The Pink-eyed Cold

The past few weeks have been so crazy. I went to Phoenix and had a total blast. Learned how to find dead people, (thank you Granny), and I even came home to a clean house that Sunday. Life was going great, I was getting things ready for Bijou Market, and had lots to do. Monday the 24th Cora had her 6 month Dr. Appointment. She weighed in at 14 lbs 11 oz 25 inches long. When the nurse gave her the shots, she hardly even cried. Tuesday I was set up to watch Grace and Henry while Emily went to mediation. That is when things went south.

I got Grace and Henry early (7:30 a.m.) Tuesday and was told they wouldn't be back until 7:30 p.m. because Chase had a dentist appointment after the mediation.  Emily also called and asked me to take Grace to the Dr. because she thought Grace may or may not have Pink Eye. I don't know if you know what that is, but let me start by telling you that it is very very contagious. She also told me that Henry has a terrible cold is wasn't feeling so hot. Let me also remind you that Cora just had her shots the day before and was fevering still and NOT feeling very good. As soon as I was able to I called the Dr's office and got Grace and Appointment. Devin took work off for the morning while I took Grace to the Dr.

I talked to my dad while I was there and he also had the dreaded Conjunctivitis (the medical term for pink-eye). Sure enough Grace was stricken with Pink-Eye. By the time I got home from getting the prescriptions for Grace and my dad Devin had decided to take the whole day off because both Henry and Cora were screaming. They thought they were both so sick that they just wanted to be held. Emily and Chase came back just as we finished dinner at 8:45 p.m. to pick up the kiddos. We ate dinner went to bed and crashed.

Fast Forward to the next Sunday and I'm not feeling too well and Devin tells me my eye was looking a little pink. Sure enough, I had Pink-Eye. I called the Dr. immediately Halloween morning to get the prescription so I wouldn't be suffering too long, but that wasn't just it. I also was starting to have terrible sinus pressure. I didn't go all out for Cora's costume because of how lousy I was feeling, but she did get dressed up.

 Cora went as her Daddy. 

Anyways by Thursday I thought I was going to die. I told Devin that it was worse than labor and I didn't think that I had ever been that sick. Sure enough I caught the cold Henry had.  I felt so bad for him for even having to have the cold and even worse when I knew how bad it really was. I did eventually get over it just in time for Brandy, (my sis-in-law who lives with me) and Randy (Devin's friend and Mudd's husband, but I'd also like to call him my friend as well), to get pink eye.

Another call to the Dr and trip to get another prescription, we are hoping that we are done with this terrible, horrible, horrendous, ridiculous Pink-Eye epidemic that has taken over my life and the lives of most of my friends and their family since you don't know that you have it or gave it to someone else until it's too late. I really don't understand how I got it, or how I gave it to the world because I wash my hands so frequently and sanitize as well, alas what's done is done and hopefully won't happen again.

Now to finish my projects for Bijou. . .

Cora's First day!

DISCLAIMER!!!: THIS POSTING HAS GRAPHIC PICTURES THAT MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR SOME PEOPLE. READ AND BROWSE AT YOUR OWN RISK!

I absolutely love the look on my moms face, the joy in her expression helped me to get through this. I was very glad that she was able to be there with us for this miraculous event. I'm also very grateful that you can't see the look on my face .

Dr. Firth asked Devin if he would like to cut the umbilical cord. He repied,  "I think you can handle that."

I was suprised by how he just kind of threw Cora at me. I almost didn't have time to react. I thought I was going to drop her!

They gave Cora a very fast rub down.

Then quickley took her out of my arms to do the testing on her.

Cora is one small baby girl. Modest too. See how she keeps her legs crossed so you can't see her girly parts. Also look and see that she is mostly purple with just one section of her body pink.

One quick family photo and they ripped her from my arms to do more tests. Telling me since RSV is hitting they are doing all the check in the NICU. Something fishy was up and I was oblivious. I was

just so happy to have my girl.

Cora went to the NICU and is waiting for the Lifeflight medics to come take her away.

Her adorable little foot, very purple, yet very cute:)

My fat Belly!

Dear Friends and Family that actually follow my blog, I give you my sincere apologies for not keeping you up to day with the events going on in the life of the Reeder family. I have been a bit pre-occupied with Cora. It's amazing how fast they grow. My last posting was that of my sister's doing. Since then I have had many people ask me to post more pictures of my fat belly this will be only that. I hope you find these amusing and some comical:) My pregnant photos were taken by my sister Emily, on April 13, nine days before Cora was born!

This one was taken because during my entire pregnancy I had to go to the bathroom ALL THE TIME!!

Look closely you can see a slightly pained expression on my face, I was having a contraction in the middle of this photo.  I was in labor for more than two weeks.

I almost didn't put this one up because I didn't want my bare belly being seen by the entire world, but then I thought, anyone who reads this most likely knows me well enough to not be offended by this photo. You can see the line that goes down the middle great in this pic!

Sneak Preview: What a difference a month makes

You know my sister that I recently mentioned? She is also a photographer.I went from this to this in less than a month.

Bestest EVER!

This is my seester.

My IDOL.

She's an awesome mom. 

She makes very cute babies.

She is Grace&Henry's Mama.

I LOVE HER!!!

SOOOO SOOOO SOOOO Much!!!

That is all. 

This post brought to you by: Auntie Em ;)

Cora and the Helicopter Ride.

Dr. Firth let me have her just after he cut the cord and the nurses quickly started to clean her off and started checking her. After they did an inital check they brought her back to me wrapped up and let us get a few pictures. I was told they had to take Cora to the NICU for the full check and it would take a while, but to rest, and Devin could go be with her while I was recovering. Dr. Firth kissed his hand and place it on my forehead and told me how good I did and he'd check on me shortly. I was trying to relax and started my texting madness to let people know she was born when Dr. Firth came back in and told me to hold off for a while.

He explained to me that little Cora had a heart murmmer and she was going to have to be life flighted to Primary Childrens Medical Center. I looked him in the eye and told him with the upmost assurance that she was going to be fine. Then I asked if I could go be with her until Life Flight got there to take her away.

After getting permission I started to get out of bed to nurses surprise and was told to relax until she had a wheel chair for me. Anxious as I was, I kindly asked her to hurry up. My Mom, Dad, Devin and I were all there and moments later Emily showed up as well. I was able to stand by her bedside while the nurses were doing everything they could.

I could see a line down her belly where half of her was the right color and the other half was blue, including her legs. She still looked perfect to me, and I had this calming feeling that she would be fine. The nurses at Logan Regional took pictures of her for me so I would be able to look at her even though I wasn't able to be with her.

After Life Flight arrived, they had to put her on a ventilator, and I was asked to leave back to my room, but was promised that they would bring her back to me before she left on her helicopter ride. Shortly after I made it back to my room in came Life Flight with my baby girl attached to all these different cords and attachments. Quickly the nurses explained what each thing was for and what it did. I was able to give her a kiss and they were gone. Devin was able to go out and take picture of the helicopter leaving. My dad went with and videoed the event on his phone. They came back to me, Kissed me goodbye and left to go be with our baby down in Salt Lake City. This all happened between 3:35 and 6:00 a.m.

Once Cora made it to Primary Children's, she had multiple tests ran. After Devin and my Dad arrived they had to wait another hour and fourty-five minutes before they were able to see her again. The Dr's informed them that she had something called Persistent Pulmanary Hypertention of the Newborn. (PPHN) When a baby takes their first breath there is a transition that is suppose to occur and it didn't happen correctly with her. Some of her valves didn't close off and they were shooting blood to the lungs that weren't soft enough to take and oxygenate the blood, it then sent it back to the heart (like back flow) and the heart sent the blood through out the body without the oxygen. They don't know what causes this to happen, but it is able to be corrected. Devin was told to plan on a minimum of 2 weeks if not 3 or 4.

Miracles happen and 12 days later Cora was able to go home. I didn't realize how life threatening this really was to her. Cora's first day alive was very touch and go, but through prayers and blessings, she was a miracle. The Dr's and Nurses even told us that they have never in all their years working seen a baby heal so quickly.

To be or not to be in Labor?!?!

It was a cold and dreary night….

Me, Anna, at our Lamaze class the week before Cora.

 Ok, not really. I had already been in labor for more than 2 weeks. It just wasn't considered "Active Labor". I was getting close to my wits end because the contractions had remained constant and although they kept getting closer together, nothing was happening. Looking back, the events went something like this….

Week 1- “You are at a 2 and 70% effaced. Your contractions are about 4 minutes apart lasting about a minute each.”

 I was given a terbutaline shot to stop the contractions. The effects of the shot lasted about an hour and the contractions came right back. 

Week 2- “You are at a 2+ maybe 3 and 80%effaced.”

 Yea! I'm showing progress! Contractions are about 3.5-4 min apart lasting about 1.5 min.  The hospital was getting to know me quite well, but since we weren't quite to 37 weeks yet and I wasn't progressing in the designated 1 cm an hour, I was sent home. 

April 21, 2011- This is where the fun begins:)

1:00 a.m.- I wake up having contractions that I have trouble breathing through. Poor Devin hadn't slept much already so I let him sleep. 

5:00 a.m.- Devin wakes up and can see that I'm in pain. We time the contractions and they are about 3 minutes apart lasting a minute and a half long. 

5:45 a.m.- Off we go to the hospital to be checked for the 6th time. "You're at a 4 and 90% effaced, and have a bulgy bag. We'll come back and check you in an hour." 

6:45 a.m.- "Sorry, the bag has receded and you’re at about a 3 and 90% effaced. The cervix can open up more when the bag is bulgy, but since it went back up its not as big. Here is a prescription for some Tylenol 3. Go home take a warm bath, take the drugs and try to relax. “

Seriously?!? Relax, how is that supposed to happen when I'm having constant contractions! Not to mention that pharmacies don't open for another 2 hours!

Devin takes me to my parents house where I can take a nice warm bath in the extra deep tub that allows water to cover most of me, and has jets. The water is SO soothing!

After my bath Devin is out cold on the couch, so I take up the sofa and try to do the same thing. Sleep isn't coming and my mom's phone (that she forgot to take to school with her) continues "alarming" to remind her to send her classroom kids to various places.  I decide take the phone over to her at school and help for a couple of hours in her classroom.


By 2:00 p.m. I was back home at my house and had taken the tylenol 3 prescribed this morning, and was trying to relax but being very unsuccessful.


About an hour later Clark and Brandy invite us to go to lunch with them. Since I hadn't eaten for quite some time I decided I better fill my tummy, even though I wasn't very hungry.


We get home from eating and I notice that I am bleeding. I was told that this could happen and that it was very normal, but if the bleeding got bright red and/or heavier that I should be  checked again.


7:00 p.m. hits and I'm quite certain there is something not quite right so we're off like a hurd of turtles for the second time that day. The nurse comes in and checks me:  "You're maybe a 3 but I'd say a 2+ and 85%."


Hold it! I thought once you started progressing there were no take backs!


"We'll keep you for a while and see what happens. There are some concerns with the bleeding but we'll let you know."

9:00 p.m.- "You've been checked quite a few times and that can cause the bleeding, so we're really not concerned about that anymore. You're also still at a 2+ and 85% so there isn't a reason we can keep you. Your contractions are about 2.5-3 min apart lasting about 1.3 minutes so take Tylenol 3 every 4 hours so you can get some rest tonight and your Dr. would like to see you first thing in the morning."

At this point I'm so tired and CRABBY and in the utmost denial. I didn't know what I was going to do. I had decided this traipsing back and forth to the hospital is for the birds and I'm NOT going back until my water breaks. I kept following their directions and they kept sending me home.  I was NOT amused.

10:00 p.m.- The contractions became much stronger. I stopped keep track of how long they were lasting because it didn't matter. They were already close together and not making me progress, so what was the point of timing them?


Devin was playing games on his phone and watching t.v. while I was writhing in pain on my side of the bed. I didn't want to complain or say anything to him because we were {again} just sent home only a short time ago. I really thought I was a pansy. Why didn't anyone [Mom, sister, grandmother, friend...?] tell me it would be like this???


Time continued on and I was getting annoyed that I was having to breath myself through the contractions and I was starting to shake.  Devin wasn't paying any attention to me. Woe is me!

11:00 p.m.- I finally gave in and told Devin, "I have to have you put your hand on my back right here!"  ( I showed him where the pain was.) The pressure and the heat of his hand made the pain at least somewhat bearable and we continued doing this for a bit longer.

April 22 2011

12:00 a.m.- I ask Devin to give me a blessing. In the blessing, I was told that I would be able to deal with the pain of the labor for however long necessary, and when baby was born, no matter what happened, she would be alright.

1:00 a.m.- I didn't think I could take anymore of this. Devin's hand on my back wasn't helping as it had to begin with and I was shaking so violently I could hardly breath. Devin called the hospital and was told, "She was in only 4 hours ago. She hasn't slept in 24 hours.... When did she take the Tylenol? ... 3 hours ago? ... Ok, Give her the Loratab at 2am and go see your doctor first thing in the morning. "

1:30 a.m.- I start to tell Devin that I feel like I need to use the restroom. {However, I feel to lousy to get up and do so!}

2:00 a.m.- Devin gave me the Lortab even though I argued and told him if the Tylenol 3 wasn't doing anything what would ever make him think the Lortab would help?  I still need to use the bathroom.

2:15 a.m.- That's it! I need to go use the bathroom no matter what. I need to have a bowel movement and Emily (my sister) said that would happen before my labor would really progress anyway.


I strip down to my birthday suit because I'm hot and sticky. Not sweaty, just sticky.


I proceed to use the facilities in the comforts of my own home. I take a seat minding my own business waiting for the contraction to stop when I feel this phloosh. No water, but there was definitely a drop.


I slowly check my southern regions and feel a squishy bag and a hard spot inside the squishy bag.


"DEVIN! We have a problem!" I yelled from the bathroom. "What's wrong? Get in the car! We'll go now!" he tells me.

I quickly respond back. "We don't have time for that. I don't think I'd make it if you drove. Call 911."

"Call 911, are you sure!?!"

"Devin, I can feel her head and the bag of water! CALL 911!"

As Devin is doing as instructed I have this sudden urge to push. I yell to him that I have this urge to push and the Dispatcher, on the other end in her calm voice is yelling "DONT LET HER PUSH! They are on their way and will be there in about three minutes."


Devin starts to run downstairs to let them in when I scream, "Where do you think you're going! You can't leave me! I need to push!"


Devin comes rushing back and tells me not to push then hands me the phone and tells me to talk to the nice lady while he lets the EMTs in.


Again, I tell him not to leave me so instead he wakes up Brandy to let them in and comes back to help me breath through my pushing urges.


At this point I realize that I am still completely naked and I tell Devin I needed something to wear! Quickly he takes his own shirt off, that says, "Life is Good in Newton!" and throws it to me. I get it on just as the EMTS get there.


The paramedic in charge checks me and says, "Good the water is still intact and we're going to keep it that way. I don't want to deliver a baby tonight. We can't the gurnie up the stairs, do you think you can walk?"


I get help up and walk down the stairs with an EMT on either side while another EMT holds the "Life is Good in Newton!" shirt down so I stay somewhat modest.


Once in the ambulance they quickly and efficiently hooked me up to all the monitors and started an IV.


"Your contractions are about a minute apart, and lasting about 2 minutes," said the EMT. I, again, have the urge to push so I start breathing the way I was told in my Lamaze class just the Monday evening before.


The EMT looks at me in the eye and says,"Anna, look at me. You can't breath like that. Breath with me. In through the nose, deep breath, out through the mouth slowly."

"What do you mean I can't pant. That is what they taught me in Lamaze!"

"Listen to me, you can do this, breath with me." He repeats totally ignoring what I just told him.


I decided it was better to listen to him and complain later. Once on the main street I heard the sirens go on. Why sirens are needed at 2:30 in the morning I have no idea, alas they were on anyways.


They got me to hospital bypassing Emergency, and took me straight to Labor & Delivery.


The nurse assigned to me quickly checks out the situation and says, "You're at a 9 1/2. How do you feel about a natural delivery?"


This didn't upset me at all because it is what I wanted from the beginning.


"Well, I better get the delivery stuff out and call the doctor." she says.


The nurse started pulling out everything as the EMT finished up paperwork with Devin, who made it to the hospital before the ambulance did.


I was admitted at 2:47 a.m.  My parents arrived very shortly after I arrived at the hospital as well. (Brandy had called them to let them know I was having a baby for sure this time.)


Mom and Devin helped me breath through the contractions as the nurse continued to get ready for the doctor.


After 15 minutes when we hadn't yet heard from Dr. Firth the nurse, Dee, picked up the phone to call again. Just as she started to dial, s Dr. Firth walked in and said, "I had a feeling it was you."


He checked me and smiled saying, "Let's get this baby here!"


He quickly donned the Dr. Delivery outfit and broke my water.


I felt this immediately relief. "Oh that felt so good," I sighed.


Then the next contraction started. "Can I push!?" I squeaked.


"Not yet." was my answer.


I was allowed to try on the next contraction then told to stop. Just for the record, trying to stop pushing after you start is near impossible. I had to breath through another two contractions.


"Ok start pushing." ~ I blew out all my air instead of taking a deep breath and had to start all over again.

I pushed for all I was worth for about 20 minutes (mom says only 5 contractions) and at 3:31 a.m. Cora Adeline Reeder was born weighing in @ 5 lbs. 12 oz.  and measuring 18 1/2" long.

Cora Adeline, just a few minutes old.

I couldn't believe it. I had a baby! I did it naturally and she was beautiful. That was the Labor and Delivery of our little Cora. 

Things that they don't mention. . .

It's been a while since I've written down a word or two about anything or everything, so I've decided to spill the beans on what has been going on.  Jokingly, I said I'm going to write a book about the things they fail to mention to you before you become pregnant. Given that I am from a family that has terrible pregnancies, so I was somewhat aware that it wasn't all that it was cracked up to be, but it's the other things that they don't tell you. (Notice: They, are the doctors, mothers, aunts, cousins, grandmothers, friends and everyone else out there who has ever had been, or with, or helped a pregnant woman in their lives.) In short I've been making a list. Now this may be a little Too Much Information for some people, but nevertheless I'm going to say what I have to say about it. Here it goes, my not too little list of complaints. These are in no order I'm just rambling and more will likely be added in the future.
*Bowel Movements or lack thereof -I've heard of women getting constipated during pregnancy, but I feel this is a little ridiculous. It's not just constipation that takes over, its the fact that you don't ever get a "regular" bowel movement, you get the whole kaboodole. From one end of the spectrum of not being able to go, to the other end when you cant stop going and have to be near a facility or something embarassing is bound to happen. One! Just One normal bowel movement is something I wish I could have.
*Leaking breasts- They tell you that you start to leak a little bit before you have your baby. Usually at about 33 weeks, this is a clear or yellowish liquid called Colostrum, and contains antibodies that will help prevent infections for baby. However, this can happen earlier on in the pregnancy, like 23 weeks. Just beware, you may have to start wearing nursing pads earlier on than you think.
*Backaches-This one may be a little more well known, however I was never told that I would just collapse while walking because baby is playing the piano keys on your spine or syatic nerve. There you are walking around normally, then next thing you know you're sprawled out on the floor lying in a heap crying, "Help, I've fallen and I can't get up."
*Constant Nausea- I was told that this would eventually just "go away". Well, it didn't for me. Puking has become second nature too me. There are only about 5-6 things that I can keep down. Hopefully, this will eventually go away, but until it does and if you see me walking around, I'll be the lady with the bucket.
*Breathing- I've heard that this becomes difficult as the little one is growing inside of you. This is fact. Not fiction but fact. It somewhat reminded me of health class when they gave you a straw to breath out of after making you run in place for 5 minutes. Never fear however, it'll go away, after you have your baby.
*Kicking- "Oh it's the coolest thing ever! Don't you just love it.!?" Yes, to a point. Once the bruises go away I think I very well might enjoy this part. Feeling baby move around is quite extraordinary. Just leave my bladder, kidney & lungs alone.
Yes being pregnant is a miracle and having a baby even more so. Just be aware what you are in for, and let it be known that it IS all worth it.