1.27.2009

2 weeks old



Once again I am left wondering, "Where does the time go?"  Our precious girl is now 2 weeks old.  We are all adjusting well.  I'm realizing that I'm kind of uptight about how much all the kids want to touch her!  LOL  You'd think I'd be used to it by now, but that's not the case.  And since Shi and Levi are the ones that seem to want to touch the most and they are also the ones with runny noses, I guess my hesitancy it to be expected...


1.26.2009

Are you kidding me?

Because we deliver at home, some things go a bit differently than when you deliver in the hospital. For example, the PKU test. Our midwife brings the forms to our house, does the heel prick, and then we send the results in to the MDH (MN Department of Health) and they do the actual testing. When this testing is done, they save not only the results, but also the blood samples for other testing/research. You do have the option of having these things destroyed. I was planning on doing this. However, as I was looking at the form you fill out to have the samples and results destroyed I got more and more annoyed!

First of all, they make you feel like a criminal for even making the request... "I understand that the risks involved in destroying my child's newborn screening blood sample will result in loss of the blood sample for medical or identification purposes." Yup... that's kind of the point, isn't it??

Then, there is the actual request. You check the boxes for what you wish to have done. Your choices are "I request my child's newborn screening blood sample be destroyed immediately or within twenty-four months of test, whichever is later." and "I request my child's newborn blood screening test results stored at the Minnesota Department of Health's Newborn Screening Program be destroyed immediately of within twenty four months of testing, whichever is later."

Gee... I wonder which is later?? And, what are they doing with the samples in that 24 month period before they are destroyed?? Kind of makes the whole request useless I'm thinking.

To top it all off, if you want to request that the samples/results be destroyed you much have the form notarized. Seriously?? Either that, or we have to provide a copy of the birth certificate and photo ID to Public Health or medical personnel. This person must then sign the form as a witness.

I just don't even know what to say? I'm actually thinking that it's not worth sending in the test. Now I'm going to go refresh my memory on the reasons for the test as well as the possible risks of not testing. Then I'll decide if it's worth filling out the form. But, like I said, what are they doing with the samples/results in a 24 month time period? Seems to me they would be doing all the testing they could in TWO years with the knowledge that they would then be required to destroy everything...

Thanks for letting me rant a bit.

**BABY UPDATE**
Jericho is doing great, and finally starting to sleep better at night. I am actually feeling pretty rested. This week will be the first week I'll have all the kids home with no adult help around, so I would covet your prayers as we make a true test of the "new normal" here in our home.

**Prayer Request**
Also, if you could pray specifically for me that my depression issues would not mushroom. Many of you know that I am on meds to treat my depression (have been for several years). I try to keep the dosages at a minimum, and so far, things are going well. However, the postpartum period (first year after baby arrives) can be a difficult one for anyone, and the past would indicate that around 3-6 months postpartum is the worst for me. I would love to keep my meds at the low dose I'm taking now, and would appreciate prayer that this would be a smooth year for me.

Well, off to change Shi -- she's smelling a bit ripe! LOL

(Any input as far as the MDH request and PKU testing is welcome. Keep in mind, however, that I do not desire to be *convinced* one way or the other. Please keep your posts kind, constructive, and factual. Thanks!)

1.24.2009

Weigh in...

Not me! You don't get to have that info. LOL But, my sweet baby has been getting some good milk! Joy came and weighed her today and she has gained a full pound! So, at 11 days she is now 8lb. 14oz.

I'd like time to slow...

1.20.2009

One Whole Week



And where does the time go exactly??  I can not believe my precious babe is already 7 days old.  While I (we) are pretty sleep deprived, the moments are just so special.  And soon the sleeplessness will be a thing of the past... right? (Tell me I'm right, even if I'm not... it'll make me feel much better!  LOL)

Photos: left and right - Jericho Faith @ 1 wk.  center - me and my girls 01/14/09

1.14.2009

Stats

Jericho Faith was born at 9:30am on January 13, 2009.
7lbs. 14oz.
20" long

(about 12 hours old)

We praise God for our newest addition.  Everyone is adjusting well, and the kids love on her every chance they get.  Pray as we continue to make new routines and make necessary changes in our home/family.

1.13.2009

Pictures


She's here!

Arrived at 9:30 am on January 13. We don't have a weight yet as the midwife went to attend another delivery. Most of us present are guessing less than 9 lbs. All the kids watched the delivery and are totally in love with Jericho.

I'll update as soon as I have more information. ;)

1.12.2009

On Strike

I refuse to wear maternity clothes today.  Good thing I have a nice pair of *stretch* jeans that I love.  I've paired that with a cute nursing top from Motherhood.  If I'm really careful it still covers my belly.  LOL  Don't worry... it's cold and snowy today, so I'll be wearing a sweatshirt over top.

Just thought you'd all like to know...

1.10.2009

Take a guess!!

She's overdue... take a guess at when she'll finally show up!

Take the poll!!

1.08.2009

Due Date

I've read statistics that say as few as 5% of baby's arrive on their due date.  It looks like Jericho has no intention of being part of that 5%...  

Alex and Chase were both born 5 days after their due dates.  The rest were all early (granted two of them were only "early" by one day).  So, this is the longest I've been pregnant since 9 years ago!!  Crazy.

Please, keep praying for my sanity...  :)

(For those of you waiting impatiently for news... I plan on having Steph post when the baby is born.)

1.01.2009

Much as I've wanted it...

I can honestly say that every day I've wanted it to be the day Jericho makes her entrance.  But, even in my desire, I still had a date in my head.  Today.  Specifically, January 1st.  I realized when I woke up this morning that as much as I've been bummed at the end of each day as I still carry Jericho within my womb, if today ends that same way the disappointment will be greater.  And yet, I know Who holds the future.  He has a plan, and He already knows the day.

Related to birth, Steph sent me a link to another blog we keep tabs on.  Ann, at Holy Experience, shared these thoughts near Mother's Day.  I also had the privilege of birthing a child on the Saturday before Mother's Day.  It will be 11 years this coming May.  And while my experience was different from Ann's (the emotions that went along with having my first child) this post helped me remember the joy of becoming/being a mother.

So, for today I will cherish the children I have here.  I will pray for Jericho and her upcoming delivery.  I will enjoy motherhood.