A Whirlwind of a Weekend

We thought we would have big plans this upcoming weekend: Adel Fest, Pufferbilly Days, etc.....our plans changed big time. Ben came down with a fever Thursday. In the morning, I thought he was a little off-he hadn't slept as well as he was starting to and he seemed more whiny. Out of I don't even know what I checked his temp, only 99.9. He seemed to want to cuddle more than usual and not eat quite as well (still figuring this out, so wasn't too concerned), but he seemed hot so I checked his temp again-this time 101.4. I knew immediately we would be going to the hospital. Too many kiddos this summer I knew had fevers this summer under the same circumstance. I called his pediatrician to confirm that we should head to the ER. I also called Blake and my mom, I was rattled. We had my mom come down to take care of Liv since we didn't know how long or what the outcome for Ben would be and I knew I would need Blake to be with us. 

As I took Ben to the nearest ER, they instructed us that they wanted us to head to Blank, where they had a bit more expertise with such little ones. It took them four times to get an IV into Ben to begin fluids, which ended up being in his scalp-talk about scary. Ben and I ended up having an ambulance ride downtown while Blake drove to meet us after getting Grandma a carseat for Liv. We got a full work up with a urine test, blood cultures, and spinal tap. They take it very serious when such a small babe gets sick, which is appreciated even if it all seems crazy and extensive. We were then admitted for a 48-72 stay depending on the results. His spinal came back positive for enterovirus, which makes littles ones very sick. It was no fun, but on the better side-no bacteria. We stayed 72 hours, the nurses and doctors were great and Ben started improving on day 2. We are so happy to be back home, have Ben on the mend, and have our whole famiy together. We are continuing to monitor Ben to ensure he doesn't get dehydrated as his feeding isn't what it was, but we are heading in the right direction-with a follow-up this week with our pediatrician. 

Liv got to spend a whole weekend with the grandparents and cousins. She loves the Chesnuts so it was a good distraction that mom and dad weren't around. She watched then play soccer, have a playdate, go to a parade, and have one-on-one time with the grandparents. She asked a few times for us and to go home, but overall had a splendid time. She kepts saying, "mom and dad at the doctor." We missed her very much, but knew she was in good hands. We again are very lucky to have such a supportive family-it takes a village. 

These little ones of ours are so precious and it was definitely a reality check to be grateful for them. We also had family and friends checking in on us for support. 

Month 1

                      
 I can't believe that1 month has already passed. The time just seems to go by so quickly-not enough hours to get all the snuggles or sleep in the day/night. So far, Ben has been awesome. It is definitely different than the first go around. The first two weeks, he really didn't want to be put down even during the night. We are slowly getting there, but night time he is spending more of it in his bassinet, woohoo! Next, is the transition to his crib in his room-we are planning on doing it much earlier than we did with Liv (probably in the next couple of weeks) as I start putting him in there more during the day to get used to the feel. Right now he goes down for the night around 8:30/9ish and then sleeps until midnight to one, then wakes again 3-4ish and then again when Liv comes in to wake us up for the day. It really isn't a strick pattern as every night is slightly different, but he is figuring it out on his own. We are having to supplement like last time with feedings, but this time due to him not gaining weight quickly. We are starting to get a groove with this too-change, feed, bottle, pump. It takes a lot of time, but right now we're going with it-soon it will be either feeding or heading to formula full-time. 

Some things to remember: giggles when sleeping or falling asleep, he is starting to be awake more and looking around, doesn't mind tummy time, enjoying being worn in the wrap, loves kisses from his family-especially his sister, and being really gassy.

Preview of his 1 week photos

Week 1 and 2

1 Week

It has been a learning curve that we have been on this past week: learning Ben's schedule, how to balance having two littles to tend to, how to get quality sleep (when all your kids want is to snuggle with you all night-and how do you say no to that ???), and just a routine of daily life. It has been good for us to have Blake take the week off to help all of adjust as it does take both of us to keep things on track. It's been mostly Blake & Liv and Ben & I.

Ben is loving snuggles and eating (every hour to hour and a half), so it's mostly me. We have to continue weight checks as he isn't gaining. Other than that it seems to be going much smoother this time around. He is a snuggler-wanting to be held majority of the time (day or night). Liv is loving on him-he has to read bedtime books with us and gives him kisses all the time.  

We will continue the learning curve as Liv starts daycare next week-which she keeps telling me "No, I stay with you." She is such a little sweetheart-only time she gets us really going is nap time. She pushes back hard most days and starts not listening well when she is so tired. It is not time to give up the nap-she needs it and so do we! I know she will be just fine once she gets back going as she enjoys being around other kids and they keep them busy there.



 
2 Week
We are continuing to adjust as Liv heads back to daycare this week and Blake heads to work. Liv is struggling a bit as she wants to stay home. She had a good first day, but as the week went on she was more hestitant to leave the house-flat out refusing to get dressed or in the car. In her words, "I can't." We do hear that she is having good days from her teachers. The first day one of her friends ran up to her and gave her a welcome back hug.

He went in for his check up with the doctor: 7 lbs. 15 oz 21 1/1 inches. We continue weight checks and began supplementing.

We cant get enough of this cutie!

Welcome Baby Marlowe #2

Announcing the arrival of Benjamin Thomas!
He entered our world at 2:02 p.m. He was orginally scheduled for 11:30, but we got delayed by two deliveries. We were quite anxious to meet our little one....getting pushed back made us even more anxious. We were ready to meet Baby Marlowe # 2. We were expecting a BIG baby-as they said at 38 weeks he was estimated to be 8 lbs. 10 oz.....it was close, he weighed 8 lbs. 7.6 oz and was 20 1/1 inches. Even as I was laying there before Blake came in, Ben was moving and shaking in my belly. It entertained the hospital staff. He was always moving.

First moments:

In the surgery room, Blake announced that we had a little boy! Happy tears were shed by both dad and mom. Blake came over and gave me a kiss. The Marlowe name lives on. The first words I heard from one of the nurses was that he was a little sleepy as they held him up for my first look. They took him over and got him sucked out and cleaned up-Blake stayed by him the whole time. Then Blake brought him over for me to smooch. We were so happy. Blake got to trim the cord and snuggle him while they finished up with me. As soon as we got back to the room, I got to have skin to skin with him. This time I felt more in control of my body-I could feel my arms and really snuggle my wee one. We got a few hours in recovery before my parents brought Liv up to meet her brother. When they got there, Blake brought Liv in and we introduced her to Ben. Her first words, "Where is my sister?" We explained that she has a brother, which she seemed fine with. She wouldn't tell Grandma and Papa and wouldn't hold him until she got home even though she visited daily and gave many kisses to his toes. She also continually said, "I love my baby and where is baby?"

 

Going Home

 Our first few days:
Liv continued to be very loving towards Ben. The days went well as he enjoys snuggling with us, Liv takes her turn holding him (about 10-30 seconds)-small doses are enough for her. Nightime is a little more interesting. He wants to be held and cuddled throughout-we are working on figuring out the routine. His first outing happened on the 9th, we went to Hy-Vee for lunch. He had his first weight check at his doctor's office 7 lbs. 11 oz. He goes back on Monday for another. Then he will get his two week check-up.