Sleep Study

All my medical training, experience, and technical knowledge of what was going to happen just could not prepare me for the trauma it would cause my own son.
It was so upsetting to watch him get so upset and not understand why he was being tied down and hooked up.
I just about lost it, but I was able to hold my cool long enough for him to be hooked up and fall asleep.
Dan came home and was so upset about it that he couldn't sleep.
I was really stressed out about this because I knew that they would need 4-6 hours to analyze findings- but I was set at ease slightly when we arrived and I found out it didn't have to be 4-6 hours straight, just 4-6 hours total.
Well, it was a really rough night. Cameron fell asleep around 9:30- but slept really fitfully and restlessly until 12:30- he had woke up 3 times, and then I finally gave him some warm milk at 12:30am, and he was out! He finally fell into a good sleep pattern from then through 3:30- the respiratory tech over his study had to come in because one of his leads was unhooked, and she couldn't find where- unfortunately looking woke him up- and the frustration for her, Cam, and I, was that it wasn't even unhooked on him, but on the machine and he didn't need to be disturbed. How would she know without checking though?
Anyway, I tried for a long time to get him back to sleep, and I succeeded, until I put him back in the crib, then he just would not sleep, only play. We gave it a good effort, and decided to just unhook him an hour and a half early.
I think they got 4-5 hours, it will be cutting it close. Amber- our tech- I really liked her- said that if they didn't get enough hours, they will let us know and try to reschedule for as soon as possible, otherwise we will follow up with the sleep specialist in about 2 weeks.

After much deliberation, tears shed by all 3 of us over all the trauma that was this study, we won't repeat it. So I really hope and pray they got the info they need to help my son!

Here he is getting hooked all up!

All upset, but done and ready for bed-

While sleeping-

All done and unhooked- his poor skin reacted to the adhesive.

On the car ride back home, Amber our tech sent him home with a monkey blanket souvenir.

5 Months!

5 fast... unbelievably fast months have gone by since Cam joined our family! He brings so much sunshine into mine and Dan's souls, and into our home. Cam is a boy who knows what he wants, and how to get it! Strong will is good!

At 5 months:
- scoots and rolls his way around
- he smiles and giggles lots- but I am sure I have mentioned before that he is very serious, and we have       to work for his smiles!
- finally getting better at riding in the car
- he sits- but not too well. I thought he would be sitting by now, but since he discovered standing, he would rather do that more and more.
- he continues to love eating- we have expanded his tastes to include: stage 2 baby foods which consist of some great medleys such as apple blueberry, mixed veggies, sweet potatoes and corn; {I refuse to buy nasty sounding ones like pears and chicken and gravy....} as well as tastes of real food: watermelon, cantaloupe, strawberries, nectarines, mashed potatoes and gravy, salsa, baked beans,  and spaghetti sauce.
- he has tried and likes water- so I offer him water each day in a sippy cup instead of a bottle, and he is getting closer and closer to holding them himself. He could really do it now, but he forgets or gets excited and lets them drop!
- he talks non-stop!!
- he still loves his fingers! and has found his toes too!

I have to say, Cameron is a good good baby. The only difficulty he offers is at naps and bedtime. He has been a horrible napper, almost from the start. As he gets older, he gets worse and worse about napping in the day, and it is hard because he so desperately needs it. I fight him and swaddle him a minimum of twice to make him nap. Even when I do, he will only nap for 30-45 minutes. Then, by bedtime, he is so overly tired and overstimulated that he has a major meltdown every night- like clock work right around 7pm. A couple of nights he has cried so badly, that it went on for more than an hour, and he upset himself so badly that he vomited horribly! Dan and I called the pediatrician on call and he told us that with Cam's history and current overall health that his meltdowns at night can only be explained by the need to get out too much built up energy. He explained that Cam is still immature with regards to how he handles energy and feelings. It is something we must work through and have patience for. Thankfully, Dan and I take turns trying to console him until he gets it out to go to sleep. Also gratefully, once he is down, he sleeps well at night. Good thing for all our sanity! Here is my cute boy at 5 months!!!

Extremely serious boy:

These next three make me laugh! The faces he makes are so funny, and he was telling me a really good story while I was taking pictures. It seemed to be that he didn't feel like having his picture taken today, because he was so serious, and really telling me, and refusing to look at me. I finally got him giggling and smiling though. I sure love my funny boy!!

 

Those fingers!!! 

Coming around.... 

Yep. There is our happy and good baby!! 

The things no one tells you about pregnancy and about marriage

If you really want to challenge a marriage- buy a car together.

If you really want to challenge a marriage- have pets.

If you really want to challenge a marriage- buy a house.

If you really want to challenge a marriage- have a baby.

If you really really want to upset the world- do all these things and...
-have depression
-have anxiety
-have a suitcase full of past baggage {a few items my suitcase includes: abused as a child, prescription          drug abuse, unladylike cursing,  and having multiple opinions that I share when I shouldn't}
-have OCD
-have a dysfunctional childhood

The list could go on, believe me.

Well, all I can say is bring it on- cause I have done everything and then some as mentioned above. Am I a sucker for contention and punishment? Sometimes by golly I think I must thrive on it!!!

I really feel like everyone lies about marriage and having babies. If everyone knew how hard it all really was, no one would do it!!

I try to reflect on the lessons I should be learning from my situation. What does Heavenly Father want of me, and how best do I handle the trials that come my way?

I have faith in God's timing. I know we are meant to be having this sweet baby at this time, but that doesn't mean that he comes without challenge.

Not necessarily by choice, we have been married 8 years without any kids. There are so many benefits to have gone this long in establishing our relationship and household that will aid us in raising our family. However- no one tells you that there are drawbacks!
The older you get, the more set in your ways you become- ESPECIALLY men- so when big changes come- ones that bring a huge responsibility- there is a certain amount of fear and frustration.
I get it! But I didn't make this baby all by myself!!

Pregnancy is hard. I really don't actually like it- but in the end, I am so grateful for the miracle that Heavenly Father sent to me. I pray constantly that this baby is healthy and good.

I pray daily that I can have patience to deal with people- especially Dan.

Just when you think you have it all figured out- it being marriage, love, family- that you are a real pro, you get tossed a curve ball.

What makes it even better, is that there are tons of people out there ready to shed light and advice on every conceivable situation that you encounter. Annoying!!

My best friend Sheri is wise and said- Everyone is an expert at marriage and parenthood- but they are only an expert in their personal situation- not everyone else's.