Our Stay

Addison slept relatively well.  I slept like poo.  Awake every 10 minutes or so.

No parent should have to go through the Pediatric floor.  The amount of crying/screaming you hear causes nightmares themselves.  Let alone your own mind going crazy about you child/family.

While there I couldn't stop thinking of the NICU Moms, Dads and families.  Bless your souls.  I've read blog after blog about different situations with different families.  It's nuts.  I can't imagine and I give there some intense support coming from a mom who isn't sure I'd make it through any of that.  Let alone a sick child.  Ugh.

Saturday was rough, I hung onto the fact that Michael would be there 'tomorrow.'  I started going a little stir crazy.  Our room was the size of the bathroom in my maternity room.  Terrible.  It was a closet.  I felt claustrophobic all of the time!

After her antibiotic on Saturday via her IV, she was fever free without meds come 10 pm.  Her last fever was 101.3 or something.  Sunday night she was still fever free = we go home Monday!  Mike stayed with her that night.  Cheers to a good Dad, an equal parent, and a partner in life.  I got some sleep...didn't set an alarm b/c I truly didn't think I'd sleep hard.  But woke up at 7:30 am freaked b/c I was late!  Addie already had her sonogram of her kidneys-- all is well.  And she had some blood drawn.  They were trying to get another pee sample via a bag but lost 2 in her diaper.  SO...she slept in my arms.  I woke her up, put her hand in cold water, and stood her up to catch the pee.  SUCCESS!

They had failed too many times and this momma didn't want her baby to have another catheter.

Everything came up fine...and after her last round of antibiotics we headed home.

Don't worry- we still had our friends over for dinner.  Thank you, Mike :)

H is for Hospital

Terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day.  The End.  

This past Monday, Addison went in for her 6 month check-up.  Shots included.  Small fever followed.  As any parent who has been to a check-up with shots knows- fevers past 48 hours after receiving shots is no bueno.  She was slightly fussy- shots don't really seem to agree with her.  

Wednesday evening we invited new neighbor friends over for wine.  We ended up chatting until fairly late and decided we'd do dinner at our house with another neighbor couple on Monday.  Yay for finally having friends!!  Addie still seemed abnormally warm and irritable.  Mental note #1.

Thursday evening I met a co-worker out for Happy Hour.  Mike was supposed to meet up with me, but was preparing for work (making lunches and dinners, packing).  It took us forever to get our check...like 45 min.  But we were busy chatting it up...I get a call from Michael saying Addison has a pretty high fever and he's worried.  This was probably 8 pm.  I got home, checked her temp.  I don't remember the exact number but I'm leaning towards something around 101.7.  We gave her tylenol and called the doc on call.

The doc told us this was no longer from her shots.  To give her Advil instead and see how she was in the morning.  Of course, that was a restless night of sleep for the adults.  Addison seemed normal.  She went to Auntie Kim's house for the day, Dad went to work, as did I.  I stopped by to see her on my break at 1:30 and she was fast asleep.  She was going on two and a half hours...not too much like her.  But I also know that babies move to a two-nap-a-day schedule at some point in time.  I also know that those two naps are usually long.  Didn't think too much of it.

When I got off on Friday, Kim was out taking Ryane to soccer and running an errand before she had to be back to pick her up.  Addison slept in her car seat- no biggie.  I went home, let G out, changed and was able to unwind without feeling guilty :)  I got to her house around 6:30.  Addie was hanging out with the kids...the house was warm b/c Kim was cooking.  I had given Kim a heads up about a fever and to keep an eye out.  She said, she started to get a little warm around 3 and she tired to give her Advil, but most spilled out.  I took her temp...104.  My heart sank.  I went into panic mode.  The on call doc told us 105 was ER.  So, I called the on call doc again.  

She was rude.  Something I wouldn't expect from this person...I'm a first time mom.  My baby is sick.  I know this now.  She told me that she remembered me...she talked to my husband last night, that we need to call during office hours (b/c every kid gets sick between the hours of 8 am and 5 pm Mon-Fri, right?), give her Advil every 6 hours and call to make an appt in the morning.  Mike said ER...go.  Of course, this happens when he is far, far away.  

104 was the highest her fever ever got...thank you Lord.  She was 100% not herself Saturday morning.  I called and made an appt with MY doctor- quadruple thumbs up for her being on call that day!!  I love my doctor...maybe I was sensitive when I called the doc on call the night before.  But she was uncalled for, I believe.  

This is your job.  I take care of 20 four year olds Monday through Friday and I put on my happy face with them and their parents all the way up until their pick up at 5:30 pm :)  Thank you very much.  If my doc wasn't ridiculous at what she does...keep reading...then I would have left the office that very day

{Sunday morning at home}

Anyways...doc was running behind.  FYI- this never happens at my doctor.  We have only 'waited' once...for 10-15 minutes b/c we were 5 min late to begin with.  Serves us right...lol.  Double cool was that our fav nurse was working the front desk and our equally fav nurse who just got off maternity leave brought us back to our room.  I feel 95% better with my surroundings...on a Saturday.

Doc checks Ads....she can't seen anything that stands out.  She gets what looks to me like an ear pic and digs out some wax.  Maybe an ear infection?  Nope.  She asked me several times if Addie was coughing and I said an affirmative no....several times.  She looks at me very honestly and says, "Well- I'm not sure what is causing this high fever."  We wait what for feels like forever...and she says. I have two possibilities and both are extremely rare.  My heart sank previously...and now it has hit the floor.  My mind...well, it went there.  Something terminal...my baby is truly sick.

She says, "Roseola or a urine infection.  If it's roseola, she will break out in a rash after 72 hours of a high fever.  So we have to wait until tomorrow...and of course, it's a Sunday.  Pause.  Does her pee smell?  Have you noticed anything weird about her urine?"  Sure enough a light bulb went off in my very distracted head.  Yes....her pee smells.  But it always has.  I just thought she was 'special' with stinky pee.  But Kim had mentioned that her pee was abnormally yellow on Friday.  Thank you Kim for remembering that detail.  So, they needed a urine sample.  How do you get that out of a child that can't pee in a cup?  A catheter or a bag.  Of course, we went for the less evasive procedure.  She did NOT like her parts having a sticker.  Poor baby.  She screamed. And screamed. And FREAKED OUT.

She peed...I smelled it.  She grunted (like usual).  And it all came out in her diaper when I laid her down to change her.  I felt like I failed.  I almost started bawling.  I cannot hold her down for a cath.  As a matter of fact, I REFUSE.

Turns out, she had enough pee for a white blood cell count.  Whew!  It came out positive.  White blood cells mean that there's an infection.  Even I knew that when she told me.  An infection in the urine usually means kidneys.  And when your child is 6 months old that usually means a hospital visit.  My eyes were like a deer in headlights.  I freaked.  She told me slowly, so I could process.

"I have to admit Addison to the hospital."

{Mother's worst nightmare...being admitted}

We walked...with our nurse who just got back from maternity leave.  Turns out our doctor admitted FOUR kids to the hospital that day.  They saw some really sick kids on this particular Saturday.  And another child after us also had a kidney infection...a little boy...3 yrs old.  They even questioned whether it was contagious b/c...like I said before...it's rare.  lol!

She got cathed (spelling?), an IV, and blood drawn within the first 45 minutes.  Then the world's best nurse came in and explained what's going, what's expected, and our plan.  I was a wreck.  I cried for the first 30 minutes straight.  I just held Addie.  I knew she didn't feel well b/c the girl doesn't like to be held that much anymore- ever.  She fell asleep in my arms, which hasn't happened in over a month.  Thank God for family.  I would have never made it without them.  As I mentioned before, Mike was out of town.

When I called him to tell him she was admitted, he told me to calm down (got it), then I told him to come home.  And he said, "really?"  *eh hem* clearing my throat from the huge frog/tears that were welling up in my eyes...Yes, come home now.

{not happy :(}

{thank heavens they put her IV in her leg...not normal, but we're thankful}

{this is so not our baby}

{this is our baby...eating/burping...naked b/c she peed during the cath}

{boo to being sick}

{bright flash momma}

{lovin Sophie in the hospital}

{cheering on Da Bears Sunday}

{Daddy came...and Addie's bed holds Mommy <3 love}

{Addie's view from her jail cell crib}

{grainy b/c it's the iPhone camera}

{brought in her seat- fever free and content for 24 hours!}

Six Months

Flllleeeewwwwwww by!

What a moment to document.  Addison Irene Buttenob you are six months old.  You are the light of our life.  What did we ever do before you??  You still only have your bottom two teeth.  You sit up on your own.  You grab for EVERYTHING!  Anything we have is yours too.  The other day I was making a grilled cheese.  Yes, you were in my arms.  Away from the stove.  You are always attached to me in one way or another...your eyes are glued to me!  You reached for the bag of bread and held it all the way from the pantry to the stove and back again.  Dad was sure impressed!  

You are still a size two diaper.  You continue to LOVE your cereal and we've started you on carrots.  You now eat those plain, willingly as well.  Still on formula.  Usually 3-4 6 oz bottles.  You play solo very well, but of course you love to be entertained.  I certainly would also.  I'm not one to enjoy being alone.  

I think your hair is growing by the minute!  I think you may be a brunette...just like me.  You have no idea how much that means to this momma.  Ever since the moment the doctor pulled you out of my belly, everyone has said you look just like Daddy.  Every now and then Papa says he sees me in you.  Others have glimmers too...especially in your Nike kicks.  And when you smile :)

It melts my heart.  You are still insanely happy...like this isn't right.  You still squeeze your hands and legs together.  Which, the doctor says is just a comforting mechanism.  I believe you do this is stressful, uncomfortable, or sensory overloading situations.  Our poor angel.  I feel like it's when you are stressing out :(  However, you've been known to sleep like that as well.  So, maybe it's just comforting.  

You weighed 15 pounds 3 ounces and were 26 inches long even!  Both are in the 50th ish percentile.  I've learned that as long as you are healthy, those are very unimportant.  

Addison, you turn your head when your name is called.  You love grabbing your toes.  You aren't too happy on your belly ever...so who knows when you will crawl :)  I'm having a blast thinking about the holidays with you.  It makes my heart beat fast.  Santa Claus, will you please come to our house early so that we can celebrate Addie's first Christmas with Dad too?  Thank you!

(it's not letting update pics...what's new these days?)

City Girl

Papa, Jenny, and Autnie Scooby came for a long weekend.  We all had so much fun!  And what's super, way out of this world cool is that Michael called in sick.  He really was sick...but not so under the weather that he couldn't hang out.  He was a trooper.  (side note: I've been sick all week.  Mike finally caught it...nasty head cold type deal, which makes it impossible to fly.  Ears popping, head aching...not a good mix.)

They came in later Thursday night...just in time for our Buffalo Wild Wings 60 cent boneless wing night!  We ordered carry out and ate at the house.  Addison stayed awake until they arrived.  She ate her last meal of the day...first time with carrots.  And went to bed.  She seemed to like the carrots...or she was just too tired to care they were in her cereal :)

Friday I worked (lame, lame, lame) and they played.  Mike was off this day.  And Friday night we adventured out to a new yummy restaurant in St. Charles.  Bristo One was a great pick by Jenny!  It was awesome having Hannah around too.  I don't get to see her much- she's totally growing up without me :(  I can't get over how big and adult-like she is!  It's always a good time when she's around.  Her humor is wonderful...and her good natured heart is not one for Dick's Last Stand.  lol.  Poor girl! (*side note: Dick's is like Ed Debevics...known for servers that treat you like poo and food that's not too great.  It's all about the experience.)

{our crew}

{Daddy's girl}

{peanut- looking huge fast asleep}

Saturday we were up early-ish...or normal time depending on who you are talking to. And headed into the city.  We got Jenny all checked in for the Chicago half at Navy Pier and walked around a bit.  We went to Harry Carrey's for lunch.  Man there is so much baseball history in there- so cool!  After lunch we went to check in at our hotel. Yes, Mike, Addie, and I stayed in the city!  SO fun!  Thanks again to Dad and Jenny for arranging everything and for switching rooms at the last minute! (Hannah didn't want to have a sleepover with her brother-in-law and since he was sick, he called in, so it was really last minute!)  

{My pilot}

{M dot personality...obviously not me :)}

{our lil' family}

{Daddy's girl #2...she hasn't fallen asleep like this in months!}

{the infamous Harry Caray}

Then we walked around Chicago...The Magnificent Mile, if you will.  It's wonderful.  But it's touristy!  First stop, Addison's shoes at Nike (pic to come).  Nothing is cuter than baby shoes...bottom line.  But Addie rockin' these shoes...is beyond adorable.  Ah!  I love it!  We went and got Mike's belated b-day gift from Apple (or is it Mac? lol).  He's now the owner of an iPad2.  It's very practical in his profession/lifestyle.  Always on the road...he should be traveling light.  Plus, I have the iPhone and now we can FaceTime.  Double cool/important/fun.  He gets to see his girls when he's away!  And vice-versa.  We went into H&M, which had some terribly loud music blaring on the first floor.  We bought Addie some clothes...lots of cute sweaters, socks, a fleece, and a winter coat...too stylish for mommy :)  For dinner we headed to Harry Caray's steakhouse.  It was about 2 minutes away...walking.  Cheap ride and no DD!  Only joking.  But not worth paying a cab ride to a restaurant when we had places close.

FYI If you are ever in Chicago, both places are wonderful.  Great atmosphere.  Good food.  But it's all about the company you are with.  It was wonderful...I love having my family here.  And it always makes me want to live closer.  Distance is lame.  

{Harry Caray cow at the steakhouse}

Addison will love this someday:  While at Harry Caray's steakhouse Saturday night, Addison was awake in her car seat in a sling (the 'new' way to place a baby at a table).  She woke up and was chatting so I picked her up.  I thought she smelled funny, but didn't think anything of it.  Once she started moving around I felt she was  damp.  Mike smiles and says, "Just for the record, I didn't change her diaper last."  So, I took her to the bathroom b/c they don't have a baby changing station in the mens restrooms.  And sure enough...full blowout.  She was in her jammies.  Ask Hannah...there was poo everywhere.  Up the back, up to her belly button, out her legs. Sick!  Poor Mommy, Auntie Scooby, and Addie!  

Sunday was race day!  We woke up early and took a cab ride to where Pops was waiting for Jenny.  It was SO cool and powerful (for the lack of a better word right now).  It made me want to get my fat booty up off the couch and do something.  Gosh, anything.  I'm feeling the flubbiest I've EVER been.  It's gross.  I will change this.  I must!  She did great, although you can read her thoughts on her blog.  She was a rock star to us...those who have never run this far consecutively in their lives :)  Red, White, and Blue day...since it was 9/11.  She wore Texas flag shorts...too cute.  Afterwards, we walked to find the L..unknowningly.  We got to the hotel, Jenny showered, we packed up our one night stay's mess and that's when we went to Dick's Last Stand.  

The end. lol.  Mike drove us back home and the extended fam took off :(  Thankfully, everyone in our families were safe on the 10th anniversary of 9/11.

A Sitter

It's funny what a little bit of peer pressure can do to an infant...lol.  I kid.  No peer pressure, or none that I know of.  But this past weekend Addie spent time with her 'cousins' in Phoenix.  The trip was on the DL...I solely wanted to go for worry free girl time.  And that's exactly what I got...thank you, Nichole :)

Addison was the only one not sitting up.  Harper is a nine and a half month old walker.  YES, you read that correctly...walking before 10 months!  Holy moly!  Last time I saw her, in April, she was as old as Addison and Ophelia.  Now these girls seem so babyish!  In a blink of an eye, I was there visiting roughly five months ago.  Addie was a newborn...teeny, tiny, bumpkin.  Now, that point of her life seems like forever ago.  She's so big!

Ophelia just started sitting up about two weeks ago.  But she's five days older than Addie!  Nichole says it's because she has a solid foundation...she's a chunky monkey!  Addison knew what sitting felt like, but she just never had to do it.  So, when we got back from our super quick, too short trip, I told Michael it was our fault she wasn't sitting up.  You see, Ophelia never really liked the swing.  Addison has always been content in pretty much anything.  So, throughout the day she goes from seat to seat to play mat/floor, changing her surroundings.  We'd sit with her and talk to her and give her the attention she needed, we'd hold her, feed her, change her diaper, etc.

After my visit, I realized we never really let her sit up.  We just always put her in a seat.  Even the Bumbo seat isn't the same as sitting up on your own.  I started feeling really bad.  Thankfully, I realized this and all it took was one day home with Daddy to get her sitting up all by herself for extended periods of time.  Of course, we don't leave her in that position b/c she's still a little timid/wobbly!

Bottom line:  Addison is 25 weeks old tomorrow and she is officially a sitter! Yay Addison :)

*pics soon