Visit from the Texans

Grandma and Grandpa Gray came to visit Madison on the way to and from Texas. She was so happy to see them again. Then on the way to Michigan her Aunt Donna and Uncle Roger and all the Cantu cousins came for a quick visit. It was the first time the Cantu family has seen our house and the first time they got to meet Madison. She was so happy to meet them and we were so glad to have them for a visit.

5 Weeks old and we have a routine

Madison is now 5 weeks old and after much work and struggle she is finally gaining weight like she is supposed to and we have figured out the best way to get her fed. She is 8lbs 14oz today. So finally after going to the doctor at least once a weeks since I was put on rest in July we don't have another doctor's appointment until January! We are looking forward to having some of Andy's family coming to visit this weekend and looking forward to Madison's first Christmas.

4 Weeks old and still skinny

We has another appointment for Madison today to check her weight. Last week she finally made it back to her birth weight 7lbs 14oz. The doctor wanted to check her again today to make sure she continued to progress but she only gained about an 1 1/2 oz. So we are back to pumping to make sure she gets enough to eat and he is having us add a little formula to the breast milk to give her a few more calories. He also did some blood work to make sure she doesn't have a metabolic disorder and that she's not dehydrated and all that came back fine. So she's eating enough just not getting enough calories to grow. We have another appointment on Friday to check her again. We are also having a lot of snow and tomorrow they are expecting wind gusts up to 50 mph so they are forecasting blizzard like conditions. I am glad I don't have to work and I worry about Andy since he does have to go into work. I hope he is safe on the roads.Madison wants one million dollars.

Weight Check

We went to the doctor today to check on Madison's weight gain. She only gained one ounce. So we are back to supplementing her with some additional formula. The doctor gave us some samples and we are making it a little bit higher calorie so that she can get more calories each feeding. He said it's only 4 extra calories but that 4 calories can make a big difference at her size. We have another appointment on Tuesday so hopefully she is back to her birth weight by then, or at least a little closer. Also, I got to drive for the first time in about 6 months. It felt weird, but I didn't crash :)

Madison's Doctor's appointment

Madison had a second appointment with her doctor. She is doing great other than she lost weight. She is 19.8inches long and weighs 7.3 pounds. The doctor wants us to feed her as normal and then feed her more with formula or previously pumped milk just to "top of the tank" and make sure she is eating enough and starting to gain weight. Luckily I had been pumping between feedings to start a supply of milk for when I go back to work so we have some milk stored up. He said once she is past her birth weight we can go back to a normal feeding. She has another appointment on Friday so hopefully this little piggy can catch up. Andy got this picture of her right after a big eating trying to burp. It made me laugh until I cried. She will hate us later for this. I have also included some other precious pictures of her.

Home again

After 4 days in the hospital we are finally home. Madison seems to be doing well since we've been home. The doctors think it was just reflux that caused her to turn blue in the face. We are trying to keep her elevated after feeding to keep the problem at bay and so far so good. Her jaundice is also clearing up. Thanks to everyone for their prayers and thoughts. Also, we are so glad that our parents were here to help us while in the hospital. We are now trying to recover from having no sleep for 4 days. We are just glad it wasn't anything more serious.

Scare

We got Madison home and had a good night with her. When I woke up the next day I fed her and changed her clothes, when I went to get a blanket to put around her I looked at her face it was blue around her nose and lips. This was one of the things we were told to call the doctor about because it's a very bad thing. I called the doctor who told us to go to the ER. We brought her in and they did a barage of tests and admitted her. We have been in the hospital ever since waiting for the results of her spinal tap. The doctor thinks it is just reflux, but didn't feel comfortable sending us home without ruling out all posibilities. She seems to be doing fine and we are finally starting to get some rest. Hopefully we can go home today and it's just reflux. I feel bad for the poor little girl she has been poked and prodded so much since we've been here. It's worth it to know she is OK. We will keep you updated.

Meet Madison Rae

Meet Madison Rae Gray, she decided she didn't want to wait until Friday. My water broke on its own at around 4pm and at 7:43pm Madison Rae Gray made her entrance into this world. She weighs in at 7lb 13oz 19 1/4inches long. We are both doing great. Andy's mom was my Doula and thanks to her I was able to deliver with no pain meds and I am doing great as well. Thanks for all your prayers she made it! Andy and I are so happy.

My first look at my baby.

39 weeks update

Well we heard from the doctor. They scheduled me for Friday at 7:15 am to discuss some options about breaking my water and where I am Friday morning.

39 Weeks

We went to the doctor again today, he was a little surprised to see us still pregnant. He said that I am 5cm dilated now and was surprised that I was not in labor. The baby is still a little high but he said he could schedule us to be induced. I asked about a cord prolapse since the baby is still high and he just asked if it was better to have my water break at home and have the cord prolapse or at the hospital. We chose hospital. So we are waiting to hear some options for day/time for that to happen but the scheduling nurse at labor and delivery was not in until 9am so we have to wait to hear. I am not really contracting regularly, but I am having a few. I think we will be able to meet little Gray soon. We will definitely keep you posted.

38 Weeks

We had another appointment today to check my status. The doctor said that he can't predict when I will deliver, but that I am still 4cm close to 5cm the baby is a little lower so it could happen any day. We are excited that we made it this far. Hopefully Baby Gray will make his or her appearance soon.

Can't believe I am still pregnant

We have been in and out of the hospital lately because I've been having contractions that are painful and consistent. Each time though, there is no change so we go home. This last visit on Sunday night we finally left about 5am. We had a doctor's appointment on Monday at 2pm. The doctor said that he can't believe I am still preganant. He said that I am still 4cm and fully effaced, but the baby has not dropped so they don't want to go ahead and break my water because it could cause the cord to get caught around the baby's neck. He also said he would be surprised if I don't deliver the baby within the next two days. We will see...we aren't too upset though since we are not quite to 38 weeks yet. The closer we can get to the due date the better, but I am starting to feel uncomfortable at times. I can walk around now and leave the house, but I can't drive. Hopefully some walking will encourage the baby to drop.