Dylan Randall Ward

Where to start?

How ironic my previous posting title was? No, evidently the 2nd isn't easier.

About 2am Saturday morning it became apparent that I was in full labor and ready to go to the hospital. We arrived in Joplin at about 3:45am and got checked into Labor and Delivery. I got a spinal block and was ready to push around 7:00am, I think. We pushed for awhile and then realized the block was wearing off and I needed another. Received the second block, my blood pressure dropped and Dylan's heartrate dropped dramatically. The nurse and midwife tried for a few mins to adjust me to get better response. The doctor then came in and explained to me that Dylan's heartrate had dropped and now we needed to do an emergency c-section to get baby out immediately. Off I went to the OR. It was organized chaos as they prepped little and cut quickly.

They took Dylan out quickly although I heard nothing. No crying, etc. Scary. I now know he came out with little life in him. If you know about APGAR scores (which I didn't really know too much before now), his was a 1 out of 10. That's not good. They did have to breath for him b/c he wasn't breathing on his own. They did not have to do chest compression b/c his heartrate stayed above 60 the entire time. Hence the 1 score and not a 0. They showed me Dylan and then ran him to the NICU to work on him thoroughly. They finished me up but had to let me "sleep" to finish - have me tell you that story over some drinks sometime - whacky experience for me. I do NOT recommend ketamine (sp?). :)

The first 24 hours were very grim for Dylan. He responded to little. His eyes were reactive to a flashlight and his EEG (brain activity) showed a weak charge but little else. He had many seizures during the day and they pumped him full of phenobarbitol (sp?). He had a tube to do his breathing for him. The NICU nurse, Kelly, said that she went home Saturday and told herself she wouldn't be sad until tomorrow. The 1st 24 hours can change a lot. Since then, he's shown amazing improvement. They got to remove his breathing tube by Sunday and I got to hold him for the 1st time. They have done a CT scan that showed no lesions and no stroke. A follow up EEG was done on Monday and showed great improvement in brain activity. He's loosened his hands (which were tightly up around his neck and rolled in) and his legs have loosened up some too. The seizures stopped almost completely by Sunday or Monday. He opened his eyes some and cried some too (he really didn't like the oxygen hood they put on him). Today was a big day (Wednesday) b/c he took a whole bottle on his own. They will continue to only do 1 or 2 feedings by bottle until he gets the hang of it. I'm really hoping to be able to actually nurse him sooner than later. Friday they will do an MRI to get a better look at the swelling. I believe that's the biggest question right now, how much swelling is in the brain and did it do damage that is not reversable. So far, he's impressing all the nurses. They are just as thrilled as we are when he makes these seemingly tiny baby steps.

So, what's this mean? It means he's doing much better than was expected on Saturday. It means we won't know completely the long term results until he's probably 2 years old or maybe later. It means he's a fighter and has had a rough life the last few days. We just continue to pray that God will make him whole and help him and us through these next few weeks/months, especially. Craig and I have just been so touched at the outpouring of support and love from everyone. Strangers, friends and family alike. People really are amazing. The nurses and doctors here have been so great and encouraging. I will definitely be posting more about all the support and stories I've heard the last 4 days.

I will continue to post updates on how he's doing. We are being kicked out of the hospital today, but will be staying at the Ronald McDonald house just down the street. We are hoping to be home by next Sat. at the latest. Zach has been staying with his grandparents and having a blast. Although he is a little sad he can't hold Baby Di-Wen (so cute). He gets to look through the outside window at his brother. He's colored pics and we've put up pics of Zach for Dylan to look at too. He misses us and of course, we miss him terribly, but he will be able to stay with us at Ronald McDonald some too. He's being a great big brother so far.

Thank you again for all your support and prayers. Please continue to think of us and I'll continue to update everyone as I know more. I'll attach some pics below of our sweetheart. He's really beautiful if I do say so myself - lots of dark hair (?) and yes, he's huge at 8lbs 11oz - no, I don't know where all that baby was! :)

Isn't the 2nd one suppose to be easier????

"Focus on your long-term goal. Your wish will be granted next year." - My fortune cookie last night

Ever wanted to cry over a fortune cookie? Pregnant women who are 39 weeks and just want to have a baby that minute, do. Next year, really?!?!?

That was last night. We went out for Chinese food b/c another old wives tale that it's suppose to help induce labor. I was having good, consistent, mild contractions all day yesterday and was thinking it could be anytime. I went to bed last night, not feeling much and having the contractions settle to about every 15 mins or so. I went for 2 walks around the neighborhood and was considering a trampoline for awhile. (I'm sure the neighbors were talking about the big preggo lady they haven't met walking around the neighborhood.)

This morning I woke up with some stronger contractions coming about 8 mins apart. I called the doc to just see what protocol was for them. Being an hour away from the hospital makes me a little nervous about getting there on time. They said I could come in and get checked just to see what was going on. So I packed up Zach's things and Craig came home. We took Zach to Grandma's and headed to the doc. Turned out we were too late to be seen before their 1 1/2 lunch break so we ended up shopping/walking around all the stores trying to help things along and waste some time. Of course, as we're on our way to the doc's office, my contractions almost completely stop. I was monitored and examined only to find - NO progress. Back home we went. I rested some this evening and drank some of my tea (which I'm starting to doubt now!). Things seem to start to turn for me at about 5am so I'm hoping tomorrow morning I will have some killer contractions and really be ready to have this baby.

Funny thing, this is EXACTLY how Zach's labor went. 1 day of discomfort, 1 day of a false alarm and then the next day was IT...let's pray it keeps going that way. :) I'm also praying for an easier delivery though. Any help would be appreciated (praying for me that is!)! Can't wait to post pics of this guy...soon.

Update for this week (still 38 weeks)

Well, it's still a "pregnancy" update, so no baby yet...

I went to the doctor on Monday morning. Sunday I had some "signs" that I should be going into labor (according to books I've read) within 24-72 hours. I was a little hopeful that the doctor would see some real progress. There was some progress. I went from 1cm dialated to 2 1/2 cm and from 50% effaced to 75% effaced. (If you don't know what that means, you don't want me to tell you. Just know at time of actual baby delivery you are 10cm and 100%.) So it means there's been some progress by my body but nothing too substantial. I left the doctor's office with another appointment for next Tuesday and the thought that we will schedule an induction on Thursday. Thursday will be my actual, original due date - October 2nd. I NEVER thought in a million years, that I would be making it to my due date. Neither did my doctor. She still is shocked to see me each week. After much consideration, I've decided to just focus on the 2nd and anything sooner than that will be a surprise. He seems to be comfortable and content to stay put where he is. I, however, am not comfortable or content, but am trying to accept things as they are. :) Yes, I'm still drinking my tea and taking some supplements. They are all good things that will only help with labor and I'm finding myself enjoying my tea breaks throughout the day.

Will keep everyone posted as things progress...hopefully! :) I hope you're all enjoying the beautiful fall weather. I'm so happy it's cooled down some and I am enjoying a refreshing change from summer.

The Lengths I'll Go To...

You all know me, so you know that I'm not good with just waiting for things to take their course. I feel I must have something to say about everything, even if it's when a baby is born. HA! God laughs at my self-importance. Today I resorted to some herbal teas. I've done some research and found that Red Raspberry Leaf Tea, Chamoille and Evening Primrose are all herbs/teas that will help your body along with preparing for labor. With that said, it "helps prepare" it doesn't start anything that you're body isn't already doing on it's own.
Off I drove to Joplin, to get my tea, as there's no local place that carries much natural food products. I walk into the store and the guy behind the counter asks if he can help me with anything. I said, "Yes, I'm looking for your teas." He says, "Teas, right. Do you need the Red Raspberry Leaf?" I return with, "Is it that obvious?" He proceeds to ask me when I "WAS" due - not am due - WAS. I said, "Oh no, I'm not due for another 2 weeks." He was shocked. I said, "I know, there's no more room for any more baby to grow in here!"

So here I sit with my cup of tea and hoping for things to progress. Patience, Jill, patience.

Tumble Time

Zach went for his first Tumbling class on Tuesday night. It's a "parent-tot" class so the parent was Craig. This parent wasn't tumbling for anything. It turned out to be succesful evening. He was the only boy and Craig was the only Dad that was participating. (There were other Dad's but they were watching with me on the sidelines.) Both boys did great. Zach had a great time stretching, running and climbing on everything. As the only boy, he was the only one that ran around the gym in circles for about 5 mins. Anything to get out that extra energy is great for me! Especially if I don't have to chase him. I did take a couple of pictures. As he's crawling around like a tiger (one of the activities), I started to take his pic. He turned to me and said "Cheese" and then ran over to the camera to see his picture. I've created a monster! What a ham!



Here's a picture of Zach with one of his future girlfriends. I told him this was the perfect place to meet the ladies.

The pic below he is on one of his 40 laps around the little gym.

38 Week Pregnancy Update

No baby yet. Sigh. The doctor's appointment went well on Tuesday. No more progress, but still healthy and strong baby. She did finally say that we'd talk about scheduling an induction at our appointment next week. She doesn't like to deliver before 39 weeks, so we'll be looking at no earlier than the week after next. I'd love to have him make his own appearance sooner. My parents are mid-move so it will be a challenge for my Mom to get here after he's born. I'm sure she'll find some way to make it to at least hold him before she has to go back and unpack all her belongings in Florida. They have given their blessing for him to come this weekend (which would be great!). Craig's parents are ready and waiting on call for Zach duty when the time comes. :)Time will tell. I will definitely post when we get some pics and deliver this long awaited baby!

Zach has been asking, "Why that baby not come out yet, mommy?" Oh, Zach, if you only knew... Amen, buddy!

37 Week Update

Okay, so now I'm really ready to have this baby and have definitely cursed myself into a long pregnancy. This week's appointment was same as last week's. No more progress...bummer. But baby's heart beat sounded great and I couldn't get any idea of how big this little one might be when he comes out. I'm a wee bit concerned about his head since Zach's was so huge. I guess we'll know when we know. :)

Other than that, we are plugging along on the new house. Craig's been working really hard on cleaning up the outside with weeding and trimming all the ovegrown trees. The people that we bought the house from only lived here about 2 years and we think maybe they didn't do ANY yard work in 2 years. Hence, the crazy overgrown weeds and out of control grass, etc. It has lots of potential b/c the previous owners evidently did some great landscaping (according to Alden our friendly neighbor). (Alden reminds me of what my Dad will be in about 30 years - has a great yard that he's always working on and even composts. He's thrilled that Craig and I are working on the house and yard.) We just have to find those plants that are still around and figure out how to get them to grow again. Since our yard was about 50X50 in Denver, this is our first real experience with yard work. It's proving to be challening and a lot more work than we realized.

I wanted to go ahead and put up some pics for fun. One is of me last weekend. I had Craig take it so I could remember exactly how big I get. I'm still not sure if this pic does it justice - I mean, I'm HUGE right now! :) There's NO more room for this baby. The other pic is of Zach "adjusting" to the new baby coming. This would be the infant car seat we were cleaning up and him with his baby doll watching tv. What is that about "regression"?

36 Week Update

Okay, so I'm heading into the home stretch. I went to the doc yesterday. I've had a bad cold/cough and asked the doc if it was possible to cough out a baby. She reassured me that she's only seen that happen during active labor (which is kind of a funny thought in itself). She did my exam and said maybe I had caused some progress with all the coughing. The baby was way down. I'm dilated 1-2 cm and 50% effaced. So progress is happening. However, it really means nothing. A lot of women have this for weeks before delivering. I didn't have this with Zach but I was on bedrest and meds to keep this from happening. We shall see.
The funny thing is that when the baby drops they call it "lightening". Really!?! Cause it feels LOTS heavier to me, not lighter. However, the blessing is the heartburn is somewhat better and I can breath a little easier too now that the lungs have some room to expand. I'll just count my blessings! Bags are packed and fingers are crossed that he comes sooner than later. I've probably cursed myself to 4 more weeks of pregnancy.

Fish Tales!

Zach caught his first fish today. How fun! We went yesterday and tried to catch something with his new fishing pole, but had little success. In fact, I was the only one that caught a fish. So, today Zach and Dad went to try and prove themselves better fishermen. He called me on the way home to tell me "I caught a fish, mommy!". Craig did an excellent job capturing the moment since I wasn't able to go. This picture might need to be framed. I asked Zach if it was a big fish, he said, "No, it tiny." It was tiny but a catch all the same. :)

Congratulations, Zach on your first big catch!