What I actually used out of my hospital bag

I was ultra-organized while pregnant, and preparing for everything that comes along with a baby. I had my bag packed for a least 2 months in advance. And repacked the closer my due-date came.

In the end, I only used about a 4th of what I packed. And I wanted to remember, for the future.

Here's my much paired down list

- wallet (insurance card, cash, drivers license)
- glasses
- contacts, contact solution, case
- toothbrush and toothpaste
- deodorant
- hair brush
- hair bands
- bathrobe
- socks
- tablet, charger
- cell phone, charger
- camera, charger
- medications
- crackers
- comfy pajamas - tank tops, shorts, loose pants
- nursing bra
- outfit to go home in (can be appropriate pj's), plus sneakers
- car seat
- outfit for baby
- infant nail clippers (hospital does not have)
- suitcase to put everything inside (does this go without saying?)

The hospital provided everything Heidi needed. If I had wanted her to wear something else, or be wrapped in a different blanket, that would have been ok, but I didn't have that need. Their hat was cute enough, so she remained in that. She used their wipes, shampoo, diapers.

The hospital also gave me unlimited juice and crackers, but I liked having my own crackers as well. The salt tasted good! They provided all the sanitary items I needed, and funky underwear to go along with it. There was a cute bag of shampoo and conditioner (I didn't even need a razor, there was no way I was bending over that long!). I was given plenty of pillows and blankets, so didn't need any of my own. Between visitors and the baby, I didn't need any other entertainment besides the TV when I couldn't sleep, and the computer for Facebook. I wrote a birth plan, but threw it out before we even left for the hospital. I came to the conclusion that the nurses and doctors would talk to me directly and not stop to read a piece of paper. And obviously I wanted a "normal" birth, so that went without needing to be written down. I ended up having to be convincing that I didn't want drugs, but the nurses and doctor listened to me. All in all, a very good experience for my first over-night hospital stay.

Happy Anniversary to Us

2 years and counting! Wow, life has changed, in the right direction. Under 2 weeks, and my husband will have his degree. Three weeks, and we move out of Texas to start the next phase of our life together, along with our baby and 2 dogs.

Wonder where we will be 2 years from this point. Hmmm.... A job? A house? Land? Another kid? Time will reveal the future. Praying that the future comes, but not too fast, as I want to enjoy this time as well.

2 years ago

Kristin and Kelby 8/6/11

And our life now. In looking for a picture to post, I realized that we don't have many of all three of us. Typically either Kelby or myself is behind the camera. We will have to work on this.

Kelby, Heidi, Kristin 5/17/13

Good progression so far! I love you Kelby!!!

Sick

So my illness turned into Bronchitis. Yuck. I'm coughing all the time, and sometimes cough for 5-10 minutes straight. My stomach muscles hurt. While nursing, Heidi flinches when I cough, and she looks at me as if trying to say "what are you doing mommy? I'm trying to drink here."

In all the numerous books I read during pregnancy, and with all the families I worked with, and in my college/post-grad classes, no one warned me how challenging it is to be sick and try to take care of a baby. It's hard! For a couple days, Heidi lay on the floor with toys around her, and I lay next to her. She was fed, with a clean diaper, and I was guzzling apple juice. That was the extent of my abilities. Sure glad that the dogs realized I was sick, and weren't demanding. My mind feels better, but I still don't have energy. If I try to do something, even like folding laundry, the coughing increases.

A change of plans with Heidi's helmet. The company is not expediting the appointments, so we have yet had the next appt for more detailed images of Heidi's head. We therefore would only be able to have one adjustment before moving. And with the company being something like 6 hours from where we are moving, that didn't seem realistic for 8 or 9 weekly trips for adjustments. Now, I will get a second opinion from a company, Hanger Prosthetics & Orthotics just a few miles away! And it also gives me a month to try extensive re-positioning and neck stretches to see if that makes a difference.

Oh, and I just left everyone hanging about Skipper's vet appt last week. He did really well, and his heart and blood pressure are much better. He's cleared from visiting any vet for 6 months, unless I see a change in his behaviors or eating patterns etc. Yay! Now he has to remain on a 2 times daily medicine regime, with 2 pills each time being shoved down his throat. At least we have a while longer with him. I wasn't ready to say bye... will I ever be ready?

Insurance update on Heidi's helmet.

We absolutely appreciate all the support that has been given to us. I now know why people keep blogs in trying times. It's easier than having the same conversation over and over, but we are still able to keep people updated. And to top everything off, I became sick, as in throwing up and fever. Medicine is keeping the fever down, but I still feel crappy. Heidi has received extra naps these last two days, as that is all I want to do.

An insurance update: Before we even went to the appt, I talked with Heidi's insurance at length, and was told that there were no exclusions to prevent them from covering a helmet. Well, fast forward, to Cranial Technologies telling me that insurance is saying "no" to her helmet because her plagiocephaly is not severe enough! Even with this, I still need to write a letter to insurance describing how I have already tried re-positioning techniques. Grrr... and it probably won't make a difference. A slight positive is that Cranial Technologies will "only" charge us the price that they would charge insurance, $2,400. Not great news, but do we really want Heidi's ears to be off center, to cause possible ear issues in the future, and for her eyes to be unbalanced? Easy answer, no. Anyone have money laying around...???

I think my sister sums it up the best.
        "Well good thing you have 
        A. Savings and 
        B. Parents 
               haha" 

I am thankful that I caught this before it became more pronounced.

I am thankful that I have had experience stretching other babies' necks. It is heart wrenching to watch her cry. She is not in pain, but is uncomfortable and is sure to let us know. And we have to do the stretches at least 5 times a day. After diaper changes is easier to remember.

I am thankful that I saw pictures on the internet of a baby wearing the stocking over their head, otherwise that would have freaked me out a little. We saw the pictures, and with her hair and ears covered, it doesn't even look like her!

I am thankful that her pediatrician took me seriously, and made the appropriate referral.

I am thankful that there are locations up north, with this same company.

If only I had energy to start packing up the apartment, but that will wait.

If only I felt like eating, anything. Apple juice it is!