Just to let everyone know I’m okay! Really tired, of course, but hanging in there. I’m getting used to feeding her almost constantly and snatching naps when I can. I had a bit of a meltdown yesterday when all the news from the pediatrician seemed negative: her weight was down too much, her bilirubin levels too high. But today was much better…she had gained an ounce! Now she is 5 pounds 8 ounces, which seems impossibly small for something that came out of me.
Eliza was diagnosed with infantile jaundice…she’s fine, but the pediatrician wanted to head things off at the pass, so she prescribed a round of phototherapy for her. This is the result; a wallaby-belt, a fiber-optic belt that bathes her in simulated sunlight while she sleeps.
She wasn’t happy with it, but after she settled in she realized that it could keep her warm, and she didn’t mind so much. She was re-tested today, and the bilirubin levels were back to normal.
Little Eliza spent most of the evening screaming her head off. She’s got a ton of gas problems, and seems to be in a lot of pain at night…during the day, she’s an angel, and sleeps most of the day.
Figures.
Anyway, she’s doing well. She has her first doctor’s appointment today, so we’ll see how that goes. More pictures and info later.
We’re still trying to get the hang of things, like breastfeeding and what her different cries mean. But all in all, it was a decent night, and I, for one, am proud of us. Little Eliza seems to be doing well, except for some gas! She is asleep right now, and we’re waiting on a visit from my doctor. I think we’re all anxious to go home, but we will miss the nursery and all the helpful nurses around the clock!
Eliza is truly beautiful, and every time I look at her, I can’t believe she’s here.
This is Eliza with Jason’s mom, Jackie…she came in today and just about wouldn’t put Eliza down. Don’t blame her, though, since she couldn’t ask for a cuter first grandchild.
Today has been tests, and feeding, and visitors. Aside from the tests, I think this will be the next few weeks of our lives together.
Originally uploaded by griffey
Welcome Eliza Rhea Griffey, born at 12:47 am.
6 pounds, 5 ounces, 21 inches.
She’s healthy and wonderful, and Betsy is recovering well.
There aren’t likely to be many posts here at Pattern Recognition for the next little bit, as Betsy is laboring even as I type to give birth to our first child.
Follow along over at Brand New World, or the live stream at Twitter.
We’ve been in the hospital just about 10 hours now, and Betsy is working hard. Epidural is in, so the pain is less, but the work is still hard.
My mom and sister just came in, so there’s a bit more company. Still feels like lonely business.
Betsy is doing well. Called my mom to tell her that B’s water broke, and she said that she was on her way as soon as the cornbread came out of the oven. My mom cooks when she’s nervous.
We hit the hospital today at about 10am, and by noon we were in a room and Betsy was hooked up to a bunch of wires and tubes. But not the Intertubes, which I am hooked up to.
We’re both comfortable, but Betsy probably won’t stay that way long.
