It was written that I would love you
From the moment I opened my eyes
And the morning when I first saw you
Gave me life under calico skies
I will hold you
For as long as you like
I'll hold you
For the rest of my life
For the rest of my life
-Calico Skies by Paul McCartney
This song was in our wedding. Its about a romantic relationship between a man and a woman, but while listening to the lyrics one day, I realized it could apply to a mother and child relationship. We chose if for the song that our mothers would walk down the aisle to. Every time I hear it, I think of my mother, my love for Colt, and now, our sweet son. Just thought I would share part of it.
Hello everyone! I hope this reaches everyone doing well, and in GOOD HEALTH! Good health...probably something I won't be taking for granted again for a long while. The Clark household has been taken down by the Norovirus this week. Poor Cash, had to spend his 10 week "birthday" a sad little sicko. I'll give you the Reader's Digest version of our week so far, and the move on to the more fun, less disgusting news.
We had a great weekend (3/19-21), visiting with my Grandma Jan, Grandpa Tony, my Uncle Kevin, his wife Katie, and a friend of the family named Zeke who were all in from Ohio. Sunday night, after church we met my Grandpa Sal and Grandma Dee at Village Inn so we could catch up and they could see Cash. All the while, I was feeling just fine! When we got home on Sunday night, I thought it might be nice to take a bath, so I drew the water, and relaxed for a good 15 or 20 minutes. Out of nowhere I started to feel a little bit queasy, but I figured it was just because I had been sitting in the hot water for to long, so I got out of the tub. I got in my pajamas, and sat down on the couch to nurse, and I started feeling REALLY sick! I asked Colt to hold the baby, and I headed straight to the bathroom. From that point on, I was throwing up. ALL NIGHT LONG! It was the most violent sickness I've ever had. I was getting sick in about 5 minute intervals, sometimes less. It started to become painful and I could tell I was extremely dehydrated. I ended up bringing my blanket and pillows into my bathroom and camping out on the floor. Colt was so sweet, and took care of Cash all night long. The only problem was, Cash wanted his Mama. He basically screamed the entire night. I could hear Colt trying to calm him down, but he couldn't be consoled. It was so pitiful. It broke my heart because all I wanted to do was go out in the living room and hold him, and comfort him, but I couldn't. I couldn't even pick myself up off the floor, much less hold him. At one point, I stood up to splash some water on my face, and I felt like I was going to faint. I caught a glimpse of my face and it was completely white. I had no pigment in my lips or face anymore. I started getting pretty worried that I was going to have to go to the hospital and be put on an IV. At some point in the night, I dragged myself over to my bed, as Colt was watching Cash in the living room. I slept on and off until Monday morning. I started feeling better around 1pm the next day. Better as in not puking up my guts, but I was still very nauseated and my head was KILLING me! I tried to drink to replace my fluids, but it was very difficult keeping anything down. Food was impossible. It was a horrific experience. Thankfully, Sharon (Colt's mom) offered to take care of Cash for a few hours on Monday so Colt could get some sleep. He had been up all night trying to take care of Cash. I'm SO thankful for such a sweet mother in law, especially one with so much experience with baby boys.
Being sick when you're only responsible for yourself is bad enough, but being a sick Mama is horrible. I felt so helpless. I wanted to take care of Cash but it was literally impossible. Even if I could, I didn't want to get him sick. Nursing was a whole other issue. Thankfully, I pump occasionally and I had a few bags of breast milk in the freezer, so Cash had something to eat. I was able to nurse him once, but I was so sick, I didn't think it was safe to try it again. I kept waking up on Monday morning and I noticed my shirt was getting increasingly more wet from my milk. By Monday night, I started nursing again, but something was different. After I nursed for the first time, the milk didn't really "refill" itself over the next few hours like it usually does. I was SO dehydrated that my milk supply had almost completely depleted. That was so depressing. Thankfully, Cash is an easy going baby, and he's willing to take a bottle if need be. Also, we've supplemented with formula occasionally from the time he was born (in the first few weeks after I'd pump and wasn't sure if I had enough milk to feed him right after). He would take the formula, or frozen breast milk for his main nourishment, but I still tried to nurse him to get my supply back. It took a lot of work, but over the next few days I got my milk supply back. I had to drink a lot of fluids, get in some extra calories, and NURSE, NURSE, NURSE!
Cash seemed to be getting the beginnings of the virus by Wednesday. He had thrown up a few times on Tuesday night and was very lethargic. We called the Pediatrician around midnight on Tuesday night after he had his vomiting episodes, and she said to keep nursing him, and just keep an eye on him. If he got any worse, or couldn't keep anything down to call the next day. Colt and I both stayed up all night with Cash. I was worried that he would throw up in his sleep and choke on it, and I would be sleeping and unable to help. Finally around 5:30am on Wednesday morning, Cash was sleeping soundly next to me in my bed, so Colt and I decided it was safe to get a little sleep. I woke up to nurse around 7:30am. My "routine" for nursing in the middle of the night is to feed him on one side, change his diaper to wake him up, and then feed him on the other side. During his diaper change, I noticed it wasn't very wet. I started to get very worried that he was dehydrated. He had had that same diaper on since 3 or 4am and it was almost dry! Again, he seemed very lethargic, so I decided to call the doctor. She told me to bring him in around 9:45am. I forgot to mention, the night before (Tuesday), I had my first real meal since being sick. I wasn't thinking about what might settle my stomach. I was more concerned with eating as much as I could, to replenish my nutrients and to get my breast milk back. I had a 6oz. Outback Special with a baked potato and vegetables from Outback. Delicious! I lived to regret it by Wednesday morning when Colt and I had to take Cash to the doctor's office. I was very nauseated the whole time before, during, and for about an hour after. I suppose I should admit that it could have also been just a nervous stomach, worrying about my baby. Anyway, Wednesday morning Colt and I were busy trying to throw some clothes on ourselves, and dress my sweet little lethargic baby to go to the doctor. About 30 minutes before we were supposed to leave we noticed a complete change in his behavior. He was back to his usual smiley self, and even had a VERY wet diaper. I was relieved to know at least he wasn't dehydrated. We decided to go to the doctor's office anyway, but as Colt predicted, they said, "Yep, looks like he might be getting a little bit of the virus. Keep an eye on him, and try to keep him hydrated. That will be a $25 co-pay." :) He didn't have any more vomiting episodes until Saturday afternoon. Looking back, I don't know if he had the stomach virus, or if he was just jostled around a little bit to much after eating. Who knows! All I know is that everyone is healthy at the moment in the Clark household, and I'd like to keep it that way.
Today is Sunday, and we are exhausted! We really wanted to worship at our home congregation (Citrus Park Church of Christ), but as so many people are sick or have been sick with the Norovirus, we didn't want to chance going and getting sick again, or getting Cash sick. We decided to have a worship service with my parents at their campsite that they are vacationing at this weekend. My parents, sister, Uncle Bob, Aunt Ginger, and their kids Alexandria and Paul rent out two campsites at Fort Desoto Camp Grounds every year for a few days of vacation. They always look forward to spending time together. My brother is dog sitting for my parents this week. Colt and I are NOT campers, but we enjoy going out there to visit. As I said, we went down there to worship with them today. It was Cash's first time "camping" (for the 2 1/2 hours that we were there). It would have been a lovely afternoon if it wasn't POURING down rain! We still had a nice service anyway, and enjoyed spending time with everyone.
SO, what's new with Cashman you ask? He is becoming such a character!
Physical: They weighed him at the doctor's office on Wednesday after he had been throwing up, and he weighed 12lbs., 12oz. at 10 weeks exactly. The doctor was pleased with his growth. He has lost a little bit of his hair on top since his birth, but he still has a lot. Lastly, he's doing really well with holding his head up! He's not completely independent in that department yet, but we're almost there, I can feel it! :)
Idiosyncrasies: He had developed the most adorable habit of putting a closed fist to his mouth and licking the top of his hand. We call it "eating his invisible ice cream cone". Its so funny! He's really into licking fabrics also. He occasionally licks my shirt, his bibs, and burp cloths.
Personality: Not only is he smiling ALL THE TIME now, he has started to babble a lot. His favorite phrase is "A-Goo!" Colt or I will say it to him, and he'll say it back. My mom said I used to play the "A-Goo" game with my her and my Mammy (my maternal Great-Grandmother). Its so surreal to be communicating with him, even on such a small level. Also, he loves watching our ceiling fans and lights in the house. He's really into sitting in our laps facing out, so he can see whats going on in the room. He loves watching his surroundings. Maybe he just loves watching TV. Haha! He is such a laid back, happy baby with a very calm temperament.
Goals: My goal for this week is to get him outside some. Its been so cold over the last few weeks that I didn't want to take him for walks or go in the backyard, but I'm looking forward to taking advantage of the good weather now. I also need to be more diligent about "tummy time". He hates it, and usually ends up burying his face in the blanket, threatening to smother himself. He loves to kick around on his back though! The kid LOVES to kick! In fact, the other day, he kicked his pants off! I also want to start reading the directions on the "Your Baby Can Read" program. My Grandma Dee and Grandpa Sal bought it for Cash when I was pregnant. I don't think you're supposed to start until he is around 6 months, but we'll see.
Sleeping Habits: His "schedule" has been disrupted this week due to my sickness, and his vomiting issues, but nothing to drastic. I'm hoping to get on a better schedule this week. If I can't get him to sleep any other way, my one method that never fails is to put him on his tummy on my chest. He loves to be chest to chest with me. He falls to sleep within a few minutes without a peep every time. I love it when he sleeps like that. I think I'm going to hold off on putting him in his bed until he gets to 4 or 5 hour stretches. He's still waking up every 3 hours, and if I had to walk all the way across the house to his room a bunch of times a night to nurse, I'd be a sleepy girl. Its so convenient to have him in his cradle right next to me. So what if he's 10 years old and still sleeping bedside! Lay off people! :) Just kidding of course.
That's about it for now. I can't believe we're already at 10 1/2 weeks! I'll leave you with a little video! Enjoy, and thanks for reading!
Hello everyone! I hope this reaches everyone doing well, and in GOOD HEALTH! Good health...probably something I won't be taking for granted again for a long while. The Clark household has been taken down by the Norovirus this week. Poor Cash, had to spend his 10 week "birthday" a sad little sicko. I'll give you the Reader's Digest version of our week so far, and the move on to the more fun, less disgusting news.
We had a great weekend (3/19-21), visiting with my Grandma Jan, Grandpa Tony, my Uncle Kevin, his wife Katie, and a friend of the family named Zeke who were all in from Ohio. Sunday night, after church we met my Grandpa Sal and Grandma Dee at Village Inn so we could catch up and they could see Cash. All the while, I was feeling just fine! When we got home on Sunday night, I thought it might be nice to take a bath, so I drew the water, and relaxed for a good 15 or 20 minutes. Out of nowhere I started to feel a little bit queasy, but I figured it was just because I had been sitting in the hot water for to long, so I got out of the tub. I got in my pajamas, and sat down on the couch to nurse, and I started feeling REALLY sick! I asked Colt to hold the baby, and I headed straight to the bathroom. From that point on, I was throwing up. ALL NIGHT LONG! It was the most violent sickness I've ever had. I was getting sick in about 5 minute intervals, sometimes less. It started to become painful and I could tell I was extremely dehydrated. I ended up bringing my blanket and pillows into my bathroom and camping out on the floor. Colt was so sweet, and took care of Cash all night long. The only problem was, Cash wanted his Mama. He basically screamed the entire night. I could hear Colt trying to calm him down, but he couldn't be consoled. It was so pitiful. It broke my heart because all I wanted to do was go out in the living room and hold him, and comfort him, but I couldn't. I couldn't even pick myself up off the floor, much less hold him. At one point, I stood up to splash some water on my face, and I felt like I was going to faint. I caught a glimpse of my face and it was completely white. I had no pigment in my lips or face anymore. I started getting pretty worried that I was going to have to go to the hospital and be put on an IV. At some point in the night, I dragged myself over to my bed, as Colt was watching Cash in the living room. I slept on and off until Monday morning. I started feeling better around 1pm the next day. Better as in not puking up my guts, but I was still very nauseated and my head was KILLING me! I tried to drink to replace my fluids, but it was very difficult keeping anything down. Food was impossible. It was a horrific experience. Thankfully, Sharon (Colt's mom) offered to take care of Cash for a few hours on Monday so Colt could get some sleep. He had been up all night trying to take care of Cash. I'm SO thankful for such a sweet mother in law, especially one with so much experience with baby boys.
Being sick when you're only responsible for yourself is bad enough, but being a sick Mama is horrible. I felt so helpless. I wanted to take care of Cash but it was literally impossible. Even if I could, I didn't want to get him sick. Nursing was a whole other issue. Thankfully, I pump occasionally and I had a few bags of breast milk in the freezer, so Cash had something to eat. I was able to nurse him once, but I was so sick, I didn't think it was safe to try it again. I kept waking up on Monday morning and I noticed my shirt was getting increasingly more wet from my milk. By Monday night, I started nursing again, but something was different. After I nursed for the first time, the milk didn't really "refill" itself over the next few hours like it usually does. I was SO dehydrated that my milk supply had almost completely depleted. That was so depressing. Thankfully, Cash is an easy going baby, and he's willing to take a bottle if need be. Also, we've supplemented with formula occasionally from the time he was born (in the first few weeks after I'd pump and wasn't sure if I had enough milk to feed him right after). He would take the formula, or frozen breast milk for his main nourishment, but I still tried to nurse him to get my supply back. It took a lot of work, but over the next few days I got my milk supply back. I had to drink a lot of fluids, get in some extra calories, and NURSE, NURSE, NURSE!
Cash seemed to be getting the beginnings of the virus by Wednesday. He had thrown up a few times on Tuesday night and was very lethargic. We called the Pediatrician around midnight on Tuesday night after he had his vomiting episodes, and she said to keep nursing him, and just keep an eye on him. If he got any worse, or couldn't keep anything down to call the next day. Colt and I both stayed up all night with Cash. I was worried that he would throw up in his sleep and choke on it, and I would be sleeping and unable to help. Finally around 5:30am on Wednesday morning, Cash was sleeping soundly next to me in my bed, so Colt and I decided it was safe to get a little sleep. I woke up to nurse around 7:30am. My "routine" for nursing in the middle of the night is to feed him on one side, change his diaper to wake him up, and then feed him on the other side. During his diaper change, I noticed it wasn't very wet. I started to get very worried that he was dehydrated. He had had that same diaper on since 3 or 4am and it was almost dry! Again, he seemed very lethargic, so I decided to call the doctor. She told me to bring him in around 9:45am. I forgot to mention, the night before (Tuesday), I had my first real meal since being sick. I wasn't thinking about what might settle my stomach. I was more concerned with eating as much as I could, to replenish my nutrients and to get my breast milk back. I had a 6oz. Outback Special with a baked potato and vegetables from Outback. Delicious! I lived to regret it by Wednesday morning when Colt and I had to take Cash to the doctor's office. I was very nauseated the whole time before, during, and for about an hour after. I suppose I should admit that it could have also been just a nervous stomach, worrying about my baby. Anyway, Wednesday morning Colt and I were busy trying to throw some clothes on ourselves, and dress my sweet little lethargic baby to go to the doctor. About 30 minutes before we were supposed to leave we noticed a complete change in his behavior. He was back to his usual smiley self, and even had a VERY wet diaper. I was relieved to know at least he wasn't dehydrated. We decided to go to the doctor's office anyway, but as Colt predicted, they said, "Yep, looks like he might be getting a little bit of the virus. Keep an eye on him, and try to keep him hydrated. That will be a $25 co-pay." :) He didn't have any more vomiting episodes until Saturday afternoon. Looking back, I don't know if he had the stomach virus, or if he was just jostled around a little bit to much after eating. Who knows! All I know is that everyone is healthy at the moment in the Clark household, and I'd like to keep it that way.
Today is Sunday, and we are exhausted! We really wanted to worship at our home congregation (Citrus Park Church of Christ), but as so many people are sick or have been sick with the Norovirus, we didn't want to chance going and getting sick again, or getting Cash sick. We decided to have a worship service with my parents at their campsite that they are vacationing at this weekend. My parents, sister, Uncle Bob, Aunt Ginger, and their kids Alexandria and Paul rent out two campsites at Fort Desoto Camp Grounds every year for a few days of vacation. They always look forward to spending time together. My brother is dog sitting for my parents this week. Colt and I are NOT campers, but we enjoy going out there to visit. As I said, we went down there to worship with them today. It was Cash's first time "camping" (for the 2 1/2 hours that we were there). It would have been a lovely afternoon if it wasn't POURING down rain! We still had a nice service anyway, and enjoyed spending time with everyone.
SO, what's new with Cashman you ask? He is becoming such a character!
Physical: They weighed him at the doctor's office on Wednesday after he had been throwing up, and he weighed 12lbs., 12oz. at 10 weeks exactly. The doctor was pleased with his growth. He has lost a little bit of his hair on top since his birth, but he still has a lot. Lastly, he's doing really well with holding his head up! He's not completely independent in that department yet, but we're almost there, I can feel it! :)
Idiosyncrasies: He had developed the most adorable habit of putting a closed fist to his mouth and licking the top of his hand. We call it "eating his invisible ice cream cone". Its so funny! He's really into licking fabrics also. He occasionally licks my shirt, his bibs, and burp cloths.
Personality: Not only is he smiling ALL THE TIME now, he has started to babble a lot. His favorite phrase is "A-Goo!" Colt or I will say it to him, and he'll say it back. My mom said I used to play the "A-Goo" game with my her and my Mammy (my maternal Great-Grandmother). Its so surreal to be communicating with him, even on such a small level. Also, he loves watching our ceiling fans and lights in the house. He's really into sitting in our laps facing out, so he can see whats going on in the room. He loves watching his surroundings. Maybe he just loves watching TV. Haha! He is such a laid back, happy baby with a very calm temperament.
Goals: My goal for this week is to get him outside some. Its been so cold over the last few weeks that I didn't want to take him for walks or go in the backyard, but I'm looking forward to taking advantage of the good weather now. I also need to be more diligent about "tummy time". He hates it, and usually ends up burying his face in the blanket, threatening to smother himself. He loves to kick around on his back though! The kid LOVES to kick! In fact, the other day, he kicked his pants off! I also want to start reading the directions on the "Your Baby Can Read" program. My Grandma Dee and Grandpa Sal bought it for Cash when I was pregnant. I don't think you're supposed to start until he is around 6 months, but we'll see.
Sleeping Habits: His "schedule" has been disrupted this week due to my sickness, and his vomiting issues, but nothing to drastic. I'm hoping to get on a better schedule this week. If I can't get him to sleep any other way, my one method that never fails is to put him on his tummy on my chest. He loves to be chest to chest with me. He falls to sleep within a few minutes without a peep every time. I love it when he sleeps like that. I think I'm going to hold off on putting him in his bed until he gets to 4 or 5 hour stretches. He's still waking up every 3 hours, and if I had to walk all the way across the house to his room a bunch of times a night to nurse, I'd be a sleepy girl. Its so convenient to have him in his cradle right next to me. So what if he's 10 years old and still sleeping bedside! Lay off people! :) Just kidding of course.
That's about it for now. I can't believe we're already at 10 1/2 weeks! I'll leave you with a little video! Enjoy, and thanks for reading!
My Smiley Boy
The Invisible Ice Cream Cone
4 comments:
So cute! I'm so sorry you've had the sickies. That sounded awful!!
Mia & I got sick before Christmas and it was miserable. Nothing close to what you had but it was enough to make me wish we'd never get sick again.
Hope the norovirus stays outta your way!
I have heard horrible things about Norovirus. I am so glad you are better and Cash and Colt are healthy. I LOVE the video's...Cash is adorable! We are making a trip to Tampa in May and we HAVE to get the boys together. I will let you know what weekend we decide and we can plan a play date!
Hey guys! Thanks for the comments! Its nice to know that at least two people still read this blog. Haha! Jamie, we would LOVE to get together with you guys in May. Maybe by that time, they'll be sitting up, and able to "play" more. Megan, you'll have to come (as long as Dylan promises not to steal Mia's heart away from Cash). :)
This is Aubree by the way, not Colt. :)
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