Returning to Work :(

I can't believe it, but my 12 weeks of maternity/medical leave are up! :(  I have mixed emotions about returning to work, which is a job that I absolutely love, but I would rather be at home with my little Tommy.  Tommy went to daycare this past Thursday and Friday for about 6 hours at a time so he and I could get adjusted to life with daycare.  His teachers Ms Vicki and Ms Chandra are super nice and I'm sure he's making friends with all the other babies just fine :)   Also, last week (@ 8 weeks of age), Tommy started reaching for the toys on his crib gym!!

 Tommy - 6 1/2 weeks - I just love this outfit!!

 Reaching for his toys

This past weekend we went to New Orleans for the Henegan Family Reunion and had a BLAST!!!  Tommy was the hit of the weekend and came home spoiled from being held or walking around in his stroller the whole time!!  The food was great, the booze plentiful, and the company wonderful - it was great to see the Henegan family.  Thanks to Lindsey Rush & Saundra - Daddy and I had a couple of nights out on the town - boy those 7am feedings sure did come fast though!!  We also got to see Tommy's cousins Owen & Nate and their mom & dad - Jason & Sonna - they drove in from Mobile, AL to come see us.  You might be wondering how we arrived in New Orleans - after much debate between dad and me - we flew.  I wanted to drive so that I could take everything imaginable with me (what mom wants to be limited to 2 carry-ons?) and dad wanted to fly because we would get there MUCH faster.  I was nervous taking Tommy on the plane - I've been on several flights with babies who cried the whole time - and I do not want to be that person.  I couldn't have asked for a better experience though- Tommy was awesome and slept just about the entire time.  Now, traveling through an airport with a stroller, luggage, car seat and baby is not an awesome experience, but we managed it - carrying our Starbucks and all!

 Great-Grandma Henegan, Tommy & Mommy

 Great-grandpa Henegan, Uncle Ryan, Tommy & Mommy

Daddy & Tommy overlooking the French Quarter

8 Weeks Old

Tommy is getting bigger, smarter and of course, cuter every day.  I really am amazed at how fast he grows and develops - his newest "trick" is smiling back at me.  Matt says he's been smiling at him for "weeks" - hard to believe ;) - but I'm thrilled he smiles at me now!  Tommy's been cooing and holding his up by himself for long periods of time - such a huge change from just 8 weeks ago.  Last night he reached out and tried to grab the toys on his little gym!!! 

Last Friday Tommy had his 2-month check-up, here are his updated stats:
Weight - 10 lbs, 9 ounces (30th percentile)
Height - 21 1/2 inches (10%)
Head circumference - 39 3/4 inches (47%)
He also received his 2 month immunizations!

This past Saturday, Daddy and I dropped Tommy off with Grandma Cindy & Roland so we could have our first date since Tommy was born.  Tommy also got to meet his great-grandpa Roy and great-grandma Maryanne - they loved him up!!  It was neat to see 4 generations of the Rush family. We had a great time starting with dinner at Sushi Axiom and then a couple of beers afterwards.  I was a little afraid we would talk about the baby the whole time - not that there's anything wrong with that - but I was really looking forward to some adult convo - and after we discussed the pros/cons of taking the BOB vs the Snap N Go stroller to New Orleans this weekend (did I really just say that?) we had some very stimulating conversation!! 

More to come next week - we are going to New Orleans for the Henegan Family reunion on Friday - Tommy's first plane trip!

 July 6 - Wishing Aunt Brittany a Happy Birthday

6 Weeks Old!

 7 Weeks Old

Great Grandpa Roy & Great Grandma Maryanne

Tommy is here!!!

Thomas Rush Canon arrived May 17, 2011 at 3:13pm weighing in at 6 lbs, 9 oz and 19 inches long and perfectly healthy!! 

I can't believe it's been 6 weeks since Tommy was born...my little boy is growing so fast!!  The past 6 weeks have flown by with so many visitors coming to see Tommy, doctors appointments, trips to Babies R Us for anything and everything, and of course cuddling with my sweet little boy!  Daddy and I took Tommy to dinner at our favorite Italian restaurant - Scalini's - when he was just 10 days old!  He slept the entire time - and let mommy and daddy enjoy a dinner out for the first time in about 4 weeks. 

So where do I start?  On Monday night, May 16, I checked into the hospital to start my induction.  Monday night I ended up getting 3 doses of cytotec (a medication that is suppossed to ripen your cervix) but the cytotec did not work as well as we had hoped and I was still only barely dilated to 1cm and about 70% effaced.  So then around 11am the pitocin was started and the waiting continued.  I did start feeling some contractions but around 3pm Tommy gave everyone a scare by dropping his heart rate.  Next thing I knew the room was full of nurses, anesthesiologists and my OB - Dr Brough telling me that I was going to have an emergency c-section because they weren't able to bring his heartrate back up.  I was rushed into the operating room for a c-section under general anesthesia (I didn't have an epidural in) and within 6 minutes the amazing Labor & Delivery team had Tommy out of harm's way and into the hands of the NICU team - Joanna, Kevin & Dr Minnich - thank you, thank you!!!  I was told Tommy came out screaming and crying and just needed a little CPAP to pink up.  Tommy was taken to the nursery to be observed for a few hours because he was breathing a little too fast - but thankfully did not need to go to the NICU.  I've been told by my fellow nurses this was "the nurse curse" at work - oh well - we all turned out to be healthy patients in the end! 

 Mommy meets Tommy for the first time!

Daddy & Tommy

So after 4 nights in the hospital an excited mommy & daddy brought their beautiful baby boy home!!

The first few weeks were filled with joy and with stress.  I was planning on exclusively breastfeeding but after Tommy lost 13% of his body weight while we were in the hospital, we needed to supplement him by giving formula.  I continued to breast feed before I gave him a bottle, hoping that it was just taking a little longer for my milk supply to come in.  Unfortunately though, it never did and after about 3 1/2 weeks of pumping, breastfeeding, and bottle feeding - and not pumping more than an ounce (EVER!!!) - I gave up breastfeeding.  It was not an easy decision.  I've spent my NICU career being taught how breast milk is best and teaching all the moms I've taken care of the same thing - but in the end I know I gave it my best shot and for whatever reason breastfeeding was not meant for me and Tommy. 

When Tommy was about 2 1/2 weeks old we had his pictures taken - and OMG are they AMAZING!!  Kari Burkhardt did a wonderful job but it didn't hurt having such a gorgeous baby :)  Here's a preview of them and more are on my facebook page. 

At 6 weeks old, Tommy is eating about 4 oz of formula every 3-4 hours and is waking up every 3-4 hours at night to eat, but luckily goes right back to sleep.  He has been much more alert and is cooing and smiling occasionally!  Being a mom is really an awesome thing, plus he really has been a great baby!  He does have his crying episodes here and there but nothing we can't handle and definitely nothing to complain about.  I'm getting sad thinking I go back to work in less than 4 weeks, but we still have our family reunion trip to New Orleans and Tommy's first plane ride to look forward to!! 

Alright - I hope to post more frequently from now on!

We have a plan...

Due to my increased blood pressure, the OB is going to induce labor on Tuesday, May 17, 2011!!! 

In the meantime, I've been taking it easy as the doctor has prescribed.  Yesterday, Matt and I celebrated our 4 year anniversary - we both couldn't believe how fast the past 4 years have gone by.  We didn't get to really celebrate by going out or anything due to my bedrest - but we did continue our tradition of having a nice steak dinner by getting some food to go and eating at home.  I have to admit - I'm really sick of being at home.  It's sad when you look forward to going to the doctor because that's the only time I really get out of the house.  Everyone keeps telling me to take advantage and rest up while I can and I think I've had all the rest I can take - I'm ready to have my life back - I haven't driven a car in 11 days - I want to get out!!! 

I'm so excited Tommy is going to be here in 4 days - we're ready for you little guy!

Bump in the Road

This time I really have no excuse for not updating my blog sooner - I've been on 'bedrest' since Monday, so I've had nothing but time on my hands...So why am I on bedrest?  I have a mild form of gestation hypertension, basically being pregnant has caused my blood pressure to increase, and when this is untreated it can lead to liver failure and seizures.  So, rather than have all that fun, the OB told me I can't work anymore - which was disappointing because now I'm starting my leave time without the baby being here.  But - we are probably going to be induced next Monday, May 16, so let's keep hoping for that!!! 

Last Saturday we had a baby shower thrown by the "Posse" in Mansfield (the Posse is Grandma and Grandpa Canon's group of friends).  We had a great time with friends and family, ate some great Mexican food and delicious cake, and opened TONS of gifts!  This little boy really is spoiled and he's not even here yet!!  We were overwhelmed by the generosity of everyone - it was very touching.  Phyllis and Richard came in for the shower from Madison, MS and John & Anni and Deborah came in from Austin - it was so nice to see our out of town family!! 

 Beautiful cake decorated by the talented Richetta Lewis!



So now I'll be going to the OB 2x/week (Monday & Thursday) to check on my BP - I hope to be better at keeping the blog updated!!

35+ Weeks

Holy cow!!!  That's all I can say about how SPOILED we were this weekend at the baby shower Aunt Debbie and Aunt Liz hosted.  The shower was too cute - everything you could imagine (including dish and hand soap!) was blue!!  There were so many great little touches, like handmade life-saver pacifiers, printed mints, mimosas (sad that I could not partake!), delicious food - could not have asked for more!!!  We were given LOTS of adorable clothes, 2 high chairs (one for home and one for on-the-go), a boppy and boppy cover, bedding for the nursery, a video baby monitor, 2 crib soothers (need one for day care too!), a snap-n-go stroller, swaddling blankets, accessories for the nursery, and from "Aunt" Jenny hand-knitted bibs, waschlothes, and an adorable hat, plus much more that I can't remember right now!!!!

I am kind of in shock that we are just about 4 weeks away from our due date!  We need to get ready for this baby!!  Luckily, I have a plan though - grandma Cindy is coming over on Sunday to help me organize the nursery while dad puts the strollers, swing, car seat, etc together.  We still need to wash all of the clothes, wash the blankets, the bed linens, and anything else this cute little baby can wear or lay on!  I did make progress this week though - I packed my bag for the hospital - well half-way at least, I have a list on the outside of the other things I will need to throw in last minute (hair dryer, straightener, make-up, make-up brushes) - this new mommy needs to look cute for all of those pics and visitors :)  Moms - what else do I need???  I have to pack the baby's bag still and arrange my diaper bag (which I LOVE and cannot wait to use - thank you Petunia Pickle Bottom!). 

Had another check up this week and according to my doc, this baby is "Large/Economy Sized."  He said, "I hope you want a big baby because this one is!"  We'll see, next week they will probably tell me he's growing right on target - I'll believe it when I see it.  My blood pressure is still a little on the high/normal side - 130/84 - but I'm not having any other symptoms of pregnancy-induced hypertension so we'll keep on checking it.  I do have terrible swelling in my legs though, especially after working 2 12-hour shifts in a row.  For the most part it goes away after sleeping for 12 hours :)

34 Weeks

Once again - sorry it's taken me so long to update, but I've been busy...I've had 2 wonderful baby showers, had a big project due at work, and having been resting with my feet propped up  A LOT due to my unfortunate development of cankles (oh yeah - and I grew a double chin! - that was tons of work - mostly involving eating Taco Bueno I'm sure!).  Still not doing too bad on my weight gain though - I've gained about 18 pounds, not too bad I guess. 

While Kristy was in town we went to Opening Day at the Ballpark to see our American League Champs, the Texas Rangers, play Boston.  The pre-game tailgate was tons of fun - Kristy and I had a few non-alcoholic beers ;).  Then we went inside to the stadium to watch about 2 innings before we called Uncle to the heat.  Plus Kristy was really craving some Freebird's and so was I! 

The shower thrown by my AWESOME friend Tricia was a hit!  I had several out of town visitors including my great friends from nursing school - Kristy & Amy, my Aunt Susan from Atlanta, Aunt Debbie from New Mexico, and a long-time friend of my mom's - Gail - from Austin.  Gail told a great story about how 29 years ago she threw my mom a baby shower for me!  Amazingly, my mom and Gail have remained friends all this time.  You aren't going to believe this - there were 5 pregnant ladies at the shower!!  Neat to think that we will all have children pretty close in age very soon!  We played some fun games, ate some great food and cupcakes, and opened up TONS of gifts.  I'll post some pics later.

Amy hand-made these super-cute burp cloths!!!

 My Aunts Susan, Debbie & Liz

 Julie, Amy*, Kristy*, Tricia*, Laura & Kristy*

(*- preggers!)

 Grandmas!

Grandma Cindy, Gail & Pam 

This past Friday I had a shower thrown by my wonderful co-workers at Maggiano's restaurant.  We had a great time there too!  Tommy got lots of clothes and other baby goodies that will be put to good use very soon :) 

This weekend we also went to the Zac Brown & Kenny Chesney concert.  I LOVE both of these guys and they both put on amazing shows!!  The concert was at Cowboys Stadium, which never gets old going to, and I'm still amazed every time I see the Jerrytron.  Did you know that the Jerrytron cost more than the old Texas Stadium cost??  Matt and I had a great time! 

Still getting ready for Tommy, I'm working on packing my bag for the hospital and organizing his room.  I think I'm going to have give up my closet and start sharing again with Matt :(  We need more space for baby things, at least I had about 3 years of bliss though!  This weekend my Aunt Debbie and Aunt Liz are throwing us another shower - my cousin Aly is supposed to come and bring her 4 month old daughter Laney, totally excited to meet her!! 

My doctor's appointments have been going well, I just learned that Tommy is head down with his bottom resting right under my left lungs, making it difficult to bend over and breath all at the same time.  Matt had to help me buckle my sandals the other day and its getting more difficult to tie my shoes on my own!  I can only imagine what the next 6 weeks will bring....