Releasing the Safety

Before Cameron was born someone gave me a piece of advice that has stuck with me. I believe it was my friend Jodi's Mom, Shelley Brady, that said "when changing a boy, always cover the pistol."

So - I keep an extra burp cloth on the changing table (A.K.A. the baker's rack) for covering the pistol. I call it my "safety."

Like any responsible gun user, I am sure to set the safety every time, because you never know when the pistol might be loaded.

There are times, however, that you must remove the safety. For instance, one must clean the pistol after every shot and sometimes you must apply powder or cream as well.

This is where my plan fails. It seems that every time I release the safety, the pistol turns out to be loaded and the trigger is pulled. This usually results in a change of clothes for Cameron and sometimes even for me.

Madison is Adjusting

I must admit, at first, I was a bit worried about how Madison would adjust to being a big sister. The first night at the hospital, she didn't want to hold her brother and wouldn't even give me a hug or kiss. I still think she was a bit scared by seeing me in the hospital bed, barely able to move with IV's and machines hooked up to me. The second time she visited us at the hospital, after much of the equipment had been removed and I could get up and down a bit, she did much better and even sat in bed with me to eat a sub from Jimmy John's. She wouldn't hold Cameron, however, until we brought him home.

The first few nights that we were at home, I was really worried about Madison. She would start sobbing at the drop of a hat, over the littlest things. The first night she clung to me when I was putting her to bed and she begged for me to cuddle with her in bed. Since it was still pretty painful to get in and out of bed, I told her that I couldn't cuddle in bed with her until I felt better. This caused her to sob and sob some more and cling to me. I asked her why she was crying and she said that she was sad because "baby brother had been crying" and then she was sad because she "Wanted a Nuk like baby Brother" and she wanted me to "cuddle her in bed." It was hard and really broke my heart to tell her that I couldn't cuddle her. This went on for a few nights. It was probably harder on me than it was on her - I went to bed in tears for a few nights just because I felt like this was just too much for her. (probably some baby blues too!)

Over the past few days, Madison has done much better. She is a big helper for Mommy! She is the first one to talk to Cameron if he is crying. She will give him his Nuk, cover him up, and give him kisses to make him happy. She even pulled out a book about baby animals today and told him all the names of the animals.

One thing that we did that has really helped is Cameron bought Madison a bath time doll. It came with a little bathtub, soaps, lotions, and even a hooded towel. So, Madison and I both give our babies baths at night. She gets so excited when it is bath night!

Also, Madison likes to feed her dolls while I'll feed Cameron.

So - it is getting better. I still feel bad for Madison because so often she has to wait for attention until I am done feeding Cameron, or pumping, or changing Cameron. We are doing our best to carve out time that is just for her, but it is a tough balancing act!

Mishaps, bed sores and recovery

My surgery and recovery were interesting, to say the least!

It is true, a repeat c-section is easier and the recovery is faster. But it is still painful and not any fun at all!

The first mishap occured during my surgery and it was something I never expected would happen! I had just seen Cameron for the first time and had even been able to hold him in my semi-paralized, barely concious state. One of the doctors came around the drape and immediately started apologizing to me. She had dropped a cauterizing tool on me while cauterizing something internally. The hot tool fell right on my belly and left a third degree burn! Thank goodness for spinal blocks, I didn't feel a thing! The burn is no bigger than an eraser on top of a pencil and it never bothered me at all. I was given a prescription for Lidocane cream to help with the pain but I only used it a few times - the nerve endings in that area are still too numb for me to even know that the burn is there. I was, however, very impressed with how quickly I was told about the mishap. There were complications during my first c-section (at another hospital) but I was never told about them and only found out when I requested my medical records. So this doctor's openess and up front honesty about the mistake made me very happy.

On to the bed sores! I was anxious to get out of bed and get moving around. The first time you get out of bed after a c-section is torture to say the least and I wanted to get it over with. My nurse, however, wanted me to take it slow. It wasn't until mid day on Tuesday that I finally was allowed to get up and move around. My poor tushie was getting so sore from sitting on it in that hospital bed. Only when they finally allowed me to shower did I figure out why my poor behind was so sore! I must have been sitting in such a way that the skin was getting pinched because I had bed sores after only a day and a half. There isn't much that they do for them - they added gauze for some extra cushion and I just had to let them heal on their own. They are better now tho.

On the third day, I noticed a bright red, angry rash on my stomach. It was a perfect square from hip to hip and from the base of my tummy to the top of it. It itched like there was no tomorrow! At first, the Dr.'s thought I was allergic to those super sexy hospital granny panties that they give you after having a baby - but I questioned why the rash was only on the front and not all the way around. We soon realized that the perfect square was the same size as the adhesive drape used during surgery. I was having an allergic reaction to the adhesive on the drape! Of course, it kept getting worse because it is difficult to get that adhesive off your skin, especially when your tummy is sore and you don't want to scrub too hard! They gave me cortizone to put on it - but I found that plain old moisturizing lotion helped the most. It is still a bit red in spots as I keep finding patches of that adhesive!

On to the recovery!

I am on day 9 post surgery and I'm feeling pretty good. By the end of the day, I am pretty tired and sore. I do feel much better now than I did at this same point with Madison. It is easier the second time around. I am still maintaining a pretty strict pain med routine - alternating Ibuprofin and Tylenol every three hours with Oxycodone as needed. I find I only need the oxycodone at the end of the day. I probably don't even really "need" it so much as my doctors have told me to stay ahead of the pain and take it if I feel any discomfort. I made the mistake a few days ago of getting too cavalier about how great I'm feeling and I didn't take meds as I should - and I paid the price! So now I make sure to just take them on schedule and throw in the oxycodone if I feel any pain at all.

Now, if I could just figure out how to get the swelling in my feet and legs to go down! I am still experiencing the most unbelievable water retention! My feet and ankles are so huge, I still can't wear shoes. I think if I could get a good night's sleep in my bed, with my feet up instead of sleeping half hunched over in a rocking chair, I might make some progress with the water!

There were a few moments throughout the whole ordeal where I said to myself "never again." Of course, when I see little Cameron and feel his soft cheeks as he snuggles into my neck I tell myself it was all worth it!

Cameron's Story

**This could get wordy!**

Last Sunday night, I woke up in the wee hours and was not feeling well. I wasn't in labor yet, but I knew that the way I felt was an early sign. Of course, I couldn't go back to sleep. So I spent a few hours paying bills and editing pictures on my computer. I attempted to go back to bed around 3:40 am, but at this point, the contractions had started and they meant business! They were strong and only 5-7 minutes apart. Still, I knew I had some time. I did my best to sleep and got up at my normal time to get ready for work. I got ready, but I also prepared my hospital bag and told Mike that he wasn't going to work that day. By this point my contractions were about 5 minutes apart on a pretty consistent basis.

Daddy told Madison that baby brother was coming that day. She asked if he was going to "pop out of my belly button." Too cute. We dropped Madison off at Daycare and headed to the hospital.

I was admitted for observation and hooked to fetal monitors. The monitors confirmed my contractions and a quick check said I was dialated to 1cm. ALL THAT AND I WAS ONLY AT 1 CM!!!

During a contraction

Since my cervix had not been checked prior to going into labor, my surgeon wanted me to labor for a little while, to make sure the contractions were what was causing the dialation. Sure enough, after about 2 hours I was dialated to 3cm and was quickly wheeled to a waiting operating room.

Time to have our baby!!!

Within minutes Mike had joined me and we were well into the surgery. Before we knew it, they were dropping the drape in front of me so I could see them pull Cameron from my belly. My first thought was OMG, his nose is flat. (It was flat and all purply!) My second thought was OMG, another baby with a beautiful head of hair!!

The nurses all commented on how cute he was and how big he was. I expected him to be in the 8-9 pound range. I grow big babies. He came in at a whopping 9 pounds, 4 oz and 20 inches long.

It seemed like it took forever for the doctors to sew me up. Thankfully, Mike and Cameron were able to stay in the OR with me and then they also joined me in the recovery room following the surgery.

After about 2 hours, we were moved to our private room where Grandma and Grandpa Tigue were already waiting and Grandma and Grandpa Lee would soon join us with Big Sister Madison.

Madison did not want to hold Cameron that first night. She also did not want to give me a hug or kiss when she left. I think she was a little scared by all the tubes and machines that I was hooked up to. She was sad that we were not going home with her right away and did not understand that we had to stay in the hospital for a few days.

Chad and Jodi sent a beautitful rose plant and a bear for Cameron. The bear is so incredibly soft and I know it will be a favorite of his! Thanks, guys!

My time in the hospital was not very relaxing. Every 20 minutes there was a doctor, nurse, resident, or someone taking a vital sign, asking how we were feeling or just commenting on how much hair Cameron had. I was looking forward to going home on Thursday. Thursday morning came the crushing news that we would have to stay a bit longer due to Cameron's jaundice and weight loss. I was thankful that I could stay as a houseguest - I did not want to be going home without a baby.

Watching Cameron lie under the billi lights was tough. I knew it was best for him - but he looked so helpless, lying there and crying. He had a mask over his eyes that he often times managed to pull down over his mouth and nose. I spent countless hours standing outside the nursery window just watching to make sure he didn't pull the mask down and suffocate himself when the nurse wasn't looking!

Finally - after 20 hours under the lights, Cameron's billirubin level had come down into the low risk range and we could go home!

He had lost over 1 pound and even fit into newborn sized clothes! We quickly went to work at getting him dressed and into the car seat so we could head home before the next of two snowstorms hit. The picture of Cameron in his carseat looks just like the picture of Madison in her car seat when we brought her home!

The more I look at Cameron, the more he looks like Madison looked as a baby. He has the dark colored hair (her's was a dark auburn red!), the olive skin (jaundice has something to do with that!) and a similar disposition. He started out nursing really well, but just like his big sister, he does not like to nurse now. So, I pump and he eats from a bottle. UGH. I hope to change that before too long!

So - that is Cameron's story! Stay tuned for accidents, bed sores and mishaps. (All about me!) I will also later give updates on how I am recovering, how Madison is coping as a Big Sister and I will be sure to post more pictures too!

Oh yea - and if you're waiting for a Christmas card from us, don't hold your breath! They are coming, but may be late as we planned to do a combined Christmas Card and birth announcement.

Extended Stay

Well - it looks like Cameron will be staying in the hospital for at least one more day. He has jaundice and has lost quite a significant amount of his birth weight. So, he gets to spend some extra time under the lights and eating to re-gain some weight.

I have been discharged and moved to a room where I am now considered a house guest.

The room is near the nursery where Cameron is under the lights. The jaundice isn't terribly serious, but it is no fun to see him that way. He has a mask over his eyes and is lying there in just a diaper. He cries but he can't be picked up because he needs to be under those lights. He has lost 11.5% of his birth weight. He nursed well in the beginning but has struggled more as we wait for my milk to come in and he is becoming hungry.

It's tough for Mommy to watch just as the hormones start crashing and the baby blues are kicking in. Hopefully he will be well enough on Friday to come home - but the doctors are being extra cautious as we have two winter storms lined up to give us a 1-2 punch starting tonight.

Introducing

Cameron Michael Lee

12-15-2008

11:13 AM

9 lbs 4.5 oz

20 inches long

Lots of dark hair!!!!

Madison loves him but did not want to hold him. Mom and baby are both doing well.

Santa

***NEWS FLASH*****

The beloved Pooh Bear has been located. Thank God.

In other news, I brought Madison to visit Santa last weekend. What a hoot! The past few years, she has always been a bit scared and even cried a bit. Not this time! She ran right up to him and climbed up on his lap. She was so amazed by him that we could not get her to look at the camera. I love this picture anyway - it is so precious how she is just staring at him. She told Santa that she wants a Polar Express Train for Christmas. Do you think a DVD of the movie is good enough?

The next night, the Canadian Pacific Railroad brought a fully decorated Holiday Train through town. About 2000 people turned out to see the train. It was beautitul! One car was a stage where Santa came out and rapped. Who knew Santa could rap? Then other performers sang while Santa worked the crowd. It was a COLD night. We were all bundled up in hats, mittens, scarves and boots. Of course, my jacket doesn't zip anymore, so I was even more cold. But it was fun. It was a nice holiday event with free hot chocolate and some fun family entertainment. The event was to raise money for the local food shelf. Madison was amazed by the train (ever since watching the Polar Express!) and didn't want to leave when it was over.

My worst nightmare

Has come true.

You know the one...where suddenly your child's favorite lovey is MISSING!!!!

That's right.

The much loved Pooh Bear is AWOL.

Madison drags this thing everywhere with her. She has had him since birth and he is her rock. If she falls and gets hurts, she cries for Pooh Bear. She takes him to daycare, to bed, to the store. EVERYWHERE.

I have long had a fear of Pooh Bear getting lost. I've even thought about buying a second one to have on hand, just in case. He is still available at Target.

He disappeared at daycare yesterday. Nobody has any idea where he went. We spent a half hour looking for him at daycare last night and he was nowhere to be found. Our provider even tore apart the playroom after we left in hopes that he would turn up.

No Pooh Bear.

There is one child that brings a big fleece blanket to daycare each day. I'm hoping that maybe Pooh Bear got mixed up in his blanket and they didn't realize it. They weren't going to be at Daycare today, so we have no way of knowing until Monday.

It could be a long weekend. She also has tigger and piglet - and she loves them ALMOST as much as Pooh Bear. I'm hoping they will be a good enough substitute while Pooh Bear is MIA.

Oh the HORROR

I found a gray hair this morning.

I blame Mike.

'nuff said.

Thankful

These are tough economic times. I think nearly everyone is feeling the pinch in one way or another. I've felt it at the grocery store the most. Over the summer, we really felt it at the gas pump.

This is a time when most people are just thankful to have a job, period.

Forget about special perks, bonuses, and raises. Mike and I have just been happy to have somewhere to go each day that results in a direct deposit every two weeks.

There are a lot of really cool things about working for Mayo Clinic. There is the Healthy Living Center, a state of the art fitness center for employees. As an employee, you play a small part in the cutting edge medical discoveries that happen here every day. There are the people that you meet from all over the world that come here for hope. There is the Children's R&R, sick daycare. There is the backup daycare for when yours is closed. Don't forget we also receive the best medical care in the world. The list is endless. I'm really lucky to work where I work.

Mayo Clinic also gives the more than 50,000 employees a raise each year. It is based upon industry standards, with a goal to pay more than the standard.

The Clinic has not been immune to the current economic climate. Patient traffic is down because people can't afford to travel here. Medicare pays less and less each year as more and more people begin receiving medicare. There is even a hiring freeze right now. These are challenging times, even for Mayo.

Many employees did not even expect to receive a raise in 2009. With the economic forcast the way it was, many were just happy knowing they had a lot more job security than people that work for other companies. Today, we received word that the employees will receive a 3.8% pay raise in 2009.

When asked why the employees were getting raises when the forcasts were so grim, the response was because the employees are what keep this place running. Happy employees leads to happy patients, better outcomes, and more money coming in the door. The employees are too important to this organization to not give a pay raise.

Wow.

After working in several places where employees are not treated as an asset, I am really really blessed. I have always been proud to work here - but I am even more proud when they try to take care of the employees, despite tough times all around.

I am very very lucky and thankful.

Getting Ready for Baby

Baby Boy Lee is showing signs that he wants out! This morning I woke up to the strongest and most painful contractions ever. I don't remember early labor contractions being that painful with Madison. They lasted about 2 hours and were about 8 minutes apart! I seriously thought today was the day. We're still hanging in there, but we are frantically getting the last minute things done so we are ready for baby!

The cradle is ready to go.....

The Baker's rack has been converted to a changing table....

The infant seat is ready to go in the car, all bundled up for winter. Yes, Madison's doll is doing a test-run to make sure it works!

We took some pictures of my huge belly....

Madison loves kissing her baby brother.....

Madison giving Mommy a little love....

We got a new baby monitor, BPA free bottles, a supply of nuks, a huge supply of diapers (Thanks Jodi!!!), and tons of baby boy clothes. I discovered a few days ago that the diaper bag was falling apart, so Madison picked out a new one at Babies 'r us.

I think we're ready. If not, well, it's too late to worry about that!

Oh yea - and for the record, this is what it looks like in Minnesota right now....

The magic of Christmas

Christmas this year, is going to be fun. Madison is at an age where the magical side of Christmas is just fascinating to her! We started our Christmas season on Thanksgiving night by decorating. She had a lot of fun with that - looking at the ornaments, asking what they mean and where they came from. She helped set up the Nativity and the Santa Claus.

On Friday, we all snuggled in our bed to watch The Polar Express on TV. Madison likes watching movies, but she rarely sits through an entire movie. She was completely entranced by this movie. She did not take her eyes off the screen and was upset when commercials came on. I think she really learned to believe in the magic as well. She kept saying that the little boy could hear the bell because he believed. She was really sad when the little boy discovered he had lost the bell and excited when he found it under the Christmas tree. She was sad again when his dad and mom couldn't hear the bell at the end.

This week, ABC has Christmas specials on almost every night. Madison and I have a standing date all this week in which we will cuddle and watch the specials together. I remember how my mom always made a big deal out of the Christmas specials on TV - and that is what I'm trying to do for Madison. It's fun to anticipate the shows, make some hot cocoa and a special little treat to share. It's also the perfect way to get in a little extra one on one time before Madison's world is turned upside down by her baby brother.

This weekend, Santa will be coming to Rochester. There is a tradition here of Santa getting stranded on the roof of the old city hall - and the fire department has to rush in with the ladder trucks to save him! There will be carriage rides, the rescue of Santa, stories with Mrs. Claus, and finally pictures of Santa. We won't forget the free cookies and cocoa either! I am hoping the weather isn't too cold so Madison can enjoy the festivities. On Sunday, a Holiday Train is coming through town. It comes in after dark, all lit up in Christmas lights. Santa will be on the train and there will be lots of singing. Madison loves trains and will be especially excited to see it after having just watched the Polar Express. I think she will enjoy it!

We are starting a new tradition this year as well. Actually, we are just continuing a tradition. My Grandma always gave the great grand kids new warm jammies for Christmas. Those kids always looked forward to the new jammies at the Christmas party and would take off their Holiday dress clothes, right there in front of everyone, to put on their new jammies! (The family has gotten so large, our holiday party was held at the Monticello Legion, so there were lots of locals there too!) We plan to continue this tradition and give Madison her new Holiday Jammies on Christmas Eve. She will probably get them at the Hospital, since thats where I plan to be spending my Christmas Eve.

I'm thinking of starting a new tradition too. Have you ever heard of the Elf on the Shelf? You can buy this little guy and the book to go with him just about anywhere (Amazon, Hallmark, etc.). He is a retro looking little elf that shows up after Thanksgiving. He is Santa's eyes and ears - he reports to Santa if you've been good or bad. The idea is to hide the elf somewhere in the house each morning - the first thing the kids do is look for the elf. I've heard lots of cute stories about the fun that families have with the Elf on the Shelf. I think I might have to pick one up either this year or next year and start the new tradition.

What Holiday traditions are you celebrating right now?