Things that touch our lives...

Today I went to the memorial service for a baby that I was given the chance to care for this week.  She had a very short life and I am honored that I was able to share in it, for her and her family.  Her family is obviously devastated by her passing but were extremely grateful for the love and care she received in our NICU.  It was touching to hear from her family how the nurses and physicians in our NICU touched their lives as we tried to save their precious baby, and also how they felt how much we cared about them as they held their baby and let her go.

The family has older children, an 11 y.o. boy and a 14 y.o girl.  The first day that their baby sister was born, their father brought them into the NICU for a visit.  I was taking care of the baby while her sister was visiting.  She came up to the baby's bedside but was reluctant to get close or touch her new sister.  I encouraged her to place her hand inside the isolette and touch her sister.  She placed her hand beside her sister's hand and the sweet baby grabbed her finger.  I have never seen such a smile.  Today at the memorial the chaplain read a letter that each child wrote to their sister.  This moment was what big sister chose to write about.  She wrote that she will always have that special moment with her sister that she will always remember and cherish it.  Moments like this are why I know I chose the right career.  I, and the other nurses I have the privledge to work with, made a difference for this family, even though we were unable to save her life.  They are content now with the feeling that she is in a better place where she won't suffer.

There is no way to understand the death of a child and my heart will always ache for this family and their pain.  As much as it was painful to see the family suffer today and hear their stories, I am glad that I went to the memorial.  I know it meant a great deal to them to have some of our staff there to support them.  When I left, I picked up Logan at school and hugged him tighter than I have in awhile.  Life is so precious.  I have so many friends that are pregnant right now and many that have suffered similar losses, whether it be recently or years ago.  Losing a child at any time is such a tremendous loss and I can't begin to express how sorry I am for anyone that has lost a child.

I my own pregnancy, I think being a NICU nurse is a bit of a blessing and a curse.  I know a great deal about fetal development and at what gestation a fetus becomes a "viable life" and also what the chances of survival are at each week of gestation after that point.  I know so many things that can go wrong...but I also know that most things can be overcome, especially when you have neonatalogists and neonatal nurse practioners as fantastic as ours.  There are some things that can't be overcome and those are the things that scare me.  Pregnancy is one of those situations where I think the phrase "ignorance is bliss" rightly applies.  In my pregnancy I do not have that luxury.  Especially after all the struggle Shawn and I went through to get to a pregnancy at all, I worry daily that something will happen to destroy the current happy bubble I live in.

This was in the program from the memorial today.

Tiny Soul

When God send forth a tiny soul to learn the ways of earth,

A mother's love is waiting here, we call this wonder birth.

When God calls home a little soul and stills a fleeting breath,

A Father's love is waiting there, this too is birth not death.  

Are your kids riding safe??

I spent this past weekend at Dell Children's Hospital in Austin working with a group of people from the Safe Kids Worldwide organization.  A coworker and I were taking a class to become certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians.  What did we learn?  Everything you could ever want to know and more about car seats, automobile air bags, seat belts, etc.  I was really kind of shocked at how little I knew about car seats.  A car seat...a piece of equipment that is designed to keep our children safe while riding in cars. 

HOWEVER, CAR SEATS ONLY DO THAT IF THEY ARE USED CORRECTLY, AND 4 OUT OF 5 PEOPLE USE THEM INCORRECTLY!

4 out of 5 people use car seats WRONG?  Yes.  Let me explain this with an example.  When I finished the class, I checked Logan's car seats in 4 cars and a friend at work...

My car:  Correctly installed, but did need to be tightened slightly.

Mom's car:  Seat belt installed through the wrong belt path (fed through path for rear-facing seat, but he is forward facing).

Mimi's car:  Belt locking clip being used when not needed, and being used incorrectly.

Ian's car:  Seat belt installed through incorrect belt path.

Friend at work:  Using seat belt AND lower latch hooks in car, but not using the top tether strap.

So there you have 5 people and 4 incorrect car seat installations.  I can't give you the entire dos and don'ts to car seat installation, but I can give you a few tips here to be sure you children are riding safely in you car, just in case you get in a crash.  Remember, just because you are a good driver doesn't mean you won't get into a crash.  There are a lot of terrible drivers out there and they don't know that you have precious cargo in your car!  If you are really unsure about the installation of your car seat, you can check out the Safe Kids website to find a Car Seat Check Event in your area.  They will check your seat to be sure your child is riding safely.

Quick Car Seat Installation Tips:

1. The American Academy of Pediactrics (AAP) and Safe Kids recommends children ride rear-facing until they are 2 years old, and a rear-facing seat should NEVER go in the front seat.

This seems crazy to stay rear-facing for 2 years and I thought so too until I watched some of the videos of crash testing done with rear-facing vs forward-facing.  My kids will be riding rear-facing for sure!  YouTube these videos...seriously.  You hear people complain that the child's legs are too long.  Not a big deal!  They can sit with their legs crossed if they want...the moral of the story is that broken leg = cast it, broken neck = casket.

2. In a rear-facing seat the shoulder straps of the harness should be BELOW the shoulder, while in forward-facing seats the shoulder straps should be ABOVE the shoulder.

This is very important in a crash.  The seats will not protect the child as they should if the are not placed in the correct slot on the seat.

3. The straps should be TIGHT and the chest clip should be at armpit level.

You should not be able to pinch any slack on the straps. You basically should be able to get one finger between the strap and the child's shoulder.

4. For correct installation of the car seat you must READ THE MANUAL OF THE CAR SEAT AND YOUR CAR!

The car manual has an index, use it!  Look up the section on Child Safety Restraints and Air Bags.  Your manual will tell you if there are any special considerations concerning the placement of car seats in your car and how to use the LATCH system (those are the hook at the base of the seat and that hook in the back behind the head rest.)  Many people do you realized the the LATCH system in every car has a weight limit!  If you car manual doesn't specify a weight limit then DO NOT USE IT IF YOU CHILD IS GREATER THAN 40 POUNDS!  The car seat manual also has great information about the proper use of the car seat.  For example, in baby carriers there is a typically a specific position that you should keep the carrier handle while the car is in motion.  Did you know that?  You might be doing it wrong...READ YOUR MANUAL!

5. If you use the LATCH system DO NOT also use the seat belt.  One or the other!

If you have a forward-facing seat always use the top tether strap (the long strap dangling from the back of the seat near the head...it attached somewhere behind the headrest or at the back base of the seat in a hatchback).  Always use it if your child is forward-facing!!  That strap could be the difference between a head injury and being safe!

6. Texas law states that a child must be in a booster seat until age 8 or 4 foot 9 inches tall.

To many people this seems ridiculous, BUT until your child is 4'9" the seat belt doesn't fit right.  It really doesn't matter how old they are...you should keep your children in booster seats until they are 4'9" or the seat belt fits properly.  For the seat belt to fit properly the child MUST be able to sit in the seat with the butt where it should be and the knees bending at the edge of the seat (the calves can't be sticking out) and at this seating positiong they seat belt should strap should be across the shoulder (not hitting them in the face...not tucked behind the back or under the arm.)  This is for their SAFETY!  If your child is not in a booster and the seat belt is lying on the face then guess what will happen in a crash.  Well, don't guess because it is not good.  On a side note...keep your children in the back seat until they are over 12!  Yes, until they are teenagers.  You would be amazed the pressure that an airbag can exert on a child's body.

Are you all confused?  Did you realize what all was involved in child passenger safety? I didn't either, but I do now!   That means I will be doing my best from now on to be sure that every child I know is riding safely!  If you have any questions, send me an email or give me a call!

Here is a video I found on youtube about the importance of rear-facing car seats.  It is great...watch it please and pass it along! 

Random Musings

I found these pictures of Logan and Marcie on my camera...not sure when they were taken  but they're cute :)

Today we had our volunteer luncheon at work.  We have a large number of volunteers that help us by making blankets, hats, etc for our babies as well as a group that makes memory boxes for people who experience a fetal or neonatal demise.  These volunteers are wonderful and once a year we have a luncheon for them.  Today was the day so yesterday I was busy baking :)  Cupcakes!  Yummy stuff!  I made vanilla cupcakes then some vanilla buttercream frosting as well as some caramel frosting.  I have been making a caramel frosting that I found on Pinterest but I decided to go with a more standard caramel frosting this time...and it was good!!  The other one is good too, but this one is easier plus I was able to save the left over frosting for use later.  Ooooohhhh!   

The cupcakes with the buttercream frosting were for the March of Dimes bake sale at work...Shawn said that after I added the blip of caramel the cupcakes looked like nipples.  I guess.  But whatever, it is for the March of Dimes anyway :)   I guess nipples are appropriate!  Only a man would notice that!  Both cupcakes turned out delicious.  I am taking a few of the caramel cupcakes tomorrow to visit a friend for her birthday...She is excited for her sugar rush!

A was talking a few weeks ago at work about how cute I think Shawn looks in his suits for work, so the ladies I work with said I needed to take a picture.  Here is one.  I will get another the next time he wears his new linen pants and vest.  I have such a sexy husband :)

Today is Tuesday...Logan and Auntie Lisa day!  Logan decided that he needed to be imprisoned and he looked so cute I had to take a picture.

Then I realized it looks like he is in prison...so I took some in black and white :)

Marcie needed her glamour shot too!  My beautiful girl...so patient with Logan!

I guess that is enough random for today.

A visit with some precious babies :)

Anyone who knows me knows how attached I can get to my babies at work.  Especially babies that spend a long time in our NICU.  The ones we are closest to, especially if we get to be friends with the parents, we keep in touch with and it is wonderful!  I love being able to watch how a baby that started so small and at such a disadvantage can do so well, partly due to all the things we do for them!

Recently, I have been able to catch up with two NICU graduate families!  These two moms were not just my sweet baby's moms...they truly became my friends and I miss being able to talk to them at work!  This past week was the 1st birthday of my favorite twins!  

Alyssa & Brooke

Brooke in on the left of the pic, Alyssa is on the right.

I missed their birthday party (I had to work) but their mother invited me over another day for a visit.  It is so great to see how big they are and how they are developing!  They are doing so many things!  Crawling like crazy and starting to walk holding on to things.  I love it!  Alyssa has the most beautiful smile and Brooke was so social and friendly!  She loved playing with my necklace.  I can't wait for another visit!

Here are a few of Alyssa...I tried to get a smile up close, but she's too fast for the shutter on my phone!

Now for Brooke's turn with the paparazzi!

I did not take any pictures at my other visit...boo!  But mom took one and I will have to see if she will text it to me (So Bree...if you're reading this please text me the picture of Lila and me!).  Lila is a more recent NICU graduate but I am confident that her mommy and I will stay good friends so surely I will be able to watch her grow!

Late addition to blog: Bree came through and emailed me this picture today!!  Thanks!

Next post:  Recipe for cheesecake squares :)

In Charge

Starting tonight I have to be in charge at work.  I have been kind of dreading this moment, but I knew it would one day come.  I had one day of training (last night) and tonight I will have someone to help me, but I will be in charge.  Yikes!

Why it SUCKS to sleep during the day...

I love working night shift...I am one of the few who I think really does prefer it.  BUT...I hate having to sleep during the day for 5 main reasons.

#5 Beautiful Days

You would think I hated sleeping during beautiful days because I wish I could be out in that wonderful day enjoying the weather (and this could be a beautiful snowfall perfect for making snowmen or having snowball fights OR beautiful sunny days with not a cloud in sight and just a light breeze)....Nope.  I hate these days because OTHER PEOPLE are out enjoying the weather making too much noise and keeping me awake!

#4 Miscellaneous Noises

Obviously, I know living in an apartment you are sometimes able to hear noises in adjacent apartments or in the hallway...this can also happen in houses that are close together.  I have in the past been lucky enough to live in a house where my bedroom window was 5 feet away from an outdoor play area for a home daycare center.  Lucky me!  Maintenance crews at apartments don't care if you're sleeping...they install the laminate flooring and repaint while talking loudly in the apartment across the hall anyway.  The cleaning crew loves to vacuum the hallways during my perfect sleeping time as well...nice.

#3 The TV

The TV really is only a problem when someone is home and the programming typically calls for loud voices.  Although I can't think of a time I needed to yell at the TV, but I guess March Madness is a different experience.  Anyway...it sucks for those who are trying to sleep.

#2 Outdoor Maintenance

I know that it is unreasonable to expect all the people who care for the landscaping in the vicinity of my bedroom window to consult me before starting their work...but it would be nice.  Lawnmowers are LOUD.  It really makes it hard to sleep when I can't open my window on a nice day!  This also includes winter maintenance...like shoveling show.  That makes surprising more noise than you probably think.

#1 The Phone

I hate when my phone rings while I'm sleeping.  Hate it!  I don't typically sleep long periods of time without waking up, so when I am in a deep sleep and my phone rings and it is a number I don't recognize and there is no message left....oh!  I hate this more than anything else!  I have no problem with someone calling and waking me up for a reason.  Even if it is just to talk...I like to talk and if you want to talk to me that is super.  I absolutely am not discouraging people from calling me during the day...I just hate when I am woken up by the phone and it is for nothing!

Anyway...not that I have vented I guess I should make dinner before I head back to work after having been woken up today by 2 of these 5 things.  Yay :(

Wow!

I can't believe that it is April already!!  This year is flying by! 

Today is my step-dad's birthday (Happy Birthday Dave). 

Shawn and I will be heading to Muncie for a nice long weekend with my family :)  So excited!!  We're gonna eat at Puerta, have a cookout with the Manning's, eat out somewhere on Sunday (Mom will decide where), and play games with Mom & Eric.  Awesome.  So excited!  After the busy week I've had at work, I am sure ready for the days off!

Spent a bunch of money last night at work signing up to take the GRE (gotta get started on Grad School finally, I guess) and getting my CPR certification renewed.  Plus, I need to get my Illinois RN license renewed too...more money!  Geez...it's never ending!  At least all of these are fairly inexpensive.  The NICU certification exam I'll be taking in the next few months costs like $300 or something!  Not fun.

Well...this was a bunch of random musings.

A Special Visit...

...to Stacy & Ruby!

We have been trying to make arrangements for a visit since Ruby was born, but you know how life gets!  Finally we made it happen and I am SO happy that we did.  It was so great to visit Stacy, but plus I got to hold her sweet baby.  What a beautiful little lady!  Stacy took a picture of me holding Ruby, but here are a couple I took.

We had a really nice time.  I can't wait to visit again :)  I also got a tour of all of Ruby's cute things.  Her room is so cute...Stacy did a great job painting the jungle on the walls.  Plus she showed me a couple of super cute bathing suits for Ruby...adorable!  I can't wait to have little girls to dress!! 

I also got to play with Stacy's dogs, which was so fun!  She has a beautiful Great Dane, Drake, and a maltese, JJ.  They were great!  I love dogs, as you all surely know, and so I always enjoy anywhere that I go where I get to play with a dog (or two!). 

Drake

JJ

Stacy has told me stories of JJ and his obsession with plastic, squeaky balls...so it was so hilarious when I had been there like 5 minutes and JJ come running up to me with his red squeaky ball in mouth!  haha!  Stacy was worried about how the dogs would adjust to the new baby, but she said it was gone well.  They are getting used to Ruby and Ruby is getting used to the dog hair and slobber already too :)  I hope you're reading this Stacy, because I'm gonna come over again!!  You can't stop me ;)

Heat Wave

If only the heat wave I am referring to was outside...but no.  It is at work.  I swear it was 85 degree inside the NICU last night!  I thought I was going to pass out, and you all know how I sweat!  I honestly can't believe I have to go back tonight and live through that heat and still be expected to work!  It was terrible!

Los Angeles...Here I Come!

I am leaving for L.A. today...Yay!  This shift has been going SO SLOW though!  I hate when I am not busy at work, especially when I have something to do in the morning that I am excited about.  I will be flying out around noon and then will see my hubby soon afterward :)  Tomorrow we will be seeing Andrew.  I am so excited!

Late Night for Shawn

Shawn arrived in California last night...but much later than was expected.  Originally, his flight was supposed to leave from O'Hare at 7:30am on Sunday.  Since it is kind of a pain in the ass to get to O'Hare on the train, I arranged to get Saturday night off of work so I could drive him to the airport in the morning.  Well...Saturday afternoon we discovered that his flight had been cancelled and he was rescheduled on a flight at 6:30pm instead.  That was a bit of an inconvenient time for me, since we would have to leave for the airport at a time that would get me to work WAY too early but depending on traffic and the weather I wouldn't necessarily be able to stop back at home...you get the drift.  So we got him to the airport by 5:15pm and I left to stop for some food before going to work.  In the meantime, the weather in Chicago was getting pretty lasty.  His flight was delayed...and delayed again.  He ended up not leaving Chicago until 9pm so it was almost 1:30am our time when he finally got to San Francisco and then he still had to take a shuttle to the hotel for the conference (which was in Santa Cruz and I guess that's not too close to San Fran).  To end this long story...he arrived in California safe and sound, which is all that matters to me.  I never can relax when people I love are in the air!  Now I can't wait until Wednesday when I am flying out to Los Angeles and meeting him there :)

Carlos

I know many of you have heard me talk about "My Baby Carlos" at work...he is a baby that was born at our hospital last year very, very early.  He ended up getting a very serious infection of his gut and has had a very rough first year of life...but amazingly he celebrated his 1st birthday on Wednesday!  He was my favorite patient and I took care of him just about every time I worked.  Shawn and I even bought him a hat in Ireland while we were on our honeymoon!  He is no longer in our NICU, nor in our hospital.  His mother invited us to visit him at the hospital he is in currently for his 1st birthday party.  He doesn't look great yet, but he is slowly getting better.  It makes me so happy that this sweet little boy has made it to his first birthday and I hope he has many more!  It was really great to see him, even though he is still very sick.  His mother promised she will continue to keep us posted on his condition and I hope she does.  Babies like these, where I can really impact their lives and they truly impact mine, are the main reason I love my job as much as I do!