Livvy Lamb

I'm sure there's a better way, but I think this might be easiest.  This post is going to be everything Livvy.  From the time she entered the world, I wish I could document everything. Every little sound and every little smile.  Unfortunately...with a 3-year-old and life in general, I just can't.  But I'm going to put a bunch of pictures up of her sweet face and also document all her details.  She's just the sweetest thing and we love her dearly.  She is the best addition to the family!!

Livvy AnnMarie.  Her first name is just because we loved it.  It's fun, unique, and just perfect for her.  AnnMarie, however, goes a little deeper. Ann is her wonderful grandma's (Matt's mom) middle name.  Sharon is the most perfect Grandma (and mother-in-law, I might add).  We're blessed to have her in our lives (and Robert too)!  Marie is my middle name.  Who knows what the LORD has planned for our family and more children...I wanted a little love in the naming! :)

After we came home from the NICU on May 19th, we had lots of visitors to greet us when we came home. Everyone was super excited for Livvy to come home and to finally hold her!

Grandma and sweet Livvy.

Grandpa too!

Grammie came to visit and meet baby Livvy too!

Great-Grandpa...and great he is!

Great Grandma and her 2 girls - doing what she loves most! :)

Daddy...finally home with both his girls. (And Siena already starting to "torment" her little sister...ha!)

A very proud big sister, welcoming her little "mini me" home! :)

The first few nights, Livvy wanted to party all night.  We had to have a little heart-to-heart and get her on the right time schedule.  But, after a couple nights, we got that fixed.  Livvy was a great eater from the first time she could.  I think that really helped her be a great sleeper too.  She ate a lot and slept a lot...just what she was supposed to do!  It is SO, so special to watch the sisters interact and to watch their forever friendship form.  I have a deeper love for Siena, now that she's a big sister.  She loves Livvy so much.  She always wants to help, always wants to be in her business (sometimes I have to protect Livvy and tell Siena to get out of her bubble - Siena has no concept of personal space), always trying to be the little Momma.  Precious beyond words.
Livvy is a really happy, content little baby.  Oh, believe me, when she's mad, we all know about it.  She certainly makes herself known.  But those moments are pretty few and far between.  She's happy, relaxed, and a really good little baby.  Spoiling us, that's for sure!  Here are some sweet faces from her first few weeks of life...

Livvy's first recorded smile!  Just the sweetest...

Both the girls LOVE being swaddled.  I swear that helps them sleep better and more soundly.  Some may call it a "straight jacket"...I call it sleep.  For all of us. :)

Special moments with Daddy...another Daddy's girl!?

Livvy had her first doctor's appointment a few days after coming home from the NICU. She looked great, was healthy, and doing what she was supposed to!  She weighed 7lbs. 12oz. and was 21 inches long.  What a blessing to have that first appointment go so well!

Resting peacefully in her swing.

Our little Livvy Lamb.  That's her nickname.  Kind of cool that LAM is her initials...so we went with calling her Livvy Lamb.  It stuck and now we call her that all the time.  (And for the record - those lips! So sweet!)

Basking in a little sunshine during a snooze.

 Our big princess watching over the little princess.  I love this photo - I hope it signifies Siena always watching out for her little Livvy.

Siena and Livvy - two special girls.  Bonded for life.

On May 30, she had her 2-week appointment.  No lack of weight gain - 8lbs. 5oz. (51%) and 21.25 inches (83%) long!  Healthy, growing girl! A little thrush and yeast infection, but no biggie - and nothing a little medication can't fix!  It did make her a little gassy, and therefore fussy, in the evenings, but nothing too serious.  With the "baby arm curls", she was a happy girl (and our arms were getting stronger every day)!

The next day, we went back to St. Luke's for an MRI scan of Livvy's brain.  Because of the trauma and lack of oxygen she experienced in the beginning, they wanted to see if there were any affects to her brain and development at this point.  It's always a little scary to do something like this, but at that point, there was no reason to be too anxious about it and as always, you just take what you're given and handle it.  We gave her to the nurses and waited in the waiting room for about 30 minutes while they took care of her and scanned her.  I guess she did really well and stayed really still for them so they could run all tests.  They said they would get back to us in a few days to let us know the results.  The NEXT day (thank you, God!) they called to confirm that she looked GREAT!  There was a tiny bit of bleeding on the left side but that was going to heal on its own, take care of itself, and have no affect on Livvy.  What a blessing.  Again, blessed.  So much.  How fortunate we are.

Again, out like a light.  If only we all had the ability to do this...whenever we wanted. :)

Livvy's first bath!  It felt like it took forever for us to get her in the bath.  Her little umbilical cord stayed on forever!  There was a little stitch still in there from the IV, so it held on a little longer than usual. But, finally some splish-splashing! She loves bath time! :)

We had the privilege of attending the NICU Reunion shortly after Livvy was released from the hospital.  We wanted to go and show our appreciation for all the doctors and nurses who work at St. Luke's.  They played an instrumental part in Livvy early moments of life.  The least we could do was go!  There were one of only 3 families in the 2012 group - we felt oh so proud to be one of them.  We ran into one of the NICU nurses who was with Livvy during her most critical night in the NICU.  She right away saw us, knew who we were, and said, "Sweet Livvy!  Man, did you scare me that first night...and now look at you!  I can't believe it..."  Continually puts into perspective her stay in the NICU, and again, how grateful we were for all of them.  Siena had some fun there too - we came home with a puppy.  A Siena puppy!

Those cheeks. And lips.  Talk about kissable.

Babies and stripes are about my most favorite thing.  (Shoot, anything in stripes I'm a little obsessed with these days.)

I have a sneaky suspicion that Livvy is looking at Siena - Siena gets Livvy to smile more than anyone.  She LOVES her sister.

Livvy had her 2 month appointment and again, was doing great!  She weighed 12lbs. 8oz. (88%) and was 23 inches (74%) long.  She had to get some shots and took them like a champ!  Unfortunately, she was somewhat used to being poked and prodded, so it was nothing new.  Siena and I held her and comforted her to make her feel better.

Siena giving Livvy early lessons on all the "critters" in the house.  Livvy's got a lot to learn, but she looks to be a good student so far!  Now, sharing when the time comes...that will be interesting. :)

This picture is so telling.  Siena is always around Livvy, being the little Momma.  Livvy loves to hear Siena's voice and smiles every time she's around.  Here the two are playing together - like really interacting together! 

Tummy time - and those cheeks...they're a growing!

On August 16, Livvy had an appointment at the Children's SPOT downtown.  This visit was a 3 month check to see how she was doing developmentally.  Again, another follow-up to make sure she was developing properly and doing things age appropriately.  What a wonderful place that was!  We had 2 wonderful ladies who took such good care of Livvy and made us feel so important and worthwhile.  They did lots of things with Livvy - tummy time, grasping, tracking, talking, etc.  They both said that she looked to be doing exactly what she needed to!  We thought so too!  Livvy did great - she actually stayed on her tummy more (and better) than when she's at home with us!  Rising to the tests, Liv, good work! :)  We'll go to see them again at 6 months.

She's starting to grasp toys and wants to play with things to keep herself busy.  That's fun to watch the wheels turn...

Sister baths! 

Livvy does not like to sit much.  She's either laying down or standing up.  She's doesn't sit in my lap.  So, it may be early for this thing, but she really seemed to enjoy it!  We stuffed a blanket behind her so she could stay steady...and then watched her swing around.  Siena thought it was pretty fun to see how high she could push Livvy - that was ended quickly when the door frame got in the way.  Oh, sisters.

In mid-September, we had our PAT friend, Laurel, come to visit Livvy!  It's always a treat to have her come to our house.  Just as I loved it with Siena, I love having another set of eyes on Livvy - just to make sure she is doing what she needs to be.  And also, I'm an educator, but not an early childhood educator.  I don't know all the proper things to do with little ones.  And one would think after having one, you know.  You forget - at least I do!  It's just a great reminder to do things with Livvy.  Laurel also thought Livvy was looking great and doing what she needed to be!  Still no rolling over or much talking, but it'll come!
There is no better picture (both mentally and physically) than this.  Matt with his daughters is the most precious thing I can lay my eyes on.  He's the best daddy in the entire world and those girls love him like crazy - as do I!!!

There is no doubt that Livvy's neck and back are pretty strong...she's got to keep those cheeks off the ground - that's serious work!! (Most kissable things ever.)

On Sept. 16, Livvy was part of the Baby Blessing at church.  It was a special day for our family because we were again able to let our church family know that we are going to do our best to raise Livvy in a Christian home, growing up to love Jesus.  It was very special to have Joey, our pastor,  lead the blessing.  He is fighting stage 4 cancer and has stepped down from duties as pastor for the time being.  However, he prayed and led the blessing of Livvy.  We couldn't have been more proud of our sweetheart.  She did great, didn't cry, and smiled for the congregation.  Siena was excited to hold the gift they gave Livvy (including another hand-stitched bib from Joey)!  May you always feel God's arms around you, guiding you in His plan for your life and Livvy, may you listen and follow what God has for your life.   

Livvy had her 4 month check up most recently.  She now weighs 15lbs. 2oz. (82%) and is just over 25 inches (85%) long.  A healthy, growing girl!  More shot, but nothing she didn't get over right away. The doctor had no concerns and says she's right where she needs to be!  Livvy technically rolled over for the first time the night before her 4 month check.  However, it's only happened once.  I realize it must be hard work to roll those chubby little cheeks and legs over, but come on Liv!  You can do it! :) I know, all in her time.  Also, Livvy has the biggest and brightest smile.  It takes up her whole face!  But we don't hear a lot from her.  She doesn't laugh or giggle much (yet).  We've heard some sweet coos and gurgles, and a giggle here and there, but nothing consistent.  I can't wait for that one.  A baby giggle is probably the best sound.  So sweet and innocent.  So, until then...we'll wait patiently till we can hear Livvy laugh out loud!
I think that about does it...I actually think I caught up on Livvy's life so far.  Now, there are lots of things we did together over the summer as a family, and that will be captured in another post.  But for everything Livvy, I think that does it.  Here's to trying to stay on top of things and keep these posts more regular.  Livvy Lamb is going to be doing lots of great things in the coming days, months, and years...and I want to document it all!  I want her to look back on this in later years and know that we love her dearly and recorded all her special moments, just like we did with Siena.  Precious Livvy, you have brought an incredible joy to our family.  You're the best addition imaginable!  We can't wait to see all you do in the coming days...weeks...and years!  We love you like crazy!

Livvy AnnMarie

Our ever-precious baby girl, Livvy AnnMarie Marble, was born on May 16, 2012 at 4:17pm. She weighed 8lbs. and was 21in. long. What a blessed day that was! To say that was a day we will never forget is an understatement in every sense of the word. Little Livvy came into the world in the most unforgettable way...
I was admitted to the hospital late Tuesday night (after being told that there were no rooms available and we would need to call back later). We slept fairly well that night, anticipating the arrival of Livvy the next day. Petosin was started in the morning to move the delivery along. I felt great. All was well! They broke my water about midday, and things moved quickly from there. We made a call to Matt's parents and my mom to head down to the hospital with Siena...little Livvy would be here any time! My epidural was great, working well, and I started pushing about 3:00. At 4:00, I was still hard at work, wondering a little bit what was taking so long...she was right there! And then, everything changed.
The second Livvy arrived into the world, she aspirated an incredibly uncommon amount of meconium (meaning her in first breath of life she completely filled her lungs with a brown tar like substance). Within seconds of this happening, there were at least 10 NICU doctors and nurses in our delivery room. There were no sweet baby cries, no "oohing and ahhing" over the precious newborn, no holding tiny hands and feet...Livvy was immediately taken to another table where the doctors frantically worked to save her precious little life.  It was hard to see what was going on from my bed.  Matt was standing between me and our Livvy.  I kept looking at his face to get a feel for what was going on.  He kept looking at me, saying, "It's okay...it's okay."  But it was obvious from the concerned look on his face that it wasn't.
After somewhat stabilizing her little body, the doctors wheeled Livvy to my bed and told me to stick my hand in her isolette.  I'll never know exactly what their reasoning for that was -- and that's perfectly fine with me.  I put my hand over hers...there was no life in it.  She just laid there, still and motionless. There was a little oxygen mask and bag over her face. She was a greyish-pale color and very swollen.   They rushed her down the hall, Matt following right behind.  The only people remaining in the room were my nurse, the doctor who delivered Livvy, and a resident doctor.  I remember laying my head back, tears streaming down my cheeks, thinking, "This is NOT how this is supposed to be. I'm supposed to be holding a little baby on my chest right now, Matt by my side, smiling at our precious little girl."  Instead, only silence filled the room.  That and a strange, obvious, God-given peace. No one knew what to say...
Matt would come back every once in a while to give me an update.  Her Apgar scores were 2s and 3s.  Her blood-oxygen levels were crazy low.  Her acid levels were really high.  I didn't know what any of that meant at the time, and really, I don't know if I really wanted to.  I just wanted to see her.  I wanted to hold her.  I wanted to know that everything was okay and it was just a little bump in her road.

I'll let Matt take over and explain how he felt as he watched her being worked on by the doctors:
A father is supposed to protect his little girl, to make sure she is alright, safe and smiling.  The first moments of Livvy's life, I couldn't do any of that.  All I could do was watch as the doctors and nurses tried to save her life.  I felt helpless, terrified and also felt a calming spirit as I knew God was in control.  It was the most strange mix of emotions I had ever felt in my life.  As Livvy was wheeled down to the intensive care unit I prayed to God, "Please, just let me know if I need to freak out right now."  I am honest when I say I felt Him say every so quietly, "You just be there for her, let the doctors work, I am in control."  I had no idea if that meant at the time she would make it or not, but I understood my role was to just pray, do what was asked of me and watch the doctors do what they had been trained to do.  There were about 10 people in a little room working on Livvy.  Nurses were rushing around, doctors barking orders in concerned voices, and a surgeon standing in the middle of the room with scrubs and a mask on with her hands in the air so as not to be contaminated, waiting for her moment to work.  It was incredible to see them work so efficiently and put so much concerted effort and focus to save my daughter's life.  Of course, I was crying the entire time, but forced myself to watch, never wanting to forget what it looked like.  I kept rushing back to Adri to give her updates, then sprinted back down to check on Livvy.  At one point, once they got her stabilized, the surgeon was having trouble getting the IV in her umbilical chord because Livvy was moving too much.  They called me over and said, "Dad, we need you to put your hands on her chest and talk to her."  As soon as I began to speak, Livvy immediately stopped moving and relaxed.  I tried to keep talking, fighting through the tears to keep my voice strong.  I remember saying, "You've got a lot of people praying for you.  You stay strong."  After they got done with that procedure, I walked back to Adri's room with a doctor to get the scoop on where Livvy was officially at.  We asked a lot of questions.  Now I'll turn it back over to Adri.

Nobody had answers.  "We'll just have to see how she responds..." were words I kept hearing.
I was finally brought to the mother-baby unit where again, I was in an empty room...without Livvy.  I had trouble (again) going from my wheelchair to the bed.  I almost passed out and had trouble gathering myself, but got it together quickly.  I wanted to go see Livvy.  Matt was the ever-wonderful father who kept a very close eye on his girl.
A little while later, I was wheeled down to the NICU to see Livvy.  Upon arrival, I was very taken back.  I didn't know what to expect, but you never want to see you little one covered in cords.  She had a little oxygen mask on her face and IVs (antibiotics) in her umbilical cord.  I put my hand in her isolette and it just felt strange.  I couldn't make a connection to her.  I couldn't bring myself to talk to her.  It was a very surreal moment.  Tears fell down my face and I just looked at her.  I prayed for her.  I didn't know what else to do.  Matt was more comfortable around her at that point and talked to her and moved around the isolette really well.  I couldn't do it.
The doctor told us Livvy's tests were so "rough" that she didn't know which way Livvy would go, and only time would tell...and that's where little Livvy started turning a major corner.  In the middle of the night, one of the NICU nurses went to check on Livvy.  She panicked because she saw Livvy with the oxygen tube out of her nose and in her hand!  She had pulled it out all on her own...and was still breathing - on her own!!  From there, they gradually decreased her oxygen amounts in her isolette until she was in a "free air" crib - and doing great!  Because of her strides there, I was able to start nursing her (and holding her!) about 24-36 hours after she was born.  That was when the forever bond was formed.  Holding Livvy for the first time was AMAZING.  Words just don't describe it.  She still had her IV in her umbilical cord and was still in the NICU, but she was surprising everybody.  Doctors continued to look at her (in amazement) and kept giving green lights for her progress.  No one was giving us a discharge date yet - just a "...we'll see...".  She passed the "open air crib overnight test", the nursing test, the weight gain test...we just had to wait on blood cultures to see if the IV/antibiotic was taking care of the infection.  That could have been a 10-day stay.
I was technically discharged from the hospital on Friday morning.  Thank the LORD for "hotel rooms" in the hospital.  Just down the hall from the NICU.  We were able to stay in the hospital, just down the hall from Livvy.  That was a blessing I'll never take for granted.  I was able to walk down to the NICU every 3 hours to feed her.  We could go in there any time we wanted to sit with her...hold her...take a nap by her...be by her.  The next day, Saturday, May 19, we took Livvy home with us.  She passed her hearing screening, her car seat screening, the blood cultures came back normal.  She was a healthy, beautiful baby girl - and we were taking her home.
Those few days were unlike anything I have ever experienced.  The highs and lows were incredible.  The prayers and the love that we felt from friends, family, and our wonderful doctors were unmatched. Dr. Carr saved our little girl's life, we will never forget her (and Matt says he will never forget how she controlled the NICU room and people in it who helped save Livvy).  Prayers comforted us and carried us through that difficult time.  We picked a life verse for Livvy that day: "Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9.  God was very near to us in that time - we felt that undoubtedly.  We are better people because of the experience and Livvy has just set her bar - she's going to be a fighter.  And we love her dearly for it.

Right after Livvy was born...

In the NICU, seeing her for the first time.

Momma and Daddy love their little girl!!

Out of the isolette and into the real world!!

Daddy holding Livvy for the first time.

                                               

 Baby Livvy's cords and monitors.

Free of most of her help!

Cord free and in her open-air crib!  Free birdie!

Dr. Carr, the wonderful doctor who worked so hard to ensure that Livvy was going to be alright.  She is a blessing to us and someone we'll never forget or be able to thank enough.

Pregnant Review

I really love being pregnant.  It's a blessing, a miracle, and really...a joy.  However, it's true what they say: after the first experience of being pregnant, learning everything for the first time, and not having to run around after any other children...you get over the joy of being pregnant a lot faster.  Yep, I'm there. I'm healthy, feel fine, and am just truckin' along, but I'm ready to meet her.
I have been horrible at keeping track of my growing tummy this time around and haven't really written anything during my time of being pregnant.  BUT, I will recap the major highlights and show some pictures of things going on in our life...

In March, I surprised Matt with a little getaway, just the two of us.  Before life with two girls became our for real life, I thought it would be fun to do something, just us.  We went to St. Louis and had just the best time.  We felt like young, married kids.  We went to the Budweiser Brewery, we ate at great little restaurants, we went to the Delmar Loop, we got massages, we walked around and stayed up late. We stayed in a cool hotel and even met up with our friend Nicole for a drink late one night.  It was all we could have asked for in the trip.  It was the perfect getaway.  I am so thankful for that trip and it's one I will look back on fondly. (Of course, we must have been having too much fun..we hardly took any pictures.  Next time.)

As much as "touring" isn't really our thing, the Budweiser Tour was really good.  We enjoyed it.  You have to do it once in your life, right?

We ate at 360, a bar/restaurant on the top of a building where you could see all over STL.  It was great weather, great food, and super great company. :)

Our church had its first annual Daddy-Daughter Dance in honor of our wonderful pastor Joey.  It was country western theme.  Matt and Siena went for a bit...so cute.

Pappa turned 60!  We weren't able to travel (even though I wanted to get back and surprise him so bad!) because of the long trip and me being 8.5 months pregnant.  But, Pappa came to us for a short bit, and that was a real treat!  We took him out downtown for a nice dinner and Siena and I made him a cake for his birthday too. :)

At school, we had a school spirit week.  One of the days was Twin Day.  My team thought it would be cute to ALL be pregnant.  This picture just makes me laugh...

Easter was celebrated at Linda and JD's house.  All the family and kids came over.  The little ones went searching for eggs and goodies.  It was a beautiful day.  Gotta capture the Easter Dress!

Our precious family of 3...and a half! :)

A few randoms...and yet, ever so sweet:

Siena came up to school during my last week (before having Livvy!) to see the baby chicks that hatched in the 1st grade hallway.  It didn't seem all that long ago that we were doing this same thing...a YEAR ago!!  Wow.

We went to the zoo a couple weeks before I was due.  Just trying to fit in things with Siena before Livvy arrived.  Nothing like trying to walk the baby out!  The zoo is huge and it was SO hot that day.  But it sure was fun! :)

The best animal at the zoo - Nakita!!

May 12, our dear cousins Marcus and Jodie got married!  They asked Matt and Siena to both be in the wedding.  Obviously, it was all depending on if Livvy came early or not.  I wanted to be there so bad, but since she didn't come early, Matt and Siena flew to GR the 4 days before my due date.  Siena was a super-precious flower girl and Matt a groomsman.  From what I hear, the wedding was beautiful and everything went smooth!  And ME?  Well, I sat on the couch and didn't move much.  Livvy was NOT coming out while they were gone!  Thanks for staying curled up there, Livvy!

Mother's Day, 2012!  In just a few days...I get to meet the other little one who will make me a Momma!  Best gift ever.  Love my girls.

In preparation for Livvy, there wasn't much to do in her room!  Siena moved to her big girl bed and new room.  Livvy got the baby room (with new letters).  We put the crib back in there and got a little extra help from Siena.  She also thought it would be a good idea to "test" the crib for her sister - make sure it was comfy.  I think it passed the test! :)

And now we wait for Livvy...