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!

Ty Graham arrived! More details soon

Finished Bathrooms...

Tim has finished both bathrooms. Well, about 99% finished. We've had problems finding the right trim for around the bathroom door, so Tim still needs to finish the trim and install the overhead light/vents. But, everything else is usable and finished. The first two pics are of the large bathroom. The second two pics are of the small bathroom with shower.

More Strange Stuff in San Francisco...

More bizarre sightings in San Francisco...while out running errands, I saw this hanging cow...painted with Cheetah stripes. I think it is the sign for the "Holy Cow". Only in San Francisco, right?

Always strange stuff in SF...

I had my hair colored in the Haight this morning and decided to walk home from my appointment. It never surprises me to walk past strange things everywhere in this city. I walked through Golden Gate Park to get home (the most direct route) and saw this strangely "planted" doll (about 3 inches tall) right next to the path. Always strange stuff in this city...

More Testing from my cell phone...

Just testing again...this is a picture of the art show at Union Square in San Francisco today.

Testing Blog Postings from my Cell phone...

I thought I'd get fancy and test posting from my cell phone. I think it worked...we'll see if I can make it work from a hospital AFTER I've had a baby. Well, today is officially my "due date". But, the midwifes do call it the "guess date". I certainly don't feel like I'm close to having a baby. Thanks for all of the phone calls from everyone checking up on me! However, if I stop answering my phone (which I am probably going to do), it is only because nothing has happened. My midwives won't start being concerned until I am 42 weeks, so I have no "medical" pressures. I promise to have Tim email an update from my cell phone to this blog right after I have the baby. :>

Until then, I am trying to focus on getting an internship/fieldwork placement for this fall. I've made a lot of good progress in researching various placements to see which ones may be a good fit for me. I'm trying not to get too focused on any one placement and just see how things work out.

I hadn't ridden on a Muni bus in a while, so I decided to hop on the 38-Geary...AKA - the Scary Geary. I thought that maybe the violent bus ride would scare the baby into wanting to leave his comfy home. I went out on a search in downtown for black & white photography for our newly remodeled bathrooms. I didn't find what I really wanted, but I did find some beautiful black & white photos of Golden Gate Park and the Golden Gate Bridge in fog.

I treated myself to a mani-pedi this afternoon...it was so beautiful (but cold) out that I didn't want to go home. So, I scooted over to the beach for a little while...see the picture attached. It was cold, but it has been so very nice.

Hope everyone is doing well...I do promise to post updates to the blog as soon as baby boy arrives. In the meantime, I'm going to relax!

Under great protest...

Under great protest, I finally agreed to pictures of me at almost 40 weeks. It's hard to find time to take pictures when I'm usually covered in drywall dust and living in a construction zone. :> But, under great demand, I have attached two pictures of me at almost 40 weeks pregnant. As you can see, I am built more like a square (I'm thinking Spongebob Squarepants) rather than a cute watermelon. Can't wait until I can post pictures of baby boy instead of me and bathroom projects!

1 1/2 Weeks to go...and less than one bathroom left

If a due date can be trusted, I only have about a week and a half to go. It is a mad race to try and finish the second bathroom before the arrival. Tim finished the big bathroom. He has some trim work left, but he is leaving that until ery last. Tim got through the hardest labor in the second and smaller bathroom this past weekend. He has all of the tile up on the walls and floor. He still has to grout, seal, caulk, install the plumbing fixtures, install the toilet and paint...but, that isn't too much, right? Because I am the untalented labor, I basically am responsible for clean up. That means that I try to herd the dust out and take everything to the dump. We are so very close.

I finished up at work on Friday, so I'm just trying to finish my "gathering" tasks (buying car seats, etc.) and doing lots of yoga. And, I have found the perfect excuse for getting weekly massages.

I've attached pictures of Tim re-installing our washer/dryer and pictures of the in-progress second bathroom.

4 Weeks to Go

We have four weeks to go and we (Tim) has finished 95% of Bathroom #1. My mom was out last weekend and we put her to work. She helped me paint baby furniture red and then helped Tim stage his slate tiling. We demolished bathroom #2 this weekend and are happy to say that we never have to demolish anything in this condo. We'll be so happy when the remodeling is all done! I've attached a before picture of the main bathroom and an "in progress" picture, also. I'll post a picture of the completely finished bathroom picture next week. Now, we just are trying to get all of our supplies in for bathroom #2 before Baby Boy arrives!!!

5 1/2 Weeks To Go...And lots of projects to finish

We are in the countdown to baby boy. Tim and I are halfway through our birth classes with our doula, which are really nice. I am in the midst of selecting a postpartum doula who can make sure we don't do anything really stupid to the new baby boy.

Of course, when you're about to have a baby, you should really tackle some huge nesting projects, right? Tim started remodeling our two bathrooms, as it is the last real project that we need to do in our condo. We navigated the San Francisco Building permit department, so we are even legal. If we had any idea that it wasn't so terrible, we wouldn't have put off our projects for so long. Pictures of the new pretty bathrooms are forthcoming.

My mom will be out from Louisiana this weekend for a small baby shower. It's really more of an excuse to see everyone and to get my mom out to SF.

Hope everyone is having a great 2007 so far...I'll put up new pictures later this week.

Almost 2007

Tim and I have enjoyed a week off doing pretty much nothing. It is funny how doing nothing can take so much time. Well, we have been a little productive. We ordered the last of the furniture for our "nursery" (if you can call it that) and we have been planning our bathroom remodels. I look forward to decent bathrooms, but am hoping that the drywall dust doesn't fly for too long this time.

We had hoped to get some hiking in this week, but the Bay Area has been terribly windy. We have been able to see a few days with amazing waves at the beach.

Please check out our Holiday "card" at http://web.mac.com/lealotus/iWeb/timles/Christmas2006.html.

Have a great New Year's!

Blizzard in Colorado

We are already having a White Christmas. We arrived in Colorado Tuesday night. We had come early to Colorado because we used frequent flyer miles. Well, that has really saved us. Less than 8 hours after we arrived in Boulder, Colorado was hit with over 2 feet of snow in less than 24 hours. Roads are a mess and we are thankfully in our friends' home enjoying their company and relaxing. One of our friends actually got stuck on the highway (on a bus) and had to be rescued via a Humvee and sent to a shelter for the night. We are so very happy to be stranded this side...rather than being with the 5000 people stranded at the airport. :O

Attached are pictures from Boulder of the snow!

Ready for Christmas

We are getting ready to go to Colorado for Christmas. Because we are using free tickets, we are leaving the night of December 19th and returning on Christmas Day. We hope to be in Boulder for a few days and then spend the remaining time in Denver with Tim's family. I am so relieved that my winter coat actually fits over my belly so I won't freeze to death. I hate to buy a winter maternity coat for just one cold week in Colorado. :>

Yes, we did put up a Christmas Tree this year. We bought it from Delancey Street, a great non-profit foudation here in SF. Click here to read about the Delancey Street Foundation.

We'll be back in San Francisco on Christmas night. Tim and I are hoping to get caught up on lazing around and catching up with SF friends!

Visit to Louisiana

I finished all of my last school assignments and left town. I am visiting my parents and friends in Louisiana. Tim as able to join us for the weekend after a long week of work travel. As usual, we are eating lots of good food. However, I cannot drink like I normally do. :> I have been able to catch up with my college and high school friends. And, I got to spend the afternoon with my old college friend, Deidre. We think we even have our college friend, Susan, trained on email finally.

I attached a few old pictures that I had never gotten from my mom. The summer beach picture is from my cousin's (Mandy) wedding. The second picture is from San Francisco in October (I'm about 22 weeks there).

Thanksgiving 2006

Tim has spent the majority of the holiday installing his new engine in his car. It's still not done, but he is getting closer. I have seven papers ready to turn in this week and I am ready to be done with school! I'm not sure what to do with myself now.

We spent Thanksgiving over at our friends, John & Mary Ellen's. Tim did one turkey for the dinner, so he doesn't feel too deprived. I went on a great hike at China Camp yesterday with my friend, Devora. She is 30 weeks pregnant to my 28 weeks. I have pictures of both posted, but please do ignore the hiking hair.

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!

Almost Thanksgiving

It's almost Thanksgiving and I am ready. My goal was to finish all of my papers before the Thanksgiving break, but I'm not sure that is going to happen. I have one paper that I still haven't started and I keep putting it off. But, everything else is in process.

I'm coming to Louisiana December 7-13 to visit. I found a frequent flyer mile account that I forgot about and booked a free ticket. Like free money! I thought it would be good to travel before I get too huge and uncomfortable for flying.

I've attached a picture of my new favorite dog, Buddy. Buddy's owner, Kerry, is my school colleague and I have been hanging out at her house doing child observations of her son for one of my papers. I just had to take the pictures of Buddy.

Nothing else exciting going on here...

Deep into School Papers & Getting Kicked

No post for over a week...I am in the midst of school papers. I turned in three this week and am targeting two for this week. After that, I have three more left. If you want to know anything about Child Temperament, Treatments for Anxiety, Disordered Eating and Mindfulness Meditation, then I am your expert. It's a good thing I am so busy because Tim is working late every night. He hopes that his big crush of work will ebb a little before the end of the year.

On the baby side, I am getting kicked constantly. More so when I want to sleep. I think that's a good thing though. I can only imagine it will get more intense. Almost 26 weeks along, so almost in the third trimester.

I attached my new favorite picture of Tim...him hiding under the pillows to drown out the garbage trucks that come by every single morning at 4:30AM!

Update your web links

Given that I am supposed to be writing 10 papers for school right now, I have decided to upgrade my website with all of our pictures. So, if you had visited our old website before, I've taken it down. But, the new one is at http://web.mac.com/lealotus

Most of the pics are the same, but I have links to a few ones at the bottom of the page. The newer site is easier for me to update and takes up less file space.

With that, I will return to my 10 papers for school and be a good student. For an update on Tim, he is now on to a new project...installing a new engine into his 1971 Triumph Spitfire (pictures coming). He bought it on ebay and the engine wasn't up to Tim standards (i.e. the engine could fall out at any time). We are practical people after all. You know, buying a convertible right before having a baby. :>