Hi all - just an update for everyone out there. Last week I had my doctors appointment and I'm good to go! This coming Friday will be 8 weeks! Can you believe our little man has been around for 2 months almost! But I"m planning on going back to work on the 20th. We'll see how that goes (rumor is that the company will file Chapter 7 and close the doors on October 2nd) - so who knows.
The whole house had a cold last week, so dealing with a baby that has no idea what's wrong was tough. He didn't let us sleep too much at the end of last week. But the saline drops and the bulb thing help to clear out his nose. We ended up at the doctor with Nate yesterday for thrush in his mouth - so now we have medicine for that. Poor little thing. But he seems to be doing really well - no fever (or very little the doctor was not too concerned) and his chest and lungs sounded good! He's a little chunck now - weighing in at 12 pounds 6.5 ounces! We go back in 2 weeks for his 2 month check up and start all the immunization shots then as well. So that will be fun- planning it so either dad or Craig can go with me. Not sure how well I'll hold up with all the shots! But Nate is having a good old time- he's so much more attentative and trying to be active. He loves to play on the floor mats and kick his legs. Especially during changing time! Its his new little game - even did the "ride the bike" dance for the doctor yesterday. He's starting to smile too! Its the cutest thing I've seen, but of course, I'm prejudice! He was adorable yesterday morning when Craig went to say good bye for the day, he just smiled up at his daddy! He just loves his daddy and looks like him too.
WE had our first over night guests this weekend too - Rob, Janet and the kids were here - so that was fun. Rob and Janet are Craig's friends from Rochester, NY - we had a lot of fun. This weekend grandma Liz is coming for a visit. We aer all excited and desparately trying to clean house (its getting there). Nate can't wait to meet his grandma - that will be fun. WE have some plans to take her to Frankenmuth and then have a little BBQ over at our house on Monday! And what ever she would like to see - we're up for it.
Better run - talk to you all later.
Tuesday, August 31, 2004
Friday, August 20, 2004
Nate's Hearing test
Nate was a little trooper yesterday and survived the hearing test. He was a great little guy and slept through it all. The technician didn't really care for his noises (he's a noisey sleeper just like his daddy). But she told me he passed and his hearing was ok. I'm not 100% confident that she knew what I asked and what she was saying - there was a slight language barrier - but I decided to take the positive road. Grandpa Doug was also great to help us out yesterday getting us to the doctors office and back! He even stayed and we all met for dinner (Marcus, Craig and us)
Today - Nate had another adventure, He went to see where daddy works and to meet his co-workers! Everyone thought he was adorable and so calm. Guess we need to takea video of Nate at 3 am fussing. I've been up since about 3 am with only a few hours of shut eye since then. I'm exhausted (and fighting a cold). Tomorrow Nate has his first baby-sitters officialy. Both grandpa's are coming to watch him while Criag and I go to a wedding! So that will be fun - fun for us to get out.
Now next week we need to plan a trip to my office for Nate to meet some of my friends.
UPdate more next week
Gail
Today - Nate had another adventure, He went to see where daddy works and to meet his co-workers! Everyone thought he was adorable and so calm. Guess we need to takea video of Nate at 3 am fussing. I've been up since about 3 am with only a few hours of shut eye since then. I'm exhausted (and fighting a cold). Tomorrow Nate has his first baby-sitters officialy. Both grandpa's are coming to watch him while Criag and I go to a wedding! So that will be fun - fun for us to get out.
Now next week we need to plan a trip to my office for Nate to meet some of my friends.
UPdate more next week
Gail
Wednesday, August 18, 2004
Quick note
Well we are having a much better last few days. The weekend was really rough with the new formula - thought it was working on Saturday because Nate slept great - but realized it was just having him out side all day at the two birthday parties. Nate got to meet the Wilcox clan so taht was fun, he napped for most of it. And then he met Craig's co-workers at another birthday party.
Anyhow - very early Monday morning when I was up around 3 am and didn't get back to sleep at all - I realized the gas issue was still bad. The poor little guy seemed to be in so much pain - it just wasn't fair. I had been told by many people that Nestle's Good STart worked well for your kids and I also talked to the nurse at the doctors office. She recommended something called Nurtamigen (which is more expensive). I looked at the prices at the store - the Nurtamigen brands were pretty much double in price of anything else we have used. Therefore - I decided to take advice from all of you and try the Good Start first. And heck - good advice so far. The last 48 hours he's been on it and still trying to get the other out of his system. But the gas pains seem less severe and less frequent. He'll always have gas - we all do - so I figured as long as its not too painful - we'll keep trying the Good Start! Yeah! Now I want all of you to keep your fingers crossed that it will work.
Yesterday we had another big outting - my friend Kris and her family came up from Indiana and hung out with us all day. so that was nice. Tomorrow dad comes to help me take Nate to the hearing test -again cross your fingers that he sleeps through it so we can get it completed and pass! If not - we'll deal with what we need, it can't be that bad.
I'll try and update the site later this week once we know more on his hearing.
Anyhow - very early Monday morning when I was up around 3 am and didn't get back to sleep at all - I realized the gas issue was still bad. The poor little guy seemed to be in so much pain - it just wasn't fair. I had been told by many people that Nestle's Good STart worked well for your kids and I also talked to the nurse at the doctors office. She recommended something called Nurtamigen (which is more expensive). I looked at the prices at the store - the Nurtamigen brands were pretty much double in price of anything else we have used. Therefore - I decided to take advice from all of you and try the Good Start first. And heck - good advice so far. The last 48 hours he's been on it and still trying to get the other out of his system. But the gas pains seem less severe and less frequent. He'll always have gas - we all do - so I figured as long as its not too painful - we'll keep trying the Good Start! Yeah! Now I want all of you to keep your fingers crossed that it will work.
Yesterday we had another big outting - my friend Kris and her family came up from Indiana and hung out with us all day. so that was nice. Tomorrow dad comes to help me take Nate to the hearing test -again cross your fingers that he sleeps through it so we can get it completed and pass! If not - we'll deal with what we need, it can't be that bad.
I'll try and update the site later this week once we know more on his hearing.
Wednesday, August 11, 2004
Nate's ENT appointment
Well as expected, not much happened at the specialist today. He said its very early to really determine any hearing loss. HOwever, he understood all the nurses and Nate's doctor want to have him retested. So basically, we will go to another office next Thursday for them to do another hearing test. Please pray he'll be asleep for the test so that it can be completed. That was the problem at the hospital.
Other than that - all is well. He's sleeping now and trying to get used to this new formula - we'll see how this one works or go back to the other.
Other than that - all is well. He's sleeping now and trying to get used to this new formula - we'll see how this one works or go back to the other.
Tuesday, August 10, 2004
Nate's 1 month checkup
Hi everyone,
Nate was 1 month old yesterday and had his 1 month check up today with the doctor. He's doing really well - gained weight and length. He's now 9 pounds 9 ounces and 20.5 inches long! The doctor is very happy with both.
He did recommend trying a lactose free formula to see if that will help with his constipation and gas issues. I hope so - poor little guy - and from what I have read if he is lactose intolerant now - its probably something with his hormones and he'll out grow it.
we have the appointment for his hearing tomorrow - wish us luck! (even though the probably won't know anything without testing).
Gail
Nate was 1 month old yesterday and had his 1 month check up today with the doctor. He's doing really well - gained weight and length. He's now 9 pounds 9 ounces and 20.5 inches long! The doctor is very happy with both.
He did recommend trying a lactose free formula to see if that will help with his constipation and gas issues. I hope so - poor little guy - and from what I have read if he is lactose intolerant now - its probably something with his hormones and he'll out grow it.
we have the appointment for his hearing tomorrow - wish us luck! (even though the probably won't know anything without testing).
Gail
Monday, August 09, 2004
August 9th
Well its been a while since I posted last. We are all doing well - Nate has had a lot of good and a few bad days. Last week he slept really well for us at night - the last few nights, he would sleep all day and then be up all night. Just being fussy. He's been awake a lot today - so we'll see how he does tonight.
He even survived his first big garage sale last week. He and I helped dad out at the 3 day event. Didn't do as good as we would have hoped - but better than nothing I suppose. Nate was able to meet a lot of people those few days - many people came out just to meet the little guy. He did very good till Mr. Lutz held him and Nate's little diaper just couldn't hold out any longer. Oops.
Right now he's sleeping and we are about to go do laundry. Kyle is over painting in his room again - Nate already loves the work - he sits and stares at the waves she has painted.
WE have his one month check up tomorrow morning and then an appointment with the hearing doctor on Wednesday. Not sure if they will even do a test on WEdnesday or just chekc him out and send us downtown. WE shall see.
He even survived his first big garage sale last week. He and I helped dad out at the 3 day event. Didn't do as good as we would have hoped - but better than nothing I suppose. Nate was able to meet a lot of people those few days - many people came out just to meet the little guy. He did very good till Mr. Lutz held him and Nate's little diaper just couldn't hold out any longer. Oops.
Right now he's sleeping and we are about to go do laundry. Kyle is over painting in his room again - Nate already loves the work - he sits and stares at the waves she has painted.
WE have his one month check up tomorrow morning and then an appointment with the hearing doctor on Wednesday. Not sure if they will even do a test on WEdnesday or just chekc him out and send us downtown. WE shall see.
Sunday, August 01, 2004
Big weekend
Well Nate had a big weekend - Friday we spent the day out at dad's house trying to get ready for the big estate/garage sale this week (Thursday - Saturday if anyone wants to come by and say HI - we will probably be there in the afternoons).
Yesterday we went to his first birthday party for our friend Jimmy who turned 4 and then today back out to Howell to help dad with a few more things. Good thing Marcus is out in Howell now - he helped dad a TON yesterday going through things - now lets hope he can help dad lug all the stuff up into the garage for us! Now that would be good. We have so much stuff - lots of antiques - so come and shop! It was actually better than I thought it would be finding a lot of things mom had saved or bought for us - stuff like that. But today I found some additional love letters between mom and dad and pictures she saved from her senior class trip! And a bunch of photo albums - the first one I found - pictures from when I was born - actually the baby shower family gave mom when she was having me! So that was pretty cool to look at. Still a lot to go throug, but I think we all agree the stuff in the basement isn't as important as the stuff upstairs. We can go through that stuff - someday! When we are ready.
We are all tired tonight -well Nate's been sleeping most of the evening - so lets hope he still sleeps good tonight. He's been doing better the last few nights for us - so taht is good. He's also been able to meet a lot of friends today! Elizabeth Snider (Reed), John Reed, Mrs. Grill, Mr. Wilson and then the Shadekers (hope I spelt that some what close). So it was fun -
Better go - need to get some rest before my mornign wake up calls - we have a great system going - Craig gets the late night feeding and I get the early morning ones.
Yesterday we went to his first birthday party for our friend Jimmy who turned 4 and then today back out to Howell to help dad with a few more things. Good thing Marcus is out in Howell now - he helped dad a TON yesterday going through things - now lets hope he can help dad lug all the stuff up into the garage for us! Now that would be good. We have so much stuff - lots of antiques - so come and shop! It was actually better than I thought it would be finding a lot of things mom had saved or bought for us - stuff like that. But today I found some additional love letters between mom and dad and pictures she saved from her senior class trip! And a bunch of photo albums - the first one I found - pictures from when I was born - actually the baby shower family gave mom when she was having me! So that was pretty cool to look at. Still a lot to go throug, but I think we all agree the stuff in the basement isn't as important as the stuff upstairs. We can go through that stuff - someday! When we are ready.
We are all tired tonight -well Nate's been sleeping most of the evening - so lets hope he still sleeps good tonight. He's been doing better the last few nights for us - so taht is good. He's also been able to meet a lot of friends today! Elizabeth Snider (Reed), John Reed, Mrs. Grill, Mr. Wilson and then the Shadekers (hope I spelt that some what close). So it was fun -
Better go - need to get some rest before my mornign wake up calls - we have a great system going - Craig gets the late night feeding and I get the early morning ones.
Thursday, July 29, 2004
Pictures online
Ok - here you all go - click on the Family PHoto's Link over to the left and you can access a ton of our pictures - even Nate photo's.
Have fun - wish us luck tonight - Nate's been fussy the last few nights. But we have now ventured into pacifier land! It seems to work wonders - if he won't breastfeed - guess why not!
Have fun - wish us luck tonight - Nate's been fussy the last few nights. But we have now ventured into pacifier land! It seems to work wonders - if he won't breastfeed - guess why not!
Wednesday, July 28, 2004
July 28th
Nate, daddy and I are doing well. Nate and I had our first big adventure yesterday. We traveled to Okemos to meet my friend Sarah and her new baby Tommy (6 weeks old). It was fun - we hung out for a few hours and just had fun. Then we went to grandpa's house and out to dinner in Howell! Nate even met Billie - Uncle Marcus' big dog! Billie did pretty well - more curious as to what this new little "thing" was. Sniffing and licking Nate's little feet!
MOnday Nate also had a big day with Grandpa - he was able to babysit for a few hours while I got out of the house to run a few erands. Which was really nice! Thanks dad!
Today - we are just chilling out - we had to switch his formula last night - so he's adjusting to that today. I think he's down for a little nap right now. He had me up this morning before 5 am! So I'm a little tired.
Gail
MOnday Nate also had a big day with Grandpa - he was able to babysit for a few hours while I got out of the house to run a few erands. Which was really nice! Thanks dad!
Today - we are just chilling out - we had to switch his formula last night - so he's adjusting to that today. I think he's down for a little nap right now. He had me up this morning before 5 am! So I'm a little tired.
Gail
Saturday, July 24, 2004
two weeks old
Well Nate's now two weeks old and doing good. Getting a little more fussy and wanting to eat a LOT more. We were able to see a lactation specialist this week and it may not be easy for us to breastfeed. Even though he's done it twice now - its not enough. One - he's not a good "sucker" and I'm not getting enough milk for him. There are a few things we are going to talk to my doctor about so we'll see. Wish us luck! Still pumping to get what he can - but its not enough.
Nate's starting to stay awake a little more too. Which is fun - and his eyes are starting to change color too. Still blue just not as dark - they were almost navy blue before! Very pretty - but they are getting a little ligher. Can't wait to see what color they end up - probably a blue or green with the colors in the family.
We also had our first restaurant dinner last night and our first dinner at friends is tonight! Lets hope he's a good boy for us!
Better run - trying to get a few things done before we leave tonight. Sorry we are so busy have a hard time updating every day. Emailed out some pictures Kathy took last week - very cute. Craig says it is very difficult to post to this page - but one of these days we'll probably get more posted to the www.craigbackus.com website.
Gail
Nate's starting to stay awake a little more too. Which is fun - and his eyes are starting to change color too. Still blue just not as dark - they were almost navy blue before! Very pretty - but they are getting a little ligher. Can't wait to see what color they end up - probably a blue or green with the colors in the family.
We also had our first restaurant dinner last night and our first dinner at friends is tonight! Lets hope he's a good boy for us!
Better run - trying to get a few things done before we leave tonight. Sorry we are so busy have a hard time updating every day. Emailed out some pictures Kathy took last week - very cute. Craig says it is very difficult to post to this page - but one of these days we'll probably get more posted to the www.craigbackus.com website.
Gail
Monday, July 19, 2004
Toxemia update
Good afternoon all - I'm taking a few minutes while Nate is still sleeping. He had a difficult time last night and just wanted to be held to sleep again. Hopefully tonight will be different.
Anyhow - I had my doctor visit today and found out I have lost 21 pounds since last Monday! Yeah! So I'm definately down below prepregnancy weight! So I'm excited. I still have "a good amount" of swelling in my legs according to the doctor, but he's happy to see I'm still loosing all the water. My blood pressuer today he said was OK - even though it was about the same as it was when they sent me in to have Nate. Guess not being pregnant, they don't consider it high now. So that was good. He's just checking the one liver enzyme today and we should have the results tomorrow. He said last week it was very slightly elevated and nothing to be worreid about. High is 34 and mine was like 58 - he would be concerned if it were 600 or 2000. However, he still needs to monitor this level to ensure that it is going down below the 34. So just like Nate's jaundice, just keeping an eye on things. Can't complain about that.
Today is Nate and my first day alone - so far so good. He's been sleeping and even ventured to Meijer with me to pick up a few things. Tomorrow is his next doctor appointment, mostly to check his weight and be referred to an audiologist for his hearing. Doctor didn't seem to worried about it last week - so that was good too.
Enjoy the day!
Gail
Anyhow - I had my doctor visit today and found out I have lost 21 pounds since last Monday! Yeah! So I'm definately down below prepregnancy weight! So I'm excited. I still have "a good amount" of swelling in my legs according to the doctor, but he's happy to see I'm still loosing all the water. My blood pressuer today he said was OK - even though it was about the same as it was when they sent me in to have Nate. Guess not being pregnant, they don't consider it high now. So that was good. He's just checking the one liver enzyme today and we should have the results tomorrow. He said last week it was very slightly elevated and nothing to be worreid about. High is 34 and mine was like 58 - he would be concerned if it were 600 or 2000. However, he still needs to monitor this level to ensure that it is going down below the 34. So just like Nate's jaundice, just keeping an eye on things. Can't complain about that.
Today is Nate and my first day alone - so far so good. He's been sleeping and even ventured to Meijer with me to pick up a few things. Tomorrow is his next doctor appointment, mostly to check his weight and be referred to an audiologist for his hearing. Doctor didn't seem to worried about it last week - so that was good too.
Enjoy the day!
Gail
Friday, July 16, 2004
Nate News (good too)
Well Nate had a big day today! He was in his first "traffic incident" at the medical office parking lot (he slept through it all - thank goodness). As dad and I were driving out some woman just backed out and hit us! No big damage to the van, just cracked the plastic around the front blinker (luckily)!
Next he went to the grocery store! Whoo hoo!
He had only one visitor (grandpa doesn't count as a visitor) today and a lot from the family yesterday - so that was fun.
The doctor called and told us the jaundice is going away! Yeah! So he's doing good on that front. And my excitement is he finally got the hang of the breastfeeding today! He got something - so that is better than the last week of trying. I owe it to my friend Sarah who just had her little Tommy in June - to just keep trying! It takes a week or two! So hopefully things will slowly progress towards that better end of things! Yeah!
Well I think daddy is putting him down for the evening (before the next feeding). I think we will go relax and watch last weeks episode of Monk!
Have a good weekend everyone.
Next he went to the grocery store! Whoo hoo!
He had only one visitor (grandpa doesn't count as a visitor) today and a lot from the family yesterday - so that was fun.
The doctor called and told us the jaundice is going away! Yeah! So he's doing good on that front. And my excitement is he finally got the hang of the breastfeeding today! He got something - so that is better than the last week of trying. I owe it to my friend Sarah who just had her little Tommy in June - to just keep trying! It takes a week or two! So hopefully things will slowly progress towards that better end of things! Yeah!
Well I think daddy is putting him down for the evening (before the next feeding). I think we will go relax and watch last weeks episode of Monk!
Have a good weekend everyone.
Thursday, July 15, 2004
First afternoon alone
WEll today is our first afternoon alone - going well so far. Craig had to go back to work today - missing his Nate time I'm sure! But we are all doing well. Dad was here this morning to help out which was nice. Just to give me time to get a shower was great! He'll be back though tonight and tomorrow. I've got plans to have him go shopping with Nate and I and to get Nate's blood tested again.
The doctor did call back last night and his bilirubin level did go up slightly, but not that much. The doctor thinks yesterday was the "peak" day and wants to test tomorrow to ensure it is going down. He doesn't seem too concerned, so that is good.
Me - I'm excited, feeling a ton better today and not really sure what was up yesterday. And realized I finally lost all the weight in the last 2-3 days! I am now down to what I was or less then I was before I was pregnant! So that is good news to me. I'm excited.
WEll I'm going to take a nap while the little guy sleeps this afternoon.
The doctor did call back last night and his bilirubin level did go up slightly, but not that much. The doctor thinks yesterday was the "peak" day and wants to test tomorrow to ensure it is going down. He doesn't seem too concerned, so that is good.
Me - I'm excited, feeling a ton better today and not really sure what was up yesterday. And realized I finally lost all the weight in the last 2-3 days! I am now down to what I was or less then I was before I was pregnant! So that is good news to me. I'm excited.
WEll I'm going to take a nap while the little guy sleeps this afternoon.
Wednesday, July 14, 2004
Settling In
So far, so good......
Nate had his first doctor's appointment yesterday. The doctor's hopeful that we can run the hearing test again and it will turn out to be nothing. We'll be making arrangements to do that soon.
The doctor wanted to have his billiruben level checked, and we to the lab yesterday to have blood drawn. We were a little concerned about the pediatrician we chose, but we got a call with the results last night at 7:30 from the doctor himself! This earned big points in the "Backus book of Points" so we'll be staying with them for the foreseeable future.
He said he would have been concerned if this number was over 25, and the number was 15.5. He wanted to do it again today to make sure it was going down, so I took Nate this afternoon ALL BY MYSELF! How do you like that? We haven't heard about those results, but I guess I might hear something later tonight.
Gail hasn't been feeling 100%, but we're hoping it will pass in the next few days. She saw her doctor on Monday about the fluid issue, and he said that it's an after effect of the toxemia. He said that it should pass in a week or so. Gail was dealing with a headache today and is hoping that with some rest she'll feel better. I'm headed back to work tomorrow, and Doug will be coming to help out, so hopefully that will help get us through to Gail being back on her feet.
I'm trying to get a picture of Nate awake for everyone, but he's not awake too much just yet, and when he is he's eating or crying! Maybe later today we'll have a Kodak moment!
Nate had his first doctor's appointment yesterday. The doctor's hopeful that we can run the hearing test again and it will turn out to be nothing. We'll be making arrangements to do that soon.
The doctor wanted to have his billiruben level checked, and we to the lab yesterday to have blood drawn. We were a little concerned about the pediatrician we chose, but we got a call with the results last night at 7:30 from the doctor himself! This earned big points in the "Backus book of Points" so we'll be staying with them for the foreseeable future.
He said he would have been concerned if this number was over 25, and the number was 15.5. He wanted to do it again today to make sure it was going down, so I took Nate this afternoon ALL BY MYSELF! How do you like that? We haven't heard about those results, but I guess I might hear something later tonight.
Gail hasn't been feeling 100%, but we're hoping it will pass in the next few days. She saw her doctor on Monday about the fluid issue, and he said that it's an after effect of the toxemia. He said that it should pass in a week or so. Gail was dealing with a headache today and is hoping that with some rest she'll feel better. I'm headed back to work tomorrow, and Doug will be coming to help out, so hopefully that will help get us through to Gail being back on her feet.
I'm trying to get a picture of Nate awake for everyone, but he's not awake too much just yet, and when he is he's eating or crying! Maybe later today we'll have a Kodak moment!
Monday, July 12, 2004
Nate's Home!
We survived our first night at home.
He's still getting used to sleeping by himself, so sometimes we have to take turns holding him to get him to sleep. At least now we're in a bigger space and can take turns so we get some sleep.
Nate seems to be doing pretty well. He has his first doctor's appointment tomorrow. We're still trying to figure out how to get the breastfeeding going, but in the meantime, he's getting some formula so that he doesn't get sick. We're a little worried about one of his hearing tests because one ear didn't pass in the hospital. It could just be he was fussy, and now he's getting more used to life outside the womb, so hopefully that won't be a problem.
Thanks for all the good thoughts and prayers that came our way. It certainly is a miracle, and now the fun begins!
He's still getting used to sleeping by himself, so sometimes we have to take turns holding him to get him to sleep. At least now we're in a bigger space and can take turns so we get some sleep.
Nate seems to be doing pretty well. He has his first doctor's appointment tomorrow. We're still trying to figure out how to get the breastfeeding going, but in the meantime, he's getting some formula so that he doesn't get sick. We're a little worried about one of his hearing tests because one ear didn't pass in the hospital. It could just be he was fussy, and now he's getting more used to life outside the womb, so hopefully that won't be a problem.
Thanks for all the good thoughts and prayers that came our way. It certainly is a miracle, and now the fun begins!
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