I find it funny that while our little ones are babies we encourage, cheer, praise, and hope for; a good burp, a loud toot, and by all means; a diaper full of poo. But, when our little ones are old enough to talk (say around 2) and giggle about it--we scold them and teach them to say "excuse me". Our little Brynlee has had issues with all the above baby praiseworthiness's and after 3 weeks of being born-is getting to be somewhat "normal". Poor Byrnlee-she has definitely not been your typical baby. I'm thinking that because she was 9 days early, her body just needed extra days to get to be normal. We were so worried about her because she didn't have a poopy diaper for 10 days. You read that correctly-10 DAYS! I spoke to her doctor, called a nurse twice, my mom searched the internet for solutions and/or advice, we tried several things the doctor and nurses suggested-but none of them worked. We knew her tummy hurt but didn't know what to do. The first few nights at home were not pretty and I would just cry with her. We pleaded with her to poop on the floor, poop on your sister, poop in the bath---we didn't care---we just wanted Brynlee to poop. Poop watch 2013 was officially on. After being home for 10 days with no action in the diaper I was overwhelmed with joy when the poopless streak was over. I even sent a text to my mom.
I was so thankful my mom was able to stay here for a month. It worked out to be about 2 weeks before the baby and another 2 once she was born. I honestly don't know how I would have survived without her. Devin has been here--but you all know (or will know once you're married with kids) how helpful husbands can be. ;-[ You would think that by having a 4th child I would be a pro. Not so much. I will never get used to the sleepless nights and the lack of naps. Nursing didn't go so well at first- I thought since I had been a "milk cow" for close to 6 years over the past 13 and the fact Kyra was finally over it in November my tatas would be primed and ready to go: Nope!!! The pain we as mothers go thru. It really is a miracle we keep having babies and on top of that, nurse them. Brynlee, like her sister Kyra is not gaining weight as quickly as she should be. I have to take her in for weekly weight checks and make sure she is eating at least every 3 hours if not more. I need to make sure I rest and keep my stress level down so my milk supply isn't compromised. (that is easier said/written than done.) We are in the middle of re-financing our home and found out last Thursday that per our credit report Devin and I have a property in Spokane, WA. WHAT??? (this is odd b/c I monitor our credit every month and haven't noticed anything) Friday night I get the mail and I have an Insurance EOB for the hospital. My bill has been rejected due to the fact pre-certification was not completed. (this wasn't needed for the other 3 births) and since it is a Holiday weekend, I can't get any more information until Tuesday. Talk about stressing out. A 2 1/2 day hospital bill with "no insurance"?!?! That's just awesome. I'm so glad we pay our monthly insurance premiums to have our claims denied.
This pregnancy from the beginning was an emotional roller-coaster. Not sure why, but I think it was in part-timing. Finding out I was expecting a week after losing both grandparents was difficult. And that little black cloud of grief hung over me the entire time and continues to do so. Sitting in the hospital the following morning of Brynlee's birth was hard for me. I kept finding myself waiting for my phone to ring with grandpa telling me congratulations because that is what he always did. His call was the first call I had with Tristan and Kyra, and with Cortlynn they came over to the hospital bright and early. With Brynlee there was no celebration with grandma and grandpa. I know they are looking down from Heaven, but it still has been a tough one. It does make each day worth it when you see your children smile, and Brynlee has begun to smile.
