The Medical Stuff

For those who didn't get to ehar about this as it happened:
When Esther was born, we had thus far only dealt with my doctor - Dr. Gnam.  We liked that experience, mostly because we knew our dr.  After she was born, she was seen by St. Dominic's pediatrician...who we did NOT know.  He did an excellent job, but we were unprepared for him to say anything less than our baby girl was absolutely perfect. 
His first report was that her bilirubin was slightly elevated and they wanted to watch it.  Apparently, Esther and I have opposite blood types, which means an elevated bilirubin could possibly mean more than jaundice. This meant the lab would need to prick our new baby's little foot more than normal, which was tough enough for me to deal with (Lee was a champ).
On his second visit, the pediatrician told us he felt her hip pop, which could mean hip dysplasia.  He then preceded to "show" us what he meant, which entailed his moving Esther's tiny legs in and out - a practice that looked painful, but apparently didn't bother her as much as it did me.  He referred us to a pediatric orthopedic doctor at UMC and scheduled us for two weeks' out.
We stayed an extra day because Esther's bilirubin did not go down, but escalated enough to take precaution.  We were released the next day (Saturday, July 28th), but told to come back Sunday, Monday, and Wednesday to the lab for follow-up checks.  Her weight had also dropped, so we were told to supplement nursing with formula.  On Wednesday, after way too many foot pricks, a night on a bilirubin light, and several trips back to the lab, Esther was released.
Our regular 2-week visit to our pediatrician, Dr. Russell, gave us some relief in the world of pediatricians.  His manner is so pleasant, you forget he's responsible for those horrible shots and getting your infant cold just to take her measurements.  I still felt like rewarding Esther (and myself) for an overall pleasant visit...so we went to Starbucks.
Her visit to the pediatric orthapedic doc went well also.  Robin was sweet enought to go with me.  The dr did the same exercises and deemed her "hip dyspla free."We had another follow up visit...the day hurricane Isaac hit.  We went anyway just to hear him say the same thing and schedule a final visit in January.  I'm still trying to decide if braving a hurricane was worth it.
Our 6 week pediatric appointment went without a hitch.  Lee's mom, "Gigi" went with me to brave her first shots.  Everyone came out ok. Esther didn't cry much, just long enough to let us know she felt it.
That sums up her medical history.  We are so thankful for good doctors and supportive friends and family.  Our little girl is healthy and happy...and growing!!

My Personal "Miracle Grow"

While I know the miracle of our child is 100% attributed to Christ, my sister Robin has been our bonus.  She has made the pregnancy, birth and parenting so much easier than it could have been.  She gets a post all to herself.

 Pregnancy: For someone who has watched other pregnancies from a safe distance, the thought of choosing products and registering was completely overwhelming.  There are 74,893,662 different kinds of carseats, strollers, swings, diapers, monitors, bottles, diaper rash cream...and the list goes on and on and on.  Lee and I were trying to keep our list to a smart minimum, but had no idea where to start.  Robin was our primary advisor on everything.  She told us what we'd use right away and what could wait, what brands she liked best (which we always ended up going with), and what was absolutely necessary to have.  I baiscally asked her for a list and registered for everything on it.
Physically, she told me some things I could expect, and normalized those things I didn't expect.  She had more answers than my doctor and was more empathetic than my husband.
I was also blessed to have several showers from friends and family.  Not only did she help host one of the sweetest, most detailed showers I've ever been to, but she attended every single shower AND had a homemade happy for Esther at each.  Now, just attending all these events is impressive, but her taking the time to make something is even more impressive.  In case you don't know Robin, she has four children...currently all under the age of 4.  They are a joy.

They are also children, and wholly dependent on Robin to meet all their needs...which makes it that much more impressive that she spent so much time on us.  Her energy seems endless, and her girfts and ideas are thoughtful and considerate.
Finally (though certainly not least), Robin was excited for us from day one. She was at times, more excited than I was!  Her enthusiasm was catching, and her excitement encouraging.  She kept up with how far along I was (even down to the week), and would often text me random congrats or questions or ideas.  I knew we were constantly on her mind...another impressive feat considering all she has to think about.
Delivery: Robin was there every minute of delivery. She came by the night before, and was there frist thing in the morning.  Nathan took the day off to watch the kids - a plan Robin had put in place months before.  She bought me new slippers for the hospital and several packs of tic tacs for labor, meeting every need I could possibly have.  And as delivery drew close, I asked her to sneak back to the room to answer a few last-minute questions.  She was sweet and trustworthy enough to stay and (tactfully) photograph those precious first moments.

While we were in the hospital, Robin was working orientation for her new job on the other side of St. D's campus.  She came to see us every day before orientation, on her breaks, and after. She even rushed home anad brought her family back to meet Esther (at my request).

 

She was the cheerleader I needed, exactly where and when I needed it.

Post Delivery: Robin has once again been our #1 advisor.  She has expertly taught her children to sleep through the night early on, be relaxed enough to sleep anywhere, to obey...all things we want our children to do. We have followed her advice on feeding, sleeping, comforting, and so many more things.

She also brough multiple meals to us in those first few days, including a few already-frozen meals for later consumption. Even after her long work days, she made a point of coming by to hold Esther.
I fully believe we are all doing as well as we are because of Robin's help.  I could not ask for a better big sister, cheerleader, photographer, advisor, hostess, and friend..especially these last 10 months.  My "Miracle Grow" is and understatement for Robin's contribution.  I will be forever grately for her willingness to help and be available at all hours. We love you, Aunt Wobin!

The Days Surrounding

The days surrounding Esther's birth were almost as wonderful as the day we met her.  My doctor appointment on the Monday before I was induced held some surprises.  I expected my doctor to continue waiting, but the estimate of her weight was more than expected. When he recommended we check in the very next day, Lee and I decided to have a last-date-before-parenthood date.  We had a wonderful time revelling in the anticipation of Esther's birth, our life together as it had been and would be, and the incredible blessings we knew were in store.

The days following Esther's arrival were filled with friends and family, and Lee was great about getting pictures of everyone.  I won't post them all, but we had some very sweet moments...

 

Gigi and Daddy:

 Lots of friends:

 

ALL of Esther's cousins came to meet her:

 Mimi came by:

And we even had friends from work come all the way from Crystal Springs:

 

 

The best surprise (post birth) was when Mom walked in with Karla, all the way from San Antonio!  She flew in for the week and was incredibly helpful.  Ironically, she spent more time with us that first week than any one else, and we got fewer pictures of her than anyone else.



These are certainly not all the pictures, but a small representation of the friends and family that showered us with love and support in those sweet days.  We are so grateful!

A New Kind of Garden

As much as I love growing things outside (and more on this later, but we did actually have a semi-successful garden this year), this "garden" blog will now be more about our family, and the way its growing.

We proudly introduce our first addition, Miss Esther Kay Walker.  Born July 25, at 6:04 pm, weighing in at 7.7 lbs and 21 inches. 

Just a little about that wonderful day (warning: I have a few borderline-gross pics of Esther post birth).  We checked into St. Dominic's Tuesday night around 8pm.

 First thing Wednesday morning, Dr. Gnam broke my water, contractions started immediately, and they were STRONG.  Much to my relief, the epidural came shortly after that.  I was fully dialated and effaced by noon, and we were sure Esther's arrival would be early afternoon.  I had a WONDERFUL nurse, who treated me like royalty (and was there with an ice cold diet coke immediately after delivery).  I. Love. Her!
  Esther decided she wasn't quite ready, and Doc decided to let her "labor down" (which apparently means let her work herself out on her own instead of my pushing and pushing and pushing).  After another healthy dose of pain medication and some rest (I was even up for some visitors)...


the pushing only took about half an hour.  Lee was permitted to catch his firstborn and cut the cord. 

Robin was there taking pictures and cheering me on, and we had a waiting room full of support.

 

  After Esther was wiped off and our wonderful nurse made a special girly hat for her, we got to let some of our excited visitors come meet her.

 This is Mittie Kay, our dear sweet friend and Esther's namesake. 

 I will never forget the love and joy of this wonderful day.