My AWESOME Daddy

Last Wednesday (March 21), my Dad went into bypass surgery (began at 8:30). Less than 3.5 hours and 5 bypasses later, the surgery was complete and he was being moved to the Critical Care Unit. Around 1:30, we were able to see him and he was already rousing from the anesthesia. Our visit was very short as he was attempting to let us know he could hear us. About an hour later, we were allowed back in. He was still very groggy, but able to open his eyes a little more and let us know that he was aware of our presence. By this time, the breathing machine had been turned back from 10 to 8.

We saw him again around 6:00. The breathing tube had been removed and he was able to talk a little. He reminded us of what he said when he left the pre-op room - "I'm just going to take a nap." He also said he figured he'd lost his tan, but we assured him that his color looked great. I can only say that it was an awesome thing to see my Dad that alert after such a major event. He would not let me leave that visit without reaching over the bed to kiss his forehead. You can imagine that was difficult for me with my belly, so he even extended his head toward me so that I could reach him. He said he loved me and Samuel - talk about doing a heart good! There was another visit that night at 9:00, but Samuel and I had to go back home for some rest.

The next morning (3/22), I was there bright and early (well, it wasn't really bright at 5:30) so I could see him at 6:00. He was awake and waiting on us. He relayed the events of the night... the nurses came and sat him up on the side of the bed and touched his feet to the floor. He also stood 'by himself' for about 10 seconds. We had a nice visit and then left for breakfast and showers.

When we returned at 10:00, we were informed that he had been moved to a room. We found him all settled in his bed and ready for a nap. He was able to sit up in a chair for all his meals. Sometime that afternoon, he walked the full length of his hall (we later found out it was around 1000 feet) with the assistance of a nurse. All this with IVs sticking out of his neck and chest tubes hanging from his body.

Friday morning (3/23), the doctors removed the chest tubes and he was able to walk more freely up and down the hall. This would be his last trip with a nurse or rehab rep... they released him to walk with somebody in the family. Around lunch time, they came and removed the IVs from his neck making his load even lighter. He continued his regimen of eating, sleeping, walking, sleeping, sucking on a machine to expand his chest, sleeping...

Saturday (3/24), they removed all his bandages to let his incisions "get some air". We also received the first sign of 'hope' that he could go home the next day. He continued his regimen of eating, sleeping, walking, sleeping, sucking on a machine to expand his chest, sleeping...

Sunday (3/25), around 10:00, the doctors came in and released him to go home. They wrapped up the paperwork and and let him out around 11:00. A brief time later, he walked through the front door of his home. We all had big smiles of joy!

Since then, he's continued his regimen of eating, sleeping, walking, sleeping, sucking on a machine to expand his chest, sleeping... We are all very proud of him. He has worked hard to get this far, and I know he will only get better as time goes on.

My brother created a web site just for my Dad.. there's some funny stuff there if you're interested: http://web.mac.com/cswhite.

30-Week Checkup

This morning I had my 30-week checkup. I had to drink a coke so they could test my blood sugar levels again. They apparently did other bloodwork because the lab tech took a vial of blood from my arm rather than just pricking my finger. Whatever they did, all the work came back with good numbers. I have no gestational diabetes, no other conditions, and my growth is right on track. I've gained 15 pounds so far which I think is great. My belly size is good and the baby is very active - all good signs of a healthy pregnancy.

Last night we had our 3rd childbirth class. We watched a video on c-sections, reviewed the breathing technique and talked about general guidelines for introducing solid foods. Good stuff to know. Next week we will tour the maternity floor at the hospital and see where we'll be. That should be fun.

Photo Updates

I've added a link at the right to my online photo gallery. Also, I uploaded my 30-week belly shot. Enjoy!

30-Week Updates

It's been two weeks since my last post, but I feel like it's been much longer than that. There's been a lot going on, and I should've been more diligent to post.

I guess I will start with childbirth classes. The first class was just like a lecture. We received a LOT of information, too much to absorb in one 2 1/2 hour session. But, it was all good and beneficial. The second class was more interactive as we practiced breathing techniques and ways to ease back pain. Thankfully, I've not had back pain, but it is good to know about the double-hip squeeze. :) We watched a vaginal delivery video also. Tonight will be our 3rd class. We are supposed to watch a C-section video.

I also started breastfeeding classes. I guess you guys can skip this paragraph... The first class was much like the first childbirth class - lots of info and not much interaction. During the second class, we practiced positions and learned how to swaddle. It's encouraging to know that breastfeeding is NOT supposed to make my nipples sore. I have prayed that Samuel and I get the hang of it quickly so that I am not unsure about it when we get home.

I had my second baby shower yesterday. It was really nice and I was pleased with all the gifts and seeing my friends and family. My dear friend, Robin, from Pearl, MS came up for this shower and it was so nice to see her!
Also, my aunt and cousin from Winona drove over. I was so happy to see them since it's been TOO long since I had. The hostesses of this shower bought us the Graco travel system. I am very happy to have that - mostly because it means that now I can get the baby home from the hospital! :)

I am planning on creating a page that lists everything I've received and purchased and possibly links to pictures of them. Hopefully it will be up soon. I'm also looking into using an online picture album. If it goes like I think it will, I will post a link soon, so you can see the shower pictures and whatever else I decide to upload.

We also took another picture of my belly last night, and I hope to get it up today. This will be my 30-week picture. I feel like I look as big as some women who are ready to deliver, but I am not complaining. I know everyone is different. I was glad to hear someone say yesterday that she could not tell I had gained weight anywhere except my belly. That always makes a pregnant girl feel good!

My next doctor's appointment is tomorrow morning. I have to drink another Coke to have the diabetes test done again. Fun! Fun!

Name Picked Out!

We have settled on a name for our little bambino. He will be Samuel Bryant. We will call him Samuel, not Sam or Sammy or any other abbreviated version of the name.

The Lord spoke Samuel into my heart months ago - before we even knew our baby was a boy from the sonogram in January. Samuel means "asked of God" or "heard of God". I believe this is a significant name - the exact one Father God wants him to have. He will be a child who knows God and hears His voice. Not because I say so, but because the Lord God has declared it by giving him that name. Bryant is a name I ran across in a baby name book that we both liked. It means "strong".

Of course, there is always a possibility (however slight it may be) that the baby is really a girl. If so, her name will be Emma Claire.

I had my first baby shower yesterday. We received many gifts - all of which we needed. It was such a joy to see so many friends. We are really appreciative to everyone for all the gifts and kind words given. We recognize the Lord is blessing us!

This weekend I passed the 28 week mark. I think there are somewhere around 80 days left in this pregnancy. I still feel really well. God has been so good to me! Other than being tuckered out more easily, I have been having an easy time. We start childbirth classes tonight. That should be interesting. Hopefully, there will be something interesting to report on that tomorrow.