Appointments, appointments, and more appointments!

The first six weeks of Loralei's life was filled with appointments for the both of us, lucky us. 

Loralei hanging out at home on the day we were discharged (Thursday). 

On Loralei's discharge instructions it said to get a weight check on Friday. Robert had school and I couldn't drive because I could barely walk and so my mom hauled me and the two girls to the doctor. She was right at losing 10% of her birth weight and so the doctor wanted me to do a follow up weight check on Sunday. Once again my mom had to haul me and the two girls for that weight check but since it was Sunday our appointment was in Galveston. The appointment was at the pediatric urgent care and we ended up waiting for awhile for the doctor so Kyleeann was playing and eating until the doctor comes in and then she decides to fake cough. The doctor asked in a concerned voice "how long has big sister had a cough" while I'm sure was thinking "why do you have a coughing toddler around a newborn?!" Loralei had gained weight since Friday but hadn't passed her birth weight but the doctor wasn't concerned. 

Over the weekend I was running low on my strong pain pills and was trying to stretch them out. For some reason the discharge doctor only gave me 10 pills to take 1 every 4-6 hours as needed. At the hospital I was taking 2 every 4-6 hours along with other strong meds. It was kind of a miserable weekend pain wise but on Monday I called my doctor and she hooked me up with plenty more. I should have called sooner but I didn't think she was on call and wasn't sure whoever was would give me more, I should have tried anyways. That was a stupid lesson to learn. 

Then we got a week break from doctor appointments 

Then Loralei had her 2 week check up where she was still under her birth weight so we had to schedule another weight check in 2 weeks. What I didn't think about until after we had left was the fact that each time she had gotten weighed in her short life it was a different scale each time. And pound wise that's not a big deal but in ounces a few either way could have made a difference in how many weight checks we would have had to do. Oh well. 

The next day was my 2 week check up. My mom was still hauling the three of us to the appointments and I'm not exaggerating about that, she had to carry Loralei in her car seat, get Kyleeann up in the car, keep track of her, was always trying to carry my bag as well as driving in traffic which she hates. I couldn't have done it without her. At my two week check up I got my bandage off which was not an enjoyable experience but I did get the all clear to drive which was good. 

On Friday Loralei had her first orthopedic appointment to check for hip dysplasia. Because she was a breech baby she got checked, Kyleeann did as well so I knew what would happen. For some reason they scheduled me at the South Shore office so it was a 25 minute drive for a 2 minute appointment. And a lot of work for me and my mom (mostly her) with the two kids. 

During the week free from appointments my parents offered to have Kyleeann fly home with my mom and stay with them for the three weeks until we moved out there. After much thinking, praying, debating (in my head), and changing my mind several times Robert and I decided that would be best. 

Kyleeann and my mom right before they left for the airport.

It was hard for me to have them leave, my mom was such a huge help, she cooked, cleaned, packed, took care of Kyleeann, Loralei, and me. The apartment seemed so different without Kyleeann there. As hard as it was, it really was the best option. My recovery was different from mine with Kyleeann, some things were easier and some things were harder. Having Kyleeann around was one of the things that made it harder, and it would have been worse when it was just me alone with her, I still had more appointments to go to for both me and Loralei, and driving to AZ would be easier without her. For Kyleeann it was the best option because she wouldn't be stuck in our small 2nd floor apartment where it's hard to get outside, instead she got to be with papa and granma (she says it cuter than I can spell it) who she just absolutely loves, got to go outside and play everyday, play on the swing set in their backyard, play with cousins, and get use to our house before we moved in. I think she transitioned better having been there for three weeks and going to where we were going to live rather than if she would have just showed up to it for the first time after spending two days in the car. 

Back to doctors appointments. Loralei had an ultrasound at UTMB on the island. As hard as I knew it would be going by myself, other circumstances made it worse. I am not suppose to lift anything heavier than the baby or 10 lbs for 6 weeks. The car seat is at least 8 pounds and so add a 7 pound baby and I can't lift it, so Robert had to put it in my car before our appointments and I would just carry Loralei to and from inside. When I got to the hospital parking garage it was full and there was a guy directing cars to the lot across the street. It was a very full lot so I ended up having to park at the back of the lot and it was raining. Not fun carrying a newborn and my bag in the rain when it was hard enough for me to walk fast and carry that much. I was very annoyed as I walked in and saw that guy letting cars in. As annoyed as I was we did make it in and back out just fine, exhausted and sore but fine. Her ultrasound went great, there was a nurse, doctor, a 1st year resident and 2 other doctors or med students. They told me her hips looked good but the orthopedic doctor has to officially read and give me the results so this was only 2 of 3 appointments for her hip. 

That week I managed to split open my incision a little bit on the right side. I called to get in and have it checked but couldn't get into Dr. Pilla so I saw one of the other partners, Dr. Robinson. She was really nice but I could have done without her digging in there. There was one small piece of a staple sticking out so she removed it. It was similar to getting my bandage off, ouch! I was really glad I could just focus on Loralei and my pain and not have to worry about Kyleeann as well. 

The next week Loralei had her weight check which went great, she was above her birth weight. 

The day after her weight check she had her last hip appointment. We waited for almost an hour for another 2 minute appointment. I ran into Dr. Pilla's nurse Kelli (who is awesome) on my way in so she carried Loralei to the appointment for us which was fun. 

The following week (also moving week!) I had my last appointment with Dr. Pilla. I hate going to doctors offices except hers, she has been my favorite doctor I have ever had so it was hard to have it be the last time. 

Dr. Pilla holding Loralei. I wish I would have thought to get a picture of Kyleeann with Dr. Pilla and nurse Kelli before she left. They loved her and were so good to her at all of my appointments. Thanks Dr. Pilla for delivering my two beautiful girls!