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Can you believe she is only 3 weeks and a day old here?

KAYLYNS BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT

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Kaylyn's Umbilical Granuloma and other Concerns

10 Days Old!

Today we returned to our pediatrician's office to have Kaylyn's weight checked again, to see that she was gaining weight normally. She weighed in at 8 pounds 5 ounces! Dr Tony was pleased (and impressed) at her weight gain since her last appointment just last week. No concern there! I asked him to take a look at her umbilical cord site as I was concerned with the amount of discharge I was finding on her clothing and I was worried it had become infected despite my efforts to keep it clean and treating it with rubbing alcohol to encourage drying it up.

Her cord stump had fallen off just yesterday but prior to that it was hanging by what looked like a dark red string. Now it looked more like a regular bellybutton with a pink fleshy ball inside of it. Dr Tony explained that Kaylyn had what is called umbilical granuloma. An umbilical granuloma is a small piece of bright red, moist flesh that remains in the umbilicus after cord separation when normal healing should have occurred. It is a small piece of scar tissue, usually on a stalk, that did not become normally covered with skin cells. It contains no nerves and has no feeling. It was normal for this granulation tissue to ooze fluid and have a slight yellow-green discharge,  but it is not accompanied by swelling, redness, warmth, tenderness, or a fever associated with infection. Basically the cord has dried and fallen off but there is still healing tissue in the new belly button.

To treat it, he used what looked like a long matchstick with silver nitrate on the tip. It cauterizes the area. He said this should resolve any discharge and I can continue to care for Kaylyn's new belly button just as I have been. Very rarely the cord will continue to ooze despite the apparent healing of the stump which is a condition called a patent urachus. The fluid that leaks is actually urine. The treatment is of course surgical closure of the connection. Another potential cause of persistent discharge from the umbilicus in young infants is a persistent yolk stalk (also known as omphalomesenteric duct, umbilical duct, or vitelline duct). It can leak intestinal contents because it is a direct connection from the small bowel to the umbilicus. Again, treatment is surgical. He highly doubts either of these conditions are anything to worry about now, but to keep an eye on Kaylyn's belly button just to be sure.

Dr Tony continued to do a normal newborn physical examination including checking Kaylyn's eyes, nose, ears, mouth, heart, and extremities. Part of checking the extremities included Dr Tony performing special maneuvers of the hip joint in which he was concerned that Kaylyn's left hip clicked during the procedure, indicating that her hip was out of position. I explained that I noticed before when I tried to put Kaylyn in footed pajamas that she always pulled her left leg up to the point it would get caught in the crouch area of the jammies instead of being inside the pant leg. He then ordered for a hip ultrasound to assess the hip joint. An x-ray does not show the bones in a young baby until at least 6 months of age, and therefore a hip ultrasound is preferred. The hip ultrasound will show the doctor the position and shape of the hip joint. Instead of the normal ball-in-socket joint, the ultrasound may show the ball outside of the socket, and a poorly formed (shallow) socket. If Kaylyn shows signs of some type of hip dysplasia then a special brace would need to be worn.

Another concern was that Dr Tony said he heard what appeared to be a faint trace of a heart murmur. He mentioned something about pin sized holes in the heart could be the cause. He went on more in detail but I was fixated on the words "heart murmur" and was already panicking a bit. He must have seen my alarm because he kept assuring me that it was probably nothing, and that these things correct themselves over time. To be sure, he also scheduled a echo cardiogram or "echo" of the heart. Due to Kaylyn's young age, he was able to get both appointments in for tomorrow.

My little ray of hope here is that Kaylyn was examined twice prior- once when she was a day old in the hospital and again just last week on the 17th and neither of those doctors found any issues. So I don't know if it was just them overlooking the problems, if the problems were not present then, or if Dr Tony is mistaken. I trust Dr Tony entirely. He was my brother's and my pediatrician growing up and Shaylee's pediatrician now, and I always found his prognosis more accurate than other doctors we have seen. So I am hoping that these issues, if present, really are nothing to worry about. But if there is an issue, you bet I am going to find out how they were overlooked by the other two doctors!

So tomorrow we have the appointments for the ultrasound and the echo. Its gonna be several hours of sitting at the hospital. Pray that all goes well!!

Video: Kaylyn 9 Days Old

ANNOUNCING THE BIRTH OF KAYLYN MONROE LAUFER!

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Waiting....Waiting...Waiting

7:07 am 11/13
Its been 12 hours of contractions...still no baby yet. They are waiting for me to dialate more before I get the epidural...FINALLY got some sort of pain relief after two hours of waiting...it was really getting intense!

9:12 am 11/13
Still waiting...and waiting...and waiting.

9:34am 11/13
They served me a light breakfast of cereal with milk and a yogurt cup. In a few minutes they are gonna start my Pitocin drip and break my water! Hurray!

10:04am 11/13
Pitocin drip started....baby Kaylyn will be here soon!

1:41 pm 11/13
They finally broke my water and now its more laying here waiting...and waiting...and waiting..... epidural is going its job, but surprisingly I am not as dead-numb as I was with Shaylee. With Shaylee I could not feel ANYTHING or more anything. This time I am able to feel pressure and can just barely lift and move my legs. Hopefully this won't hurt that bad! I have been laying here twisting in pain for so many hours, I just want to be painfree again!

Contractions Have Begun! Off to the Hospital!

11:00 pm 11/12
So I finished the castor oil shake at 7pm last night....and the contractions have begun (I don't think the shake had anything to do with jump starting the contractions...Nils and I, uh, did something else that is said to induce labor...how baby got in there is how baby is gonna get out, LOL!)  The contractions are about 3 to 5 minutes apart, my water still has not broken, but we are contemplating whether we should go now, or wait it out a bit longer.

12:02 am 11/13
Called doctor to see whether or not we should go. The doctor said its a very very busy night so traige is going to be full (is it a full moon? Everyone is having their babies tonight!) but since the contractions are so close, and its my second baby (which are said to come quicker than the first) we should get down there. The worse they can tell me after examination is that I have time and send me home.

12:26 am 11/13
Off to the hospital. Have to drop Shaylee off at my parents' house first. Looks like Kaylyn might be born today!

38 WEEK CHECKUP

Weight: 192 lbs
Dilated: 3 cm
Enfacement: 70%
Station: -1

At today's doctor's appointment, they had to hook me up to a monitor since Kaylyn has not been moving around as much. After reviewing the results, they said she does look sluggish but nothing that appears to be of concern.

On the way home, we picked up a half gallon of Publix Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream (my favorite!) so that I could whip up on of my good ol' castor oil shakes tonight! I am planning on having my baby by tomorrow! It worked for Shaylee so I am hoping that it will work for me again!

Blonde or Brunette...Bets Are On!

 Nils and I are making a little bet- he thinks Kaylyn will be a blond, I am thinking she will be born with dark hair. I tried to convince him whoever lost the bet would have to be the one to get up with her every night for the 1st week...he doesnt like this idea since he has to work still...so we need some other idea, just for fun...LOL

Maternity Leave is Set!

Everything is set for my maternity leave from work. I have already contact Liberty Mutual and opened up my Short Term Disability (AKA maternity leave) and FMLA (Family Medical Leave Act) claim. My human resources department as well as my supervisors are all aware that my last day will be November 12th. I will be receiving 6 weeks of paid leave. I have not decided whether or not I will be extending my leave beyond that 6 weeks since anything after 6 weeks is unpaid.

Slippery When Wet

Ow Ow Ow Ow! This morning while stepping into the shower, my foot slid causing me to kinda do a little split and while I didn't actually fall, the motion of one leg sliding out from under me has caused me even more pain in my pelvic, hip, and lower back area! We need some of those non-slip applications that stick on the bottom of the tub for sure!

I Got a New Phone!!

Since my Blackberry Storm had been acting up quite a bit recently, Nils and I went to go look at possibly getting me a new phone. Having a cell phone that is not reliable this close to delivery has got me really worried. So after talking with the sales rep there, I walked out with a shiny new Droid X! Its SOOOOO AWESOME! And now I can rest assured that when I go into labor, I will actually have a phone that will allow me to make the necessary phone calls needed!

Doctor's Appointment Update

Doctors appt went great! I am already 1-2 cm dialated!!!!!!!!


I gained about 2.5-3 lbs (groan!), my blood pressure was slightly more elevated but still normal, Kaylyn is very low right now and apparently still head down, and my fundal height was 37 centimeters- also normal.

Packing the Hospital Bag

Oh how glamourous it is to be pregnant (sarcasm!)

Full Night's Sleep- What's That?!

What's a full night of sleep feel like anyhow?

 Lets see- I woke up to Shaylee peeing the bed, Shaylee wanting a drinky-drink, Shaylee complaining that her pig didnt smell (its a scented stuffed animal, FYI), and Shaylee not bing able to breathe through one nostril. On top of waking up with pain and popping everytime I rolled over and Nils' stiring and snoring. Oh yeah, and having to pee every hour....

Note to Baby...

Dear Kaylyn,

I know it can be boring in my tummy but seriously sweetheart, my bladder is not a squeeze toy.

- Love Mommy

Fashionista!

Today my mom and I spent several hours organizing Kaylyn's clothes by size...her closet is full, her drawers are full, and I need about four tubs to store those that are sized 12mo to 3T. Fashionista!

Another Restless Night

Ugg..tossed and turned all night- kept getting cramps in my legs and sides and of course with each turn there was pain and popping....then I kept having weird dreams! Feeling especcially painful all of yesterday and this morning...glad when Kaylyn is finally out!

Doctor's Appt Update- Due Date Bumped Up a Bit!

Kaylyn is currently weighing 5lbs 4oz...estimated due date is now 11/22. We weren't able to get a 4D picture as Kaylyn's face was squished up against the placenta again....but she is head down still and everything looks good! Now seeing the doctor each week.

Is it November yet?!

It would be so nice to have one day where it didn't hurt to walk and I could roll over in bed without pain and popping....momma bear is sooooo sore these past few days! Is it November yet?!

Labor at Work?! LOL!

Had to laugh...my coworker came up to me today and said she had a dream about me going into labor while at work...and they took me into one of the conference rooms to deliver! Oh gosh, can you imagine if that really happened?! EEK!

Shopping!

Wwent to Babies R Us with Shaylee and used the last of my gift card and exchanged a few things for a Avent bottle sterilizer, got the Soothie pacifiers I wanted, got an Avent bottle brush, and a rear window sunshade. Went to Target and used giftcards for Gerber infant gowns, sleep and play footed jammies, and matching infant caps in the princess pattern I wanted :)

Sleep Specialist Needed!

Its for sure- Shaylee needs a sleep specialist...she just tried to sleepwalk out of the house and pee on the bench in the living room...she had her eyes open but completely clueless as to where she was...I want to cry..its getting too weird....


She just walked into the livingroom and dropped her pants and started to try to sit on the bench like it was the toilet....so I lead her to the bathroom and she kept whining as she walked into her room and in circles while stripping down to her underwear....finally got her on the potty and then she continued to walk in circles in the living room before taking my seat and going back to sleep. Her sleep habits are getting worse and worse....she wakes up crying every night and says she doesn't want to sleep because she is afraid of having bad dreams. When I last looked into the sleep specialist, out of the list of traits that would require one, she is showing more and more of the signs. I have to bring her in....its getting worse and I don't think I can handle having her disruptive sleep pattern and a newborn at the same time. Nils is a big help but he can sleep right thru the crying...I can't. I need to find out the cause of the issue and go from there depending on what they suggest. If its something we are doing or if she has an underlaying medical condition like sleep apnea or something like that.

19 Weeks Preggers! Belly Pic!

Our baby's sensory development is exploding! Her brain is designating specialized areas for smell, taste, hearing, vision, and touch. Some research suggests that she may be able to hear my voice now! She should weighs about 8 1/2 ounces and measures 6 inches, head to bottom — about the size of a large heirloom tomato. Her arms and legs are in the right proportions to each other and the rest of her body now. Her kidneys continue to make urine and the hair on her scalp is sprouting. Hmm, wonder if she is gonna be a blond like Shaylee and her daddy or a brunette like me?A waxy protective coating called the vernix caseosa is forming on her skin to prevent it from pickling in the amniotic fluid. No pickled baby here, please! The vernix sheds as delivery approaches, though some babies still sport a bit of the coating at birth.

I'll start growing even faster in the weeks to come. I am already pretty big already, and I am gonna get even bigger, yikes! As a result, I may notice some achiness in my lower abdomen or even an occasional brief, stabbing pain on one or both sides — especially when I shift position or at the end of an active day. Most likely, this is round ligament pain. The ligaments that support your uterus are stretching to accommodate its increasing weight. I have already begun noticing this a couple weeks ago, every now and again. In in anticipation for our new arrival, I have kept very busy dreaming, planning, and researching things for our baby shower! Its taken up a good portion of my free time lately.

I am already almost half way through the pregnancy!

18 WEEKS PREGGERS! BELLY PIC!

Progress!Head to rump, our baby is about 5 1/2 inches long (about the length of a bell pepper) and she weighs almost 7 ounces! She's busy flexing her arms and legs, movements that I'll start noticing more and more in the weeks ahead. I have already felt the occasional flutter her and there! Her blood vessels are visible through her thin skin, and her ears are now in their final position, although they still stand out a bit from her head. A protective covering of myelin is beginning to form around her nerves, a process that will continue for a year after her birth.

My cardiovascular system is undergoing dramatic changes now, and during this trimester my blood pressure will probably be lower than usual (although I have always have relatively low blood pressure). I have read to be careful not to spring up too fast from a lying or sitting position or I might feel a little dizzy. From now on, when I do lie down, its important that I lie on my side, preferably to the left as when you lie flat on your back, your uterus can compress a major vein, leading to decreased blood return to your heart. Thank goodness for my Boppy Total Body pillow!

 I have already gotten used to sleeping on my left side, with the support of this awesome pillow since early in my pregnancy. Whoa boy! Major indigestion this week! And those pesky pregnancy hormones causing mucous membranes in my body to swell result in bleeding gums when I brush my teeth and constant congestion (and the occasional light nose bleed from dried sinus cavities). But other than those three reoccurring symptoms, I feel pretty good!

Baby Shower Favor Tasting

My parents' neighbor works for Norman Love Confections, the "it" place to get chocolates and truffles. Pure artisans...and only the very finest ingredients- the Rolls Royce of chocolates. I had received them at Shaylee's baby shower and everyone really loved them (plus it was so awesome to say that I served Norman Love chocolates at my shower!) So of course I had to have them for Kaylyn's shower too! And since my theme colors are chocolate brown and sage green, I really hoped to have ones done that would tie into that. So I requested a tasting of the four that I thought not only sounded good, but also would coordinate with my theme colors.

From top left to right: Mint Chocolate, Pistachio Cherry,
Praline, and Tahitian Caramel

 So the contenders were.....

Mint Chocolate Chip: classic ice cream parlor feel in rich dark chocolate and creamy vanilla mint filling complete with tiny chocolate chips. This one of course would be a winner in my book as my favorite ice cream is Mint Chocolate Chip and my favorite candy is Junior Mints!

Pistachio Cherry: fresh tart cherry and vanilla jam layered on top of Sicilian pistachio ganache with a touch of amaretto coated in milk chocolate. This one was almost too beautiful to eat...it definitely fit my theme colors the best! And boy was it yummy!

Praline: Freshly ground roasted hazelnuts laced with creamy milk chocolate makes this an instant favorite. Soooo good, this one tied for 1st!

Tahitian Caramel: It begins with a layer of creamy milk chocolate filled with a buttery caramel center that oozes the essence of vanilla beans. Very rich, almost too sweet, but sooo good though.

I can't decide! I know I ruled our the Tahitian Caramel, but the other three were so good! Nils and my mom got to try them too so I will have to see what their opinions were to help make a decision. If it was based on looks alone, the Pistachio Cherry would be the clear winner, but since all three taste so damn good, based on flavor is just too hard to decide alone!!!

Kaylyn's Crib Bedding

One very nice thing about expecting another girl is that Shaylee can share a room with her new sister for longer than she could have with a brother. I decided to do the room Disney Princess themed, since Shaylee's bed set is already Disney Princess.  Pink and purple everywhere! I was quite disappointed when I finished my baby registry this weekend, as I was not crazy about any of the crib bedding sets I seen in Babies R Us or Target. But today, I was extremely lucky....

On my break I Googled "Disney Princess Baby Nursery" to try to get ideas and inspiration on how to decorate the girls' room. I just so happened to come across an ADORABLE Disney Princess crib bedding set which was everything I was looking for in a crib set on Walmart.com. And the very very very best part? It was on clearance for $40!!!! A four piece crib bedding- the perfect crib bedding design- for $40! I contacted my mom who agreed to get it as an early baby shower gift, since we knew, being on clearance, if we waited any longer, it would be gone. I COULD NOT LET THIS SET SLIP AWAY! So I ordered it right away. So in the next week or so, I should be receiving it. I can't wait to get it all set up! The girls' room will be so beautiful and coordinated!
Here's a sneak peek (and of course I will take pics once it arrives, all set up)...

blanket

fitted sheet

bumper

dust ruffle

My 2nd Trimester Photo Session- 17 Week Belly Photo

I am a huge fan of The Picture People. They do great work and we have trusted them to do 99% of the professional photos we have of Shaylee. And I get really great coupons from them almost every month, especially around holidays. For Father's Day I got a super great coupon for a Portrait Package which consist of 1 8x10, 2 5x7s, and 8 wallets for $9. Or you could do two poses, which included the Portrait Package for each pose for $18. I opted for this as the deal was too hard to pass up. I decided to do a maternity session with a big bow around my tummy with the baby's gender. And since finding out we were expecting another little princess, I found a great ribbon that said "Oh Baby! Its A Girl!" and made it for the photo session.

The photos came out AWESOME! I loved them! Here are the two poses I chose.... I have quite an impressive baby bump for 17 weeks!

It's A.......

Between those perfect set of piggies it the telltale "hamburger"-
three white lines that indicate this is a little girl!

It's A Girl!!!

Presenting 'Kaylyn Monroe Laufer'!

Our appointment at Sweet Baby O Mine 4D Ultrasound was AMAZING! Not only did we get to see our newest addition moving around in 4D, but we also got a confirmation on the gender. Baby K is a GIRL! Kaylyn Monroe Laufer is what we have decided to call her. Its offical! At my last doctor's appointment, they thought it was a girl, but the baby's position made it difficult to confirm for sure. This appointment gave us over half an hour to "ooh" and "awww" over our tiny, precious baby and also gave us enough time to confirm that it was indeed a beautiful baby girl we were gazing at! And what a mover she is! She barely sat still the entire time we were viewing her! She was all about the hands about her face- it was hard to tell whether she was just touching her face or was actually sucking her thumb! Anyhow, it was adorable! She also had several shots of her smiling! She was actually smiling!!!

With my appointment package, I got a CD of over 200 photos, plus a DVD of her moving set to gentle classical music, four printed photos, a pink "Mommy's Sippy Cup" tumbler, a bag of coupons and business cards from various vendors, and a certificate that allows me to return and get the same package as my first visit for only $59 (our package we selected was $149)...and more! So now I got a great assortment of still photos of Kaylyn in the womb at 17 weeks! It was an AMAZING experience! I cannot wait to return to see her with more meat on her bones and actually get a sneak peek at what our second daughter really looks like (at this age, being so tiny, there isn't much fat on her so features are not able to be seen as clearly as a baby, say, at 30 weeks). I highly recommend not only this experience of a 4D ultrasound, but this place in particular, to all moms!

4D Ultrasound Pictures- 17 weeks