Dec 20th - 3 days old

Monday started out a little rough for me.  I couldn't sleep and what little sleep I did get wasn't much.  I can hear all the other little babies crying in the rooms around me and it make me miss my little Jaxen.  I think I'm also getting discharged today and he's not, so another thing on my mind to keep me from sleeping.

My doctor woke us up this morning.  Dr. Petelin was making her rounds early thing morning so that she could get back the the Lee's Summit office.  Everything looks good on my end.  I feel like an elephant has sat on me, leaving this huge bruise on my stomach, the c-section incision burns (hopefully, it's just because the staples are still there), my legs and feet are swollen, and my back hurts (probably from sleeping in this bed).  I'd say not to bed with what I've been through, but so much farther to go before I am back to my normal self.

Just before my breakfast showed up, Jaxen's doctor and nurse did too.  I hate it when they come in pairs. . . most of the time it means that they have bad news.  Jaxen is doing great. . . little booger isn't digesting all his food at every feeding.  He does eventually digest it all, just slower than other babies.  As long as his breathing stays regular and they are pretty sure it will, the neo-natal specialist did want to start feeding him through a bottle today.  Once he's taking all his feedings through the bottle and off the IV, the only thing Mr. Jaxen has to prove is that he can maintain his temp in an open crib.  Once that happens he will be able to go home.  They say some babies do that with a day or two and some take a little longer. . . so we are looking at about 2 - 10 more days of the NICU.  I'm praying for the 2 days, I really just want him home for Christmas!! 

Then of course, after all the nurses and doctor's left the room, Jerry and I just sat there absorbing everything we were just told.  It was hard for me. . . having to start making plans to go home without him, splitting parents up between kids.  Chloe and Jacob need me at home and Jaxen needs me here.  It was all really too much for me.  Emotionally, I think everything finally came to a head and I had to let it go.  So this morning I have spent all morning crying and sobbing like a crazy person.  Which then set off a bunch of visits from nurses and specialist and people who could help me work though my emotions and people who came by to led me a helping hand or anything else they could help me with as I dealt with my own emotions.  It was a little crazy and I was having a rough morning.  Jerry has been unbelievably supportive, I'm glad he's here for me and such a great dad to the kids.  There is no way I could get through this without him.

First feeding this morning, after the doctor seen him, was once again through a tube, his breathing was just a little too high to try and introduce the bottle.  But he has been moved up from 9cc of formula to 12cc's.  The IV had to be moved last night because he pulled out the one in his arm. . . the new one is now in his foot.  I think he likes it there better because now he can get his arms and hands moving and grabbing everything!  Jerry and I stayed for an hour holding Jaxen while he slept, now we are back in our room wasting time until the next feeding at 2:30.

Just before lunch, Jerry and I took a walk.  It was nice to be able to move around.  We walked down to the cafeteria so Jerry could get some lunch. . . my lunch was waiting for me when we got back to the room.  And I wasn't halfway through my cheeseburger when Mom and Joanna walked in with Chloe and Jacob.  I tried to eat fast because we wanted to make it down to the NICU for Jaxen's lunch time.  I didn't have to ask mom twice if she wanted to go in and help. 

Jerry volunteered to stay out in the hallway with Chloe, Jacob and Joanna.  While mom and I went in to hold Jaxen while they fed him.  Only two adults can be at the baby's bedside while he's in the NICU - and one of those adults has to be Jerry or I.  When mom and I got in the NICU the nurse was already trying to feed Jaxen his first bottle. . . he was having nothing to do with it.  I raised the blinds so that they could see us out in the hallway, got comfy in the rocking chair and the nurse handed me Jaxen and the bottle.  She thought maybe I could get him to eat it, since I was the one who got him to open his eyes for the first time.  And let me tell you, Jerry was J-E-A-L-O-U-S!  He has given both Chloe and Jacob their first bottles and I was totally stealing his thunder with Jaxen.  Funny thing was that Jaxen tried to eat it and I thought he was but the bottle still measured the same.  I was afraid that they were going to give up and feed him through the feeding tube again, so I switched places with Jerry so that he could try and get Jax to eat.

Joanna and I walked back to the room with the kids because I forgot my camera. I grabbed my cell phone to get a picture of Grandma holding Jax to send to Grandpa, but I was in such a hurry to see my baby that I forgot to grab the real camera.  Chloe and Jacob really just wanted to play around. . . so we walked back to see Jaxen and get a couple of pictures through the window and then I was going to let them watch my tv.  When we got back to the NICU window, Daddy had gotten Jaxen to eat almost all of his bottle.  I was totally impressed and kind of jealous.  But I don't care who got him to eat, I am so happy that he ate!!  I think it's awesome that Jerry got to have that glory with Jaxen too! 

Jerry switched me places again and he took the kids down to my room to watch tv.  Mom and I got to love on the little man for a while, we didn't stay too long because Joanna was in the hallway learning about birthing babies!  LOL  Plus they needed to get home since Mom had to work tomorrow.  And I needed to get packed up and checked out.  I really thought about rooming in with Jaxen.  Since the hospital offers it free to parents who just have to wait a few days for their baby to follow.  I could still use and be in the room but the nurses wouldn't check on me or get my medicine - basically I'd be on my own.  But after thinking about it and talking to the nurses I didn't feel the need to stay.  Chloe, Jacob and Jerry needed me to come home and Jaxen was in good hands.

It took a while to get discharged and with all the hustle with getting registered and transferring hospitals - I didn't get the packet of information that I needed to fill out Jaxen's birth certificate.  So it was a good thing that I questioned it as we were getting discharged.  Jerry and I sat down and filled out the information that they need to issue a birth certificate and a social security number.  I got my prescriptions and discharge papers, loaded up all the bags and we headed out to tell Jaxen goodnight.  They were taking out Jaxen's IV when I got in the NICU, because it was making his leg swell a little bit.  I couldn't watch too long because I just didn't want to see him poked.  But the nurse did say that if it took more than a couple pokes, then they weren't going to put a new one in unless he needed it again. 

Leaving the hospital was a chore!  Especially with 2 kids and a cart load full of bags, gifts, and flowers!  When we finally got it all loaded, we headed to Walmart to get my drugs!  Since we had a 30 minute wait I was able to get a picture printed out for Chloe to take to school and show off tomorrow.  I printed out one for Jacob too.  It's so cute watching Chloe and Jacob walk around with pictures of their little brother.  I really can't wait until they are all together!! 

The dogs and cats were happy to see us when we got home this evening.  Jerry dealt with the animals, while I fed the kids and got my kitchen cleaned.  It's amazing how the house stood still since Friday. . . I'm quite disappointed that the cleaning fairies never showed up.  We let the kids play and relax at home while I got the bags put away or close to where they go.  I did what I could but stopped when I got tired.  I don't want to over do it. . . I want to be able to take care of my kids - all three of them!!

Once Jerry and I got the kids in bed we sat down and called the NICU to get our bedtime update on Mr. Jaxen.  And it was a BIG UPDATE!!  The nurse said that since we last seen him at 5:30pm - Jaxen has had his IV taken out and not put back in, they gave him his first bath, dressed him in a t-shirt and turned off his warmer, AND he ate his entire bottle while being rocked to sleep by his nurse!!  All of which are giant steps to coming home!!  I am praying he can maintain his own temperature throughout the night and he's starving for another bottle by morning!! 

Well I better get off of here, I'm going to shower and enjoy some good sleep in my nice and comfy bed.  Got to get up and get Chloe on the bus. . . then I a lots of phone calls to make.  Goodnight!

Dec 19th - 2 days old

Sunday morning Jerry went right to the NICU to see how Jaxen did over night. He came back to report that they had stuck a feeding tube in his nose and were starting to feed him that way. I hated to hear that, for some reason I was absolutely devastated. I just wanted to hold him so bad . . . it was driving me nuts!

Since we knew we had time on our hands because the feeding tube meant that we couldn’t feed him, Jerry ran home to grab a shower and take care of the animals. Plus it was shower day for me and I needed shampoo, a hairbrush, deodorant, etc. Basically all the things that I didn’t get a chance to pack! While he was gone, I ordered my breakfast and called the NICU. I wanted to make sure that once the doctor’s seen Jaxen that they came in to talk to me; even it there was no change because I had some questions.

Mom and Dad stayed at home today with Chloe and Jacob. They both really needed some down time away from traveling and away from the hospital. I really appreciate my parents thinking about my kids first, because I know they both wanted to be here with me. I could tell my dad knew how hard it was for me since I couldn’t hold my baby . . . he sent me a few text messages that really meant a lot. Chloe, Jacob, and Jaxen are very lucky to have such awesome grandparents!! If we got word that everyone could hold Jaxen, they would have been on their way but until then they were sitting tight.

With my breakfast came the doctor’s, I was able to get out of bed and sit in a chair and eat my food while my wonderful nurse changed my bedding. The doctor said that Jaxen was improving, but they weren’t going to rush him to eat just yet. So they put the feeding tube in so that they could feed him formula and start taking him off the IV. Another x-ray showed that the fluid inside Jaxen’s lungs was going away. It wasn’t completely gone, but he was progressing at a normal rate. The doctor was very happy that we decided to let him get there on his own terms.

I asked how soon I could hold him, and he said during my next visit to the NICU, we could hold him. But he recommended only Mom and Dad hold him. We didn’t want to send him backwards and with a little more time he would be up for more visitors. So after inhaling my breakfast, my awesome nurse took me down to the NICU and promised to tell Jerry where I was if he came back before I was done.

I swear, I wasn’t in the NICU five minutes and Jerry came in. Heck, Jaxen wasn’t even in my arms yet! It was like he knew, I was about to get my hands on the baby and he came flying back! LOL. But really, I was glad to see him, I felt a little guilty for going without him but he assured me he would have done the same thing. Anyways, I am glad that he was by my side when Jaxen was placed in my arms. It was one of those little moments where I was glad my best friend was there – and we will forever remember that feeling together. Every three hours, Jerry and I have made our way to the NICU to be there when they feed Jaxen . . . even if it’s though a tube. He knows it’s time to eat when Mommy and Daddy show up!!

While getting to hold him and talking to the nurses, Jerry and I have come to see why the doctor’s are so happy and thrilled that Jaxen is doing so well on his own and that we are letting that happen. According to every nurse in there, the last baby boy around Jaxen’s gestational age that was in there, had almost the same problems Jax. Only when they rushed it a little and when they started to bottle feed, it sent the baby backwards. And it took him a while to make progress again. So they reassured me that they totally understand my need to hold and feed Jaxen, but the fact that Jerry and I are totally up for it being on his terms only was refreshing.

I also notice in the NICU, none of the nurses want to give time frames, and that’s probably a good thing. But one nurse could see that it was upsetting me and took the time to talk to Jerry and I. She said that it might seem like they are taking their sweet time getting Jaxen off all the extra support. But they are doing that because their main goal is to have him home for Christmas. Where as I should be released tomorrow, Jaxen might have to stay a few days, but the main goal is to get him home to me A.S.A.P! Which was upsetting to hear, but I need the truth. And the truth is my chances of walking out of here the first time with my son are very slim to none. But knowing that he is in awesome hands and that they are working to get him home to me only a day or two later is a blessing. The nurse said, “They always make a push to get the boarder line babies home for the holidays.” So right now, that’s my goal. Of course, I want him to go home with me tomorrow and if he doesn’t I think I’m going to be crushed inside. But knowing it now is helping me prepare for it. I don’t know what we are going to do and Jerry and I have talked about some options but we are not making any plans or decisions until we know what is going on. Jaxen likes to change our plans. . . so for now, we are
letting him make them!

Jaxen Collage

Remember you can click on it to make it bigger. . .
. . . Enjoy the pics! I am working hard to get the last couple of days wrote down so you can all share in our journey! Please know that it's coming and I'm trying very hard to get it finished. . . but everytime I sit down to type it, I fall asleep! But honestly, I've needed what little sleep I am getting. . . this has been more emotionally exhausting than anything else!

Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers. I know Jaxen has a lot of people looking out for him. He's quickly became my little Chirstmas Miracle and I can't wait to share him with all of you!!!

Lots of Love - Heidi Bug :o)

Dec 18th - 1 day old

Saturday I was able to have clear liquids only, yuck! Seemed like all my friends and family were posting on facebook about all the Christmas goodies they were making and eating! Made me wish I was at home getting ready for the holidays with my family instead of locked up here in the hospital!

A lot of doctor’s came in to see me and talk to me about Jaxen. In fact, Saturday morning Jaxen had two doctor’s looking after him, a pediatrician and some kind of neo-natal specialist came to look at his breathing. The specialist took x-rays and checked out his lungs. There were a couple of roads that we could turn down with Jax. One road being that his lungs were under developed and we could give him some steroids to help mature his lungs and the other being that he would get the yuck out of his lungs on his own and all he needed some time. And both doctor’s were fairly certain that Jaxen didn’t need any help and that he just needed some time to do it on his terms. So that’s what we did, we stood back and let him take his own time.

Jerry and I were allowed to visit Jaxen and take some pictures in his bubble tent. Which was awesome . . . I love going down there and staring at him. While we were there, Jerry and I got him to open his eyes and look at us. Which was absolutely amazing! He kept those eyes shut tight until he recognized our voices. The nurse was amazed at how alert our voices made him and how fast he opened those beautiful eyes.

Our first visitors were my bestie from work, Dlexa and her daughter Ashlynne. It was nice to see them but it would have been better had I had Jaxen to show off! Now I’m not a greedy person, but I have to say, they brought Jaxen a couple of Christmas outfits! I was so happy to get them!! I have wanted to buy the baby’s 1st Christmas things “just incase” but I have held off because if I did, Jaxen would come in January for sure. So thank you Ashlynne and Dlexa for Jaxen’s Christmas-y outfits!!

Mom, Joanna, and Caleb brought the kids up to see me. Of course, it was fairly disappointing that no one could see Jaxen. And they too came bearing gifts. Grandma and Grandpa had bought Jaxen his Baby’s 1st Christmas bib, along with a lot of other things! Chloe gave Jaxen a nice soft blue and white blanket and Jacob gave Jaxen a little stuffed monkey. While the kids were playing with Daddy, I was giving the opportunity to bring my mom into the NICU to meet Jaxen. We couldn’t hold him, but we could touch and watch him in complete aww. I know mom enjoyed it. I tried really hard to get them to let Joanna in to see him, but Jaxen was still unstable and they said no, only parents and grandparents.

After my family left with Chloe and Jacob, Jerry and I just laid around. I was physically beat and emotionally drained. Right before bedtime, I asked Jerry to go down and sneak a peek at Jaxen just to see how he was doing. I wanted to know he was okay, before I drifted off to sleep. Jerry came back with great news . . . that my little ninja had been off the oxygen since 4pm and was maintaining the oxygen levels in his blood without using every little muscle that he had. So of course, like any crazy mom would do . . . I crawled out of bed and Jerry pushed me (& my camera) in the wheelchair down to the NICU so that I could at least take a picture! It was so nice to see him lying on his belly and not trapped inside that oxygen tent!

Dec 17th - 36 weeks - Birth Story

It all started this morning with an 11:00am Ultrasound. Now, I know I expressed some concern to you guys about why we needed the ultrasound and what we expected from it. And honestly, I wasn't expecting this morning, that 14 hours later I would be sitting here typing out a birth story, in an empty hospital room while my newborn son was locked away in the NICU under constant supervision and my Chloe and Jacob were hanging out with Grandma and Grandpa! I guess, had I known, I would have cleaned the house, did some laundry, did the dishes, etc.

The day started off the same, Jerry got Chloe off to school and let Jacob and I rest a little longer before getting up and getting ready ourselves. Jerry and I figured our days were limited and took full advantage of letting Jerry’s sister watch Jacob while we snuck off to another doctor’s appointment alone. I did not get up in time to get breakfast, I had only made the time to feed Jacob. So on the way to the Doctor’s office, I ate a little cheese and cracker snack. . . you know the kind with the little red stick that you get to spread on your own cheese! And I had a Mt. Dew to drink on the way, because I peed before we left the house and I knew they were going to want a sample from me, so I was trying to replenish the bladder.

We were on time to the appointment and basically went right in to the ultrasound room. The ultrasound showed my healthy baby boy - perfect size, perfect heartbeat, swallowing, full bladder, moving and grooving like crazy! We got the ultrasound on DVD and I have a few pictures of his alien-looking face. Of course, they are nothing compared to what I have now!* The ultrasound tech was calm and nice, telling us that the doctor would talk to us about the low fluid but at the time their was nothing to worry about because he was currently doing great. Jaxen was in the frank breech position again . . . head up, bottom sitting on my pelvic bone, feet and hands on my right side, spine on the left. He was balled up with both his feet and his hands in his face . . . making it hard to see or measure anything. So it was a semi boring ultrasound compare to the last one where I got to see everything individually accessed and the tech did a really good job as to not alarm us. We were totally cool about seeing the doctor, of course, it did give us something to argue about while we waited for the doctor.

Now my doctor's appointment was a slightly scary one . . . Jerry and I joked and argued around about what they were going to say. He thought they were going to pull the plug on me working and I just knew that they would give me at least 4 more days of working so that I could get Walmart through Christmas. But even after we laughed and joked, you could tell from the moment the doctor walked in to our room that there was a lot on her mind and we weren't going to totally like the outcome. Thank goodness we dropped Jacob off with Jerry's sister because we didn't even have time to think of anything but Jaxen in the hour following our ultrasound. Doctor Petelin walked in with her computer and paperwork and went straight to it . . . there was no sugar coating it. My amniotic fluid was at a 3.3 and as far as the doctor was concerned anything under a 5 is a game over. Jaxen's vital signs were good, but the chance of something going bad very fast was high. And way too high for her to risk . . . waiting a day or waiting a week would really get me nowhere. Sure Jax would have time to grow some more and develop his lungs a little longer BUT the longer we waited and if the fluid dropped anymore, the biggest concern is Jaxen could be stillborn. None of us wanted to risk that at all! Dr. Petelin called down to the hospital (St. Luke's East - Lee's Summit) and they were "closed" - the labor and delivery department didn't have the staff to accommodate Jaxen and me – even for observation. So Dr. Petelin had my medical records transferred to another hospital (St. Joseph - Kansas City) and I was to go there immediately. I couldn't even go home and get my bags or get Chloe out of school, Dr. Petelin didn't feel comfortable with anything other than she wanted me hooked up and monitored A.S.A.P! The plan was once I was on the monitors at St. Joe then she would talk to the doctor's here and together they would make a decision based off of what this hospital could do tonight . . . but I was to plan on a c-section today or tomorrow (which was Friday or Saturday).

After getting directions to St. Joe and signing out of the doctor's office, I had to sit down and call my Mom. Thankfully, she was on lunch and I could talk to her on her cell phone and not cause a big huge scene if she was trying to work on the sales floor. I let Mom know that I was getting admitted to the hospital and that it wasn't looking all that great . . . I was going to have to delivery today or tomorrow. And I needed someone here to watch Chloe and Jacob . . . Jerry's sister had Jacob and was able to pick Chloe up from school, so all someone had to do is get Chloe and Jacob from her. Thankfully, Walmart let my parents off work to come to my rescue . . . I love and trust Jerry's sister with my kids and I would have been okay with her keeping them all weekend, but she has 3 kids of her own, adding mine to the mix just seemed mean. Plus Jacob and Chloe had their life change in the matter of moments and it's not unusual that they act out or get moody, it just made more sense that my mom and dad or my sisters had them and they could get some good spoiling time in before Jaxen came into the picture. And in fact, just knowing that they were with Grandma and Grandpa and not ruining Jerry’s sister’s plans, set my mind at easy and I was able to then focus all my attention to Jaxen and myself.

Besides picking up Chloe and Jacob, my parents also stopped by the house and got the things needed for the kids AND all my hospital bags. Everything I needed was at home . . . including my camera!! I'm grateful that I started getting it all together and there were only a few things I had to help mom search for over the phone. Meanwhile, Jerry and I were making calls to family and work and getting hospital paperwork signed and filled out. You would not believe how big of a deal it was that I was pre-registered at one hospital but about to deliver at another! About a million doctors and nurses walked in and out of my room getting things signed and dated and getting the insurance all worked out. My nurse was also allowed to get Jerry and I prepped for surgery. There really was no time wasted. The c-section was originally scheduled for 6pm and as the evening progressed they moved it up and up and up. I was worried that Mom and Dad weren't going to make it in time but about 20 minutes before I was taken back they arrived and I got to see everyone!! (No offence to my parents, but I was glad to see my kids. They were worried about me and Jaxen, but I was able to talk to them and let them know I loved them but I had to get Jaxen out so that the doctor's could make him okay.) Chloe acted like she didn't care and she had her toys, Grandpa and Caleb to play with . . . I know it was her way of dealing. Jacob on the other hand was worried about me. He wanted the IV out, he wanted me to get out of bed, he wasn't happy with me being there. But after hugs and kisses, he went out in the waiting room to play with Grandma and Grandpa.

Just before 5:30pm, I was in the operating room. Jerry was able to come in with me this time . . . he didn't have to wait for me to get the spinal and be ready for surgery. He was with me and held my hand the entire time. Which I needed because I was scared, I was nervous, and I didn't know what to expect . . . Jerry was my rock - keeping me from totally freaking out! As much as I say I rather have a c-section, it's still scary . . . and I hate getting the spinal. And actually this time it took a while before it was set and numbed me. In fact, I could feel quite a bit when they checked the first time, the doctor grabbed me with a tool that has teeth and I cried. So of course, then I was freaking out . . . they guaranteed that they would not start until I was numb and ready. Jerry looked me in the eyes and promised that he'd make sure of it. I'd say about 15 to 20 minutes later, I was finally numb. Although with a spinal you can feel them touching and pressure and pushing but you can't feel any pain, which is an odd feeling. I didn't want to admit to being completely numb because of the first scare and everyone in the room knew it! I just wanted to lie there and cry but Jerry said that if the doctor were grabbing him like that, he'd be in pain and probably crying. So the fact that I wasn't about to come off the table and beat him was a good sign. . . so they proceeded with the surgery. *And now, I can see on my skin where they were grabbing and where they left scratches on me that was bleeding! I guess it’s the price I pay for the reassurance! *

I was watching the clock, especially as they got closer to getting him out. (I knew because of the play-by-play Jerry was giving me) At 6:14, Jaxen was out and crying . . . the surgeon picked Jaxen up above the curtain so I could see his face and the nurses whisked him away. About that time, Jerry started to get really hot and sweaty, and I really thought he was going to pass out. However, he swears he wasn't . . . the nurse got an ice-cold washcloth and made him sit for a minute. Once he cooled off, the drug doctor walked over with Jerry (incase he passed out, he was the only guy in the room that could pick him up if he did! Plus all the nurses were busy with Jaxen and me) so that he could get some pictures. *Come to find out, it was the mask that was making Jerry warm and funny feeling. With Chloe and Jacob he had a paper one that was easy to breathe through but this time it was the thick one that just circulates the old air . . . once he was able to remove the mask, he was 100% better. It was kind of like being claustrophobic. Now we know . . . *

The nurses talked to Jerry about Jaxen while I was getting put back together. When they finally came over to me, Jerry sat down and got to hold Jaxen for a few moments while they filled me in on what was going on. Jaxen was breathing on his own, but he was using everything he had to do so. If you watched his little belly it sucked in and out really fast and you could tell he was using all his muscles. So they were going to take him into the NICU and get some oxygen on him to help him breathe. Jerry stayed with me and the nurses went with Jaxen to get him settled in . . . after surgery I had a 2 hour recovery before they wheeled me back to my room. And they promised to stop by the NICU on the way to my room so I could see Jaxen. *While putting me back together, the doctor's never seen a tear or leak in my placenta, so there was any amniotic fluid escaping. (They were sending it for biopsy) I just wasn't making enough... which is a sign my "OLD" placenta was wearing out. Which is funny to me because each kid has their own placenta... how can it be old?!?! But they kept saying, "due to my old placenta". LOL*

Once I was in the recovery room Jerry left to talk to our family and tell them what was going on and that we wouldn't be able to hold Jaxen tonight because he needed some extra support. My Mom, my Dad, both my sisters, Caleb and kids were waiting to see Jaxen (& me) . . . of course, it wasn't the same but the nurses did open the blinds and they got to see Jaxen though the glass window of the NICU. And they all got to come in and see me once I was back in my room . . . it was late and they couldn't stay too long, my kids still needed feed and put to bed. Plus I needed the rest. I didn't get too much sleep because every hour the nurse was in checking on me and taking my vitals. Kind of annoying but I understood. . .

Introducing Mr. Jaxen Daily

From Santa

Santa Claus has prepared a video message for Chloe. . . click the link to view it!!

Chloe's video from Santa!

Santa Claus has prepared a video message for Jacob. . . click the link to view it!!

Jacob's video from Santa!



Croup :o(

So I called in to work today and I'm sure I'll hear about it tomorrow, but my babies really needed to see a doctor.  Chloe and I were still up at 4:30 this morning when Daddy come home from work.  She just could not stop coughing, which made her cry, which upset me because there was nothing I could do to help her!!  I was about ready to wrap her up and throw her in the car and head to Children's Mercy, when she passed out cold, snoring away!  Her snoring was a beautiful sound, it was like a lullaby for me to sleep!

I got up a few hours later, mainly to call in to work and to check when the doctor's office opened.  I really wanted for them to see their pediatrician but I also know sometimes it's hard to be seem the same day.  I always have my back up of the Walgreen's Take Care Clinic. . . which we've used before and loved.  I like that they are open late and accept our insurance!  Either way both places opened at 8am.  And I already had a WIC appointment scheduled for 9am this morning.  SO at 8:03 this morning, I had the the doctor's office on the phone to find out if they have an opening today.  And ta-da!!  They could see both kids at 10:40am - I'll take it!! 

So I let them sleep in while I ran into town for my WIC appointment.  It was fast and boring and sometimes so not worth the trip, but now I'm done with appointments until the baby is born.  As I was leaving the Health Department I noticed a sign they had hanging, saying that they still had flu-shots available for pregnant women.  I turned around and went back in to ask about them.  Because as long as it's been on my list of things to get, I haven't actually gotten it yet!  *Bad Mommy!*  They had some available for $10 and I didn't have to wait. . . they were ready for me now. . . even better!!  While they were giving me the shot I asked if they had shots available for 3-year-olds because now Jacob's the only one without one.  And they said they did and I could bring him by in a couple of hours after our doctor's appointment without an immunization appointment.  *Jackpot!*  I totally lucked out!

I ran home to get the kids up and dressed and ready to get out in the absolutely freezing temperatures!!  The doctor's office was ready for us when we got there.  Chloe weighed in at a whopping 41 pounds and Jacob weighed in just behind her at 32 pounds!  The doctor checked them over, listened to their breathing and went through all the scenarios - cold, sinuses, infection, weather, furnace, etc. . . then Chloe started coughing.  She started coughing the horrible barking (reminds you of a seal), deep rooted nastiness that we fought last night.  Doctor said one word - Croup. 

I didn't know a whole lot about Croup, so here's what the doctor told me (& what I could remember!), with a little help from Webmd.  Croup is common in young children.  It tends to occur in the fall and winter.  Its main symptom is a harsh, barking cough.  Croup causes swelling and narrowing in the voice box, windpipe, and breathing tubes that lead to the lungs.  Which can make it hard for the child to breathe.  He let me know that a croup attack can be scary, but it is rarely serious.  Children usually get better in several days with rest and care at home.  But it has been known to upgrade to pneumonia (which is why we are taking an aggressive approach to treating it!!).  Croup is usually caused by the same viruses that cause the common cold and it is contagious.  Symptoms of croup often improve during the day and get worse at night. Sometimes children have croup attacks that wake them up in the middle of the night for a couple of nights in a row, but the illness usually improves gradually in 2 to 5 days (I can't wait 5 days!!).

So both kids left the doctor's office with a prescription for a Steroid (Prednisone), a Narcotic pain reliever (Tylenol with Codeine) and an Antibiotic.  If it's not better in 3-5 days, the next step is chest x-rays. . . Poor babies! :o(  So off to Walmart we went to fill their prescriptions (well, technically we went by the Health Dept for Jacob's flu shot first). . . thank goodness for the $4 Prescriptions because each kid had 3 each!!  The pharmacy wasn't busy so it didn't take too long but they only had enough of the Tylenol with Codeine for one child.  More comes in tomorrow, so they will have it ready for me to pick up tomorrow evening.  And since Chloe started her antibiotic today she can return to school tomorrow. . .hopefully, after a GOOD nights sleep for ALL of us! 


Hopefully, everyone is on the mend here.  I guess I'll let you know in a few days!!