We came home yesterday afternoon after spending Friday night to Monday morning at the University of Utah. We had a great hospital experience. Everyone was wonderful, from start to finish. Amber did a perfect job with the c-section, and Tara and Beth were superstar resuscitators. It was very reassuring to have people I know and trusted in the OR.
The first night was a little rocky, but I had absolutely wonderful nurses and staff. I even got the princess room! By Saturday I was feeling a bit better but still tired and not quite myself. And Saturday night we were introduced to "Second Night Syndrome," a phenomenon for which I was not prepared. Ella was a perfect baby Friday and Saturday day, sleeping, eating and being adorable. But Saturday night she decided to come alive. Anytime she was not being held, she was awake. Ryan and I took turns swaddling, shooshing, swooshing, and walking up and down the halls with her. By Sunday morning we were exhausted and happy to sleep during the day away with our baby.
Sunday night Kimmy stayed the night with me while Ryan got some sleep, and we experienced third night syndrome, similar to second night, but not quite as pronounced. We still had a hard time getting her to sleep and finally put her in the nursery for an hour or two. I was amazed that they were able to get her to sleep in her crib. When I asked what their secret was they sheepeshly told me that they had put her on her stomach and watched her closely. Not very helpful advice if you don't have a full-time nurse sitting next to her at night.
By Monday we were ready to go home. She did great in her car-seat and seemed to like her new place. That is, until nightfall. She again stayed up most of the night, but did sleep some, which is an improvement. I'm learning that the things I know from being a pediatrician are not as useful for everyday life. So if anyone has any tips on getting your 5 day old to sleep during the night (in her crib, not in her daddy's arms) we're open to suggestions.
All in all, we're thrilled to have our sweet little girl. We love her more than we knew was possible and are excited for the days ahead (but don't worry, I won't make a habit of the day by day synopsis!)
13 comments:
Oh I am so thrilled for you. It makes we want to have another one. Not enough to actually do it on purpose but if it were to happen NOT on purpose, I would love it.
Oh, I can't tell you how thrilled I am for you.
I love that little Harman/Packer girl. Ella is such a perfect little doll. I can't wait to meet her!
She is so darling! I love her already!
No tips from me. I had the trouble of trying to WAKE my children for the first few weeks. I'm realizing now that future babies (who aren't preemie) may come as a shock to me.
just remember the 5 S's and maybe i need to record a message to my ella. a "its okay baby girl, go to sleep" message. she probably misses me. ;)
I MISS HER!!!!
I'm so happy for you both. A lot has changed in the fourteen years since I've had a baby but I always put mine on their tummies. I know that's taboo now, but they all slept great.
If you ever need someone to rock her while you take a nap, I would LOVE to do it!!!
Have you tried the NICU nest? I swear by it. If you want I will come make you one. Also, the swaddle, turn on side, pat bum works pretty well usually.
I think we just got lucky in the sleeping baby department. I am a little bit afraid of the next one;) We would love to come visit when you are a little bit more settle and rested. Or at least settled.
She is beautiful. We can't wait to meet her. I love her name. Alissa you look fabulous too.
Oh Al she is adorable. What a live wire, that look oh her face is priceless. She has some pretty excited and amazing Aunts it looks like! We are so happy for you guys and I have NO good advice for sleeping through the nights just try to take a lot of naps in during the day!! Love ya!!
Congrats on the beautiful little girl! I wish I had some advice for sleeping too. My little boy is 3 months and was sleeping so well until he got a cold and now he is up all night long. Ugh...
Her crinklely(sp.) little feet are so cute. I love the name...it's perfect. As far as sleeping, I held and held and held in the rocker. I put them on their tummies...it always seemed so much more comfortable for them but that's against the rules now. Good luck and we'll see you soon.
She is as beautiful as we knew she would be...and the name fits her perfectly. So grateful all is well and that you are home and happy. The photo gallery was amazing. I need a tutorial some time.
Now you can breath again..although the worry never stops from here on out. The most wonderful and amazing journey has begun. You make adorable parents.
Can't wait to see you all in person and HOLD while you sleep. G'ma Smith
She is absolutely BEAUTIFUL and I adore the name! Can't wait to meet her in person here in a few weeks!
There is no way I'm leaving advice for a pediatrician! I break all the rules...it all works better that way. Good luck. You'll muddle through and there is still a lot of time to sleep when there is just one! ;)
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