Thanks Grandma & Grandpa Vogel!

Scott's parents visited last week and it was great to see them. They helped out a bunch, especially with keeping Acadia entertained. You can see they all had a great time together!

Easter 2011

What we've been up to...

YAY!

Today was a great day.

Today was the first day that Rylan didn't have to get a blood test. If you saw his arms and feet you would know why this was such good news. The poor little guy's feet look like pin cushions and his arm has been stuck so many times that yesterday the nurse couldn't even find a vein to use.
After his blood test yesterday, I received my daily call from our pediatrician. After the call the day before I was expecting his count to go up and that would mean another hospital trip for some more light therapy. Instead, we found out that his numbers went slightly down. While it wasn't a significant drop, it was enough for the doctor to know that we don't have to worry about this anymore.

We also had our biweekly appointment with the doctor to check Rylan's weight. At the hospital (the first time), we were told we had to supplement Rylan's nursing with a bottle afterwards. He needed the extra calories since he was so little. I wasn't crazy about doing this since Acadia had a hard time going back and forth, but we didn't have much of a choice. I just made sure that someone else (either Scott, my mom or a nurse) gave him the bottle. Well, Monday I was home alone and didn't have any other option. Rylan refused to take the bottle from me though. Later on a friend came over and she tried. He took it, then immediately spit the whole thing up. We tried again later when Scott came home and he did it again. Now I was worried that he wasn't going to gain enough weight. That wasn't the case. Rylan's weight was up 3 ounces in three days! The doctor (along with me) was so happy to hear this. That means no more bottle!

Driving home with both kids in the back, listening to Sesame Street I couldn't have been happier. Hopefully now we can just settle in to our new life.

Rylan's Homecoming -- Take II

As the saying goes -- life is what happens when you make plans. Our homecoming weekend didn't necessary come together as we originally thought. We ended up back at the hospital with Rylan yesterday (his billyrubin numbers were too high) and fortunately he was discharged today after some more light therapy.

Rylan back at the hospital on Saturday - he's just relaxing with his hands behind his head

Here's s a video of when Acadia and I picked Rylan/Mom up at the hosptial. While Chris is not in any of the pictures in the post-- she's been busy being an amazing mother to Rylan (nursing and pumping every 3 hours around the clock). We're so happy everyone is back at home!

________________________________________________________________ Below is a recap of life before the run back to the hospital -- Acadia and I had our first father/daughter outing since Rylan's birth. We played in the park and I bought her a bike helmet, so she can ride along with me in our bike trailer (for future beach/park excursions). She loves her new helmet -- Her are some pictures of Rylan hanging with Grandma Mary. She flew back home today and Chris and I can't say thank you enough for all her help.

A couple of additional shots of Rylan just chilling:

Welcome Home Rylan!

This was the day we were waiting for and it was long overdue -- Rylan's homecoming. Both Chris and Mary are troopers sleeping 1-3 hours a night since Monday -- somehow they were both still smiling when I arrived at the hospital today (besides Rylan, they are the true heros). If Rylan weighed an ounce less he wouldn't have fit in his car seat. That last picture before the baby honeymoon ends :) Acadia comes home to find a new roommate -- so far so good (it's only a matter of time before she figures out he's not just visiting) Chris is already multi-tasking like a champ! It was a great day to say the least. Grandma Mary is already asleep sitting in a chair and Chris is about to grab a few minutes of sleep before the next nursing session. Below are some additonal pictures from the day.

A Picture of What Motherhood Is

Chris just sent me this picture from the hospital

Rylan Update

The latest update is Rylan is hopefully coming home tomorrow (Thursday). He currently has a touch of jaundice and once his billirubin levels are at acceptable levels he can come home. On Monday, Mary (Chris's mom) and I switched support roles. I'm at home with Acadia and she's at the hospital with Chris. Based on Rylan being premature and the jaundice -- Chris has to nurse every 2-3 hours. Needless to say neither Chris or Mary are getting much sleep. Acadia and I have been busy getting the house in shape for the homecoming. We look forward to the normal chaos of having two little ones at home. Below are some pictures to share: Why does Rylan look like Hans Solo frozen in carbonite? Rylan is being treated with a special light that helps rid the body of the bilirubin by altering it or making it easier for your baby's liver to get rid of it. Acadia meets Rylan for the first time:

Grandma Mary with her grandchildren. As a side note, we can't begin to thank Mary for all her help. We are thankful she's been here. First family picture: Can't wait to get Rylan and Chris home, I miss them a lot

April Fools Day Surprise!

Chris and I received an April Fool's day surprise -- Rylan Miller Vogel

- Born at 11:55 pm on April 1st, 2011 / Weighed 6 lbs 10 oz / 19 inches long

You must be thinking -- if a baby is born a month early on April Fool's Day with 5 minutes to spare, there must be a story behind it...you would be right.

To cut to the chase Chris I feel so bless to have a beautiful healthy baby boy. We feel as if a month has been jammed into less than 48 hours.

Summary of events:

• 11:55 PM (4/1) -- Rylan is born on April Fools Day during a Nor'Easter snow storm


• 12:20 AM (4/2) -- Rylan is having trouble breathing and sent to the Special Care Room


• 3:00 AM (4/2) -- Rylan is sent to the NICU, his breathing continued to worsen


• 9:30 AM (4/2) -- Chris is able to hold Rylan for the first time after birth


• 3:30 PM (4/2) -- Acadia comes to visit Chris at the hospital and cheers everyone up


• 6:00 PM (4/2) -- Rylan shows first signs of improvement


• 12:00 PM (4/3) -- Rylan tests the waters off of oxygen support


• 6:00 AM (4/3) -- We learn Rylan is off of oxygen support and cry out of happiness


• 7:00 AM (4/3) -- Dad holds his baby boy for the first time


• 9:15 AM (4/3) -- Acadia goes to swim class and jumps off the wall by herself


• 9:30 AM (4/3) -- Rylan breast feeds for the first time


• 6:00 PM (4/3) -- Rylan has been breathing on his own for 18 hours and is given the clear to join us in Chris's room

Picture of Chris at 9:00 pm on March 31st -- taking this picture we were none-the-wiser to what was ahead in a few short hours.

"It's a boy!" Seconds after he's born Mom gets her first moment with Rylan

Rylan in the NICU

Rylan starts to get better in the NICU -- breathing with his own lungs

Acadia and Chris's mom come to visit and lightens the mood (look at Acadia's shirt)

It's like our little girl grew up the second Rylan was born

Worth noting -- we had a "BABYCHRIST"

Thanks everyone for your warm wishes, thoughts and prayers. More pictures to come :)