Going home!

We are finally going home! It has been a longggg week!
This morning, they came in and checked your bilirubin levels. They said that you could come home as long as you stay on a bili blanket. The doctors called around and found you one and the medical supply place brought it to the hospital for me. I put you in your going home outfit. You look beautiful in it!
They took your pictures for the website. They then took you to the back and took your pictures to get them printed. They didn't come out very good but we ordered them anyway.
I am sooooooooo excited to be leaving the hospital.
On the way home, we stopped by Baby Depot and your daddy went in to buy a breastpump for you. This way I could continue to feed you since you won't latch on! You like to eat though.
Once we got you home, I was finally able to get a bath and get normal clothes on! It feels so good to be home as a family!

Maybe tomorrow....

Your bilirubin levels are still high. We have to stay another day. The Doctor from LSU told us to pretend like we were having a hurricane party. It is so hard to be in the hospital.
I am glad you don't have to go back to the NICU at least. I am going to continue to pray that they go down. I am going to leave you under the lights as much as possible.
It's hard when they come in every few hours or so and take blood from you. Your little heals are so banged up from the NICU and from all these bilirubin tests. They are necessary though!
Hang in there my little man!

Still here.....

Soooo, today you were supposed to go home.
They came in this morning and they did the "big snip." Now you are circumcised. Your doctor graduated from LSU so I think she should be well trained! (A rare oddity in Pennsylvania). It looks DISGUSTING! I was not fully prepared to see that. They assure me that it is in good shape and looking the way it should, but it is YUCKY!
We can't go home now because you have developed jaundice. They tested you and said that you would need to be under a light until your bilirubin levels go down. They brought in a light and a blanket. They have stripped you down and now we are just hanging out. It is hard because I thought we were going to go home today. I'll stay as long as I need to, I just wish you felt better. I can't hold you much now either cause you have to stay under this light.
Hang in there my baby! We will make it home one of these days.

Still hanging in there....

It has been two days and you are just getting out of the NICU. The past few days I have spent walking back and forth between my room and the NICU. I can't wait until I can take you home with me.
I bathed you for the first time last night with the assistance of the nurse. They should me how to get in all the creases and rolls on your body! I love you so much. I love holding you and kissing you. You are my baby boy!
One thing you don't like is breastfeeding! We have had the lactation consultant come and she has tried to help you get started. I think it messed you up all the bottles they gave you in the NICU. We will struggle to get through it. In the meantime, I stay hooked up to a pump that helps me feed you!
I am sooooo ready to go home. I think tomorrow they will let us go!
You finally got out of the NICU this morning. I am so excited that you aren't hooked up to everything still. I am going to take this time and hold and snuggle you.
I love you my baby boy!

Your Grandma Sissy arrived today. She thinks you are beautiful and handsome. She sure is going to spoil you!

Facebook Comments-Parker is Here!

August 24, 2009 at 2:48pm
Ashley Smith baby Parker is here and we are both doing well. He weighed 10lbs 2 oz and is 22 1/2 inches long. I'll post pics soon.

August 24, 2009 at 2:41pm via Facebook for iPhone

Kay Lefevers, Shelley Bachman Moore and 2 others like this..

Kristi Rosenbaum Hammaker Wow! Congratulations!
August 24, 2009 at 2:43pm · LikeUnlike.

Erin Shultz Awwwwwwwww!!!! Glad you are both doing well and congrats to the new parents!!! :)
August 24, 2009 at 2:46pm · LikeUnlike.

Angela Boyington Congrats! Glad you're both doing well!
August 24, 2009 at 2:51pm · LikeUnlike.Jennifer Landry Belcher Congrats, can wait to see pics:)
August 24, 2009 at 2:54pm · LikeUnlike.

Jennifer McLean Congratulations!!
August 24, 2009 at 2:54pm · LikeUnlike.

Shadra D. Smith Congrats!!!
August 24, 2009 at 3:03pm · LikeUnlike.

JC Phillippy I'm the first guy to comment but ...AWWWW... congrats to both of you.
August 24, 2009 at 3:09pm · LikeUnlike.

Syrine Joubert Yaaaaaaaayyyyyyyy!!!!!!! Parker's here!!!!! Kisses and hugs to him and you!!
August 24, 2009 at 3:26pm · LikeUnlike.

Karolena Jordy Congratulations!!!!
August 24, 2009 at 3:44pm · LikeUnlike.

Janice Brown Harvey OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!! He is a giant!!!! I thought it was going to be tomorrow!!! Congratulations.
August 24, 2009 at 4:03pm · LikeUnlike.

Michelle Byrd Robertson Congrats Ashley!!!
August 24, 2009 at 4:28pm · LikeUnlike.

Aimee Miremont McLeod Congrats, Ashley! Hope you and baby are doing well!
August 24, 2009 at 5:21pm · LikeUnlike.

Sandy Chapman Connell I saw the pictures he is so cute!! Aunt Kelley is very proud.
August 24, 2009 at 5:46pm · LikeUnlike.

MaryJo Nonnemacher hey! congrats!!!!! i guess i'll just have to swing by the women's pavillion when im at work tomorrow! lol jk, you need your rest im sure :) :) good luck, you're gonna be an awesome mom!
August 24, 2009 at 6:23pm · LikeUnlike.

Deanna Sherman Congrats Ashley - I am so happy for you guys - can't wait to see the pictures of baby Parker
August 24, 2009 at 7:20pm · LikeUnlike.

Melissa Quick Stocum Congratulations....I can't wait to see pictures!!!
August 24, 2009 at 8:05pm · LikeUnlike.

Vali Guidry Harmon Congratulations Ashley!!!!!!!!!!
August 24, 2009 at 9:04pm · LikeUnlike.

Kristy Bridges Whoo hoo!!! Congrats to you and dad! Kiss that big ole boy for me!
August 24, 2009 at 9:34pm · LikeUnlike.

Danielle McKneely Congrats Ashley! 10 pounds? Wow!!!
August 24, 2009 at 10:29pm · LikeUnlike.

Shelley Bachman Moore Take care both of you! (and DJ)!
August 24, 2009 at 10:35pm · LikeUnlike.

Kim Oliver Congrats on your new addition to your family! Hurry up with the pics!
August 24, 2009 at 11:19pm · LikeUnlike
RemoveDanielle Easterly Palmer Congratulations!!!! I can't wait to see him!

August 25, 2009 at 11:13am · Comment ·LikeUnlike · See Wall-to-WallWrite a comment....
RECENT ACTIVITY
RemoveAshley commented on Jennifer Landry Belcher's video..RemoveAngelle Levet Farrell Congratulations, Ashley! Hope you and baby are feeling great! Can't wait to see pics!

August 24, 2009 at 7:15pm · Comment ·LikeUnlike · See Wall-to-WallWrite a comment....
RemoveKaty Riddle Price Congratulations!!!!! Where are the pics?? Come on... it's not like you have anything else to do... hahaha!

August 24, 2009 at 7:11pm · Comment ·LikeUnlike · View Feedback (1)Hide Feedback (1) · See Wall-to-Wall


Janice Brown Harvey They posted some...so cute!!! Gotta see those cheeks!
August 24, 2009 at 9:49pm · LikeUnlike.Write a comment....


Rebecca Dussouy Besch OMG Congrats times 100!!!!!!!!!

August 24, 2009 at 6:20pm · Comment ·LikeUnlike · See Wall-to-WallWrite a comment....


Janice Brown Harvey I can't wait for the pictures. I still can't believe this has happened!!! What a year! I do have one question....being the size of a pre-schooler and all....does Parker have teeth already??? LOL!

August 24, 2009 at 4:09pm
ReLacie Michel Bogen CONGRATULATIONS! HOW EXCITING!!!

Here you are, but not as planned...again!

So about 1:00 this morning, I was 10 cenimeters dialated. Three nurses and two doctors came in. They also had a few doctors from the NICU team because of your size and because I had gestational diabetes.
Kas tried to leave but Daddy wouldn't let her. Daddy was having a hard time dealing with my pain. A couple of nurses were holding my legs while daddy was holding my head helping me push. Kas was on the side taking pictures and singing songs to motivate me (I couldn't make this stuff up). She was singing songs like Eye of the Tiger.
I pushed and pushed and you weren't coming. They got a bar and put it across the bed to help me push you out. You weren't budging and it hurt soooo bad. We did this for almost three hours! I had a few good pushes but you weren't moving like you needed to be. At about 4:00 a.m., they decided that they were going to do an emergency c-section to get you out. I have never been so relieved in all my life.
One thing I didn't realize is that you can't drink anything when you are in labor. I was soooooooooo thirsty and all I could have was ice chips. Daddy did a good job at keeping the cup filled. Once they decided to do a c-section, I couldn't have ice any more. I was still soooooo thirsty.
They upped the pain medicine in my iv to get ready for the c-section. It felt ALOT better while they prepared the room for me to have a c-section.
I should mention how nervous everyone was. Daddy was keeping everyone updated all night long. After the fact, meymey and Aunt Kelley said that he wasn't making much sense at all. He was so nervous and tired and couldn't take me being in pain!
They came and wheeled me into the operating room. They told daddy to stay out until they were done getting me ready. They gave your daddy a gown and a hat and some shoes.
Once we were in the operating room, they gave me another type of epidural. They put a sheet between my neck and my chest so that I couldn't see anything. They also put some tape on my belly. Once they were ready, they asked me if I could feel anything and I couldn't.
They went and got your daddy. He sat on a stool next to me and held my hand. He also had the camera and took a few pictures. They started the surgery.
I felt a bunch of tugging and pulling but it was NOTHING compared to the contractions. After about 3 minutes I heard, Oh my gosh! No wonder he wouldn't come out, he looks like a 6 month old!"
I heard one itty bitty cry and then I didn't hear anything. They lifted you up and brought you over to the NICU doctors while daddy stood near your side. I couldn't see you because they were working on you. Then you started SCREAMING and I felt so relieved. They cleaned you up very good and took your blood sugar. While they were working on me, I sat and listened to you cry and watched your daddy run around taking pictures. Then the doctor held you up so that I could see you.
They wheeled you to my room and I came in shortly after you.
When I went in the room, they said your blood sugar had dropped to 25 which is VERY low. They gave your daddy a bottle of formula and he fed you trying to get your sugar up. I got to see you but I still couldn't hold you. I was shaking so bad from the anesthesia that I was scared I was going to drop you. Daddy held you up so that I could kiss you though. I loved you SOOOOOOOOO much!
The pediatrician came in and examined you. He said that you would have to go to the NICU until your sugar stabelized. They took you out of the room. Daddy and Kas and I were all so tired from the night before. Daddy and Kas went back to campus to get some rest and so that I could get some rest. I was too excited to sleep though. I called everyone I knew and told them that I was doing good and told them how beautiful you were.
About 1:00 that day, I asked the nurse to take me to the NICU so that I could see you. It was a little discerning at first seeing you like that. When I first saw you, you had an IV in your head that they were giving you a sugar solution to keep your sugar up. You had a tube in your nose to help empty your stomach because you were throwing up. You also had tons of monitors and things on you. Even with all that, they still let me hold you.
Daddy came back that night to see you. We went and held you until they had a nurses meeting and we had to leave. Daddy helped me along with the nurse to go back to my room. There were more nurses there that helped me get up to walk and change clothes and clean up a bit.
I can't believe you are here! I can't believe you weighed 10lbs 2 oz and 22 and 1/2 inches long and premature! You are my world! I love you so much and I will do anything to take care of you. I hope you get better soon so that you can come and stay with me in my room!

Here you come.....

Well, this morning I woke up and I have been in the hospital for five days now. I have not enjoyed my stay much. It's not that the nurses and doctors aren't nice, because they are! They have taken great care of me. It has just been very very boring. I finally have resolved myself to the fact that I will be here until Tuesday when you are coming.
Right as I had that thought, I went to the bathroom. I was going to take a shower. I stood up and water fell on the floor, so I sat back down and it stopped. So I stood up again and ALOT of water fell out. My water had broken and your daddy was not there! Everything went in fast forward!
I pushed the emergency button in the bathroom and 4 nurses came in. I told them I thought my water had broke and they said "YES it definately broke."
They gave me a gown and a big sheet to stop the water. They grabbed all my suitcases and bags and moved them to another room (Room 14). I was now in a private room.
Soon as I got settled they put a monitor on me. I called your daddy.
Daddy answered the phone and he was shaving. I said, honey, get down here, my water just broke. When I said that, Daddy cut his nose shaving.
He said he was on his way!
I text Kas and told her "It was time, my water broke". She said she would be right there.
About an hour later, Daddy and Kas came to my room. I was in a little bit of pain but not too much. The nurses were very nice and helped me a bunch.
Kas and Daddy kept going to the community fridge, getting drinks and snacks. Then they played chess on the computer.
At about 3:00, I was in ALOT of pain. I told Daddy to do something so he went and got the nurse.
I told the nurse that I needed something for pain. Then she called the anesthesiologist. He came in and said it would take a bit to get it right because I was so swollen. Daddy and Kas left the room and a nurse named Katie stayed with me. He tried to get the needle in and I jumped. It wasn't in the right spot apparantly. Then he got called out! I was crying in pain. The doctor had to leave so they called someone else.
While I was waiting for the new doctor to come, I was crying alot! It hurt so bad. I told the nurse that I wanted a c-section. I told her it hurt so bad that they were just going to have to kill me and take you because I couldn't stand the pain. She went and got the doctor whose name was ironically Ashlee Smith. Dr. Smith told me that she couldn't do a c-section just yet. She told me to hang tight for the new doctor to come to see if he could get the epidural in.
The new anesthesiologist came in and he got it on the first try.
After that, I was in much better shape! I am so glad that it worked. I don't know what I would have done otherwise because the pain was unbearable.
I stayed pretty comfortable until about 10 p.m. that night. I started having alot more pain. We had a nurse named Lynette at this point. Lynette took very good care of me and you!
Lynette stayed on the anesthesiologist to keep my medicine revved up so I wouldn't feel the pain. It hurt so bad. They had a monitor on your head and another on my stomach. It could tell me when the contractions were coming and going. I kept yelling for someone to tell me when they were coming and going. Kas and Daddy helped with that. I would go from screaming to sleeping and back and forth. I was so tired at this point. I had been in labor for about 15 hours at this point.
They told me to hang tight and that when I was 10 cenimeters, we would start pushing. In the meantime, the doctors and nurses kept checking with me. It was going to be a long night!

Facebook Comments-Still in Hospital and Bored!

Ashley Smith still in the hospital very bored. Parker is still scheduled to arrive on Tuesday. I feel like I am in time out cause I don't feel bad. Only three days til he is here!
August 22, 2009 at 9:28pm

Catherine Pender Yeary Poor girl... You wont be bored long... Trust me, Your world will change.

August 22, 2009 at 9:28pm · LikeUnlike.Jason Hopple Congratulations Ashley!

August 22, 2009 at 9:33pm · LikeUnlike.Angela Boyington Just be glad that you get to take it easy and get bored. Once Tuesday gets here, that's over!

August 22, 2009 at 9:33pm · LikeUnlike.Angelle Levet Farrell Congratulations, Ash! At least you have Facebook (and obviously a laptop or a phone!). Above comments are right...your life will change in a mere four days!

August 22, 2009 at 10:24pm · LikeUnlike.Kristy Bridges Get some sleep while you can... You may not get any again for maybe up to a year!!!

August 23, 2009 at 12:23am · LikeUnlike.Shelley Bachman Moore Stockpile all the sleep you can now, because in a few short days you will start your months of running on adrenaline and baby-love only!

August 23, 2009 at 1:36am · LikeUnlike.Janice Brown Harvey I'm so excited!! I keep missing your calls. I spoke to your mom yesterday because I was worried to death! Hope everything comes out okay!!!!!!! How about that MP???????

August 23, 2009 at 2:30am · LikeUnlike.Marcia Arnold Eisworth Is your mom there, yet? I know they want him to stay inside as long as he can. It is good for his lungs. You are going to enjoy being a momma, because I can tell you are already "mothering" Parker.

Still waiting.....

Well, my blood pressure is still high, even overnight. The doctor came in and said they wanted to keep me in the hospital until next Tuesday. Then on Tuesday, they will induce labor. Next Tuesday, I will be exactly 37 weeks pregnant.
It is hard for me to sit and wait on you. I am so used to being busy! Especially after RA training.
Daddy stayed with me last night but it is too hard for him to sleep here. They have a little bitty chair that makes out into a bed but it isn't comfortable at all. Kas may come and visit later.
I am sooooooooo bored though. I am laying up here watching tv. Daddy brought some movies. I am going to hang tight until Tuesday. I love you little man.

Facebook Comments-Hospital Observation

Ashley Smith in the hospital under "observation." If all goes as planned, Parker will be here on Tuesday!

August 20, 2009 at 12:45pm via Facebook for iPhone
Alicia Mitchell, Deanna Sherman, Julie Grega and 5 others like this..
Danielle Easterly Palmer Yay! Come on out Parker!!

August 20, 2009 at 1:11pm · LikeUnlike.Shelley Bachman Moore Good luck Ashley!!! Good Luck Parker!!

August 20, 2009 at 1:31pm · LikeUnlike.Angela Boyington Wow! Are YOU okay?

August 20, 2009 at 1:42pm · LikeUnlike.Kristy Bridges Whoo hoo!! That's so exciting! Is your mom gonna get to be there?

August 20, 2009 at 3:59pm · LikeUnlike.Janice Brown Harvey What????????? What is going on??

August 20, 2009 at 6:17pm · LikeUnlike.Marcia Arnold Eisworth Good luck Ashley...still can't believe you are a momma!

August 20, 2009 at 6:28pm · LikeUnlike.Nicole Fitzpatrick Cox That happened to me. Everything was great and it actually made me relax. You can't do much except sit there and be waited in. Enjoy it while you can. You are gonna be a great mom!!!

In the hospital

Today, I am home on bed rest. I have called around and tried to find someone to monogram your blanket. I found a place in Montoursville. Daddy and I were going to run to the doctor to drop off the protein test. When I dropped off the test, I had the nurse take my blood pressure. It was high! I thought maybe it was just because I was running around. I had dad take me back to campus and had Nurse Ellen take my blood pressure. It was still high. Daddy took me back to the apartment. He went to get his haircut while I called the doctor. I packed up a suitcase and waited for her to call back. The nurse called back and told me to come on back to the hospital so they could monitor me.
Daddy and I loaded the car and brought the car seat to the car. Daddy drove us while I sat in the backseat, installing it just in case we wouldn't be able to leave.
I went in and the triage nurses decided to keep me overnight to monitor my blood pressure. So now, I sit in the hospital with your daddy, waiting on a decision on what they are going to do.
Hold on little man! Mommy is not ready yet!

Now what??????????

Ok so today honey, we went in for a normal routine Dr. appointment and ultrasound. Daddy has made it back and so he was with me. The nurse put daddy in a room while I did the normal intake things. The nurse told me that my blood pressure was running a little high. Then they checked my urine and said that I was spilling protein in it. I was like wait.....hold up.....what???? I was so confused.
See little man, today was supposed to be special in that it was going to be PLANNED. We were supposed to find out the date that you would arrive by talking with the doctor and working to see what was best for everyone. These results changed everything.
I've been going to the Doctor twice a week so that you could do the non-stress tests and so that they could check the amniotic fluid. Everything has been fine up until today. Dr. Ahoya wanted me to go to the Maternal Fetal Medicine doctors and have them measure you and see what else is going on. Well you weighed 8lbs 12oz on this sonogram. Everything was perfect normal on the ultrasound, however my blood pressure wsa still elevated and you were still on the bigger side.
Three doctors came in and asked me how I felt about going up to labor and delivery? And I said for what?? I didn't know if they meant for monitoring or if they were going to take you out of me. He said just for observation but potentially for delivery.
I immediately panicked. I was soooo scared. Daddy was grinning from ear to ear. All I could think of was the million things that I haven't done yet like wash your clothes. I was holding off because they kept projecting you to be so big. So I didn't want to take the tags off of the newborn things if they weren't going to fit you. I also hadn't got your outfit monogrammed or your sheets washed or your carseat in the car, or a bag! I was freaking out!
So we listened to what the doctors had to say and went upstairs to labor and delivery. We sat in a triage room for about three hours while they ran more tests. The doctor came in and said to watch my blood pressure at home and to stay in bed. We also had to do a 24 hour test and drop the results in Montoursville the following day. So daddy and I went home and I was so relieved.
I washed all of your clothes tonight and sheets. We also put your stroller and car seat in the car. I feel a bit more prepared but not much. The doctors today called my bluff. I hope I will be a good mommy to you. I promise you I will do the very best I can. I love you little man!