So I was SO jonesing to get out of here this a.m. I told Ashby like, at least 3 times, what time to show up [he spent the night at home with the 3yo last night] so he would not delay our departure!
He gets here and takes a load of stuff to the car. And we’re waiting, waiting, waiting on the pediatrician. Who finally shows up and says we’re not going anywhere.
Harper [I will spare you the "2-day-old" or in our Fixin' Supper nomenclature, the 2do, abbreviations] has jaundice, which I had kind of noticed late yesterday in the back of my head, but wasn’t really paying a lot of attention to. Seeing as how we have doctors to pay attention to that sort of thing for us.
And I get the idea that he doesn’t think it’s a HUGE deal, but especially because she’s a bit early [born just shy of 37 weeks], it’s perhaps not just a breastfeeding issue [slight jaundice is practically de rigeur for the bf set and no cause for worry], but instead, an immature liver issue. So, right now we are hoping that 24 hours or so under the bright lights [and on top of this cool electric blue light blanket] will take care of things. We’ll know more in the morning — she’ll have another blood draw at 5a on Wednesday. If that looks good, they’ll take her out of the lights for observation [and, I'm sure, another blood draw :( ] to make sure her bilirubin level doesn’t spike back up. If all goes well we can go home tomorrow night, it looks like.
I will say, I am not an emotional person [not even while pregnant! -- though apparently I am bossier while pg], but it takes someone more stoic than I to see her newborn baby with patches over her eyes, half-naked and lying uncomfortably on her back, alone in a plastic case and not shed a tear. It’s the alone part that bothers me so. I am massively grateful for the health of all of my children, and all present indications say this is nothing more than a speed bump for Harper — but newborn babies are made for cuddling 24/7 in my book [actually, if you want "my book" on parenting, you'll be reading Katie Allison Granju's Attachment Parenting and every word that the Sears have written], and her holding my finger through a hole in a plastic wall don’t cut it.
Send us your good thoughts and wishes for going home tomorrow!
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Saying a special prayer.
Good thoughts to you and yours. Our Sam had jaundice, too.
I’ve been offline lately, but something told me to check in here…
First, congratulations!!! She’s gorgeous, and I know she will be a great blessing to all of you–as you will to her.
Second…I tried to put myself in your shoes and got weepy immediately. Squeeze her little fingers for me, and know that prayers are ascending.
That whole crying thing while seeing them under the lights? Yeah happened to me too. Hated it. I squalled like a baby. LOL I’m glad y’all are headed home now though.
Well, heading home today? We’re thinking of y’all…