Rosie is TWO!

I can't believe my little girl is TWO!  Today we will be celebrating her day with a few of her girlfriends and an Elmo themed tea party.  Below is the post I wrote  the day after she arrived.  Check out the end of the post for a quick update!

Post from 8/26/10: "Everything's Just Rosie"

She's here!!!!

Rosemary Elizabeth Kiger

Born August 25, 2010 @ 9:29 p.m.

6 lb 13 oz

20 1/2 inches long

Tuesday was supposed to be a quick checkup at the doctors office but Rosie and my doctor definitely had other plans! Well maybe I should blame my body and not Rosie. My blood pressure was up when we got to the doctors office and when they rechecked it after my exam it was even higher so the doctor sent us to the hospital because she suspected I had preeclampsia. She also seemed to think that it would mean we'd be having a baby, little did we know just what the next SEVERAL hours would hold.

We arrived at the hospital at about 12 p.m. and it was confirmed that I indeed had preeclampsia, so I was admitted and they started me on magnesium sulfate to get my blood pressure back under control. Once those meds started I was on complete bed rest and that stuff made me feel YUCK! The decision was also made to induce me the started those meds soon after. Now for those of you who don't know these two drugs that I was on have a counter effect on each other! I was hooked up to monitors and we discovered that I was having regular contractions (about every 3 to 5 minutes) although at that time, I didn't know it. Little progress was made the rest of the day and they stopped the Petosin (meds to induce me) at about 11 p.m. and gave me something to help me sleep...yeah right!

After a restless night, they restarted the Petosin at 7ish on Wednesday morning and my water broke a couple hours later. I thought for sure it was going to happen within the next few hours. Just before 6 p.m. it was finally time to push. As my mom later said, Rosie is not a girl who will be pushed around! After almost 3 hours of pushing, I was COMPLETELY exhausted and Rosie was NOT cooperating. The decision was made for me to have c-section. If you've talked to me at all over the last 9 months you know how desperately I did NOT want this to happen. I was set on no epidural (in fact I had gone through all of the afore mentioned activity with only one shot of pain medicine) and a natural birth. However, God's plans are not our plans and I had to give in, my body wasn't going to take much more and Rosie was ready for her debut. They quickly prepped me for the procedure at 9:29 p.m. I caught my first glimpse of my precious baby girl! Bobby got to hold her by my head and I got to give her a couple kisses before I was sent to recovery and she was sent to the nursery for observation.

She did however get to meet all four of her grandparents and her Aunt Rebecca & Uncle Paul along the way. Apparently, they stopped traffic in the hallway for a quick photo op and then as she left, stood there uploading to Facebook and texting. I really wish I had a picture of that!

I finally got to hold Rosie at about 2 this morning (Thursday)! What a precious moment that was!!! Bobby and I have been praying for this little miracle for a long time and now she's finally here! I can't even explain all of my emotions!

Let me also take a moment to brag on my hubby...what a trooper! He stayed by my side the whole time and was a great coach! Apparently, he doesn't just have that talent on the field, he can also do it in the delivery room. I am so proud of him! It is so much fun to watch him with his baby girl, she's got him wrapped around her little finger already!

UPDATE:  

Since this post was written two years ago, it has been confirmed that Rosie truly does have daddy wrapped around her little finger!   She is most definitely a daddy's girl :-)  She loves Elmo, music (especially the 'Yes to VBS' song), drawing/painting/coloring, and playing outside.  Everyday she becomes a little more independent, or at least tries to be, which fills this mama with mixed emotions.  I absolutely love when she calls my name and simply says, "I love you, mama".  Rosie is also a great big sister!  She loves to help me "burp" Annie and constantly wants to hug and kiss her.  I know that there will come a day when she doesn't seem to love her sister, so I am enjoying the moments while they last.  

I know it's only been two years but I can't imagine life with out my Rosie girl!  Bobby and I are so thankful that God chose us to be her parents!

Living Life

Last week, I got my freedom (aka, my doctor said  I could drive and could start lifting Rosie as needed)!  I was so excited because to me this meant we could start getting back to a bit of normalcy around here.  It also meant that the parents would get their freedom back and didn't need to come over everyday to help me.  Bobby and I are so grateful that our parents were willing and available to help us.  We realize how blessed we are to have both sets of parents so close and know that not everyone gets the help we've gotten in the past couple weeks.  If you know me at all, you know I don't like to sit around at home doing nothing.  I'm just not good at it.  I need to be doing something, whether it's working around the house or running around town, I just don't sit still well.  I also think that I "recovered" faster from this c-section and was itching to be able to do my own thing.


Since gaining my freedom, I've learned a few things:
1) Its a lot of work getting myself and the girls ready to leave the house. I actually called my sister to tell her that she's my hero! I'm having a hard time with two, I don't know how she does it with three (soon to be four)!
2) All stores should have family bathrooms.
3) It would be nice if stores didn't take all of their carts in. It would hurt to leave a couple out so we can put our kids in them. It would make things easier :)
4) Take full advantage of nap time. I'm amazed at how much I can get done in that short time.
5) My Moby wrap is my new best friend. It allows me to snuggle Annie and be hands free.
6) Our double stroller was a great investment.
7) My first born is growing up way to fast and I'm afraid my little peanut will do the same.

My little diva

Helping daddy

I am enjoying my time off of work with my girls but there are times that I miss work too.  I get a text or two everyday from my co-workers updating me on whats going on in my classroom or with my students.  I'm reminded frequently that my students miss me, which of course makes me feel good.  One of my favorite updates came last week when apparently my sub referred to my desk as her desk, she was immediately corrected by one of the boys that in fact "that's Mrs. Kiger's desk".  I'm glad that haven't forgotten me :-)


Bobby has been super busy the past couple weeks too.  His softball team won their district title last week and we couldn't be prouder.  The girls and I were at the game when they won the title.  When we arrived at the game at the end of the 2nd inning, they were already up 14-0!  Rosie enjoys being at the games and cheering on her daddy and the girls.  

Summer has arrived around here and we are loving it!  We are gearing up for the Memorial Day weekend.  My sister and her family are leaving very soon to head this way and will be here FIVE WHOLE DAYS!  I can't wait!  Rosie is very excited to see her cousin, "Ike-y" and her "Aunt Ree".  I'm sure she's excited about seeing the rest of the crew too and we are all excited for them to meet Annie!  

Sister love

3 weeks old!

Out & About

Yesterday was a big day for us...we ventured out of the house as a family of four for the first time.  My first observation of the day: adding one person to the family, even though she's small, adds a lot more prep time!  We got up, showered, gave Rosie a bath, and Annie a sponge bath.  My second observation:  washing the hair of a baby with lots of it isn't so easy!  I did not have this problem with Rosie, I could just use a wet wash cloth.  Annie's got a full head of hair and I struggled to get the soap out while trying to be super gentle because I don't want her hair to fall out!  :)


Our first destination of the day was the the National Day of Prayer at Warren City Hall.  It was a wonderful time of gathering with our neighbors to pray for our city and our nation.  Annie slept in her car seat the whole time and Rosie enjoyed the music and watching people.  At one point I looked over while a choir was singing and Rosie was clapping her hands and raising them in the air, it was too sweet!  I know my girls won't remember being at this event but I am glad that we were able to be part of it as a family.  

When we finished at city hall, we had to take Annie for her first doctor's appointment.  She weighed in at 5 lb. 12 oz. yesterday, which means she's gained 4 oz. since we've been home from the hospital and is only 2 oz. from her birth weight!  The doctor said she looked good but was still a little concerned about her bilirubin count so she had to have yet another heel prick and blood draw :(  I am happy to report, though, that her numbers came back perfect and we don't have to do that anymore!!!!  

Rosie was very excited to go to the doctor too.  She didn't have an appointment but he wanted to check her ears to make sure the infection she had a few weeks ago was really gone and it was!  She was very talkative while we were in the office and kept saying "doc-ta" to get his attention.  When we got home yesterday afternoon she was still re-living her time with the "doc-ta" over and over and over. 

After the doctor's appointment we stopped for lunch.  As we were being seated at the table, I looked at Bobby and said, "We take up a lot of space!".  Now I realize there are much bigger families and that some of you have more than 2 kids but this reality is still sinking in for me!  As I sat there with Rosie in her high chair to my left and Annie in her car seat and high chair to my right I decided that we would probably be eating at home a lot more :)

Our last stop of the afternoon was my favorite store, Target.  Every little lady needs to be introduced to this store as soon as possible and 5 days old seems as good a time as any.  As you can see from the picture, Annie was very impressed!  On our way to the store I realized that shopping with 2 little ones was going to be a bit more challenging than I'd previously considered.  Where was Rosie going to sit??  Now at Target this isn't a big problem because I don't typically fill up my cart so Rosie can ride in the front but what about at the grocery store?  I'm guessing we will either have to get 2 carts if we all go OR only one adult and one child can go at a time. 

Fortunately, Target has these cool carts!  I think all stores need them...there's room for THREE children (not that I'm suggesting we'll be needing that much room...for the record!)

Life with two is going to take some getting used to and I wouldn't change it for anything!  We are blessed!!

Just a couple more pictures to bore you with :-)

Rosie & Papa at The National Day of Prayer 

This little family walked passed our house this morning.  Rosie was very excited to see the "DUCK-EEEEEEE" (I didn't have the heart to tell her they are geese).  I'm glad they don't have to figure out how to go to the grocery store, where would you put 6 kids in a cart?!

Counting my blessing

We are home!!  Annie was released from her tanning bed last night, her bilirubin was checked early this morning and by 8:30 a.m. we were cleared to go!  Of course, we didn't really get to leave the hospital that early, that part took forever but by 11 o'clock we were on the road!  Bobby and I are both happy to be home with our girls and are feeling very blessed!

Yesterday, while we were sitting around in my hospital room we started talking about our blessings (or things we're thankful for) and I decided I was going to make a list.  Since I took the time to make a list, I figured I'd bore the five of you who might read this with it. Haha :)

1. God's provision for a healthy delivery for both our girls.  Rosie surprised us a week early thanks to my having preeclampsia.  Annie decided to come on her own time and as I learned Sunday morning, it was a good thing she did!  Since Annie was supposed to arrive via a planned c-section today, my OB was supposed to do the surgery.  I was a bit disappointed that she wasn't the doctor on call Saturday morning but was relieved that it was another doctor from that practice who I knew.  Once the decision was made that they were going to do my c-section immediately because of Annie's heart rate dropping, I over heard the doctor on call talking to the anesthesiologist (who apparently did not agree with the need to rush the surgery), she stood her ground and made it clear to him that we didn't need to be waiting and won the battle.  
2. So far Rosie loves here little sister.  She is already a bit protective.  Yesterday after noon, Bobby and Rosie walked down to the nursery to check on Annie and Rosie didn't want to leave her.  Anytime another baby was going into the room, Rosie would shout "No, no!  Annie".  She wanted the nurses to know they were supposed to take care of her sister and she didn't want those other babies getting in the way.
3. We've got the best parents ever!  They've all gone out of their way to help us the last few days.  They've taken care of Rosie, visited us in the hospital, run errands for us, and are making sure we're fed now that we're home.  My mom saved that day by going to buy Annie a preemie outfit to come home in because the newborn one was WAY to big.  :-)   My mother-in-law made sure our bed was made and our house was straightened when we came home today.
4. We are so thankful for our friends and family who began praying for Annie over 9 months ago and who were praying for us when they heard we were heading the the hospital (thanks to my mom's early morning Facebook post). 
5. Annie and my mom will forever have a special bond because they share a birthday.  
6. I'm so grateful for technology like the "tanning bed" Annie spent the day in on Monday.  When my dad and I walked down to the nursery to check on her, dad asked how that blue light could help her liver??  I have no idea but I'm thankful that it did!
7. A few hours after Annie was born, I was able to introduce her to her cousins in Minnesota via Skype.  By the way my favorite part of that was when my favorite 3 year old asked, "where'd that baby come from?"  TOO CUTE!
8. I got really bored in hospital and was able to use my laptop to watch my new favorite T.V. show, Parenthood, on Netflix and Hulu.  I'll also be taking advantage of this technology during those 2 a.m. feedings in the near future.
9. Bobby and I were able to send pictures to friends and family or post to Facebook thanks to our iPhones.
10. I was also able to kill some time playing Words with Friends and Draw Something.

There are of course many, many more blessings I could list and maybe I'll add them another day, but for now I'll stick to my "Top Ten" (which may or may not actually be my top blessings).  

**Can you believe I've actually had 3 blog posts in the last 3 days?  I wonder how long this will last?  I'm hoping I can keep it up but I'm not holding my breath :-)

More unexpected moments

We had a bit of a rough start to our day.  Annie's bilirubin numbers were too high, so we're spending another day here at the hospital so she can spend some time in the tanning bed.   I had high hopes of going home today and starting normal life with my little family.  Not long after those hopes were dashed because of numbers that were too high, we found out that Annie's blood sugar numbers were too low!  Needless to say, I spent some time in tears this morning.  Things are just not going as planned.  I was able to nurse Rosie with no problems and was so proud of myself for not having to use formula (not that there is anything wrong with that, but I had a goal and was proud to have accomplished it) and I am disappointed that I won't be able to say the same thing about Annie.  We've been battling this blood sugar issue since we were in recovery, where she got her first taste of formula to get bring her critically low numbers up.  Since she is so tiny, she has had to have her heel poked every so often and until this morning the  numbers had been "normal".  The hope now is that the little bit of formula, plus what she's getting from me and the tanning bed will fix all the problems and we'll go home tomorrow morning.  Until then, I've been told to relax and let the hospital staff wait on me.   Several friends have told me to enjoy the extra time of rest, and I'm trying my best.  


However, my mind has been racing.  I've had so many "what if" moments and of course I've been worrying about the health of my baby.  In the midst of all of this I keep replaying the conversations I had with my OB yesterday.  She mentioned that Annie's blood oxygen levels were in the critical range at the time of her birth and that it was a good thing that we came in and had her when we did or things could have been "pretty bad".  It wasn't until a while after this conversation took place that I realized just what that meant.  We are so very blessed to have a healthy baby girl!  Circumstances could have been much different.  When I look at things from that perspective, bilirubin and blood sugar numbers or staying another day in the hospital, just really doesn't matter so much!  

Ready or not here she comes

Friday morning, I woke up in the mood to clean!  I was annoyed by the mess in my house.  I cleaned the floors throughout the house, dusted, and scrubbed my kitchen counters.  My mom called as I was finishing and pointed out that I had the burst of energy women talk about before they go into labor.  I chuckled and continued on with my day.  Rosie and I had a good afternoon together.  I enjoyed getting to spend some special one-on-one time with her.  Throughout the day, I kept having "cramps" but nothing real regular and at varying intensities.  I chocked it up to the fact that my body was getting ready to have a baby...on Tuesday :)  Bobby had a softball game so he didn't get home until after 6.  He brought Rosie and I gifts and a stack of super sweet cards (that I will treasure for a long time and will help me remember why I do what I do) from my students.  After dinner, we had a laid back evening as a family of 3...and those "cramps" were still hanging around.  

A blanket signed by all my students for Annie

And one for Rosie's baby doll too

We all went to bed pretty early (I was worn out from a hard day of cleaning) and at about 3 a.m. I woke up with some horrible heartburn.  Of course, this meant I couldn't fall back to sleep so I turned on the T.V. and tried hard to find a comfortable position to fall back to sleep. After about 20 minutes or so I realized that those "cramps" I'd been having were really starting to get annoying and hurt!  I decided I should start paying better attention.  I grabbed my laptop a top and found a website that had a contraction calculator (I know some of you think that's silly...but I don't have a stop watch) and started tracking them.  It wasn't long before I realized that they were happening about every 5 minutes or so and were lasting 30-45 seconds.  However, I wasn't convinced this was labor so I kept watching T.V. and playing on the computer.  By this time Bobby is awake and asking if I should call the doctor.  We both decided to get up and shower and at about 5:15, I made the call.  The doctor on call said I should head to the hospital, so we started calling the grandparents, grabbed our stuff and got ready to go.  Bobby's parents came over to stay with Rosie and we were off! 

 Of course we were stopped by every light on the way to the hospital and at one point I was convinced it had moved farther away...it took forever to get there.  Even though I now was pretty sure I was in labor, I wasn't convinced I was having a baby anytime soon and was worried about being sent home.  By 7 a.m. I was hooked up to monitors in triage and a short time later, was being wheeled into the OR for my second c-section in 20 months!!  My doctor was concerned that the baby's heart rate was dropping during my contractions (and she had a 10 o'clock baseball game to get to) so she wasn't wasting anytime.  At 8:55 a.m.,  Annie Rene Kiger was born!!  She's a little peanut, weighing in at 5 lbs 13 oz and 19 1/2 in long, with a head full of dark hair.  For those of you who read my last entry...all my apprehensions went out the window the second I saw her!

Just a few minutes old

It was so fun introducing Annie to her big sister too! Rosie wasn't so sure about things at first, and I'm not sure its really sunk in that this baby is ours , but eventually she warmed up to her and wanted to hug and kiss her over and over.  My favorite moment was when she got to hold Annie.  She loved it and tried to convince everyone in the room to let her hold her again.  She was very dramatic and too cute!

So sweet

Best friends in the making

Preparing for #2

I started this post two weeks ago, after a sleepless night:


"It's 7 a.m. on Sunday morning, just over two weeks away from #2's scheduled arrival (yep, that's right folks, I'm scheduled for a repeat c-section on May 1st. My doctor gave me a 15% chance of being able to have this baby naturally.) and I've pretty much been awake since 3 a.m. Now I don't know if this has ever happened to you, but what do you do when you can't sleep?! I spent a long time just laying here hoping I'd fall asleep, that didn't work. I read for a while, but my Kindle battery died. I've watched a couple episodes of Parenthood on Netflix. Mostly though, I've just been thinking. Thinking about how nervous I really am to be a mom of two! I've spent the last couple weeks washing clothes, fixing up the room my girls will share, setting up a makeshift nursery on the first floor so Rosie won't be bothered when her sister is hungry in the middle of the night, and doing all sort of other things people do when they're about to have a baby. I'm pretty much ready for this baby's arrival...physically. However, I'm just not sure I'm ready emotionally. Will Rosie feel like I'm giving all my attention to her little sister? Will she even like her? It's been hard enough being a working mom of one, how can I balance two? How am I possibly going to love both of these girls equally? In reality, I know this is ridiculous, and probably totally normal. I also know that as soon as she arrives all of this apprehension will melt away. I really am excited to meet this little one, we all are. Rosie gives her sister hugs and kisses every night before she goes to bed. I don't know how much she really understands it all but we're trying to talk it up as much as possible. I guess we will know in two weeks..."


Today, is April 26th, I'm just a few days away from the big day!  The last two weeks have been busy and I can't believe just how close we are to the reality of being a family of four.  Bobby, Rosie and I are so very excited!  Just yesterday, Rosie started saying the her sister was her best friend (this means I may have been replaced, but I'm ok with that!).    This week hasn't gone the way I had planned.  I was supposed to work until tomorrow but my doctor told me at my appointment on Tuesday that I needed to be done.  My blood pressure was up a little and with my history of preeclampsia with Rosie, she wants to be safe.  So now, we wait for Tuesday, or sooner if baby decides to change our plans again :)