me a break from baby duties and some contact with the adult world. THANKS EVERYBODY!

Haidyn's 1st Week at Home

Although it's only been a week, it feels like Haidyn has been with us for much longer! She is such a good baby...so far :) She sleeps for most of the day and night, only cries when getting a diaper change, and has caught on to nursing very easily. I hope all of this continues for the weeks and months to come!

I'm thankful for all the help we've had and the help from friends and family that is on the way! It's making my recovery much easier. I've been feeling good and have been able to get up and around without much soreness since we got home on Sunday. I have been trying to take it easy and rest, but it is very hard! Mee-Mom has been here for the week to cook and help out with the kids. She will be leaving us on Sunday, but Mimi and Pop will be arriving the same day to have their visit with the new addition...and take in some rays by the pool, too!

This week Haidyn had her first doctor appointment. She's a very healthy girl and by Tuesday morning had already added 4oz to her weight since she left the hospital! Mee-mom gave Haidyn her 1st sponge bath, AND we even went on our first outing to the playground on Thursday afternoon to watch big brother play. (I was already restless from being in the house all week.)

That's all for now! I will keep the updates coming when I can :)

Haidyn Eliesse Knight

She is finally here! For those who haven't heard all of the details...Haidyn was born on March 21 at 8:21pm after a long day at Brandon Regional Hospital. We went in at 7:30am and I was receiving pitocin to start the contractions at about 9:30am. At that time I was 1cm dilated. To make a long story short, by 8pm that evening I was had only dilated 2 more cm! The baby's heart rate had been going up and down over the past few hours, to a point where the doctor (and Stetson and I) did not feel comfortable.

Stetson and I decided to have the baby delivered by c-section, and I was quickly whisked away to surgery for preparation. I wasn't nervous or scared--I just wanted Haidyn to be here, healthy and safe! I didn't feel any pain during the surgery, and it seemed like in no time I was able to hear that first cry as Haidyn came into the world. She was 6 lbs 6oz and 19 inches.

Kealon came to the hospital on Saturday morning with "Mee-Mom" (Stetson's mom). He was so excited to see and hold his new sister! He has been asking us lots of questions about the baby and wants to be so helpful. Haidyn has received numerous kisses already from her big brother, and Kealon has done a pretty good job of being quiet and gentle around her...so far!

I'm doing well after the surgery. I was in some pain the next day and night, but by Sunday I was feeling much better. Everything seems to be healing nicely. On Sunday the doctor said we could go home if I felt up to it. By 6pm we were packed up and headed out the hospital doors :) I'm taking my pain meds and trying to stay on the couch and take it easy. Stetson's mom will be here for the week, and then my parents are arriving next weekend, so I should have lots of help at home. Stetson is also able to stay at home AND Kealon gets to keep going to daycare during the days :)

Thank you for all of the thoughts and prayers! I was definitely relaxed and at peace during the labor and with the decisions we made during the whole birth. I will try to keep the pictures coming between nursing, naps, diaper changes and visitors! And for all of you locals...since I will be cooped up in the house for a bit, I really don't mind people stopping by!

Final Update Before Baby?

We have a definite date now--I'll be induced at 7:30am on March 21!!! Does anyone else realize that's THIS FRIDAY? That doesn't give us much more time to prepare, but I'm excited to know that the baby will arrive very soon. The past few weeks have been pretty hectic, and I am ready for all of this to be over!!

Now that I've stopped working and tutoring, I have been able to get a lot done in terms of digging out all of Kealon's baby things from storage and getting them ready for "Round 2." Stetson and Kealon's big job was assembling the crib--Kealon was very excited to help with that. Also, a few friends from church and some neighbors put together a baby shower for me, so I've been very busy sorting out lots of cute little dresses and a mountain of pink and purple onesies! It's amazing to me how generous everyone can be when it comes to babies...it is hard to resist buying all of those tiny clothes, blankets and toys!

So, I think we are about ready at this point. There is always something to scrub and organize, but we've got the main things taken care of! Now I just have to get through the whole birth process...can't she just magically appear in her crib at home??? Wishful thinking :) Keep in mind that when I was induced with Kealon at 7:30am, he didn't decide to make his big appearance until 12 hours later! Everyone say a prayer that Haidyn moves things along a bit more quickly!

BEFORE....


AFTER...(The room's a little tight for two, but we will manage just fine!)

Maternity Photos

        

The big day is getting closer! We are trying to get some things done in the house before little Haidyn Eliesse arrives :) We only have a few weekends left to prepare...maybe I should buy some diapers!

Our friend Wendy generously offered her photography skills and set up a maternity photo shoot for us right in our own backyard! The pictures turned out great--THANKS, WENDY!

32 Week Update

I figured I should take a few belly pictures before I have this baby, so here they are! I had an OB appointment Tuesday and another sonogram today (Wednesday). Unfortunately, I didn't get any pictures this time :( I do have some exciting news, though...

The doctor wants me to be induced at 39 weeks, which would be March 24. Yeah! One week earlier! The reason for this is so I can control the amount of heparin in my body when I go into labor. By scheduling my labor early, I'll be able to take my last shot at a certain time the day before to ensure that the blood thinner is worn off by the time I'm induced. Also, if I want to have the option of getting an epidural, I need to be off of the blood thinner for a few hours. Since I didn't have a pleasant experience being induced with Kealon, I definitely want that option open! So, unless this little girl decides to come earlier, I think March 24 will be the big day.

The sonogram technician told me that the baby is 4.9 lbs right now and has an excellent heart beat of 141 bpm (I guess that's good!). She also said the baby has a lot of hair--that would explain all the heart burn I've been getting :) Isn't that the "old wives tale?"

Another bit of news is that I think we have finally decided on a name--Hayden. We aren't sure of the exact spelling and we haven't come up with a middle name yet, but it's progress!

Enjoy the pics!

Our 1st Outing of 2008

Finally, the deep freeze has loosened its grip on Tampa Bay! I had to get outside today, so the boys and I took a trip to Dinosaur World!! Kealon and Julian had tons of fun walking around and looking at the enormous dino models. There was also a fossil dig (where they got to keep a few fossils each), the Bone Yard (where they pretended to be Paleontologists on a dig), and a playground. It was the perfect outing for the first warm day all week. I know everyone outside of Florida is laughing at what we think was a deep freeze, but it was really cold here for a few days! Stay warm, everyone!

December 2007

The month of December went by so quickly! The major event for us this past month was our 2 week trip to Jamaica. We had a great time visiting with Stetson's family--some of them were meeting Kealon for the very first time! Much of our visit was spent between Montego Bay and the Kingston area visiting with Stetson's mom, dad and sister. We also made a trip out to Elderslie on Christmas day to Stetson's grandmother and grandfather's house for a visit with all of the relatives! Kealon ended up getting sick with an eye, ear, and throat infection and a bit of a stomach bug, too :( But you couldn't tell by the way he was acting--he was very happy and easy going for the entire trip!

As for the new baby...she has really been doing some major moving around this past month! I can now see her making my stomach bump around in every direction. In Jamaica it was very hot, and I had some swelling issues! I couldn't even wear my watch during the entire trip!! I made sure to keep my feet up and drink plenty of liquids while we were there. Funny...everyone else was doing the same thing ;) Of course, by the last few days of the trip my body had adjusted.  And NO, we still have not come up with a name yet!

Another HUGE event was Aunt Katharine's wedding in NJ! We wish her and "Uncle Chuck" all the best as they begin their new life together and continue serving in the US Air Force. We were sorry not to attend the wedding, but we were excited to be able to spend some time with them at our home in Florida when we returned from Jamaica!

Kealon's Christmas Photos

Sonogram Pictures

As most of you know, we are expecting a new addition to our family this spring. The due date is March 31, and from the sonogram pictures we can see that the baby is a girl! I've had 2 sonograms so far (at 16 weeks and 20 weeks). The doctors say that baby is growing and developing normally.
Kealon is excited about having a new baby in the house. He talks to my stomach in a high-pitched voice and asks the baby to come out so he can hold her! We tell him that the baby is growing and will come out when she is big enough. That explanation seems to be good enough for him :)
Stetson felt the baby moving for the first time this week (at 21 weeks). I've been feeling her bumping around in there since about 14 weeks, which was a lot earlier than I was feeling Kealon...I hear that happens after your 1st pregnancy, though!
I'm feeling much better after a long first trimester. This little girl has given me lots of trouble already...from nausea to headaches to a rash on my face! I know it will all be worth it in just a few more months :)
More updates to come...