Jaxen - Burn ICU - Days 1 & 2

April 1, 2012
400pm - Jaxen pulled the iron on to him burning his bottom lip, cheek, tongue, arm and hand.  Left immediately for the ER.

430pm - Cass Regional took him straight back to a room and started IV.  Nothing more our little hospital could do for him - started making plans to get Jaxen transferred to another hospital.

440pm - Knew the seriousness of his burns and started making plans for Chloe and Jacob to be picked up.

447pm - Mom, Joanna and Caleb were on their way.

600pm - Jaxen gets a breathing tube for his LIFE FLIGHT to KU Medical Center.  Jaxen gets loaded into the helicopter at 6:06pm... a prayer goes up to keep my baby safe until I could get to him. :-(

610pm - Mom arrives to get the older kids.  Calmed Chloe down and got them situated with Grandma, Aunt Jo and Uncle Caleb.

645pm - Jerry and I are on the way to KU Med to be with Jaxen.

730pm - Doctor came to talk to us in the waiting room. Jaxen will be okay but they are sedating him overnight. Giving his body time to process the trauma and the swelling to go down.  Will know more tomorrow.

900pm - FINALLY able to see Jaxen! A little overwhelming, with all the tubes and monitors. Sat with Jaxen for a while, just talking to him.

1100pm - Jerry and I left to go home and shower and get stuff to stay with Jax. Nurse encouraged us to bring back toys and blankets for him.  Filled up with gas, showered, packed, put the trash out, and ate dinner.

April 2, 2012
215am - Back at the hospital with Jaxen. His temperature was high and his heart rate was fast. Nurse said it was normal - Jaxen's room was set cooler and they ordered up some Tylenol. He started fighting sedation - very hard to watch him fight them... gave him more sleepy medicine. Changed out his breathing tube while he was being extra sedated.

400am - Drew blood for labs - checking electrolytes, platelets, white blood cells. His temperature is on its way down.

720am - Jaxen woke up fighting mad.  Rolled over on to his belly and pulled out the breathing tube.  Our room quickly filled with doctors and nurses trying to get him calmed down and stabilized. Jaxen progressively got worse and Jerry and I were asked to leave while the put a new breathing tube in. Gave us some much needed away time - it's so hard to watch him fight.

930am - Jerry and I were allowed to come back into Jaxen's room. He was all relaxed and back under sedation. Having to put a second tube in isn't helping him along. In fact, it set him back a day. Sometime today he will get a steroid to help the swelling and once the breathing tube has wiggle room AND he doesn't need extra oxygen - the breathing tube will come out. The only problem that he caused when he rushed the tube removal, is that there is a possibility of a build up of fluid in his lungs. Doctor's are watching for it, Jax is in good hands. Meanwhile, Jerry and I are on alert - watching for him to stir, we cannot let him remove his tube again.

1000am - Distribution Center called to get an update on Jaxen. Already have us covered for work this weekend... and as soon as things calm down around here we will get a FAX for the doctors to fill out giving Jerry and I intermittent LOA. For future days off without punishment if we need them to care for Jaxen.

1145am - Got visitors from the Distribution Center. Jerry's bosses came by to see if there was anything we needed from them. Around the same time, Jaxen started running a fever. During the time that they were giving him Tylenol, Jax got agitated and started to fight sedation. The room room filled with nurses once Jaxen started vomiting. Once he was calmed they changed out his crib sheets and the ventilator because the sensor was going off every 2 minutes.

122pm - Jaxen's flow sensor on the ventilator keeps going off and they are trying everything to fix it. It's bothering them more than it is us. Once his nurse gets back from lunch we are going to find some food. I'm starving!!

300pm - Back from lunch and the nurses were trying to stabilize Jaxen. He was fighting mad. They replaced the heater on his ventilator and replaced the tape holding in his breathing tube. Ordered up a new sedative since the current one isn't doing the job. Hopefully, he is able to rest without fighting the sedation. Really waiting for the doctor to make rounds. He is fighting the breathing tube and the sooner we can get it out the better - so we are waiting for the okay to give him a steroid.

430pm - Suctioned his lungs, everything is looking good on that end. He woke and moved around. Poor guy can't even cry... he just cries with his eyes. Nurse felt sorry for him, gave him more pain medicine. Respiratory Team was up messing with his machine again... alarm still hasn't stopped going off. Dietitian visited to get an understanding of how much he eats and drinks. Tonight he is going to get feed through his feeding tube, because with the breathing tube he's been throwing up anything in his belly. The feeding tube will get the food past his belly so he'll get the nutrition without the vomiting. 

445pm - Visited by the PICU {Pediatric Intensive Care Unit} doctor and they talked about changing his medications. . . trying to wien him off of the heavy stuff.  He's GOING to get his steroid shot tonight and hopefully get the breathing tube out tomorrow evening / Wednesday morning. 

800pm - Not too much going on. . . We are waiting for the attending doctor to make his way up to us.  They are talking about changing out his sedative to straight Morphine because he is fighting so much.  The nurse was has no idea how he is still awake and fighting. . . if any of us had that much medicine in our systems we would be out cold.  Also waiting on a PICU ventilator - supposedly they read differently and they are tired of messing with the alarms on the type he has now.  Jerry's currently sleeping pretty good while doctor's and nurses come and go.  I'm up for a little while watching over our Jax.  Once he calms down - hopefully soon! - I will get rest to be ready for tomorrow's events!

900pm - Jaxen is maxed out on all his pain/sedation medicines and right now it's taking 4 nurses to hold him down and keep the breathing tube in.  The attending doctor is on the way to approve stronger/more sedation. Main goal is NOT to let the breathing tube come out until he gets at least one more shot of steriods in his system! It's going to be a LONG night!

920pm - Doctor approved to up his meds a little bit.  She's hoping instead of changing the medicine again, the new medicine cocktail plus some food in his belly might help him calm down.  They think he's hungry. . . so they are getting ready to start feeding him through his feeding tube to get something in his belly.  They are starting out small - like 30cc's in 30 minutes - then waiting an hour to see how he reacts.  If he doesn't get sick then he will continue to get more food.  Jerry's still snoozing. . . = )

1100pm Update - First off, Jaxen gets to eat the rest of his food.  He did not vomit anything up!!!  At about 1015pm, Jerry and I stepped out to go to the bathroom and to grab a bite to eat.  With all the commotion, we waited too long for anything to be delivered to us - so we drove to Taco Bell and got some food.  When we got back, the nurses were back in the room.  My heart sunk. . . I'm thinkin' that I'm never leaving him again!  But they said that he was coughing a little, so they suctioned out his lungs - he got restless but didn't fight.  He never threw anything up so he was able to start back up -- by morning he should be nice and full and ready for whatever they throw at him. 

Here's hoping for an easy night. . . I could use some sleep.  If nothing else major happens in the next hour, this will be my last post on this entry.  I will start a new on for day #3 - it's getting too long and I don't want to accidentally delete everything trying to edit the post.  So I leave you with happy thoughts for a positive post in the morning!  = )

26w3d - Here we go. . .

Well - I can't say I'm surprised.  I was really hoping this pregnancy would be easy and simple. . . But the doctor's office called me on Wednesday.  My heart sunk as I read the caller ID. . . automatically fearing the worse, hoping for the best.

My glucose test came back good.  But along with the diabetes check they run my hemoglobin to check for an iron deficiency.  The test came back anemic.  Grr!  No biggie for most pregnant mommas - after all, I was anemic with Chloe, too - but this time around it could spell trouble ahead.  The biggest reason to be worried is because the extra iron is needed for the placenta - which is what eventually failed during my pregnancy with Jaxen and is the one thing we are watching so closely!   Low iron is taken seriously because it increases the risk of preterm delivery, low birth weight and a higher risk of stillbirth or newborn death.  I had a higher chance of anemia this time around because of the two pregnancies being so close together.  My body hasn't had the time to replenish everything it lost the last time.

With all that being said - after visiting two pharmacies and getting help from a super nice pharmacist this morning, I finally found and picked up my iron supplement. . . I have to take it twice a day, along with my prenatal.  {Now with Chloe, I only had to take one iron supplement a day and it was a tiny little pill.  This time, I have to take a Slow release iron twice a day.  You can only imagine how much iron I am taking now!  Only ONE of the slow release iron pills is 264% of the Daily Value. . . times that by 2 and then add the 150% my prenatal vitamin is giving me!}

The doctor said that this will explain why I am so tired, weak, and dizzy lately. Along with the other issues I've been complaining of: rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, headache, irritability, and trouble concentrating.  The last couple of days I have been feeling absolutely horrible, like I'm living in a fog.  Here's to hoping this iron supplement is miracle pill and will help me feel better. 

Counting my blessings - only about 87 more days to go and we hit our first snag in the road!  AND this snag was found fairly early enough to be corrected before we get to that point of no return.

Spring Break

Friday, March 9th - Spring Break started out great!  Aunt Joanna and Uncle Caleb came down and took Chloe and Jacob to the movies. . . both of them loved watching The Lorax.  Mom, Dad and Jaxen had Subway for dinner.  It was a nice relaxing evening for us!

Saturday, March 10th - Mom & Dad worked.

Sunday, March 11th - {25 weeks} Mom & Dad worked. . . Daylight Savings Time was really hard on me and the kids.  Jerry lost an hour of work -- the rest of us lost an hour of sleep and when you are getting up at 2:30am you feel it!!

Monday, March 12th - Mom & Dad worked.  Girl Scouts turned 100!!

Tuesday, March 13th - Chloe had a dentist appointment in the morning.  She woke up complaining of a tummy ache.  Then a headache, then she didn't feel good. . . she was basically a nervous wreck.  I was too, but I didn't want her to be scared.  Her and I went to her appointment together, the boys all stayed home. . . didn't need them all scared of the dentist office.  Let me tell you, Chloe did WONDERFUL!  I couldn't believe that she let them pull her teeth without any numbing medication!  The dentist reached up and tried to wiggle them -- they weren't entirely ready to be pulled by hand so he grabbed the tool and *POP* *POP* just like that they were out.  She sat up and they put gauze in her mouth -- that's when she tasted the blood and got all bug eyed.  I couldn't help but laugh at her and tell her she was done.  The dentist told her that she did better than Daddy did -- she was floating on cloud 9!  = )

Chloe and I made a trip to Walmart before coming home to the boys.  We let Dad sleep until about 3pm and then we all headed to the bank and Uhaul to get a hitch put on my vehicle.  We ate at Applebee's for dinner before heading home. . . Kid's eat free on Tuesday nights!

Wednesday, March 14th - We all got up at 4am to head out for the day.  We went to Urbana to see Jerry's family.  It was a nice visit, just wish we had more time and seen them more often.  We looked at and bought a tractor while we there.

We headed for Warsaw for lunch and then turned in my Wedding Ring. . . getting the diamond replaced!  I can't wait to get it back in a couple weeks.

After our errands in Warsaw, we headed to Sedalia to see Amanda and Jeremy's house.  We spent the afternoon with them until Mom and Dad got out of work.  Then we headed to Walmart for S'more fixings and then to Cole Camp.

We had a wonderful evening with family, laughing, talking, and roasting marshmallows over a campfire!  Kid's played hard and were filthy by the time we packed up to leave.  We didn't get home and in bed until about 130am!  It was a long day!

Thursday, March 15th - Thursday morning we were woken early because Jerry's Grandpa and Grandma were here to deliver the tractor.  It was nice to see them again and it was nice to show off our new home.  I wish they would visit us more often. . . the kids loved being with them.

It was a little later than I would have liked, but we got the kids to Susan's house and to my doctor's appointment on time.  {See the post for my doctor's appointment #5 for the details}  Afterwards, we had some lunch -- needed real food after that glucose drink! -- and stopped in at Game Stop.

After we picked up the kids, we went looking for a new couch / love seat set for the living room.  Jerry and I disagreed about what we wanted . . . so we came home to think about it.   He wanted a *new matching set* -- really wanting to do something nice for me.  But I wanted a *new* inexpensive set. . . I didn't want to spend an arm and a leg on something that my kids might destroy in weeks!  In the end, we are both happy with what we got and I was able to get it at half the price of a real furniture store.  The couch and love seat are brand new and so soft!

Friday, March 16th - The nieces and nephews came over for the entire day!  9am - 10:30pm.  Susan and Bob needed some time together and they are always there to watch my kids when needed.  We had a lot of fun and they wore me out.  We painted bird houses, rode the tractor, played outside, played the XBox and put them all to work!  = )

I was able to make a trip to Walmart with Jaxen to get the things we needed for lunch and dinner.  When I got back, Jerry ran to town and rented a Uhaul trailer and picked up my couch and love seat.  Amber helped us move the new furniture in and the old couch down to the basement.  While we had the trailer we also moved the deep freezer from the garage to the basement.  And before turning the trailer back in, Jerry got the lumber and fencing he needed.  The trailer worked out nice and we got a ton accomplished -- even with 6 kids under foot!! 

Saturday, March 17th - St. Patrick's Day!  Jaxen turned 15 months old!  Mom & Dad worked.  I pulled a muscle on my side and spent all evening on the heating pad . . . hopefully, I can make it through the rest of the week.

Sunday, March 18th -

Doctor's Appointment #5 - 25w4d

Last weeks doctor's appointment went good.  Not an appointment that I want to repeat, but it was okay for having to take the glucose test.  I will get the glucose test results in 3-weeks at my next appointment; however, if the test results require me to take the 3-hour test or if I am anemic, the doctor will call me to come in sooner. . . I would expect the call to come Monday or Tuesday if it's going to.  

The doctor did the regular stuff - check my weight and blood pressure, fundal height and baby's heart rate.  We also discussed a few issues I've been having like: Never-ending heartburn {only going to get worse before it gets better} and the lack of movement this little guy has on certain days {movement once a day is good enough until 28+ weeks, then it kick counts will count.  Then if he doesn't move at least 10 times in 2 hours, a doctor / hospital visit will be necessary to see what's going on and why he's not moving around like he should.}

Lack of movement wasn't an issue with any of the other kids. . . in fact, Jaxen never stopped moving!!  The doctor wasn't too worried about the lack of movement YET.  Mainly because he started moving again and actually moved and kicked the device that was listening to his heartbeat.  However, in the interest of full disclosure -- a lack of movement might make me have to take a fetal non-stress test.  In the majority of cases, the fetus is doing well, but on rare occasions the non-stress test will show the
lack of movement is actually may be a sign of worsening fetal condition.  In general, as long as the test is reassuring, the pregnancy can continue as planned.  If the test is non-reassuring, a decision must be made whether the risks of remaining undelivered outweigh the risks of premature delivery.  {AGAIN, THIS IS WEEKS AWAY, BUT AN ISSUE -- Pray that little boy stays moving and grooving like he is suppose to so that the test isn't needed.}  Besides lack of movement the test is also given if there is reason to suspect that the placenta is not functioning adequately -- like Jaxen's.  So I ultimately, might have to take the test "just because".  No worries yet, just information to be informed with in the event that it all becomes an issue.  And I like being informed!!  = )

And for those of you that don't know what a Fetal Non-Stress Test is - The test involves attaching one belt to the mother’s abdomen to measure fetal heart rate and another belt to measure contractions.   Movement, heart rate and “reactivity” of heart rate to movement is measured for 20-30 minutes.  If the baby does not move, it does not necessarily indicate that there is a problem; the baby could just be asleep.  A nurse may use a small “buzzer” to wake the baby for the remainder of the test.

Other than that, I am moving on to the third trimester {April 1st} and appointments every 3 weeks. Next doctor's appointment is Friday, April 6th. :-)

Here are the specs:

• Weighed in at 143.8 pounds - which is an 8.6 pound gain in 4 weeks, which is more than double the prior total weight gain of 7.2 pounds!  Wowzers. . . I hope it slows down!  {Total weight gain of +15.8 lbs} *Gulp!*
• Blood pressure was good and normal.
• Baby's heart rate was 150+ beats per minute.
• Our next appointment is in 3-weeks on Friday, April 6th at Noon. 
• APRIL 1ST = The Third Trimester!  = )

Hopes & Fears

Here I am.  Today officially marks exactly four weeks until the beginning of the third trimester.  I've been in the position 3 times before, each pregnancy different - but yet the same.  I should be used to this.  I am used to this.  But this time, it's so very different.  Milestones are sad, knowing that this is the last.  Milestones are sweeter, knowing I'm one step closer without complication.  Milestones are difficult - feeling my body giving out faster.  Heck it should be tired, it's done it 3 times before!
I do find myself wishing this pregnancy would go faster or be over already.  Which is sad.  I'm going to miss this chapter in my life.  I know I am.  It's a miracle each time it happens.  It's lovely, it's fun.  I should enjoy it.  But the truth is, as much as I want to sit back and enjoy everything like I did before - I can't.  My life doesn't stand still. . . I have a super active schedule that revolves around the kids.  And truth is, I LOVE THAT!  This baby is just going to have to come out and go with the punches!!

Right now, I am in full swing with school activities - Cass-Midway Elementary & Kinder Kastle Preschool, Girl Scouts - Daisy Troop, Brownie Troop, Junior Troop, & Cadette Troop, Parents As Teachers with Jaxen, and Library Story & Craft Time with the boys.  Not to mention all the fun things we get to do this month - such as, Disney On Ice, Girl Scouts 100th Anniversary Celebration and Field Trips!  Summer should calm some things down but then we start up with Summer Ball with Chloe.

The milestones of this pregnancy are coming and going faster than I can slow down and enjoy it.  And I think that's the way I am suppose to enjoy pregnancy #4.  Right now, milestones are the greatest joy and time to pause and reflect on this journey. 

My biggest fears are associated with complications.  And milestones are getting me through this. . . a few "milestones" that I would like to reach before any complications arise and baby is born would be:

• Getting to the 3rd Trimester (April 1st!)
• Getting through my Girl Scout Camp Out (April 27th, 28th, & 29th)
• Getting out of school for the summer.  (Jacob - May 11th, Chloe - May 15th)
• Just getting to JUNE.  The 1st will make 36 weeks, 5 days -- Meaning I would be pregnant 5 days longer than I was with Jaxen.
• Every day I stay pregnant in June will be a milestone and blessing by itself!!
• Getting to June 17th -- Father's Day -- 39 weeks pregnant, baby can officially come out!!

My mind thinks crazy things sometimes.  But this is what's getting me through. . . I celebrate little milestones rather than sit back and worry non-stop about what could go wrong.  {I think I think about the bad things enough.  Who wouldn't in my shoes!}

Next biggest stress factor -- finding a NAME for baby boy!!  :-)

March Already!

Friday, February 24th
Jerry took Jacob to preschool for Dad's & Donuts.  Chloe's Spring Pictures.  Mommy got to relax at home with Jaxen!  Susan watched the boys after preschool while Jerry and I snuck in a movie!

Saturday, February 25th - Work.

Sunday, February 26th - Work.  23 weeks pregnant. . . time is flying!

Monday, February 27th - Aunt Karey's Birthday!

Tuesday, February 28th - Story time at the Library with the boys.

Wednesday, February 29th -

We did a lot of shopping/browsing in Kansas City. . . Places like Harbor Frieght, Toys R Us, and Orscheln's. We ended up having to come back home so Jerry could get the Explorer to go back and pick up the crib I bought at Toys R Us!!  They had a discounted crib display that they were wanting to get rid of. . . I stopped to look at it and I got suckered into it and a kids power wheel!  :-)  The crib was originally $179.99, discounted to $90.90.  While the Power Wheel was originally $249.99, discounted to $70.04.  Jerry ended up telling the sales manager that I would buy both if they marked one down farther. . . and he did!  :-)  The Power Wheel was marked to $50 and the Crib was $90. . . I scored both for $140!  Not too shabby!

 

While Jerry got the crib, the kids and I shopped the sales at Price Chopper.  It ended up being a good day and we got a few things we needed like Mole Repellers and tomato / strawberry bulbs for the yard.  Jerry had a lot of fun at Harbor Freight looking at the tools.

Jerry also found the air compressor he wants.   Just have to get someone in a truck down here so we can haul an air compressor home for Jerry and move the freezer from the garage to the basement for me!!   :-)

Thursday, March 1st -
After grocery shopping, we stayed around the house and got things done.  We cleaned, did laundry, burned trash, etc.  And since we got our taxes back we also had propane delivered. . . hoping to make it to the middle of summer when the price goes down before we have to fill again!

Friday, March 2nd - Joanna came to visit while she was on vacation!  After I got Jacob dropped off at school, we went and watched Chloe during her cup stacking tournament.  :-)  It was a lot of fun!

Once all the kids got home from school, we hung out for a while before going to dinner and Walmart. 

Saturday, March 3rd - Work.

March Calendar

Thursday, March 1st -
Friday, March 2nd - Chloe's Cup Stacking Tournament 10am - 1:15pm
Saturday, March 3rd -

Sunday, March 4th - {24wks}
Monday, March 5th -
Tuesday, March 6th - Chloe's 1st Grade Field Trip - Pizza Hut & Lucky Duck 8:30am - 3:00pm
Wednesday, March 7th - Girl Scouts 3pm - 5pm
Thursday, March 8th - Wic Appointment 8:15am // Jacob's Graduation Pictures
Friday, March 9th -
Saturday, March 10th -

Sunday, March 11h - {25wks} Daylight Savings {Spring Forward an Hour. . . BOO!}
Monday, March 12h - Girl Scouts turn 100!! // No School (Chloe) - Spring Break
Tuesday, March 13h - No School (Chloe) - Spring Break
Wednesday, March 14th - Service Unit Meeting 7pm // No School (Chloe) - Spring Break
Thursday, March 15th - Doctor's Appointment 1:15pm {Glucose Test} // No School (Chloe & Jacob) - Spring Break
Friday, March 16th - Baby Sitting the Nieces & Nephew ALL DAY // No School (Chloe & Jacob) - Spring Break
Saturday, March 17th - St. Patrick's Day

Sunday, March 18th - {26wks}
Monday, March 19th -
Tuesday, March 20th -
Wednesday, March 21st - Girl Scouts 3pm - 5pm
Thursday, March 22nd -
Friday, March 23rd - Disney On Ice w/ Chloe & Jacob 7pm
Saturday, March 24th -

Sunday, March 25th - {27wks}
Monday, March 26th -
Tuesday, March 27th -
Wednesday, March 28th - Early Out // Chloe & Jaxen Well-Baby Check-Up's 1:00pm
Thursday, March 29th -
Friday, March 30th - Parents As Teachers "Open Gym" for Jaxen 9am - 9:45am // GIRLS ONLY WEEKEND!!  To Springfield for the night with Chloe & Amber!!
Saturday, March 31st - Girl Scouts "Believe In Girls" 5k Race 8am // Girl Scouts "Believe In Girls" Expo 11am - 5pm