Monday, October 31, 2011
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Asher's Birth Announcement
Baby Love Blue Birth Announcement
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Friday, September 23, 2011
Welcome Asher Jaxon Tripp... a little earlier than expected!!
On September 13th, Richie and I went to my regular scheduled OB appointment. As soon as my OB/GYN saw my swollen feet, she said "It looks like you are going to the hospital." We immediately went over to the hospital where I was monitored for a few hours for preeclampsia. It was decided that my condition was severe and they would take the baby by C-section that day.
This is a picture of Richie and I before they took me to the operating room.
So, it turns out that Asher, who was due on October 5th, made his debut on September 13, 2011 at 6:20 p.m. He weighed 6lbs 5oz and was 19 1/4 inches long. HERE HE IS!!!!
Asher was born at 36 weeks and 6 days, just shy of 37 weeks gestation. We knew he was early, but we did not realize he would be considered preterm. The definition of preterm is the birth of a baby less than 37 weeks. After all, Asher was only one day shy of that!! But, as soon as he was born, they noticed he was grunting, which indicated he was having some problems breathing. They took him to the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) and he was placed on a CPAP machine, which is a type of breathing therapy. A CPAP is just an aid… it was not doing the breathing for Asher, it was simply making it easier for him to breathe. A friend of mine who has experienced this before likened it to a balloon... Asher’s lungs were like a new balloon that didn’t yet have a lot of elasticity (like a new balloon you try blowing up), so he had to work a little harder at getting his lungs inflated. The CPAP was just giving him a little assistance by keeping his lungs a little more inflated so he didn’t have to work as hard at re-inflating them every time he took a breath. Below is a picture of Asher on the CPAP machine. It is the tube you see coming from his nose and going around his head.
The below picture is the first time I was able to see Asher, which was about 12 hours after surgery. It was so hard seeing him with all of the tubes and wires attached to him. They told me I couldn't hold him, that I could only place my hands on him. No rubbing, patting, or anything that would stimulate him. They wanted him to stay calm in order to keep his breathing steady and even. He breaths were at 130 per minute and they said he needed to be below 60.
He was only on the CPAP machine one day before it was taken off and replaced with a nasal cannula.
And he was only on the nasal cannula for one day when he was taken off of oxygen completely. By September 16th he had learned how to breathe on his own with no assistance. His feeding tube was then moved from his mouth to his nose, which is the tube you see taped beneath his nose in the picture below. He was also being given necessary nutrients and fatty lipids through an IV, which is why his hand is taped to the board.
We felt he was progressing so well, but it was at this point that he started having digestive issues. We tried him on formula and on breast milk, but Asher's tummy was not digesting the food he was eating. The doctor ordered a blood test and x-ray, but everything appeared okay. We were told that his stomach was probably just not mature enough yet to know how to digest his food. He was tried at 3, 7, 10, and 12 ml every three hours, before they just stopped feeding altogether. If you are familiar with measurements, which I am not, then you know that there are 30 ml in 1 oz. So you see the very small amount he was being given. They gave his tummy a break and then started him on a special formula. Thankfully he has responded well to this one. (We are still hoping to re-introduce breast milk at some point.) He was started at 12, then 16, 18 and is now at 20 ml every three hours. He has been progressing so well for the last three days. Asher has now been in NICU for 10 days, two of which were spent under the bilirubin lights because of jaundice.
It is wonderful to see Asher progressing in the right direction and he will hopefully get to come home soon. His big brother is so anxious to meet him. Aiden has only gotten to see Asher through the NICU nursery window. Even though it has been rough on all of us, we feel incredibly blessed to see Asher doing so well at this point. And we are so, so thankful for all of the thoughts and prayers being sent our way. I will continue to update you all as we go along, but hopefully soon I will be posting a blog titled "Asher Comes Home!"
We love you sweet baby Asher! You are such a little trooper and we can't imagine our lives now without you!
This is a picture of Richie and I before they took me to the operating room.
So, it turns out that Asher, who was due on October 5th, made his debut on September 13, 2011 at 6:20 p.m. He weighed 6lbs 5oz and was 19 1/4 inches long. HERE HE IS!!!!
Asher was born at 36 weeks and 6 days, just shy of 37 weeks gestation. We knew he was early, but we did not realize he would be considered preterm. The definition of preterm is the birth of a baby less than 37 weeks. After all, Asher was only one day shy of that!! But, as soon as he was born, they noticed he was grunting, which indicated he was having some problems breathing. They took him to the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) and he was placed on a CPAP machine, which is a type of breathing therapy. A CPAP is just an aid… it was not doing the breathing for Asher, it was simply making it easier for him to breathe. A friend of mine who has experienced this before likened it to a balloon... Asher’s lungs were like a new balloon that didn’t yet have a lot of elasticity (like a new balloon you try blowing up), so he had to work a little harder at getting his lungs inflated. The CPAP was just giving him a little assistance by keeping his lungs a little more inflated so he didn’t have to work as hard at re-inflating them every time he took a breath. Below is a picture of Asher on the CPAP machine. It is the tube you see coming from his nose and going around his head.
The below picture is the first time I was able to see Asher, which was about 12 hours after surgery. It was so hard seeing him with all of the tubes and wires attached to him. They told me I couldn't hold him, that I could only place my hands on him. No rubbing, patting, or anything that would stimulate him. They wanted him to stay calm in order to keep his breathing steady and even. He breaths were at 130 per minute and they said he needed to be below 60.
He was only on the CPAP machine one day before it was taken off and replaced with a nasal cannula.
And he was only on the nasal cannula for one day when he was taken off of oxygen completely. By September 16th he had learned how to breathe on his own with no assistance. His feeding tube was then moved from his mouth to his nose, which is the tube you see taped beneath his nose in the picture below. He was also being given necessary nutrients and fatty lipids through an IV, which is why his hand is taped to the board.
We felt he was progressing so well, but it was at this point that he started having digestive issues. We tried him on formula and on breast milk, but Asher's tummy was not digesting the food he was eating. The doctor ordered a blood test and x-ray, but everything appeared okay. We were told that his stomach was probably just not mature enough yet to know how to digest his food. He was tried at 3, 7, 10, and 12 ml every three hours, before they just stopped feeding altogether. If you are familiar with measurements, which I am not, then you know that there are 30 ml in 1 oz. So you see the very small amount he was being given. They gave his tummy a break and then started him on a special formula. Thankfully he has responded well to this one. (We are still hoping to re-introduce breast milk at some point.) He was started at 12, then 16, 18 and is now at 20 ml every three hours. He has been progressing so well for the last three days. Asher has now been in NICU for 10 days, two of which were spent under the bilirubin lights because of jaundice.
It is wonderful to see Asher progressing in the right direction and he will hopefully get to come home soon. His big brother is so anxious to meet him. Aiden has only gotten to see Asher through the NICU nursery window. Even though it has been rough on all of us, we feel incredibly blessed to see Asher doing so well at this point. And we are so, so thankful for all of the thoughts and prayers being sent our way. I will continue to update you all as we go along, but hopefully soon I will be posting a blog titled "Asher Comes Home!"
We love you sweet baby Asher! You are such a little trooper and we can't imagine our lives now without you!
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
I Love Heather Thompson Photography!
I just wanted to take a moment and give a quick shout out to one of my best friends Heather Thompson, who does photography on the side. This woman is insanely creative and talented, and photography is just one of her many passions! Her pictures are absolutely gorgeous and we are lucky enough that she has been willing to shoot our family photos the last few years in a row. You can follow her blog here: http://www.johnandheatherthompson.blogspot.com/.
Below are some samples of her work...
September 2011
November 2010
November 2009
September 2009
June 2009
October 2008 (There were so many I loved from this shoot, I couldn't decide on just one!)
Thank you Heather for capturing some beautiful photos of my little family!! LOVE YOU!!
Below are some samples of her work...
September 2011
November 2010
November 2009
September 2009
June 2009
October 2008 (There were so many I loved from this shoot, I couldn't decide on just one!)
Thank you Heather for capturing some beautiful photos of my little family!! LOVE YOU!!
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Baby on the way!
Our baby boy will soon be here... I am 35 weeks pregnant and we found out yesterday that my doctor wants to schedule a c-section. She is worried that I will not be able to deliver him the "natural" way, due to a problem with my cervix. This really scared me! We have experienced some medical issues throughout this pregnancy, but I was not expecting this! However, at least the baby is healthy and doing well, and for that I am thankful. I keep telling myself that women have c-sections every day, and I am certainly not the first. I just pray that everything goes smoothly. So, besides my anxiety about the procedure, it has just hit me that I have four weeks to prepare for Asher's arrival! YIKES! Most of our baby gear has been bought, but the nursery has not been set up yet. Everything is still in bags and boxes! Ugh! We are decorating his nursery in vintage baseball and a very dear friend is making our custom baby bedding for us. Thankfully, I have two of the bestest friends in the world who recently threw me a baby shower and we received some much needed items! Below are a couple of pics from the shower...
Me and my two besties! (Kim on the left, Heather on the right)
Me and my momma...
The adorable diaper cake that Heather made! (This gives you an idea of what the nursery will look like!)
A big, big THANK YOU to Kim and Heather for throwing the shower, to Florence for making our baby beddng, to all of our friends and family, especially mom and dad, who have "showered" us with gifts, to my husband who gives me a foot rub every night, and to my 6 year old son, Aiden, who is going to be the best big brother any little boy could ask for! We can't wait to meet you ASHER JAXON TRIPP! You are so dearly loved by so many people already!
Me and my two besties! (Kim on the left, Heather on the right)
Me and my momma...
The adorable diaper cake that Heather made! (This gives you an idea of what the nursery will look like!)
A big, big THANK YOU to Kim and Heather for throwing the shower, to Florence for making our baby beddng, to all of our friends and family, especially mom and dad, who have "showered" us with gifts, to my husband who gives me a foot rub every night, and to my 6 year old son, Aiden, who is going to be the best big brother any little boy could ask for! We can't wait to meet you ASHER JAXON TRIPP! You are so dearly loved by so many people already!
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Gone Fishin'
Well, it's official, my little man has caught his very first fish! Last weekend was Kids Fishing Day at the river, which means only kids are allowed to fish and they stock the river full of trout so that each kid is guaranteed to catch one! It was an all boys weekend, with Aiden, Richie, my dad, and my brother. "No Girls Allowed!" They rented a cabin for the weekend and reportedly had "an awesome time." On Saturday morning, the horn blew to start fishing at 7:00am, and Aiden caught his first fish on his first cast within minutes!! Here are the stats and a photo: brown trout, 15 inches long, 1.76 pounds...
Aiden then promptly caught his daily limit of 4 fish by 7:30am! Four fish in 30 minutes! Needless to say, he was ecstatic. Here is a picture of all four boys each holding one of Aiden's fish...
Aiden said he didn't want to hold the fish by the gills like the big boys because he didn't want to get blood on his finger. LOL! They spent the rest of the day Saturday just hanging around at the park. There are so many things to do, like the lodge, the gift shop, the cave, the fish hatchery... But that night they cooked Aiden's fish and ate them. Each of the guys said the fish tasted excellent! Here is a picture of Aiden cleaning one of his fish... (and yes, wielding a knife with assistance, ARGH!)
YUMMY! All in all, it sounds like they had a great time. It was good male bonding time for my guys. For those of you who don't know, Richie and I got married in 2009, and he is actually Aiden's stepdad (Aiden has a good relationship with his biological father as well). Richie is such a wonderful father to Aiden, and I am so glad that Aiden has the best of both worlds. Aiden got to spend time with just Richie, my dad (Aiden's Papa) and my brother (Uncle Sean). These are the four men in my life and I love them all very much. Richie and I are expecting another little man in six weeks... Asher Jaxon Tripp. Yes, I will be severely outnumbered, but I do love my boys!!! Below are a few more pictures of their weekend. Enjoy!
Uncle Sean
Papa
Fishing in the fog after the rain...
Way to go Buddy!
Richie's itty bitty fishy... :-)
Aiden at the fish hatchery...
Richie and Aiden at the cave...
Aiden then promptly caught his daily limit of 4 fish by 7:30am! Four fish in 30 minutes! Needless to say, he was ecstatic. Here is a picture of all four boys each holding one of Aiden's fish...
Aiden said he didn't want to hold the fish by the gills like the big boys because he didn't want to get blood on his finger. LOL! They spent the rest of the day Saturday just hanging around at the park. There are so many things to do, like the lodge, the gift shop, the cave, the fish hatchery... But that night they cooked Aiden's fish and ate them. Each of the guys said the fish tasted excellent! Here is a picture of Aiden cleaning one of his fish... (and yes, wielding a knife with assistance, ARGH!)
YUMMY! All in all, it sounds like they had a great time. It was good male bonding time for my guys. For those of you who don't know, Richie and I got married in 2009, and he is actually Aiden's stepdad (Aiden has a good relationship with his biological father as well). Richie is such a wonderful father to Aiden, and I am so glad that Aiden has the best of both worlds. Aiden got to spend time with just Richie, my dad (Aiden's Papa) and my brother (Uncle Sean). These are the four men in my life and I love them all very much. Richie and I are expecting another little man in six weeks... Asher Jaxon Tripp. Yes, I will be severely outnumbered, but I do love my boys!!! Below are a few more pictures of their weekend. Enjoy!
Uncle Sean
Papa
Fishing in the fog after the rain...
Way to go Buddy!
Richie's itty bitty fishy... :-)
Aiden at the fish hatchery...
Richie and Aiden at the cave...
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Write it all down!
I am fairly new to the world of blogging, even though I know it's been around awhile. My first introduction was through one of my best friends. I started following her blog and was fascinated by the idea. Through her blog I started following a few of our mutual friends as well. Before I knew it, I had met other mothers that were blogging, and I knew I had to start one of my own. I thought it was a fantastic way to keep a journal without having to do any "manual" work, like writing or scrapbooking... Which I am terrible at by the way. I don't even print our pictures anymore because I keep everything stored digitally.
What really got me hooked on the idea though, was remembering back to when my son Aiden was 8 months old and he was diagnosed with a blood disorder - Chronic Benign Childhood Neutropenia - more on that later... But, I remember a friend of my mom's handed me a journal when Aiden was very sick and told me to "write it all down." She said I would want to look back and remember. Unfortunately, I did not take her advice. And I really wish now that I had. What I wouldn't give to look back and remember the details of that whole ordeal! I'm sure you are wondering why I would want to look back and remember such a thing, when my son was sick, and in and out of the hospital, and it was such a hard time in my life... but I think it's because that whole time was simply a blur. I was a single mom, living on very little sleep, travelling back and forth from doctor's visits and enduring hospital stays, and really just trying to keep my head above water. Thank God I had two amazing parents who helped me so much! I could never thank them enough for what they did for us. Helping to buy diapers and formula, or just staying with Aiden in the hospital, so I could run home and take a shower! Now that all of it is behind us though, I would like to go back and simply "remember."
For those of you who are wondering... Aiden outgrew his condition and is now a happy, healthy, 6-year old boy! PRAISE THE LORD! I thank God every day for being so blessed, and I pray that my next son will not have to endure what Aiden did. I am also very thankful that Aiden was so little at the time, and he does not seem to really remember much of any of it. He does however remember to this day, a nurse by the name of Karen. Karen was our home health nurse who administered Aiden's weekly booster shots. She brought Aiden a new HotWheels car every week in her toy bag. I don't think I will ever forget this amazing nurse or what she did for my boy! And I know I will never get rid of a single one of those HotWheels cars! :)
So here I am... determined now to take the advice of a friend from long ago, and just "write it all down."
What really got me hooked on the idea though, was remembering back to when my son Aiden was 8 months old and he was diagnosed with a blood disorder - Chronic Benign Childhood Neutropenia - more on that later... But, I remember a friend of my mom's handed me a journal when Aiden was very sick and told me to "write it all down." She said I would want to look back and remember. Unfortunately, I did not take her advice. And I really wish now that I had. What I wouldn't give to look back and remember the details of that whole ordeal! I'm sure you are wondering why I would want to look back and remember such a thing, when my son was sick, and in and out of the hospital, and it was such a hard time in my life... but I think it's because that whole time was simply a blur. I was a single mom, living on very little sleep, travelling back and forth from doctor's visits and enduring hospital stays, and really just trying to keep my head above water. Thank God I had two amazing parents who helped me so much! I could never thank them enough for what they did for us. Helping to buy diapers and formula, or just staying with Aiden in the hospital, so I could run home and take a shower! Now that all of it is behind us though, I would like to go back and simply "remember."
For those of you who are wondering... Aiden outgrew his condition and is now a happy, healthy, 6-year old boy! PRAISE THE LORD! I thank God every day for being so blessed, and I pray that my next son will not have to endure what Aiden did. I am also very thankful that Aiden was so little at the time, and he does not seem to really remember much of any of it. He does however remember to this day, a nurse by the name of Karen. Karen was our home health nurse who administered Aiden's weekly booster shots. She brought Aiden a new HotWheels car every week in her toy bag. I don't think I will ever forget this amazing nurse or what she did for my boy! And I know I will never get rid of a single one of those HotWheels cars! :)
So here I am... determined now to take the advice of a friend from long ago, and just "write it all down."
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