Abigail’s Birth Story

On Saturday, November 17, 2012 I was at the hospital with contractions and back pain.  They said they were Braxton Hick’s and since I wasn’t dilated, they sent me home.  On Monday, November 19, 2012 we went to see my OB to ease some of our fears.  I was concerned about contractions because of my classical/vertical c section scar and dilation because of my cerclage.  After the appointment, I even made it to Olivia’s Thanksgiving party at preschool.  That night, I continued to be very uncomfortable and hadn’t slept for a few nights.  When I was just about asleep, around 3 am, my water broke.  It wasn’t a huge gush of fluid and honestly I first thought I had peed my pants.  But, then it kept happening (LOL) so we called the grandparents.  We arrived at the hospital around 4 am and I was having pretty bad contractions.  They confirmed that my water had broke and called my OB in.  Then, they basically prepped me and got me ready for the OR.  Abigail was born at 6:47 am. I had to laugh because I had gone to the hospital and had Abigail before Olivia had even gotten up.  She had no idea what was going on until grandma and grandpa told her that morning. 

We couldn’t wait to meet our little girl, although I hoped to make it a little farther.  Abigail was 35 weeks and 2 days. 

She weighed 5 lbs 15 oz and 18.5 inches long.  And, at birth, she cried.  I cried. . .it was amazing.  At 23 weeks, my babies didn’t cry and it was such a blessed sound to hear.  She was doing awesome, but they did take her to the NICU on CPAP.  She was only on it, however, for about 6 hours.  The day after her birth, Ryan got really sick with pneumonia and could not be at the hospital with me.  Then, a few days later, after a chest x-ray, I was found to have the start of pneumonia.  As much as I hated her NICU stay, I don’t think we would have been able to take her home.  Not being able to see either one of my children (or husband) was really hard!  Thankfully, the NICU nurses we had come to know 5 years ago took great care of our sweet Abigail.  And my mom kept me company at the hospital.  Abigail was soon moved to special care and we were healthy enough to be able to visit. 

On Wednesday, November 28, 2012, when she was 8 days old. . .we were able to take her home.  As much as I hate that we had to take the NICU journey again, it was entirely different this time and her 8 days don’t dseem too long compared to Olivia’s 105 days.  I can’t tell you how much we have enjoyed her so far!  After pumping and bottle feeding Olivia for over 6 months, I am thrilled to be able to breastfeed Abigail.  She is a pro at it. . even after bottle feeding while in the hospital.  We have enjoyed sharing our beautiful baby with family and friends.  I knew Olivia would be a great big sister, but she has far exceeded my expectations.  I only wish I was able to play with her a bit more. 

Abigail and Grandma Glunt

Abigail and Grandpa Glunt

Abigail and Grandma Sailing

Abigail and Grandpa Sailing

And, as tiny as Abigail seems at not quite 6 lbs. . . she is huge compared to the size Olivia was at birth.  Abigail was 2680 grams and Olivia was 498 grams.

It has definitely been a different experience this time around.  I feel like I’m able to enjoy the newborn stage a little bit more this time around.  Of course, by the time we got to the newborn stage with Olivia, we had been to hell and back, it seemed. I’m definitely blessed with my two little girls.  You know, Abigail looks nothing like Olivia did.  She does, however, resemble Logan a bit.  He also had dark hair like Abigail has.  Of course, we’ll never know how much Abigail might look like him, but it’s comforting to know she may resemble him some.  I look forward to bright days ahead. 

Abigail Harper

My Beautiful Family

I cannot tell you how blessed I feel. I hope everyone feels the love of God in their life. Even after the devastating loss of Logan, I still feel that God is in control and He is so good. He gave me Olivia and I couldn't imagine life without her. After 3 years of fertility treatments with my first pregnancy, God blessed us with Abigail naturally. And she is so perfect in every way. God has had her in His plans all along. Of course, it's easy to trust Him when life is good. But, always believe that something miraculous is in your future. Because there is!!

Happy Baby

I have honestly never met a baby this young who smiles so much. It's not just gas because she'll smile when you talk to her or make funny noises. She is so precious!!

Getting Spoiled

We are so enjoying our little Abigail. Maybe it's too soon to tell, but she is such an easy-going, mellow baby. We are still trying to get in a routine. Olivia has adapted so very well and is such a proud, helpful big sister. And after 5 years, it's amazing how quick it all comes back to you. We are blessed!

Home Sweet Home

Abigail came home last night around 9 pm. More pics to come!

Blessed

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

I've been feeling so overwhelmed today. It's been tough. It's like I can't keep track of everything I need to do. I pump every 3 hours, take Motrin every 8 hours, take my antibiotic every 6 hours ( with food ) take Percocet every 4 hours and take my blood sugar 2 hours after every meal. I have no idea when I have to do what. My sweet husband put an app on my phone that reminds me when I'm supposed to do what. I think that will help. I'm not even sleep deprived yet and I can't get organized. I know I have some major post partum depression going on. At least I recognize it, right? That's a start. I will just start bawling for no apparent reason and I can't stand to be apart from Olivia.

In good news, they are trying Abigail in an open crib again today. If she maintains her temp for 24 hours, she comes home. They are not making us do family care where we stay overnight with her since she's not our first and won't be going home on equipment. Thank goodness. I didn't want to be apart from Olivia again! So, technically she could come home tomorrow!! I really want to be up at the hospital today, but we have SO much to do! Again, the overwhelming feeling takes over. We have to get all of our Christmas stuff up, clean the house, put her carseat in, get her monitor up, etc. Why at such a joyful time am I feeling such despair?

Anyway, sorry to complain. I've always been honest on this blog and that's what I'm feeling. Hopefully it doesn't last long.

Monday, November 26, 2012

Well, it's been a busy day. We started the morning at Olivia's doctor's office. We had to recheck her ears from her ear infection a few weeks ago. While we were there, we had them evaluate her cough. Thankfully they think it is caused by congestion from a sinus infection and not pneumonia. She did have to have her first breathing treatment which she did not like. She likes to have her picture taken, however, in different circumstances so that she can talk about them later. She does the same thing with videos. Then, we headed to my doctor's office to have my staples removed. I've recovered very well from this c section. Much easier than last time! Afterwards, we took Olivia to "Old" McDonald's since she was such an angel!!

We are now up with Abigail. I love that she has her own private room. I would have loved this with Olivia. They did try her in an open crib this morning and she failed to maintain her temp. She is now back in her isolette. That will tack on a few days to her stay as they will wait a few days to try it again. But, that's okay. We don't want to rush her. We will patiently await for the day we get to take her home. She had her eyes open a lot while we were there. She's just beautiful. Absolutely beautiful. We've enjoyed spending the night up here with her singing Christmas carols. Can't wait to get home to my other precious girl! I am blessed!

Logan's Sisters

As Neva noticed, our new blog name is Logan's Sisters. We wanted something that included Abigail, but didn't exclude Logan. You will be redirected to the new address if you type in the old one.

Anyway, I had a big blog post written and it somehow didn't save. But, Abigail is doing well. And Olivia got her very own elf on a shelf that she named Kippy. I'll write more at a later date.

Saturday, November 24, 2012

You'd think I'd be a pro at this. I mean, I left Olivia at the hospital over 100 times. But, this is rough. I keep looking at things around the house and thinking, "last time I sat here or ate that. . .Abigail was in my tummy." And she isn't anymore. She's all alone at the hospital. Does she even remember who her mommy and daddy are? I really didn't think it would be this difficult because having a baby born 5 weeks early is completely different than having a baby born 17 weeks early. And she will most likely be home within the week. Being home with Olivia and Ryan is wonderful. It does my heart good. I love my family and can't wait until Abigail can join us.

Olivia is completely mesmerized by my breast pump. I had to explain to her that I was making milk to take to Abigail. She thought for a moment and then asked, "Hey, why can't you make chocolate milk for me?" She cracks me up all the time. I had to tell her that I did the same thing for her many years ago.

When I got home, I weighed myself and I weighed the exact same!!!! I have some major fluid retention going on from the fluids they gave me during surgery. I traded in my big belly for cankles, I suppose. They are awful.

Anyway, please pray that Ryan and I are both able to see Abigail tomorrow. I was unable to hold her today because of my cough. :( I did get to peek in at her before I headed home and she is just so beautiful. I want to cuddle my baby so bad it's painful! We will all be at home together soon! Olivia has been sure to give me lots of extra hugs and I can't tell you how much I've missed her.







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As you know, Olivia spent 105 days in this very hospital. She is somewhat of a celebrity around here. On Wednesday, Ryan and Olivia were in the elevator where she was recognized by a former 25 weekers' parents. I figure they either read her story in the parent resource library or were directed to my blog. Either way, Olivia is humbly oblivious to her fame. Because of this, everyone wants to take care of her little sister. It's so much easier leaving your child with nurses you have known for 5 years and who spoil her rotten. OI'm trying to look at this whole thing from a more positive perspective. There is nothing else that I can do.

My milk finally came in and they are bottle feeding it to her. She's doing really well and sucked down her entire bottle this afternoon! I tried breast feeding on Wednesday and it didn't go well. She screamed and cried the whole time. I learned today that she has a tight frenulum (also referred to as ankyloglossia or being tongue tied.) This can make it difficult to breastfeed as she is unable to stick her tongue out. She will be evaluated by a speech therapist next week and referred to an ENT. She was hungry and was trying to latch on, but couldn't. I'd be angry too. There is a simple procedure to correct it if need be. Maybe it's a blessing she couldn't come straight home because both of her parents have pneumonia. God knows what He's doing. And she just had to be like her older sister and see what the NICU is all about. LOL!

And. . .just got big news! They moved Abigail up to special care tonight! She is that much closer to being home.


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Prayers please

This has been a very difficult day for me. I have not seen Abigail in over 24 hours as I have the start of pneumonia. (I've never had pneumonia in my life!) Ryan is at home with pneumonia also. I'm terrified that I exposed Olivia to it and as a former 23 weeker, she cannot get this! So, I cannot be with my husband or either one of my daughters and I can't begin to tell you how depressed I feel. I want to be cuddling and bonding with my new baby and I can't. Please pray for me and my family as we just want to be all together again. Thank you to my parents for helping me remain sane and calm and for taking such good care of Olivia. She's getting spoiled so much, I doubt she'll even want to come home!

Thanks to a dear friend for taking this picture of Abigail for me. One of the few things helping me through all of this is knowing that Olivia's previous NICU nurses are taking great care of Abigail! She's in great hands and is doing wonderfully. I wouldn't be surprised if she could come home next week (hoping her mom and dad are better by then!)

Abigail Update

I'm still in the hospital and Abigail is still in the NICU. She has orders to move to special care as soon as space is available. She's had a few problems maintaining her temperature. She has yet to take any feedings orally. Breast feeding has yet to be successful, but she is taking my milk through her NG tube. She is borderline jaundice as well.

I'm struggling because I have a horrible cough and some crackling in my lungs. It prevented me from spending time with Abigail tonight. The last thing I want to do is get her sick and set her back. Ryan is already very sick and hasn't gotten to see her since Tuesday. I miss my family as we are all in 4 different places. And I think a bit of depression has set in. Having another baby in the NICU ( although completely different this time) is tough. I wish I could have carried her a bit longer. Knowing that she has to have an IV in her head and heel sticks just like her sister makes me so sad. And, boy, can Abigail get
angry! She will let everyone know if she is not happy!!! Ryan and I make feisty children, that's for sure. Funny story: Ryan and Olivia were up at the hospital on the elevator. To make a long story short, a couple with a former 25 weeker recognized Olivia. They had to shake her hand and felt they were meeting a celebrity. Of course, Olivia is humbly oblivious to her celebrity status.

Most likely I will go home today unless 1)My lungs worsen or 2) if it looks like Abigail would make it home by this weekend, my OB would love me to stay with her and go home with her. I don't want to leave without Abigail and yet I'm ready to get home and be with Olivia. So, lots of things to pray for and still many reasons to be thankful!

Abigail Update

I just can't get enough of this little girl. I don't want to leave the hospital and leave Abigail. It's not for nearly as long, but anytime you have to leave your baby, it's really hard. I keep patting my tummy and realizing she's no longer there and then realizing she is not in my arms either. I want to be with both of my girls. . .at home. Then, I find out today that Abigail's struggling with low blood sugar (which can happen with a diabetic mother.) So now they are trying to stabilize it which could mean more time in the NICU. Please continue to pray that we get to take her home soon.

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

It looks like I'll probably go home tomorrow (possibly Friday) but it will be without my baby. Of course, it's nothing like it was before because I know she'll be home in a week or two. I still wish we could go home together. She is a doll baby and I know Olivia wants to spend time with her.

More Pictures!

Abigail Update

Abigail is doing well. She is already off CPAP and breathing well on her own. Hopefully tomorrow Ill be able to get out of bed and go see her again. Olivia was able to meet her. Im sure she will take her big sister role very seriously! What blessings I have and so many reasons to be thankful! As much as I wish I could have gone a bit farther, it was amazing to get to 35 weeks.

Happy Birthday, Abigail!!!

Holding My Daughter

I got to hold her!! I got to hold her!! She is so beautiful! Hopefully she can come off CPAP soon. She will most likely remain in the hospital for a week or so. After spending 105 days with Olivia in the NICU, our perspective is different now. We are just happy to have made it this far!

Abigail Is Here!

My water broke around 3 am. Abigail Harper Glunt was born at 6:47 am weighing 5 lbs 14.5 oz and 18.5 inches long. She was 35 weeks, 2 days. Currently she is in the NICU on CPAP. I have yet to hold her, but she's doing great!

OB Appt

Feeling better after meeting with my OB today. Still contracting, but cervix looks good. I guess the cerclage would allow me to dilate to about 2 and I would most likely have warning before it would tear. With my vertical uterine scar, I have time on my side as it has had 5 years to heal. Most likely I would have very bad contractions before risk of rupture. Currently, they just feel like bad menstrual cramps. My only choice would be to have my c section before 38 weeks. However, insurance will not allow my OB to perform a c section before 38 weeks without an amniocentesis. I really don't want to do that just in order to prove she's developed enough. I want to keep her in as long as possible, but not so long as when the risks start to outweigh the benefits. So for now I just take it day by day. If my contractions worsen or I develop any new symptoms, I have to head to the hospital ASAP. I'm feeling much more reassured and hopeful. Of course, now I develop the worst cough I've had in years! That makes me, Olivia, my mom and aunt Shelley who are coughing our heads off. Abigail wouldn't want to come yet anyway! Thanks for the prayers. If all goes according to plan, she'll be here 3 weeks from today!

Thank you

Thanks to everyone who has called/emailed with advice. I'm still contracting, but feeling better about things today. . .you know how things always worry you more at night and when you're tired. I just felt so overlooked last night. Did I tell you that the hospital had no record of me even giving birth there in 2007? They never did find the record of my previous c section. And don't get me wrong, I want Abigail to stay in as long as possible!! 40 weeks would be a dream!! But, I'd hate for something to happen and think. . . if only I'd had her a week sooner! I just felt like the typical "come back when you're in true labor" doesn't really fit in my situation since I'm not supposed to go into labor. And how do you find that magical line where you almost are, but not quite? Anyway, I just feel blessed to be 35 weeks today and hoping I get into see my OB tomorrow. Thank you, friends!

A Night At The Hospital

Well, it's 3 am and I can't sleep. I spent the evening at the hospital. After a week of cramping/back pain, I decided to get checked out. I'm so completely frustrated and confused. I was having contractions. Some were less than 5 minutes apart but they weren't regular. I had a classical c section with Logan, which is a vertical incision. Because of that, I have a 10% chance of uterine rupture if I were to go into labor. That is why I must have a repeat c section before laboring begins. However, I've been told and have read that most people aren't allowed to go past 36 weeks because of this risk, but my OB isn't scheduling my c section until 38 weeks. While at the hospital tonight, they checked to make sure I wasn't dilated, but how could I be with a cerclage stitching my cervix shut? I know that it has some give to it, but if you dilate with a cerclage, it can tear your cervix. So now I'm worried that my uterus is going to rupture and my cervix is going to tear. Some people also have their cerclage removed at 36 weeks because of this risk and my OB isn't removing it until my 6 week postpartum appointment. And here I am laying in bed with contractions. I also had a trace amount of protein in my urine, but they didn't seem too concerned. I am just hoping that nothing is being overlooked. I go 3 weeks this month without seeing my OB. Shouldn't I be seeing him weekly by this point? Hoping that other micropreemie moms who have gone on to get pregnant again can ease my fears. Pregnancy hormones are probably running rampant. I cried over Olivia tonight because she is my baby and my world and I missed not being with her while I was in the hospital. Sheesh, I am a mess tonight/this morning.
So, hoping those with previous classical c sections and/or cerclages can ease my fears. The resident OB tonight hadn't seen many with previous classical c sections. And honestly, my trust in my OB isn't all that strong right now. I just want to make sure that me and Abigail are handled with as much precaution as necessary. Any words of encouragement would be greatly appreciated. Thanks to all my faithful readers!

New Glasses

We picked up Olivia's new glasses this morning. They are really really cute and she likes them a lot. We've been without a back up pair for months, so I'm grateful we have her old ones to use again. These are her third pair of frames since getting glasses at 1 1/2 years old. Her face is so narrow that we don't have quite the selection to choose from yet, but they still have some cute ones. We are looking at a second strabismus surgery next spring or summer, which I'm not at all looking forward to. But, it's necessary and I'd like it done before kindergarten.

Cutie Mama

Olivia has been extremely loving and affectionate lately. I get numerous hugs and I love you's daily. And this is from a girl we had to teach how to hug. ( When she was younger, she would push you away when you tried to hug her.) I've really enjoyed these last few one on one weeks with my girl before Abigail comes. Olivia regularly tells me that I'm the best mom ever which is so comforting to hear. Tonight I was feeling brave and asked her why I was the best mom ever. I was expecting some profound answer that would put to rest any insecurity I had about being a mother. And Olivia says," Because you're such a cutie mama!" Huh? LOL! Um, ok. Hopefully it has more to do with my unconditional love and devotion to her.

I had another biophysical today and Abigail scored another 8/8. She was more reluctant to move and her hand was covering her face the entire time. She definitely didn't want to be bothered. I can't believe how much our world will change in just a month's time. Hopefully someday our sleeping arrangements will get back to normal. Ryan has been sleeping in the other room for weeks because my snoring is so awful. So, then Olivia has moved into bed with me. She gets a little annoyed by my snoring, but as long as she goes to sleep first, it doesn't bother her. We went 5 years without Olivia EVER sleeping in our bed and now it's become a nightly occurrence. Not really proud of this development, but it is what it is. Olivia gets so lonely in her room at night and I fully sympathize with her because I remember feeling that same way as a child. It's an emotional subject for me. I slept with my mom for many years. Olivia has turned into me. When Abigail is older, we've considered putting them in the same room if that's what they would both want. I would have loved a sister to share a room with. . .well, until the teen years at least. Anyhow, adding a baby into the mix is really going to throw everyone off. But, hopefully my snoring will go away and everyone ( including this cutie mama) will sleep well in their proper places.

Which One Is Real?

Olivia loves her kitty Kelsey!

34 Weeks

Current size of baby: 5 lbs

How far along? 34 weeks

Total weight gain 38-40 lbs. Thank you, pregnancy weight gain calculator, for informing me that I’m 12 lbs over the high end of my target weight gain.

Maternity clothes? Yes. I’ve even outgrown some of my short sleeve maternity shirts. L

Sleep: Not good, but who sleeps well in the third trimester anyway?

How I'm feeling: A lot of pressure. She is head down and really really low. I still have a lingering cold.

Best moment this week: Enjoying the last few weeks of spending a lot of one on one time with Olivia.

Movement: Yes

Food cravings: Anything and everything, unfortunately, as you can tell from my weight gain.

Food aversions: None

Gender: Girl named Abigail

Labor Signs: NO

Belly Button in or out? out

What I miss: Sleep.

What I am looking forward to: December 10^th, the day we not only celebrate Olivia’s 5^th homecoming anniversary, but the day we get to meet our Abigail.

Unexpected Moments

Don't you love those unexpected lovely mother/child moments? Yesterday I was craving Sonic's mozzarella sticks ( what's new?) so Olivia and I headed to Sonic. I ordered her some tater tots and we sat in the van and ate them. It was gorgeous outside, she climbed into the front seat and we opened the sun roof. And we just sat in the car for the longest time and talked and ate. She did not want to leave and neither did I. Who would have thought a trip to Sonic would be so special? I promised her we'd do it again soon!

A Time To Brag

Well, I thought I’d brag on my two girls a bit (I like the sound of that. . .my two girls.)

First, here are some excerpts from Olivia’s preschool progress report. 

My little former 1 lb 1.5 oz 23 weeker is thriving!  Her teacher has even said that had she not known about her extremely premature birth, she would not have been able to tell any difference between her and the other kids.  We had to have another IEP meeting a few weeks ago because the goals that we set forth last spring were already being met.  These were her goals until next spring and they were met by October.  She still has some gross motor skills to work on with her PT, but her OT was moved to consult only.  She will  meet with Olivia’s teacher once a month to make sure a concern doesn’t come up.  My biggest concerns, honestly, are Olivia’s sensory issues that seem to be intensifying lately.  But, they aren’t interfering with her learning so it’s not really something they will work on her with.  I mean, I bought her seamless socks (because socks are a HUGE problem) and she even finds bumps in them!  And, I wish she’d eat a bit better and gain a few more pounds.  She’s still barely 31 lbs at 5 years old.  But, she is thriving and doing so very well and I just feel beyond blessed to be her mother.

And now on to my chunky monkey. . .she already weighs 5 lbs at not even 34 weeks!  That’s how much Olivia weighed when I took her home from the hospital!  And, Abigail scored another 8/8 on her biophysical profile. . .that makes 3 weeks in a row!  Looks like I have another overachiever.  Look at those chubby cheeks!  After worrying about Olivia’s weight for the past 5 years, it would be so nice to have a chubby baby who likes to eat.  And, my doctor is making arrangements for my c-section on December 10th, Olivia’s homecoming day! Wow, that is just a little over a month away!  Can’t wait to meet my sweet Abigail!!!

If you can’t tell, I’m one proud mama!

Still Here!

Sorry I haven't posted for awhile. I'm now 33 weeks and doing well. I just haven't been on my laptop in days. Olivia missed school Friday and Monday. She has a cold/allergies that developed into an ear infection. She's doing fine and didn't complain of pain, only an annoying swishy sound. Sure enough, her ear was filled with fluid. Olivia has been sleeping with me every night for the past few nights since she hasn't felt good and Ryan sleeps on the couch every night due to my snoring. I feel so bad about my snoring. At 33 weeks, I feel super attractive with my snoring and my almost 40 lb weight gain. Yikes! Well, I'm posting from my phone while Olivia tries to fall asleep beside me. As long as she falls asleep before me, my snoring doesn't bother her. LOL! I also thought I'd share some pictures of Abigail's room. It's almost ready!! Goodnight everyone!

Thursday, November 1, 2012

My weekly ultrasound showed that Abigail is doing great and scored another 8/8. She has really chubby cheeks and even has hair!  I won’t know what to do with a chubby cheeked baby who has hair! LOL!  Olivia didn’t really have much hair until she was 2.  Here is a picture of her showing off her chubby cheeks.

Star Of The Week

LOL! Can’t believe she couldn’t tell her teacher the names of her parents as she sometimes calls us by our name.  Crazy girl.  Other than that, nothing too surprising. . .she loves my Special K Protein Plus cereal and has wanted to be a butterfly for some time. 

Love this girl!!

32 Weeks

Current size of baby: 3 3/4 lbs

How far along? 32 weeks

Total weight gain 34 lbs

Inches Gained: Still not sure. We are in the middle of moving our office downstairs in order to turn what used to be the office into Abigail’s room. My measuring tape was in my office desk and I have no idea where it is right now.

Maternity clothes? Yes.

Sleep: Not that good.

How I'm feeling: My cold is still lingering on, but I’m feeling much better.

Best moment this week: Taking Olivia to Veggie Tales Live and to Pumpkins At The Park. We had a great, event filled weekend.

Movement: Yes

Food cravings: Anything and everything, unfortunately.

Food aversions: None

Gender: Girl named Abigail

Labor Signs: NO

Belly Button in or out? out

What I miss: Sleep.

What I am looking forward to: Trick or treating with Olivia tomorrow. A few months ago, I never would have dreamed that I would still be pregnant on Halloween and not on bed rest. So, it’ll be quite a blessing.