Receive Email Updates for any new blog updates

Several of you have asked to receive automatic updates whenever we post any updates to the blog. I found a service that can use to get that update now. Blogarithm.com is a service that you can subscribe to that will send you an update anytime I update our blog. I added a form directly on the top right of the blog where you can subscribe!

Hope this makes it easier to keep track of us. I've started using it to keep track of a few other blogs that I like to visit.

First week with Ty---Solo

My mom left us this past Tuesday morning, so Tim and I have been solo since. Since Tim has to work (shock), I have been on my own during the day. Needless to say, it was a little overwhelming. Every day gets easier and I keep telling myself that God takes care of idiots like me. Right? I also remind myself that while Ty is 4 weeks old, I have only really been a practicing mom for 2 weeks since we left the hospital.

Well, I had a few things I wanted to try as a new parent. I wanted to try for a natural birth...I wanted to try breastfeeding, and I wanted to try cloth diapers. I was happy that I got to have a natural birth and the breastfeeding has been a lot easier than I thought it would be. But, we have given up on cloth diapers and cancelled our diaper service. Tim and I wanted to try and be environmental and not clog up the landfills, but we couldn't juggle all of the crazy pieces of cloth diaper, diaper cover and liner. I only have two hands! So, I embarrassingly called the diaper service and admitted that I was not coordinated enough. I'm now experimenting with disposable diapers that are a tad more environmental...so far, so good.

Odd observation...my friend, Eleanor, who is a new mother to her second son, told me that I may forget to eat after I had Ty. I couldn't believe her. I could never possibly forget to eat. I have to agree with her now. So many people say that the pregnancy weight is lost quickly with breastfeeding. I don't think it is because of the breastfeeding, though. I think it is because it is impossible to eat while a baby is attached physically to your boob and I haven't figured out how to grab food while trying to get Ty to sleep. Crazy stuff.

What's up for Ty, Tim and I this week? We have our first round of immunizations this week. We also have an appointment to get MORE blood drawn for Ty. The doctors are running more tests to rule out the possibility of further risk of stroke for Ty. Tim and I had blood drawn today, as we may be carriers of certain genes that would make Ty (and us) at risk for clotting and strokes. On a non-medical note, I am experimenting with my baby sling. Ty has liked riding in the sling on my chest so far and has even slept for multiple hours, but I haven't got the sling set correctly for my ergonomics yet. Remember the bathroom remodeling projects? We have our final plumbing and building inspections this week. After all of Tim's hard work, I'm hoping that the inspections are smooth. Check out more pictures on Ty's website if you want the full posed show at http://web.mac.com/lealotus/iWeb/ty.

Ty is now Wireless AND Cordless

It has been lots of fun to have the wireless version of Ty since he's been home. Now, Ty is CORDLESS! Okay, it's a bad baby joke. We are somewhat figuring out how to plan our days around Ty's feeding schedule. Basically, as soon as he eats, it seems that we have about 3 hours to run errands or walk or goof off before he lets us know that he means business. Okay, that seems to rule during the day. We still haven't mastered his early evening hours. Ty seems to have decided that he does not want to sleep when Mom and Dad are both home...he thinks he is missing fun or something!

I've posted more of our pictures at our personal web pages. I've created pages just for Ty. It's a little redundant, but I've had requests from family. :> Find the pictures at http://web.mac.com/lealotus/iWeb/ty.

Ty is Training Us...

Ty awake and playing



Sorry for not posting for a few days, but we are getting used to Ty's rhythms. Also, I have had six interviews for fall internship positions (for my graduate school requirements). My mom has been taking care of Ty while I've been running the roads. Fortunately, I typically am gone for only a few hours at a time.

Ty is feeding really well, but we are trying to figure out his sleeping "schedule". I've attached a few new pictures of Ty with us at home.


Ty with Tim at the coffee shop across the street --- his first dinner out.


Lesley & Ty


Grandpa Kirby (don't know his nickname yet) with Ty


Tim trying to quiet Ty down


Tim & Ty napping


Ty sitting in his new vibrating chair

Catching Up...

We've had a busy three nights and days since Ty has been home. I'm trying to get used to waking up during the night and nursing Ty. Thankfully, he has been sleeping well and not waking me up too often. We've had lots of firsts...we have been out in the park for nice long walks. We took Ty out for his first dinner last night. I had a job interview today (for a fall internship) and we all went together. Mom hung out with Ty while I had my interview. I have three more interviews next week, but I think my mom will stay with Ty while I am out running the roads.

We are struggling with cloth vs. disposable diapers. I can't seem to maneuver the cloth diapers, but I have a diaper service for a least a month. I promised that I would at least give it a try. If I don't have the patience, I bought slightly environmentally friendly disposable diapers as a backup. My mom is working on all of the various creative ways to fold the cloth diapers so they don't seem so difficult...we'll see how this little experiment goes. At least we got the breastfeeding figured out...

My dad got here today from Louisiana...I have no idea what we have planned for the weekend. I hope there is a nap scheduled somewhere in the schedule for me!

Ty hanging out with GG (aka Grandmother Nita)

Ty's First Night Out

Ty's first night out...we had dinner across the street at the Velo Rouge Cafe. He didn't like to stay in the pram...he wanted out to watch all of the other dinner guests.

Ty sleeping...I'm SO happy

Our first day home Ty

We have had fun first day home with Ty. First, we are so happy to be able to now have a wireless baby. Having a wireless version is much easier to navigate!

We also realized that we had never been at the hospital for the midnight to 7AM shift, so we had no idea how much he slept, ate, or pooped in the wee hours in the NICU. So, Lesley had an active night feeding Ty! Other things we have learned about Ty today...he is a super loud pooper. I suppose that is good since he gives us good audible cues. We seem to know when to feed him because he will try to nurse from Tim's chest or even arm. I was worried about nipple confusion before...apparently he is confused more than that! We also learned that Ty gets to sleep much easier on his side than his back, so we now know how to settle him down quicker. At least we can do that when we are watching him and awake.

Ty got to take his first trip to the doctor and his first ride in his stroller to Golden Gate Park. I've posted all of the pictures below...

Ty finally sleeping after we put him on his side...yes, we are watching him!

Ty zoned out in Tim's arms!

Ty behaving for his huge diaper changes!




Ty out for his first visit in Golden Gate Park...he really is under that big blue blanket.

Ty at Home

Ty coming home to the condo for the first time and Ty's first nap at home.




Ty in his first car seat ride...he didn't do too bad for the 3 minute ride, either!

Ty is Home!

Ty is finally home! We got discharged this morning and after all of the paperwork and other logistics, we were home around noon. We have had our first big diaper change, first feeding and first big cry at home. He looks so sleepy, but he so wants to look around at his new surroundings.

We are so excited to be home...we are just waiting for my mom to show up from the airport. We think she'll be happy to be here for Ty's first night home. We'll post more pictures later...I'm sure we'll have many, many new pictures to post over the next few days! We also have lots of follow-up appointments with doctors this week...so, Ty will get lots of time riding in the car and stroller.

No oxygen...maybe home Tuesday or Wednesday?

Ty had a great day today. He is seeming more and more alert each day. Unfortunately, they put him back on oxygen overnight. He has a few little spells of when he wants to breathe shallow. So, we had to go back to square one. But, the doctor wants the oxygen pulled to see how he does. He did fabulous all day...but, his oxygen numbers drop a little bit each night. It's like he just gets lazy and doesn't take deep breaths for a while after dinner. But, he still has great color and appears to be breathing fine. It is just the damn alerts that are torturing us!

So, we are not holding our breath that he will be out tomorrow. We're hoping, but I got so excited that today would be the day. But, they seem to be progressing with all of the other regular "discharge" like activities. So, we'll just wait and see another day!

On other notes...we really like all of the nurses, but they are proving to be inconsistent in their approaches. Our nurse yesterday insisted we shouldn't allow Ty to "snack" between meals. The nurses today fed him any little time he cried. And, the other nurses left me alone to breastfeed Ty and we had a little system going. He futzes for about 2 minutes and spazzes out...then, he decides to get to business. Tonight, our nurse insisted on butting in (okay, she thought she was being helpful) and infuriating Ty and he would never latch. Okay, I'll clarify. She was infuriating me and making me uncomfortable, so Ty and I couldn't get into our groove. So, I resolved myself to letting Tim feed Ty while I was doomed to the "pumping room". But, I figure those are small annoyances in the big picture. I just want to get him home because Tim and I think we're figuring out his temperament and rhythms rather than the new nurses we get assigned each night.

Check out the little smile

I tried to catch Ty with his eyes open and smiling at the same time. I almost got it. Ty has been really alert today and feeding well. The nurses are now trying to "train" us to calm him down and get him to sleep. It's rather backwards from our trying to wake him up to eat all week. I guess we are now learning what to do with a non-sedated baby.

We left the hospital about an hour ago. When we left, he had been on room oxygen for about three hours and doing well. We'll go back in another hour or so to feed him. We're hoping he is still doing well enough on room oxygen alone. That is the last thing we are waiting on...24 hours on room air. We'll just have to wait and see!

Ty in Real Clothes in a Regular Crib

When we arrived this morning, Ty was out of his isolette and in a regular crib. This is one more step closer to his release. His body temperature is now easier for him to maintain and now they can swaddle him without having to watch for seizures.

Also, Ty was transitioned from high-flow oxygen to low-flow oxygen. Basically, the high flow has more moisture and actually pumps the oxygen to him. With the low-flow, it is simply adding 0.5 to 1.5% more oxygen than room air, but he actually has to work for it. So, that is one more step to being released. All we are waiting for now is for Ty to be completely off any additional oxygen. The doctors and nurses are confident it will be in the next few days...Ty just needs to wean himself.

Fortunately, the doctors have changed Ty's feeding schedule to "on demand". This is great because we aren't trying to wake him up when he really isn't hungry, nor is he having to wait for when he is scheduled to eat. It does require a bit more flexibility on our part. So, we are simply on standby from the nurses to let us know when Ty is ready to eat again. So, we'll head back to the hospital in a few hours to nurse him.

So, now we just wait for Ty to wean himself off of the last bit of oxygen before they prepare us for discharge. We hope to have that exciting news to post soon!

Ty in a Regular Crib

Ty's First Bath

Bathing Ty was like trying to hold on to a greased pig. He was not happy at all about the bath, but we were actually glad to hear his first little cry. He was quite happy when we were all done and had him wrapped up again before his dinner.

Ty's sedation levels were signficantly better today. He is showing his preferences by eating and sleeping on his schedule...not the prescribed eating schedules. I'm fine with that, but it does seem to monkey with the nurses' schedules. We had another new nurse today, who was great about following Ty's schedule.

We got great news today. We think Ty might be discharged some time between Sunday and Tuesday. He still needs to wean himself off of the oxygen, though. The doctors say there is no medical reason he should still need it...I think he is just being a lazy breather. But, when we are holding him, they can turn it off completely. So, he just needs to get with the program. The doctors are going to discharge us with only one medication prescribed for Ty. We'll have to follow up with the neurologist in a few weeks, but I think that is good. We also met with our social worker today to get all of our referrals post-discharge. We are lucky to be in San Francisco and California. Apparently, Ty's diagnosis qualifies for special programs that will monitor him from 3 months on for developmental progress and to make sure that we have the right type of therapies if needed. (I feel really lucky after learning that some of our fellow NICU parents are from out of town and staying at the nearby Ronald McDonald House).

On a lighter note, I have been chatting with several other NICU mothers in the "pumping room" (Where we go 8 times a day to pump milk if we are not able to breastfeed full time yet). I heard some outrageous stories today about one teenage mother who decided to walk around topless in the NICU for 3 months and other similar crazy behavior.

Also, our day nurse had to run out chasing a couple. Apparently, they were told there baby was going to be discharged. So, they picked up their baby and started walking out the door a few minutes later. They seemed to miss the details that their baby still needed a hearing test...and, of course, obligatory paperwork. But, it was funny to see the nurse running fast to catch them.

Tim also wanted me to tell everyone that Ty does actually look better and healthier than the posted pictures show. To be fair, all of the pictures are taken with my cell phone with very low resolution, so I can email them directly from my phone to the blog during the day. Tim is determined to post better pictures to the blog with our "real" camera after we get Ty home.

Ty's First Bath...and his first big Cry

Resting after eating with Dad

Ty is 1 Week Old!

We had a very long, but very uneventful day with Ty today. The doctors are still trying to get him off of the heavy duty sedating medicines so that we don't have a sleepy baby. Yet, even with being sedated, he has been eating really well. But, when he is awake, he is wide awake! Tim and I think we are going to have our hands full with a very active little monkey when they finally figure out the right medication levels.

We get to give Ty a bath tomorrow, so we are excited. On Saturday, we are taking infant CPR. We figure that we are taking the most expensive infant care class ever! At least we are able to hang out with him practically all day now and just waiting patiently for everything to run its course.

Ty's Day 7

Ty had a great day today. (And, Lesley and Tim did not have to have any strategic meltdowns either). It also seems that the doctors and nurses all know they need to communicate "fully" with us now. The same nurse who got me all torqued yesterday did just fine. She's definitely old school and is very aggressive about us doing us as much work as possible and encouraging Ty to breastfeed. I like her even more because she lets Ty eat more on his schedule rather than the precise scheduled times.

The neurologist came over today. No new news, but his EEG didn't show any seizure activity. It did show that his brain activity is slowed on the left side of his brain where the stroke occurred. But, that is expected and no surprises. The neurologist agreed with the attending attending doc to stop one of his anti-seizure medications for a few days because he is overly sedated. They want to experiment with the right doses and decide on the lowest level of meds possible while preventing seizures. So, we are excited that we will not have a drugged up baby tomorrow (which we had from 11AM to 6PM today), but we are also expecting seizure activity over the next few days. But, we're going to look at that as "good information" rather than bad news. We'd rather him have a seizure in the hospital so they can decide his right level before we take him home.

Other than that, we had a great day. He was awake for his 10AM and his 7PM feedings. We managed to breastfeed a little in the morning and for almost 35 minutes tonight. Any issues are all mine, as I try to figure out the ergonomics and logistics of juggling a baby and a boob.

Thanks again for all of the emails and support!

Open eyes

Big Mouth

Ty's Day 6

Today was a good day for Ty...and it was a roller coaster day for Tim & Lesley. Ty news first...he keeps looking better. We had a great afternoon with him...he was wide awake for his 1PM feeding...I even got about 10 minutes of breastfeeding with him. Ty and I have some "coordination" issues to work out, but we feel confident we can work that out. He took the rest from his bottle like a good little bird. Tim got to change several diapers (good Dad). He is keeping his eyes open a lot now when he is awake and had his eyes open for his entire feeding.

Now, for Tim & Lesley's roller coaster day...I knew it had to happen at a certain point. When we got to the NICU this morning, we had all new nurses! They aren't new to the hospital...just new to us. The nurse (while very experienced and knowledgable) just had a different demeanor. When I asked if Ty had any seizures overnight, she said, "Well, you know...he had some seizure like activity...yawning and stretching and mouthing." What the hell does that mean? Wasn't he yawning and stretching and opening his mouth for food yesterday and everything seemed okay? Aren't babies supposed to stretch and wiggle a bit? Long story short...Lesley without good sleep (those lactation consultants are nazis about me waking up during the night) combined with frustration that I won't ever know if Ty is having a seizure or simply being a "normal" baby stretching makes a very frustrated Lesley.

However, when Lesley is frustrated and showing it, social workers show up and ask immediately what they can do. So, we had a good "sit down" with the attending neotonologist. We asked her how the hell a yawn is just a yawn on one day and how a yawn can mean possible "seizure activity" the next. She concurred and said that she even can't discern it after 30 years. But, she said that we should feel great about his progress. he said that there really is no way in the world to discern from visual cues that is absolutely not having seizures. And, she said that we should not get hung up or fear that his yawns or any more than him actually yawning. We also talked a bit about Ty getting out of the NICU (which no one had discussed yet). She confirmed for us that they want him to get his breathing handled and to not have any definite seizures (yawning wouldn't keep him in the NICU). And, obviously, they want him feeding well.

Ty had a second EEG today. Also, the doctor is having Ty rigged up with continuous monitoring overnight of his brain. While it is really crude monitoring, they are trying to monitor his brain to pick up on possible seizure activity. Also, the test helps look at the overall health of his brain activity. The doctor pointed out one thing I hadn't really thought about. Essentially, Ty had a stroke less than a week ago...which means that he still may be dealing with the trauma of a major event and that some of the seizure activity may simply be him working through that trauma. Somehow, that made me feel better about him needing him to hang out and take his time getting well in the NICU. So, Tim & I left the NICU tonight on a good note. It was probably good that I had a little meltdown so that we got some dedicated time with the doctors today. Next steps? Tim & I still have to figure out how to take care of a real baby!

Ty's Day 5

Ty made it through his very first night without a seizure. He is still getting used to his meds, but he seems to be doing very well. Unfortunately, the anti-seizure meds make him very sleepy, so he has a hard time staying awake through all of his feedings. We're hoping for a 2nd good night without a seizure tonight. And, we just hope Ty gets used to his meds so that he can be awake for more feedings!

Doesn't Tim look happy holding Ty?

Picture of Ty and Tim (And Update)

Today is Ty's 4th day! We were bummed that Ty had another seizure last night, but he had a great day. While he still has a bit more to go, Ty's breathing is getting better. He finally got to eat. And, he even took a big poop! I never thought I'd be so happyy to change a diaper before. (Oh, yes...the nurses "invite" the parents in the NICU to do all of the diaper changing.) Ty finally opened his eyes a few times...for a few peeks. Ty should get used to the anti-seizure medications soon so he'll have his eyes open more often.


Tomorrow is a big test day for Ty. While they don't anticipate finding anything, they are running a battery of tests to make sure that something congenital doesn't make Ty at risk for strokes (like heart issues, blood clotting problems). I hope this is his last day of lots of poking and blood taking!

Ty @ day 4

Update on Ty...

Hi everyone...sorry I don't have a picture today. We have no idea how the day got away from us without a picture. We decided to come home a little earlier tonight so that we can rest. We got Ty's test results today...the MRI results showed that little Ty had a stroke some time in the last week of pregnancy or first half day of birth. The stroke affected a part of his brain that is causing seizures. The first seizure is what alerted the doctors that something may have been wrong.

So, it is good news/bad news...the damage to his brain looks small. Also, infants seem to be able to develop new neural pathways around any stroke damage...unlike someone older. (Now, I'm thankful that I have learned all about neural plasticity in every one of my classes the last two semesters.)

If he has any motor problems, it may be more to his right side of his body. But, they think it might be more in fine motor skills than gross motor skills. (That seems to be the picture to me because he seems awfully strong with all of his limbs when he decides to kick his legs and grab wires). He will be on anti-seizure medication for the first two months, but he may not need it after that. He could show really no symptoms from the stroke to needing physical and occupational therapy. The neurologist (and us) are hopeful because his external physical vitals are so strong. (Also, one of our pediatricians today told us that she has seen a lot of "stroke babies" over the years and that it is getting harder and harder to know that they ever had any initial problems...so, we're holding on to that thought).

So, when do we get to bring this kid home? The path home is to get Ty stabilized on his anti-seizure medications so that he doesn't have any more seizures and that he isn't too sedated to start eating. Also, he is still working to improve his breathing enough to start eating. (That problem was from the meconium). And, once we start feeding enough, we can bring him home! Once he is home, he'll be on anti-seizure meds for a few months and then we'll do follow-up with the neurologist and then figure out whatever additional therapy Ty needs.

Thanks again for all of the phone calls and support. We definitely need and appreciate it! Again, I'm sorry if we haven't returned phone calls yet. While I feel really great and strong when I'm in the hospital with Ty, I can't quite talk yet without getting weepy. Oh yea...we got to hold Ty for over half the day. Tim (AKA the new Dad) got to spend lots of holding time with him. I am, of course, busy being attached to a machine pumping in anticipation of Ty's big appetite.

We'll shoot for pictures tomorrow!
Lesley & Tim

Picture of Ty with the New Dad

Here is a picture of Ty with Tim...he got to hold him for the first time. He had way too many tests today, but we finally got to hold him a little bit. The doctors have promised that we should be able to hang out with him and hold him as much as we want tomorrow. It looks like he'll stay in the NICU until at least Monday, so we're just camping out there with him! I don't know how he can possibly be sick because he is fighting the nurses and doctors tooth and nail every time they try to do anything to him...he seems to strong to be sick! Thanks for all of the great emails and messages...we really appreciate the good thoughts and well wishes!!!

Details on the new Ty Anderson

Hello everyone and thanks for all of the phone calls and messages. Ty was born this morning at 4:26 AM...he was 7 pounds 11 ounces. I will spare everyone the details of the labor, but it was a great, but intense 28 hour labor. I am very thankful for my doula and the midwives where I delivered.

While the actual birth was great, Ty had a few problems right after, so we didn't get to spend much quality time with him in our room. He ingested a bit of meconium and is on antibiotics for a possible infection. After visiting Ty in the nursery this afternoon, the doctors noticed a potential other problem, so we had to transfer Ty to a hospital with a Level 2 NICU. Fortunately, since we live in San Francisco, we get the best of all medical options. Long story short...I was discharged after 12 hours and will be home tonight (and, I am so very glad to be in my own bed). I road in the transport to the 2nd hospital for Ty, where he will stay for the next few days. Fortunately, the new hospital (CPMC) is right down the street and the NICU is large and handles a large volume. We should know more tomorrow when we return in the morning.

I'll post more pictures after we get to snap pictures of Ty without the tubes. We can't wait for you all to meet Ty. I'm trying to get through all of my phone calls to everyone...if it takes me a while, please forgive me. In the meantime, I'll try to post lots of info here!