We were released from the hospital on Tuesday afternoon and home by 5pm.
The wheaties were in full on curiousity mode as the "belly puppy" was now home. The first night was exhausting, so was the second night. Matheson had his first visit with Dr Penn. He has been Tristan's pediatrician for 10 years now. Nick liked the Dr as I knew he would. Dr Penn is older and has a Mr Rogers vibe. Very im
On Thursday, Dr Penn called with his billirubin results and it was higher than anticipated, so he instructed us to go to Texas Children's Hospital and have it re-tested with rapid results to see if it had gone down any. We left right away and ended up admitted for 12 hours of photolight therapy. That night was super hard as we didn't anticipate spending the night in another hospital. Also, do you know how hard it is when your baby cries, not to pick him up to comfort him? Very hard. We could only remove Matty from under the lights for quick feedings every 3 hours. Nick and I took shifts. One would sleep, the other would watch to make sure his neoglasses stayed on and give him his binky when he cried. He was released the next morning when the blood test showed his levels had gone from 18.4 to 14.2.
Saturday, I was starting to feel like myself again and even decorated the front yard with Halloween decorations. Nick and I were getting into a groove of feedings and naps. He was getting more and more comfortable being a dad. I love that man more than he will ever know. Watching him care for our son and for me has given me a since of calm and security that I did not have with Tristan.
Monday was our follow-up visit with Dr Penn. Matheson is doing great! More bloodwork to make sure the levels were continuing to go down. Now at a 12.
Tuesday morning, today, I was on my own for the first time as Nick returned to work. I was sad he only got one week of paternity leave and 4 days of that was spent in hospitals.
I brought Matty to get his newborn photos taken with Bri Sullivan in The Woodlands. We needed to be there at 8am. He was PERFECT during his photoshoot. A complete natural and I can't wait to see the photos in 3 weeks. These will be used for our Christmas card, so I won't be posting on social media just yet.
Monday, October 8, 2018
Thursday, October 4, 2018
Birth story! Matheson is here!
Matheson Paul Norstrom
10/1/18 Born 1:37am
6lbs 13oz 19" long
36 weeks gestation
Today is October 4, 2018.
I type this from my home office while Matheson is currently dreaming away in his Mamaroo swing a few feet away from me. We had his first pediatrician visit today as he is showing signs of jaundice. Bloodwork was done and we were instructed to go outside or keep him close to a sunny window for vitamin D.
Saturday, September 29
My birth story starts on Saturday. At 11:45am, I needed to bring my 24 hour urine collection to the hospital and be observed for the 1-2 hours that it took to get the urine results. My last collection 4 weeks prior had me at 275 and 300 was the cutoff for pre-eclampsia. As my blood pressure continued to rise, headaches that couldn't be resolved with Tylenol and I had a feeling that I would end up with pre-e and be admitted. I packed the remaining items in my carry on bag and loaded into the car. Nick and Tristan stayed home as I was just supposed to be gone a short amount of time.
Fast forward a few hours, after being observed in L&D and I did indeed delevop pre-eclampsia and the on call doctor wanted to move forward with an induction THAT NIGHT. I signed admittance forms via an ipad and was quickly moved to another room. Nick brought Tristan to my moms and made arrangements for the dogs and then headed to the hospital.
I was given Cervidil, which was in a tampon form to be inserted for 12 hours. I received it at 6:43pm on 9/29. It was to be removed the following morning. I was also started on a bolis of 4mg of magnesium at 10pm for 30 minutes and then 2mg every hour there after until I delivered. Never in my life have I experienced such an awful feeling from a medication. My whole body flushed and felt hot, the IV felt like pure fire entering my veins. I needed an ice pack just on the IV port. The nurse dropped the AC in the room and everyone froze while I felt my body be on fire. It also caused flu like symptoms. In other words, I was miserable.
Sunday, September 30
Once the Cervidil was removed at 6am, I was allowed to shower and put on my hospital gown that I brought. Pitocin was started at 8am that Sunday. I was still only 1cm dilated after the cervidil. The contractions started pretty soon after the Pitocin and I was given an epidural at 11:30am.
The epidural was traumatic. Not at all like I experienced with Tristan. Last time, I remember there being a burning sensation that quickly resolved. This time, there was pain and burning and I couldn't stay still to have it inserted. I was having contractions and my blood sugar dropped very low, which caused me to be extremely emotional. I held the nurse, Elizabeth and cried as the anesthesiologist tried multiple times to insert, which caused more pain each time. Once done, I still couldn't stop crying. Nick was not allowed to be in the room during this and now I understand why partners aren't allowed as my pain and distress would have certainly caused him to get upset.
I got relief pretty quickly from contraction pain and the need to urinate, but the magnesium feeling of awfulness never went away. I dilated slowly. Each check, I was still only 2cm. The nurse would move me in different positions from side to side to using a peanut birthing ball every 30 minutes. Nothing. Still not dilated anymore. Shift change at 7pm and I received another nurse, Cynthia. Both Nick and I loved Elizabeth and didn't want her to leave. I need to bring her cookies or something because she truly went above and beyond. Every other nurse asked me what I needed, Elizabeth anticipated my needs when I didn't even know what they were like bringing me a popcicle when I hadn't eaten since the night before or trying to figure out with Nick how the Amazon Firestick worked on the TV. She was simply amazing.
After each cervical check, my Pitocin was increased. By the time I was ready to push, the Pitocin drip was already maxed out at 30. The maxed doses caused intense contractions that started nausea and the shakes. I threw up several times back to back and needed to be put on something stronger than Zofron. I don't remember the name, but it finally took away the need to puke. I was also using the button to release more numbing medication into my epidural. I was at 7cm when all this was occuring and I was started to get delusional that I would actually succeed in having a vaginal delivery. I hung in there.
Monday, October 1st.
I was in labor for over 30 hours at this point. In the wee hours of the morning on the first day of October, I was finally dilated to 9.5 and the need to push was also layered with the need to poop! Matheson was engaged in my birth canal for awhile putting pressure on my rectum. Pure agony even with epidural. I begged for the nurses to just let me push. The doctor on call, Dr Macintosh agreed to let me start pushing. It felt surreal at that point as the overhead lights were turned on and here I was spread eagle naked for all to see and I just didn't care. I pushed once and the doctor stated she could see his head and it would happen very quickly. The dynamics changed as the doctor changed into her birthing gown and we started again. I pushed for less than five minutes before Matheson made his way into the world! I felt no pain during the active part of pushing. At 1:37am, he was put on my chest covered in amnotic goo and I was so in love with that face! Matheson was very alert and looking at me while the nurses cleaned him up. He was then whisked away to the warmer. He was crying, but more like singing, so he was taken to the nursery for a quick one over to make sure he was breathing properly. He was breathing normally and was brought back a few minutes later. His APGAR score was 8/9, so pure healthy perfection!
I ended up with a second degree internal tear. Dr Macintosh stitched me up while Matheson was in the warmer. She stated it was "not an impressive tear", which made me chuckle as to make sure I didn't overplay my battle ground labor story. Insert eye roll
After everything I went through with IVF, my baby boy was finally here. It was such a beautiful and emotional moment to realize that we made it. We survived infertility and were now parents to a healthy boy that shares the same birth day as his dad and brother, the first. A date that truly won't be forgotten.
I was moved to an antepartum room about an hour after delivery as I still needed magesium for 24 hours after delivery. I was not happy about this, but at least the dosage was lowered to 1mg during that time. I wanted an upgraded suite, but couldn't get one due to still needing care myself.
We were released to go home the next day about 4pm. It was a worldwind of people coming in and out of our room. I had a nurse and he had his own baby nurse. He needed a hearing check, a jaundice check, a circumcision and car seat check. The car seat check was only for babies born before 37 weeks. He needed to maintain his oxygen levels during a 90 minute session in the seat. He failed twice that evening and had to have it again the following morning, when he did pass. We were so ready to go at that point and were just hoping everything was ok.
I was so glad to finally get out of that hospital and to our own home. We did it!
I had the nurse use a rainbow inkpad for Matheson's footprints. I never want to forget the twins we lost before that made him possible.
10/1/18 Born 1:37am
6lbs 13oz 19" long
36 weeks gestation
Today is October 4, 2018.
I type this from my home office while Matheson is currently dreaming away in his Mamaroo swing a few feet away from me. We had his first pediatrician visit today as he is showing signs of jaundice. Bloodwork was done and we were instructed to go outside or keep him close to a sunny window for vitamin D.
Saturday, September 29
My birth story starts on Saturday. At 11:45am, I needed to bring my 24 hour urine collection to the hospital and be observed for the 1-2 hours that it took to get the urine results. My last collection 4 weeks prior had me at 275 and 300 was the cutoff for pre-eclampsia. As my blood pressure continued to rise, headaches that couldn't be resolved with Tylenol and I had a feeling that I would end up with pre-e and be admitted. I packed the remaining items in my carry on bag and loaded into the car. Nick and Tristan stayed home as I was just supposed to be gone a short amount of time.
Fast forward a few hours, after being observed in L&D and I did indeed delevop pre-eclampsia and the on call doctor wanted to move forward with an induction THAT NIGHT. I signed admittance forms via an ipad and was quickly moved to another room. Nick brought Tristan to my moms and made arrangements for the dogs and then headed to the hospital.
I was given Cervidil, which was in a tampon form to be inserted for 12 hours. I received it at 6:43pm on 9/29. It was to be removed the following morning. I was also started on a bolis of 4mg of magnesium at 10pm for 30 minutes and then 2mg every hour there after until I delivered. Never in my life have I experienced such an awful feeling from a medication. My whole body flushed and felt hot, the IV felt like pure fire entering my veins. I needed an ice pack just on the IV port. The nurse dropped the AC in the room and everyone froze while I felt my body be on fire. It also caused flu like symptoms. In other words, I was miserable.
Sunday, September 30
Once the Cervidil was removed at 6am, I was allowed to shower and put on my hospital gown that I brought. Pitocin was started at 8am that Sunday. I was still only 1cm dilated after the cervidil. The contractions started pretty soon after the Pitocin and I was given an epidural at 11:30am.
The epidural was traumatic. Not at all like I experienced with Tristan. Last time, I remember there being a burning sensation that quickly resolved. This time, there was pain and burning and I couldn't stay still to have it inserted. I was having contractions and my blood sugar dropped very low, which caused me to be extremely emotional. I held the nurse, Elizabeth and cried as the anesthesiologist tried multiple times to insert, which caused more pain each time. Once done, I still couldn't stop crying. Nick was not allowed to be in the room during this and now I understand why partners aren't allowed as my pain and distress would have certainly caused him to get upset.
I got relief pretty quickly from contraction pain and the need to urinate, but the magnesium feeling of awfulness never went away. I dilated slowly. Each check, I was still only 2cm. The nurse would move me in different positions from side to side to using a peanut birthing ball every 30 minutes. Nothing. Still not dilated anymore. Shift change at 7pm and I received another nurse, Cynthia. Both Nick and I loved Elizabeth and didn't want her to leave. I need to bring her cookies or something because she truly went above and beyond. Every other nurse asked me what I needed, Elizabeth anticipated my needs when I didn't even know what they were like bringing me a popcicle when I hadn't eaten since the night before or trying to figure out with Nick how the Amazon Firestick worked on the TV. She was simply amazing.
After each cervical check, my Pitocin was increased. By the time I was ready to push, the Pitocin drip was already maxed out at 30. The maxed doses caused intense contractions that started nausea and the shakes. I threw up several times back to back and needed to be put on something stronger than Zofron. I don't remember the name, but it finally took away the need to puke. I was also using the button to release more numbing medication into my epidural. I was at 7cm when all this was occuring and I was started to get delusional that I would actually succeed in having a vaginal delivery. I hung in there.
Monday, October 1st.
I was in labor for over 30 hours at this point. In the wee hours of the morning on the first day of October, I was finally dilated to 9.5 and the need to push was also layered with the need to poop! Matheson was engaged in my birth canal for awhile putting pressure on my rectum. Pure agony even with epidural. I begged for the nurses to just let me push. The doctor on call, Dr Macintosh agreed to let me start pushing. It felt surreal at that point as the overhead lights were turned on and here I was spread eagle naked for all to see and I just didn't care. I pushed once and the doctor stated she could see his head and it would happen very quickly. The dynamics changed as the doctor changed into her birthing gown and we started again. I pushed for less than five minutes before Matheson made his way into the world! I felt no pain during the active part of pushing. At 1:37am, he was put on my chest covered in amnotic goo and I was so in love with that face! Matheson was very alert and looking at me while the nurses cleaned him up. He was then whisked away to the warmer. He was crying, but more like singing, so he was taken to the nursery for a quick one over to make sure he was breathing properly. He was breathing normally and was brought back a few minutes later. His APGAR score was 8/9, so pure healthy perfection!
I ended up with a second degree internal tear. Dr Macintosh stitched me up while Matheson was in the warmer. She stated it was "not an impressive tear", which made me chuckle as to make sure I didn't overplay my battle ground labor story. Insert eye roll
After everything I went through with IVF, my baby boy was finally here. It was such a beautiful and emotional moment to realize that we made it. We survived infertility and were now parents to a healthy boy that shares the same birth day as his dad and brother, the first. A date that truly won't be forgotten.
I was moved to an antepartum room about an hour after delivery as I still needed magesium for 24 hours after delivery. I was not happy about this, but at least the dosage was lowered to 1mg during that time. I wanted an upgraded suite, but couldn't get one due to still needing care myself.
We were released to go home the next day about 4pm. It was a worldwind of people coming in and out of our room. I had a nurse and he had his own baby nurse. He needed a hearing check, a jaundice check, a circumcision and car seat check. The car seat check was only for babies born before 37 weeks. He needed to maintain his oxygen levels during a 90 minute session in the seat. He failed twice that evening and had to have it again the following morning, when he did pass. We were so ready to go at that point and were just hoping everything was ok.
I was so glad to finally get out of that hospital and to our own home. We did it!
I had the nurse use a rainbow inkpad for Matheson's footprints. I never want to forget the twins we lost before that made him possible.
"Rainbow Babies is the understanding that the beauty of a rainbow does not negate the ravages of the storm. When a rainbow appears, it doesn't mean the storm never happened or that the family is not still dealing with its aftermath. What it means is that something beautiful and full of light has appeared in the midst of the darkness and clouds. Storm clouds may still hover but the rainbow provides a counterbalance of color, energy, and hope.” - Unknown
Thursday, September 27, 2018
35w4d
Only 12 more days until induction. One more doctor's appointment after today. Why does it still seem soooo far away?
Good news is baby boy is measuring 6.5lbs (65% percentile), which isn't bad for a mom with gestational diabetes. He still looks healthy and perfect on the ultrasound. And O MY the hair that is on his head is LONG. He is literally going to come out needing a haircut. I look at Nick and love all that luscious hair that he has and can't help but think this little boy will look just like his dad. It makes me smile.
I am 1cm dilated and my cervix is soft. Yay! My body is getting ready for labor. I wonder if the Labor Prep tea or the acupuncture can be thanked for moving things along? Either way, I will continue to do both.
My insulin is being increased again to 22 units AM and 26 units PM. I am so tired of finger pricks and watching what I eat. I have been getting daily headaches for the last week. This could be a symptom of pre-clampsia, so if I get another one, I am to go to the hospital for observation. Ugh.
I also need to do another 24 hour urine collection and bring to the hospital Saturday rather than waiting for Monday. I will be observed while waiting for the results. This will be the *3rd* time that I have done a collection. Last time my protein results was 275. 300 is the cutoff. I have a headache while I type this. I am just going to wait until Saturday morning because I will just have to stay in the hospital overnight and do the urine collection and I would rather be in my own home.
12 more days....
Good news is baby boy is measuring 6.5lbs (65% percentile), which isn't bad for a mom with gestational diabetes. He still looks healthy and perfect on the ultrasound. And O MY the hair that is on his head is LONG. He is literally going to come out needing a haircut. I look at Nick and love all that luscious hair that he has and can't help but think this little boy will look just like his dad. It makes me smile.
I am 1cm dilated and my cervix is soft. Yay! My body is getting ready for labor. I wonder if the Labor Prep tea or the acupuncture can be thanked for moving things along? Either way, I will continue to do both.
My insulin is being increased again to 22 units AM and 26 units PM. I am so tired of finger pricks and watching what I eat. I have been getting daily headaches for the last week. This could be a symptom of pre-clampsia, so if I get another one, I am to go to the hospital for observation. Ugh.
I also need to do another 24 hour urine collection and bring to the hospital Saturday rather than waiting for Monday. I will be observed while waiting for the results. This will be the *3rd* time that I have done a collection. Last time my protein results was 275. 300 is the cutoff. I have a headache while I type this. I am just going to wait until Saturday morning because I will just have to stay in the hospital overnight and do the urine collection and I would rather be in my own home.
12 more days....
Tuesday, September 25, 2018
Acupuncture, mucus plug
I had acupuncture yesterday to start prepping for an easier induction.
It did something as I was up all night with contractions that weren't regular, back pain and peeing every 30 minutes. Then this morning, a piece of mucus plug came out. With Tristan, I lost my mucus plug in pieces and my water broke 3 days later.
Very exciting! I can't wait to meet Matheson!
It did something as I was up all night with contractions that weren't regular, back pain and peeing every 30 minutes. Then this morning, a piece of mucus plug came out. With Tristan, I lost my mucus plug in pieces and my water broke 3 days later.
Very exciting! I can't wait to meet Matheson!
Thursday, September 20, 2018
34w4d - Induction date scheduled!
At my weekly visit today, my blood pressure was still high even being on BP medication. Dr Kelly decided to move forward with my induction at 37 weeks on 10/9/18! I will arrive to the hospital on Monday, 10/8 to start cervidil to soften my cervix overnight.
My blood sugars still have been high the last week and my insulin was increased again. 18 units in the AM and 22 units in the PM
The ultrasound showed that Matheson had finally flipped and was now head down. I hope to avoid a c-section, but that also depends on how big he gets too. Next week, there will be a growth scan.
To insure that my induction goes smoothly, since I will be only 37 weeks, I made an appointment with my acupunturist and started drinking red raspberry leaf tea today.
2.5 weeks left and OMG, I am so excited to meet this little boy!
We were able to get a glimpse of his sweet face on the ultrasound and baby boy has tons of hair already and chunky cheeks. I just know he is going to be adorable!
My blood sugars still have been high the last week and my insulin was increased again. 18 units in the AM and 22 units in the PM
The ultrasound showed that Matheson had finally flipped and was now head down. I hope to avoid a c-section, but that also depends on how big he gets too. Next week, there will be a growth scan.
To insure that my induction goes smoothly, since I will be only 37 weeks, I made an appointment with my acupunturist and started drinking red raspberry leaf tea today.
2.5 weeks left and OMG, I am so excited to meet this little boy!
We were able to get a glimpse of his sweet face on the ultrasound and baby boy has tons of hair already and chunky cheeks. I just know he is going to be adorable!
Saturday, September 15, 2018
33w4d
My fluid level looked good this week. Up to 12 from 8 last week. My insulin was increased again as I can't seem to keep my numbers in the normal range. Weekly visits from now on and still thinking I will be induced at 37w, although nothing has been booked yet.
These are my sugar levels since starting insulin. I am sooo over pricking my finger 4x per day.
| Date | Fasting | Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner |
| Started 10 units PM | ||||
| 8/31/2018 | 124 | 109 | 114 | 171 |
| 9/1/2018 | 132 | 98 | 140 | 103 |
| 9/2/2018 | 114 | 141 | 108 | 133 |
| 9/3/2018 | 116 | 108 | 163 | 149 |
| 9/4/2018 | 121 | 84 | n/a | 126 |
| 9/5/2018 | 104 | 146 | 122 | 140 |
| 9/6/2018 | 117 | 113 | 130 | 156 |
| Increased to 10 units AM/ 12 units PM | ||||
| 9/7/2018 | 122 | 96 | 143 | 140 |
| 9/8/2018 | 111 | 137 | 163 | 172 |
| 9/9/2018 | 111 | 117 | 122 | 147 |
| 9/10/2018 | 119 | 199 | 147 | 138 |
| 9/11/2018 | 99 | 94 | 177 | 123 |
| 9/12/2018 | 103 | 149 | n/a | 162 |
| Increased to 14 units AM/ 18 units PM | ||||
| 9/13/2018 | 118 | 120 | 120 | 193 |
| 9/14/2018 | 105 | 115 | 130 | |
| 9/15/2018 | 100 | 124 | ||
Wednesday, September 5, 2018
Emotional morning for no reason
32w3d
I am super emotional this morning. I took a shower and was completely wiped out that I needed to lay on our bed for 20 minutes to rest.
I pricked my finger 2 hours after breakfast and it was high at 146.... I ate the same breakfast as yesterday, a hard boiled egg and a bowl of Cheerios (1 carb+1 protein). Yesterday's reading was 82. I am just so over all of this and have been crying for the past 20 minutes. And I feel bad for feeling bad! Nick is at work, Tristan is at school. The house is clean and I have no where I need to be. I am grateful to be pregnant and not working. I think I just want to feel like me again. End rant.
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