June 23 And Then Some

I realize it's been a week. I had originally enlisted Mark to help me with this post, but he has been so busy playing Mr. Mom and fixing our floor at home all week that he just hasn't had the time. I, on the other hand, have been lounging about the Hotel LDS Hospital all week, so you get the story from me. I promise to include the information I just know you're all dying to have (and probably some you don't care to have).

Last Wednesday I woke to find the baby had dropped quite a bit. Hooray to be able to breathe a bit better, but on to new bladder control issues (I thought). By around 4:00 in the afternoon, the bladder control issues seemed, well, out of control. The doctor sent us to Labor and Delivery. As this was three weeks earlier than expected, I didn't have a whole lot ready. I quickly grabbed a few things for me, a few things for the kids, had Mark pull the garbage can to the curb and ran to pick the kids up from a playdate. After a quick stop at grandma's to drop them off we were on our way. I was pretty sure we would be sent home and tried to take comfort in the fact that Dylan's has their milkshakes for half off on Wednesday nights (I rationalize that emotional eating is necessary when you're pregnant).

Tests showed that my water had actually broken. I was happy to know that I didn't have an incontinence issue, but concerned that I was having a baby three weeks earlier than I expected. My doctor had told me that I was full term the day before, but I was still uneasy. This was magnified by the fact that I had counted on at LEAST two more weeks to prepare for our newest arrival. I had managed to get some freezer meals ready (BIG thanks to Angie!) and I had washed all the baby clothes and gear. However, the shopping trip to stock up on diapers, creams etc. was set up for Thursday, packing the bags and cleaning my shower was to be accomplished on Friday, the kitchen/living room floor was going to be put in on Saturday (yes, it's still torn apart), and the crib was going up the next week. So, we weren't exactly as prepared as we maybe should have been, but by 3:15 in the blessed a.m., little Miss Mallory Marie joined our family.
Not her best picture, but the first one we have of her. At 6 lbs. 5 oz. and 20.5 inches long, she is my smallest baby, but check out her hair!
She is such a sweet, sleepy baby. So sleepy that the next morning she wouldn't wake up to eat for 7 hours. At this point she was taken to get her blood sugars checked. They were so low they had to transfer her to the Special Care Nursery and give her glucose through an IV. After more tests we found out she had an infection. Seven days of antibiotics followed.
And a few days under biliruben lights and on the bili-bed to complete the spa experience.
The hospital has a wonderful program that allowed me to stay in my room as a guest while she received her treatments.
Given the circumstances, things have gone very well. I've had extra time to recover and spent a lot more time with just Mallory than I would have if we'd been sent home right away.

In addition, I was treated to a girls night with my Mom and two of my sisters (Elly is still in South America)...
...and a date night with my sweet husband.
I've also had so many willing people helping out. Thanks to my wonderful neighbors, Curtis and Amanda, who saved my garden from frying up and kept an eye on our house the last few days.

Thank you to my father-in-law, who took time out of his work day to help Mark give Mallory and me a blessing.

Thank you to the Fox Pointe Relief Society, who made sure my family didn't starve while I was gone.

Thanks to ALL my visitors who helped me stay sane as I've had sleepless nights and plummeting hormones all week. These visits were absolutely vital as I've had just Mallory for a companion all week. She is terribly sweet and I just can't get enough of her, but she doesn't say much right now.
A HUGE thanks to Grandma and Grandpa and Boppa and Diyah who took care of My Boy and My Queen.

And my biggest thanks goes to my wonderful husband! I absolutely adore you and simply can't do this without you. Thank you for our wonderful family and all your love and support!