A Thousand Reasons to Smile.: September 2011

I mentioned in my first post that I journaled through my pregnancy with Sophia using babybizkit.aboutmybaby.com. They had some funding issues that lead them to closing shop for a while then reopening with uncertainty of their future. I want to make sure I can always access those thoughts and feelings we were having at the time so I'm copying those entries into this new blog.

Again, this is nothing new, just a relocation of Journals. They are in order of most recent first.

Hello...is anyone still out there?

Sun, Oct 10, 2010

8:45 PM

It occurred to me that there might still be folks wishing to keep up with our Sophia via this site. I suppose I should update you all with her adventures in life so far.

We brought our girl home on Friday, February 5, 2010. Our little 4 oz miracle was extremely healthy and ready to go home right away. I was able to spend the first 9 weeks of her life at home with her. During that time, she couldn't have been more of a perfect baby. The doctors gave us strict instructions to feed her every three hours around the clock to help get her weight up. After a few nights, we realized that it was very aggravating to her to wake her up throughout the night. We decided that Sophia knew what was best for herself just as much as the doctors did and started to let her sleep until she felt she was hungry. From that night at about 8 days until she was about two months old she slept for large amounts of time, only waking twice in the middle of the night. From 2 months on she has slept through the night.

We did play the formula game for a while after realizing that the regular formula made her tummy upset. After a few weeks of trial and error we finally settled on soy formula. Due to her tiny birth size she wasn't able to nurse and I'm here to tell you that despite not nursing and despite being on soy formula, she has never really been sick and this Mommy is completely totally 100% bonded with her baby and is sure that baby would agree.

These last 8 months have been the most joyous of our lives. Sweet Sophia surprises us with tiny miracles each and every day. We have watched her learn to roll around, blabber on and on about dadadadadada despite months of Mommy "mama-ing" in her face, learn to sit and play unassisted, and just last week our girl cut her first tooth. She is happy, rarely cries, explodes with belly laughs for any and all or no reason what-so-ever, and it is overwhelmingly apparent that she couldn't be more content with her raspberry blowing, drooling, scooching around, pulling Chuck's ears, giving Mommy and Daddy big kisses life.

I will continue to update everyone who is still checking in on us as often as possible. And if you get the chance to visit us here in Las Cruces, I highly recommend it...this girl is one of a kind and MUST be a part of your life too!

Welcome to the Planet

Sun, Feb 7, 2010

2:53 AM

In case you haven't heard...Baby Sophia is here! We went in for our normal check-up Monday and all heck broke loose. My fluids were extremely low so they sent us to the hospital for fluids...again. This time they determined that the low fluids were a result of the placenta not doing it's jobs. Because it's not doing what it's supposed to, my body has had to work twice as hard to get her nutients...and that's what caused the high blood pressure. After they put me on the blood pressure medicine last week, my body stopping putting in the extra effort and things went downhill from there. They kept me over night and in the morning they did another ultrasound. Fluids were still low so they decided it was time to induce. Pitocin was started at about 9:00am and they broke my water at 9:30. The Pitocin brought on contractions right away and the fun began. I opted for no medication and labored away until about 7:00pm. By this time I had dialated 4cm. They were pleased with my progress, however, miss Sophia was starting to react negatively to the contractions. They determined that enough was enough, little one needed to come out by whatever means necessary. Sophia Margaret Elflein was born via C-Section at 8:49pm. She was 17 1/2 inches long and weighed an itty bitty 4 lbs. 7 oz. She's long and skinny! Her weight is likely due to the malfunctioning placenta. Thank God for little miracles though, the nurses told us that sometimes the babies that are distressed in the womb tend to use their own survival mechanisms, and when they do this, they are more advanced when they are born. This must be what happened to miss Sophia. She is perfectly healthy, eats well, and in fact, she's already trying to hold her head up!

We spent 5 days in the hospital, mostly for mommy's sake. The put me on a crazy medication that totally screwed up my muscle function and made my recovery time 100% worse, so I'm told...I certainly believe it.

Now we're home and we are the happiest of all the happy families. We're so in love with Sophia and with each other. So far she has us on a very good schedule and things are going wonderfully.

We have tons and tons of pictures to share and we'll gladly keep them coming :)

Comments

Gloria Dominguez | Monday, February 8 2010 09:36 PM

Oh Jen, this is such an awesome story and thanks for sharing this with us. Glad all is well and now I'm on to view photos. take care, glo

Baking Away

Fri, Jan 29, 2010

1:07 AM

Things are going much better. They put me on a blood pressure medication that has no effect on the baby. Since then my blood pressure has been better, not good, but better. We will definitely be induced on Sunday, February 7th. They expect it will take quite a while so we're anticipating a February 8th Birthday. This is all assuming she doesn't come on her own, which I wouldn't be surprised to have happen. Things in pregnancy land are changing everyday...

Comments

Mommy | Saturday, January 30 2010 05:40 PM

Thanks Kim!

Kimberly Morrow | Friday, January 29 2010 10:09 PM

Jeni and Ken, Just wanted to say Congratultions. I can only imagine how excited you two must be to see Sophia! Best of luck during the delivery and your recovery! Take care of yourself Jeni. Love and Prayers, Kimberly

Crazy crazy few weeks. ...

Tue, Jan 12, 2010

4:56 PM

Crazy crazy few weeks. So, this whole blood pressure thing has turned everything upside down. The doctors are closely monitoring my health and the baby's as well. We see the doctor twice a week, although this really amounts to 5-6 appointments each week. Mondays I have an ultrasound, Fetal Non-Stress Test (NST - which means "hooked up to to fetal monitor"), and then a follow-up exam. Thursdays I have the NST and follow-up exam and about once a week I have to do a 24-hour urine test and have lab work done. All of these are labeled "High Risk" on my charts and appointment cards :( It's all so crazy because I feel perfectly fine. We had even more excitement last week. The NST showed her little heart rate slow down a bit so they sent me next door to the hospital labor and delivery unit to do a special ultrasound that involves several tests. The tests were all ok, but not great. They also noticed that I was having contractions... frequent contractions! I wasn't even feeling most of them and the one's that I was feeling were completely painless. They decided that I was dehydrated so they hooked me up to an IV with fluids and Ken and I spent the next SEVERAL hours there. Lesson learned: Just because I think I'm drinking enough water, doesn't mean I actually am. So to all you pregnant ladies out there, when they tell you to drink a gallon of water everyday, they aren't kidding!

Since then I have been drinking and drinking and sure enough I can totally see a change in her movements. She was moving around before but now the movements are much more distinct and powerful.

I had great appointments yesterday. The ultrasound showed that my amniotic fluid levels were normal, her kidneys are still looking good, and they estimated her weight at 4 lbs. 13 oz. Almost to 5 lbs.! The NST showed her movement to be very good, heart rate normal, and little to no contractions. During the follow-up, the doctor said that everything looks great and when I asked him if we are still on track to induce at 37 weeks (barring something happening before then) he said that it's possible that we could hold out to 38 weeks. :) Yay! The longer we can let this thing go, the better my chances for going into labor on my own!

In the meantime, I'm just here at home, baking away. Aside from my million dr appointments, I don't do a whole lot with my days. I really miss my kids at school but hopefully I'll see a few of them at my shower this weekend. Speaking of the shower, I'm very excited to see friends and celebrate this little miracle! For all of you Albuquerque folks, I am really sorry that we had to cancel our plans for a shower up there but it will be really fun to show her off to all of you after she's born. We'll definitely let you guys know the details once we've made some.

I think that's all for now, I'll keep y'all updated if there is any news. Until then, please keep us in your thoughts and pray for lowered blood pressure!

Comments

Mommy | Tuesday, January 12 2010 11:27 PM

Haha! Not that kind of baking, the bun in the oven kind! Believe me, I don't bake :)

lorraine | Tuesday, January 12 2010 09:00 PM

what do you mean you are baking go read a book!!!!! stay off your feet I am glad to hear the situation has improved keep up the good work and rest all you can just get up to refill the water bottle. Love and prayers Lorraine

Happy New Year everyone!

Fri, Jan 1, 2010

6:00 PM

You may have noticed the change in due date from February 27 to February 7. This is because the doctor has decided to induce me at 37 weeks due to my blood pressure. MY BP was still extremely high yesterday at our appointment. They took us right over to a fetal monitoring station to check on the baby and (thank you God) she was just fine. Had she been in any distress, they would have had to induce right then and there! I'm now on bed-rest until she comes. I have to keep track of my BP at home and watch for certain warning signs. If I experience any of them, I have to get right to the doctor and they will potentially induce me. They're also going to see me twice a week from here on out. Lots of fetal monitoring and ultrasounds apparently. So, I'm out of work until after the baby comes and it's my responsibility to stay off my feet and stress-free for the next 5 weeks. It is exciting that we'll get to meet her sooner, we're just hoping it's not too soon.

For all of you Albuquerque folks, you may have been wondering about the baby shower we had planned for January 17. Depending on what the doctor says this Tuesday, I may not be able to travel to Albuquerque. If this is the case, and I'm expecting it will be, we'll reschedule for once the baby comes. At least you'll get to meet her at that time! Otherwise, any one that is interested in taking a little trip to Las Cruces, I'll still be having a shower down here, details to come.

Catch-up

Sun, Dec 27, 2009

5:18 PM

Wow! I'm really behind here...

So, the 3D ultrasound was not so great. She was covering her face with her hands (and her feet!) so we didn't get a good look at her face. We did, however, see her kidneys and the left one was still enlarged. They decided that they'll need to monitor it for the remainder of pregnancy with ultrasounds every 4 weeks. And that's what we did last week. We had another ultrasound and this time her kidneys looked normal. Yay!! We could clearly see her face in this one too. Our little girl has the cutest little lips! They are full and puckered! We love her!

On a less positive note, my blood pressure was pretty high. My hands and feet have been swelling so they have me doing some tests for preeclamsia. Bummer. Worst case scenario, if the tests come back positive and my blood pressure is still high at our appointment Thursday, I'll have to go on bed rest.

Meanwhile, Sophia is really rolling around in there. She sticks out her butt (I think)when I'm lying on my back. It's so fun to be able to feel her :) The nursery is coming right along. We're pretty much just waiting for the rest of the furniture to come in. Her crib is on back order so she may be sleeping in the dresser drawer if it doesn't get here in time ;) We had a wonderful Christmas with our family, very excited for 2010! Next on the agenda...baby showers! Fun fun!

Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday and Happy New Year to all!

Here we are at Thanksgiving:)

Nursery Prep

Mon, Nov 16, 2009

2:09 AM

3D ultrasound this week. Grammy J and Auntie Lucy are coming down from ABQ to see our little one. Soph is doing great. She's kicking me so hard that it really startles me sometimes. Maybe she'll be an athlete like Grandpa Andy?

The nursery is coming along. In typical Ken/Jen fashion, we've taken on quite a lot. The furniture has been ordered (thank you Grandma Camille) and the bedding is at Grammy J's house. We've finished (sort of) painting and now need to put the wainscoating and chair rail up. The theme is "Paris in the Springtime" So pretty!

Kidney

Mon, Oct 19, 2009

9:37 PM

Everything looked great at the ultrasound last week except for one little thing. They noticed that one of her kidneys is a teeny tiny bit larger than normal and they want to look into it further. They are scheduling a 3D ultrasound to check it out. From what we've been told and what I have found out, it's nothing to worry about. It could have been that she is just holding her pee (like mother like daughter) or that it is just ahead of pace. They expect it will get back to normal in the next few months or at least within the first few months of her cute cute life. In any case, we get to have a 3D ultrasound done :)

And here is a belly pic:)

It's a GIRL!! Woo hoo! ...

Fri, Oct 16, 2009

8:30 PM

It's a GIRL!! Woo hoo! I knew it all along but we confirmed it today. Baby Sophia will be joining us in about 19 more weeks :) Here she is, sucking her thumb.

Comments

Grammy J | Wednesday, October 21 2009 06:07 AM

I can't wait!!! My little Sophie!! I can visualize her precious face now. I love her already!

Guy or Gal??

Tue, Oct 6, 2009

7:54 PM

10 more days until we find out if Baby Bizkit is a guy or a gal! I'm too excited to sleep!

Comments

Mommy | Thursday, October 8 2009 07:40 PM

Feeling Great! Love teaching, it's wearing me out these days though. Yep, she's almost moved in. We're all so excited!

Pam Schneider | Thursday, October 8 2009 05:02 PM

How are you feeling? Still enjoying teaching? I guess Camille is almost moved into her new home and close to you guys! Big love, Pam

Screening Test Results

Fri, Sep 4, 2009

6:19 PM

We got the results of the 1st Trimester Screening this week. It tests for abnormal levels that could indicate one of two types of down syndrome along with all other types of chromosomal issues. All of our levels were normal:) I wasn't really worried about it until the nurse called me. When she said she had the results, my heart dropped and when she informed me that all is well, I was ELATED! Little one is fine and well and growing rapidly:) Praise God!

Comments

Pam Schneider | Tuesday, September 8 2009 04:26 PM

Great news! Can't wait to see the wee one up close and personal. Stay healthy and happy!

This kid has Ken's nose!!!

Fri, Aug 20, 2009

6:10 PM

We had the first ultrasound today and it was absolutely amazing. There aren't words to describe the feeling I had watching our baby squirm around inside me. My Mom said a few weeks back that one thing is for sure, this kid is going to have a button nose and she was sure right. That little nose certainly resembles those of Mommy and Daddy. For the first few minutes, little one was bouncing around like crazy, then towards the end he/she decided to take a little snooze...I was kind of jealous ;) We couldn't get the baby in a good position to determine the sex so we'll have to wait until October to find out.

Almost U/S time!

Sun, Aug 16, 2009

10:31 PM

4 days until the big photo shoot and 1st heartbeat listen!

School started last week and overwhelmingly most of my kids think Baby Bizkit is a Baby Girl. What do you think???

Cravings

Mon, Aug 3, 2009

6:12 PM

This entry is entitled "Cravings" because boy am I having them. It started early on with a strange liking for pancakes. I've never been much of a "sweet breakfast" kind of gal but apparently Mommy Jeni LOVES it. I can't get enough pancakes or any member of the pancake family, i.e. waffles, french toast, apple fritters, etc. Another thing I can't get enough of is peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Yummy! Before this I could probably count the number of PB&J's I have had in my life on one hand, now I want them everyday:) On the other hand, there have also been some serious aversions,namely - Barbeque! YUCK!! Also, somedays I can't even open the refrigerator. There isn't anything bad in there but the smell of the fridge itself is appalling!

I go back to work next week, yes with only 2 1/2 weeks left of my first trimester, my very eventful summer is coming to a close. I'm so thankful that this little one decided to make an appearance during the summer. I'm not sure how I could have managed with the exhaustion, nausea, and 120 crazy teenagers! The good Lord definitely had my back on this one:)

2 more weeks until the first ultrasound, we'll be sure to post baby's first photo shoot for all to see :)

Comments

Marie | Wednesday, August 5 2009 09:10 PM

Jen- i couldn't stand to smell chinese food for 9 months-yet the day i went into labor i craved it!! go figure!! Hope all is well, i am enjoying this website, loves to you, daddy, n grammy camille

1st Check-up

Fri, Jul 17, 2009

8:00 PM

We had the 1st appointment today. Little one is too tiny to hear the heart beating but otherwise, all is well in Baby Land. We are considering having the optional 1st trimester screening and if we choose to do it we'll have our 1st sonogram pictures in about 5 weeks at our next appointment.

Mommy is feeling pretty good, still nauseous throughout the day but not too too bad. Overall, life is good and God is great!

Comments

Marie | Tuesday, July 21 2009 09:10 PM

Hey You two Nutz, now all the early morning phone callz you two used to make are gonna bite you in the arse LOL,,, just kidding.......i'm so happy for you two....

Ask and you shall receive.

Fri, Jul 3, 2009

12:34 AM

I asked for it and I got it. I'm some kind of crazy lady I guess or perhaps more cynical than I thought, but I have had a really hard time believing this whole baby thing is really true. Don't laugh, but I have actually taken THREE 3! home pregnancy tests just to make sure:) Well, this little Bizkit has started making himself/herself known. I still haven't officially gotten sick but I seem to be grossed out all the time. My nose is constantly scrunched up in repulsion of smells and sights. Mom suggests that I keep a snack on hand at all times because I seem to feel most nauseous when I get hungry. We'll see how that works.

Also, my first doctor's appointment has been pushed back to the 17th of July. It seems that Daddy-to-be was none to happy with my choice to see a midwife and so I have switched over to a highly recommended OB/GYN. I should be about 8 weeks by then so I'm really hoping to get a good ultrasound "yolk-sac" picture out of the deal :)

Speaking of Daddy-Bizkit, just when you think he couldn't get any cuter, he does. Last week when I got home from class I had a present waiting on the table, a little infant Pooh toy. He was so excited to give it to me:) He's very concerned about everything I do and all of the normal products I use from day to day. For instance, he wants me to be very sure to ask the doctor if my deodorant is ok because "Deodorant has aluminum in it" and he doesn't want it to hurt the baby.

I love him so much and we can't wait to finally get our first sight of this little Bizkit!

Comments

Mom | Tuesday, July 7 2009 11:20 PM

Finally!!! I can't believe my baby is going to make me a grandmother!! Clark and I are absolutely thrilled. I can't wait to see the little one. Due date 2 days before my birthday!! What a great present that would make huh? I love you both very much. Mom Janette

The Bizkits have a bun in the oven.

Tue, Jun 23, 2009

4:15 PM

It's true! We're having a baby! We're still a bit stunned but the excitement is kicking in.

So far I am feeling great, no nausea (knock on wood). My only side effects this far have been that I'm a little tired and I'm pretty "spitty" apparently that is in fact a symptom :)

This is the night we found out.

And these were some of the comments people had made to the site:

From : Sophia's Great Uncle Dick

Tue, Feb 23, 2010
6:04 PM

Again, congratulations on the birth of your daughter. I have seen the pictures and she is a darling.

It was wonderful talking with you and hope to see you and your family in the near future.

My best to all of you,

Your Uncle Dick