Three kids and a dog: June 2014

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Caroline's stats

Yesterday we met with the orthopedic surgeon who determined that Caroline does have hip dysplasia in both of her hips. She is to wear this harness 24/7 until it is corrected which could take several weeks.

She is not phased at all by this contraption. In fact since it has been on her she has rarely been awake. I think the velcro strap that goes across her chest must be having a swaddling effect on her because she now is sleeping constantly. She is still waking up to eat and I was concerned about how nursing her would be with her legs propped up like this but it is not rigid at all and she can easily move her legs around in it. Unfortunately all my tricks on keeping her awake while nursing are now impossible. Removing her socks and tickling her feet; no longer an option. Removing her clothes so she is slightly cool to stay awake while nursing; an option but as you can see a real pain in the neck.

Today we saw our pediatrician for a weight check. Despite her lack of alertness she is gaining weight very, very nicely.

Birth: 7 lbs 12 oz
In the hospital: 7 lbs 4 oz
Night before we left the hospital: 7 lbs 5 oz
One week old: 7 lbs 15 oz
Almost three weeks old: 8 lbs 9 oz

Another benefit of the harness; propping Caroline up and not having to worry about her falling over. Not like we're leaving the room with her like this but somewhat beneficial for taking pictures.

Big brother Liam says she looks like an astronaut. We would be more than happy if Caroline wants to pursue a job with NASA.

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Fink family time

At one week old, Caroline got to meet all of her family on the Fink side. Since it's a Fink way of doing family time; Evan, my Mom and Dad were outside most of the day weeding and planting grass. The kids ran around outside for most of the day including a trip to one of the splash parks in town after naptime. And the sisters (and Blair) chatted away and tried to enjoy a nice relaxing day being with each other. There is always a small risk of getting caught doing nothing and my father and mother telling us we should be doing something, but we sisters like to live on the edge.

Aunt Stephanie with all the kids

Just missing Blair, Evan and Liam

Getting wet at the splash park

Sweet Caroline

I know she's my child but isn't she gorgeous?

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day to all the great dad's in our lives. My father, my father-in-law and especially my husband who are great men and even better Grandpa's and Dads. Paul and my dad did a spectacular job raising Evan and myself, but I think you are doing an even better job at being Liam and Caroline's grandpas.

Evan is a fantastic Dad who is always ready to play with Liam and hold Caroline. (because really what else are you going to do with a one week old) He is an even better husband who takes care of and watches out for me. He may tell me no a lot when I come up with some of my ideas but behind it all he is doing it to protect me and our children. I love you Evan!

Dad of Two!

Tuesday, June 10, 2014

Any similarities?

Caroline

Liam

I think so. Definitely the same mouth and nose. If Caroline is as sweet and loving as her big brother we hit the jack pot.

Love at first sight

On Friday June 6th, 2014 our prayers were answered with a beautiful healthy baby girl named Caroline. Everything with the surgery went calmly and smoothly and the instincts on how to care for a newborn kicked right back in. Evan was so great the entire hospital stay and cuddled with Caroline so much that I was starting to feel like I was missing out on all the newborn cuddles.

It was so amazing to see Liam later in the day meet his baby sister. He was so excited to see her (until we gave him his 'big brother' present from Caroline), then he could have cared less about the new baby and just wanted to play with his new giant sticker book. Turns out that Liam and Staley brought a present for Caroline as well. Thanks to Aunt Ellen who thought of the idea of buying one of those books that will record your voice reading out loud when you turn the pages. Liam and Staley (with the help of Aunt Ellen) took turns "reading" to Caroline. As any new hormonal mother of six hours when I heard their little voices "reading" I was an emotional wreck.

It is a beautiful time for our family right now. We made it home Monday morning and I have been feeling pretty good considering I just had surgery 4 days ago. Caroline's favorite thing to do is sleep. We have to force her to wake up to nurse and even after she's awake we are fighting to keep her awake so she can get some milk in that tummy. She must be getting some nourishment because Saturday night when they weighed her she had dropped from 7 lbs 12 oz (at birth) to 7 lbs 4 oz. Sunday night she had already gained back an ounce to the pediatricians amazement.

We do have one concern regarding Caroline's health. During the pediatrician's assessment at birth she felt that while examining her hips they easily slipped out of socket or dislocated. We are to see an orthopedic surgeon in a couple of weeks to determine how severe this is and also what treatment will be necessary. The pediatrician has reassured us that it is not a major problem and that she may have to wear a harness for as long as necessary to fix the dislocation. The issue is supposedly very easy to fix when they find it at birth and she most likely will only need this harness for one to two months. Caroline does not appear to be in any pain and can move and kick her legs like any other newborn infant. We are praying that God will heal her and guide us to the right doctors so she will not have any long term issues.

Besides that Caroline is one healthy ray of sunshine and we feel so blessed that we get to be her parents (and big brother).