Maternity Pics and More

I finally got the CD with all of my maternity pictures that we had taken (yes, I was entirely too lazy to get them before.)  I just thought I’d share a few more of the ones I really liked.  I still can’t believe that my baby girl was in my tummy then.  We’ve had her for 3 weeks and I can’t imagine life without her.  She is such a good baby!  As long as she has a full tummy, she is super happy.  She eats and eats and eats.  I don’t know how I’m keeping up with her. 

And tonight Olivia just HAD to wear footy pajamas like Abigail.  Luckily, she still had some that fit her.  LOL!  Love my girls!

Please also pray for my husband who is returning to work tomorrow.  It will be a transition for all of us and I know he’ll really miss his girls. 

Monday, December 10, 2012

Happy Homecoming

On December 10, 2007, Olivia came home from the hospital when she was 105 days old.  It’s been five years and she has not spent another night in the hospital since.  She amazes me everyday by just being who she is.  Those of us who know Olivia realize there is no one quite like her.   She is blessing to everyone in her life and I love her to pieces!  I’m so proud to be her mom!

My Beautiful Baby

We took our first family outing to Hobby Lobby today. Both of the girls did great! I got three "What a beautiful baby!" compliments. I never took Olivia anywhere as a baby so I missed that. And it was so nice.

We also spent hours today watching videos of Olivia when she was a baby. We watched videos of her learning to walk and riding her pony everywhere (remember that?) I can't believe we get to experience those moments again. So blessed.

Friday, December 7, 2012

So, Olivia and Ryan both have colds. I'm holding my breath in hopes that Abigail and I don't get sick. Olivia didn't have so much as a sniffle until her first birthday. Of course, we were crazy diligent about keeping her healthy, probably to the point that it affected our emotional well being. But, I will feel like a horrible mother if my not even one month old gets sick.

Abigail is doing awesome though. She gained 3 oz this week and had her 2 week checkup today. She's now 6 lbs 3 oz. Breastfeeding is going great. Abigail does have something like breastfeeding jaundice or something like that? She also has a slight umbilical hernia that will probably resolve on its own. I'm amazed at how well she does with tummy time and already bats at her toys. Everything seems so much easier this time. . .except the staying healthy part. Good grief!

No Words

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Here are some pictures of our day. We were so excited to introduce Abigail to her cousin, Izzy, and aunt Shelley. Shelley and I joked that Abigail probably won't walk until 2 years old. Being the baby of the family, somebody is always going to be holding her.

Olivia is doing awesome, but I can tell its kinda wearing on her. She really wanted to play a game with me today, but Abigail was crying and I was holding her. Olivia begged,"Just put her back in her crib!" I'm sure it's tough being the center of our world for 5 years and then having to share it. I'm still amazed at how well she has adapted. I'm doing well, but still adjusting to the sleepless nights. I have Olivia and Abigail as my top priorities with sleeping and housecleaning as a distant 3rd and 4th. So, I apologize to those who visit. :)

And for the first time ever in my life (and Ryan's life) we have outdoor Christmas lights. Ryan wanted to make sure we all got in the Christmas spirit this year. (Completely missing out on Thanksgiving makes it hard to believe that Christmas is around the corner.)

And someday I will post from my laptop again, but for now my phone will do. And someday I'll update the header with Abigail's picture. Someday. :)

I'd also like to ask for prayers for my grandma who is in the hospital. At first they thought she had a stroke, but are now thinking it is a possible infection and/or pneumonia. Thank you!

Monday, December 3, 2012

Abigail had a weight check today and she is officially 6 lbs! She is such a good eater ! She also had her first sponge bath tonight and did great. Not many things seem to upset this girl! Sweet Olivia, besides her ear infection, month long cough, she now seems to have a cold. So much for her being one of the healthiest 5 year olds I know. It has just been one thing after another. I feel awful always saying,"Don't touch your sister!" I just want her well again. We've been to the dr more times than I can count. I do have a funny Olivia story. She was taking pictures when she sneezed and said,"Oh no! I got God Bless You all over my camera! LOL!

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.