Where did the summer go? I took maternity leave from work and also from blogging and connecting with many of you! It was a busy time... (I am hijacking MH's blog to document the arrival of his new best friend, his baby sister) Isabelle Margaret arrived June 16 a few days earlier than scheduled...she was anxious to meet us all I guess! We had the best laid plans for her to arrive at exactly 39 weeks via scheduled c section on Thursday June 19. In true "Emma- the planner" style we had arranged care and overnight coverage for Mark Henry, dog walkers and kennels planned, and groceries bought. Then Monday evening, I decided we should probably not wait til Wednesday to move some things around in our room to make room for the bassinet, a recliner and pack and play we planned to use as a changing table.I suggested to Mark we should move some stuff out to make room. I helped him move some things that weren't that heavy and joked "probably shouldnt be doing this, it might put me into labor!" No sooner did I say it and the impending storm began with rain and wind and I started with contractions. This was not the first round of contractions and I chalked it up to Braxton Hicks we had been to L&D twice already and been monitored for these, I really didnt think it was the real deal yet. A few hours passed and Mark said if we have to go let's not wait til MH is in bed and then you need to go. I said I don't think this is it. But then I had to eat my words when 1/2 hour after getting MH to bed the contractions were stronger and closer. I called the dr. knowing she was likely going to send me to the hospital. So we grabbed our bags which were already packed and called the neighbor to come sit with MH and the dogs until Mark's mom could drive over from her house just 30min from ours. I was calm and still not sure this was it...Mark was running around the house in a but of a panic..several times I had to say lets go...meanwhile the neighbor arrived and was amused that I was so chill and Mark was repeating himself about what to do if MH woke up and what about the dogs and his mom etc...He also said Mark go! We arrived at the hospital and got checked in, the plan was to monitor for 1/2 hour and then the dr would make a decision on what to do. Within 10 minutes they could see the contractions were close and getting stronger. The dr. came by and said we are not going to wait to Thursday this baby is coming tonight! Time then seemed to go so slowly, getting me ready and then waiting for an OR shift change at 11pm, I was beginning to wonder if my baby would have a 16th or 17th bday. She arrived right before midnight and was perfect...and little! Just 5 lbs, 6oz, 2 oz shy of the cut off to stay with me and they sent her to special care nursery! I was so thrilled to see her though very drugged up I was frustrated to hear she would have to go to special care, still it wasn't the nicu and the delivering doc said it might only be for 12-24 hours. I sent Mark with her to ensure she was ok and asked him to come back and see me later. It seemed as though I was in recovery for hours, I think it was 2 before I regained feeling my legs and they then wheeled me to see my little Isabelle. She was a tiny peanut and her room so sterile with the same "spaceship" I recall MH being in and she was hooked up to several leads. I was so happy to hold her and see that she was fine. She had been given a bath and fed a bottle and seemed content. It was about 4am I was exhausted so back to my room I went to sleep. The hospital stay was fairly uneventful other than the extremely cautious dr. who insisted Isabelle start gaining weight or not lose more weight before we could take her home. Along with some miscommunications between the two hospitals, she was technically in childrens and I in the adult hosptial and although only a hallway between us and both part of "Mother and baby center" it was not always smooth. I ended up being discharged on Thursday and she had to stay til Friday, I managed to negotiate to stay another night but it was stressful, politics and involved more hospital policies and ignorance than I care to elaborate here and all could have been avoided with better communication. On the positive side, she and I received good care, I probably recovered quicker and left the hosptial with more rest and sleep than most new moms. MH came in on Tuesday afternoon to meet his new sister, no amount of prep could have prepared him for her. We read the "baby is coming" books and talked about and he pointed to my big belly when I asked where his sister was. But it was the moment he saw her and held her that new really understood. He was visibly anxious at the hospital and wanted to see me more than her and did much better once we were home. We had some early tantrums, jealousy and acting out which I was pleased about as it's a typical sibling reaction and shows he is developing normally! Within 2 weeks, he was in love. He is such a sweet big brother, he helps when asked to get a diaper or hand me a blanket for Isabelle. He always keeps and eye on her, first thing when he wakes up he goes to look for her! He wants to hold and kiss her and be with her. It is really quite amazing to see. Occasionaly he steals her binky for attention or cries when she does but overall the transition has gone ok. We had a very busy summer MH was in summer school two days a week, he also participated in horse therapy and he continued PT at courage center. We had a PCA helping us with him which was great. He rode his bike almost everyday and we enjoyed good weather. I was busy taking care of a newborn forgeting how little sleep you get those first 6-8 weeks and so relieved that I didn't have to go to work or think about school and my diploma for my MBA arrived in the mail! In July, we had a get together for some friends, family and neighbors and showed off Isabelle as well as celebrated one year since MH's surgery. He showed off by walking all around and everyone was amazed with his progress! Thanks so much to those that made it and brought such sweet gifts for Isabelle and MH. We also received so many cards and gifts from all over the USA and overseas! We are so thankful for all the love and support! In early August, we had a two day stay at Mayo for follow up appts as it was 1 year since Mark's major surgery! Can you believe it's one year! He has made so much progress and again the drs were amazed. We repeated his gait lab, which consists of placing high tech sensors all over him and then having him walk up and down while being video recorded. We had the final report just days ago and the data revealed even more progress than the drs could see with their eyes. They stated he is one of there most successful outcomes! Currently minimal orthopedic concerns. He does have one hip they are watching as well as while he grows and walks more, will his femurs rotate and will he need any surgical intervention down the road? only time will tell...but we hope not! Mid-August, we flew to South Carolina to visit my parents for a week, unfortunately a few days before the trip MH fell on the playground at school and hurt his leg/ foot. 2 xrays and PT and dr consults revealed a possible fracture, so we were to limit his walking- right! The good thing was that he self limited and fell in love with golf cart rides and we must have logged 5 miles a day riding around the neighborhood on golf carts! The weather was very hot and humid but we made it to the pool early most days to beat the heat and found other ways to keep cool. The time went by so quickly and before we knew it we were back on a plane home. We then only had a week or so to get ready for school. Mark started Kindergarten with no crutches and within days was sick with a bad cold, he ended up being out an entire week! Hopefully his immunity is building back up and we are getting into a routine. I went back to work the week after he started school and struggled thru the first days getting over the same nasty cold. Isabelle gave daddy a run for his money while she adjusted to mom and her milk supply being gone all day! Daddy wanted to sign her up for daycare after 2 days of screaming but giving it a few more days proved every little girl is daddy's little girl and in true form they have bonded. This week I came home one evening and she gave me the cold shoulder and didnt wan't me to hold her or feed her...she wanted Dad! All in all it has been a lot of change and transition for everyone these last few months and weeks but we are thrilled to be a family of 4 and doing well! Hope everyone had a great summer and enjoys the cool fall weather, we are looking forward to apple picking, hay rides and pumpkins! before the S--- begins, I cant bear to say the word as once it starts falling here we are in for atleast 6 months of winter : (!
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