Our other baby

Anyone who knows me, knows that I see our dog Jake as more than just a dog. He is family, my baby boy and truly one of the greatest loves of my life. Since I think of Jake as a family member, I was devastated last weekend when he fell violently ill.

Last Saturday morning Jake began throwing up. Shortly there after he developed loose watery stools and became very lethargic. Hoping it was just a bad reaction to something he ate, we attended to his needs and waited for improvement. By Sunday night things had gotten worse instead of better. We whisked him away to the vet for a check up. They weren't entirely sure what could be causing the illness, so they gave Jake two injections (one anti-biotic and one anti-nausea) and then some oral medication for us to take home with us.

We watched him carefully overnight while he slept. By Monday afternoon he barely had energy to walk outside, and he started having blood in his stool and urine and was continuing to vomit. We raced back to the vets and they hospitalized him and began running a battery of tests. They started him on IV fluids and nutrients along with antibiotics. They took regular x-rays to check for any foreign objects that could be blocking his digestive track. His temperature and blood work came back normal, but the x-rays couldn't show a clear picture because he was too gassy.

The next morning they ran a barium test, in which they make Jake swallow a milky chalk liquid and track it with a series of x-rays as it makes its way through his system. This normally takes 4 hours for it to reach his hind end, but after 4 hours the barium still hadn't left his stomach lining. It was clear at this point that there was some sort of blockage between his stomach and his intestine. They rushed Jake into surgery within the hour.

A few hours later I get a phone call that the surgery went well, but unfortunately there were no foreign objects found. The problem was that Jake had a severe viral infection that had attacked his intestines and it was so inflamed and that it had basically swollen shut. This virus attacks the lining of the intestines and makes it slough off, which is why he was passing blood in his stool. With the intestine lining missing, any other bacteria that is in his stomach is then allowed to enter the blood stream and attack the rest of his body/organs. Its a serious condition.

They sent a biopsy of the intestine to the lab, which wouldn't have results for 4 days and by then we would know if Jake has a significant chance of survival. They adjusted some of his medication and we were told that all they can do now is keep him alive long enough for his body to fight the virus. There was no cure. They can treat symptoms (diarrhea/vomiting/dehydration)but he just had to make though long enough to begin recovery. The intestine lining should grow back within 3 to 4 days and then he should be on the road to recovery. Our fingers were crossed.

They continued doing blood work every 12 hours to track his progress and make sure he wasn't going downhill. They also tracked his temperature and physical characteristics. By the next morning he was recovering beautifully from his surgery but his white blood cell count had gone from normal, to extremely low, which meant the virus had begun attacking his bone marrow. He had also developed a slight fever. They keep pumping him with fluids and we all hoped for the best.

It was a surprise to all of us when the next mornings blood work revealed that his white blood cell count had begun to rise again. His fever had diminished and he looked a little brighter. He still was still throwing up and having diarrhea but for the first time we were able to be a little hopeful that he was getting better.

Rob and I went to visit him that afternoon and I couldn't help but cry when I saw him. He was lying down in his kennel and barely had the energy to wag his tail when we got there. We recognized us, but had a hard time lifting his head. I just felt so helpless. We stayed with him for about 45 mins, telling him how much we love him and can't wait for him to come home. We talked to him about Ali and his toys and how he needs to keep fighting because we need him and miss him terribly. I had a difficult time sleeping that night and getting the images of him so helpless and weak out of my head. I was very concerned. The vet continued to encourage me not to give up because if he thought for one second that fighting wasn't going to be worth it, he would tell us. He couldn't guarantee anything, but he was remaining very positive that Jake would have a good outcome.

The next morning I got a call that Jake was looking and feeling better, but unfortunately had developed jaundice. This symptom was not consistent with the bacterial enteritis that he was fighting so the vet was confused. They took a blood sample and sent it out for testing because they suspected he may have developed Addison's disease. (a disease of the adrenal glands that affects the cortisol hormone. Which meant he wouldn't be able to naturally produce the stress hormone and antibodies required to fight illness. Its highly treatable with steroids, and if he did have it, it meant he was pre-disposed to getting it and the surgery/virus had brought out the early on-set of it)The results would take 24 hours.

Friday afternoon arrives and we head out to see Jake again and meet with the vet. What a difference two days can make. Jake was able to stand right up when we got there. Tail wagging and there was some light in his eyes. He was still obviously weak but thrilled to see us. I sat on the floor beside his kennel and he basically crawled into my lap. His scar from surgery was healing nicely and he hadn't had diarrhea is almost 24 hours. It was a good sign. After talking with the vet we were even more excited to find out that the tests for Addison's came back normal, which means he did not have the disease! Yay!

The only remaining concern was the jaundice. This meant that his protein levels were very low in his red blood cells and the walls had broken so the colour was leaking, causing the yellowing of the skin/eyes. In order to fix that, he would require a blood plasma transfusion to up his protein levels. The transfusion would take place that night.

Which brings us to today... When I called this morning Jake was more alert, he had finally begun drinking on his own and he did eat a tbsp of food for the first time. He did throw up twice, but given that he hasn't had anything in his stomach for over a week now, and that his intestine is not fully healed, that's to be expected. He seems to be getting better day by day so we are hopeful that in a few more days, after he starts fully eating and drinking on his own, and is no longer throwing up or having bloody stools, that he will be able to come home in better health.

Its been a terrifying ordeal and one full of ups and downs, but it also has made Rob and I even closer and stronger as a couple. We thank all our friends and family who have sent well wishes over the past week and we continue to remain positive that he will continue improving. Can't wait to have my baby boy back home.

Just Checking In!

I had my monthly OB appointment today. The heartbeat was a strong 135 bpm and my uterus was measuring 30 weeks (but i'm only 29) so she is growing quite well in there. I finally have gained a few pounds. I put on 4 lbs, pretty much all baby since she is now 3 lbs herself.

Rob was able to attend and we got to discuss some of our birth plan wishes with the Doctor. He is on the same page as us in terms of immediately putting the baby onto the mom's chest so bonding and breastfeeding can take place. He asked me to bring in my written plan next visit so we can discuss if there is any areas were we may not be able to accommodate my wishes.

My next visit is in 3 weeks, and the visits following that will be 2 weeks apart and then every week as we approach the due date. Things are finally starting to get near the end! Only 10 weeks max to go!

Pregnancy Shot

This photo was taken a few weeks ago but I didn't have a chance to post it. It was framed and brought to the baby shower so guests could write well wishes to the baby on it and now its hanging in her room. Her Mom and Dad will always be watching over her and she'll always be able to see how much she is loved by everyone.

The Doula Decision

Recently Rob and I have been discussing the option of hiring a Doula to attend the birth. For those of you who don't know what a Doula is, they are basically a support person who is there to advocate for the mother and provide support by encouraging the mother to use relaxation techniques during labour and delivery. Statistically speaking they lessen your chances of needing a Cesarean section, lessens the length of labour, lessens your need for forceps & vacuum delivery, lessens the use of medications needed and lessens your likelihood of developing post partum depression. Sounds pretty good right? Unfortunately the only drawback is that they charge for their services (and rightly so... its a lot of work) and the cost can range from $250-$1000, which is a significant expense for someone who doesn't actually deliver the baby.

We met our potential doula a few months ago at a Prenatal Health Fair. She was set up there with a table all about breastfeeding. She is a certified Lactation Consultant and the leader of La Leche League in our area. At the health fair she answered several questions I had about breastfeeding and was very personable, approachable and Rob and I immediately liked her. We didn't know at this point that she was a doula. A few days later we started our prenatal classes only to walk in and discover that she was the instructor of the 7 week course. A very pleasant surprise.

Over the last 5 weeks we've been able to develop a very close relationship with her and she's kind of taken on a maternal role in our lives just because she's so approachable and informed on all things baby related. She has some pretty strong convictions (which we agree with) which are based on years of experience being a doula, as well as being a mother of 4.

Recently as part of the course homework, we had to create our birth plans, basically a list of wishes for our labour and delivery experience. After taking several hours going through item by item, Rob and I discovered just how difficult it may be to make sure the Ob/Nurses acknowledge our wishes. Sometimes they have their own agenda or are in a hurry to get their tasks done, and can overlook the importance to the mother of certain issues. We also realized that given how intense, long and painful labour can be, we may not be coherent enough to make decision at the time and may agree with a nurses suggestion out of pure delirium instead of really wanting what she's suggesting. What we needed is someone who will stay calm amongst the chaos and will advocate our wishes when we are unable to do so for whatever reason. That's when we first heard about a doula.

We've now spent a few weeks discussing it and our list of positive benefits is growing even longer. In terms of pain management, if at any point Rob is too exhausted or in desperate need of a break, there would be someone there to take over, even better that it would be the person who taught Rob what to do! The real benefit we see is that she could speak up for us. She isn't afraid of a nurses reaction or offending the OB (whom she actually knows quite well) and we know that she would tell them exactly what we want. For instance, we've really learned the importance of breast feeding immediately after the baby is born, not 20 mins later after they have cleaned the baby off, weighed it, measured it and wrapped it.. it needs to happen when the baby is first born so you can have skin to skin contact. Its proven to help de-stress the baby since it finds the mothers scent comforting and the skin to skin helps regulate temperature. There is no reason the baby needs to be over in the corner bonding with the nurse for 20 mins when they can suction and check the baby's colour right there on your chest. Small things like that are important to us, but we may forget to mention that until its too late.

We're still wavering currently only because of financial reasons, but every day we lean more and more towards hiring her. She's there for the entire labour and delivery experience and she also comes back and helps you after wards at home to make sure the transition is going well. Plus the fact that she is a lactation consultant means any difficulties I may have in that area would be dealt with immediately and not 2 or 3 days later when I can get an appointment with the hospital consultant.

Some people consider a doula a luxury expense, but considering what you spend on a crib, swing, stroller, bouncer, high chair, jolly jumper, and everything else, whats a few hundred dollars to have peace of mind knowing your wishes will be met and your baby got off to the best possible start?

28 weeks!

Officially into the last trimester now. Getting closer!

Product Testing

Many soon-to-be parents worry about bringing a baby into a home with a dog. Will the dog be jealous? Feel outta place? Be angry or sad that a new little person is stealing all his attention?

Being that Jake is an incredibly important member of our family, we have done a lot of research online, as well as spoken to dog trainers about how to make the adjustment as easy on him as possible. All the professionals say the easiest thing you can do is keep your dog involved in everything going on and make sure visitors don't ignore him when they come over. So that's what we've been doing.

Anytime something for the baby comes in the house, Jake gets to smell it, inspect it and get to know what is appropriate for him to do with each item. He is quite curious about everything going on in her bedroom and he is right there trying to help me unpack new items, make her bed, put away her clothes, inspect her new noisy toys and everything in between.

Jake has been incredibly well behaved in all areas of adjustment so far, and we can honestly say that we are not worried about bringing the baby into the house. He is already fantastic with my niece and nephews and whenever he sees a little kid on the street or playground he wants to go right over and say hi. He is particularly fond of strollers right now and the babies that are in them. I'm actually quite excited to know that Alison is going to get to grow up with a fantastic dog for a pet/big brother.

Fantastic Baby Shower!

Its been a busy few weeks, so I haven't had a chance to blog lately, but needed to get on here to write about my amazing baby shower that was held at the beginning of November.

First off, I'd like to thank my wonderful friends and family for all the fantastic gifts we received. It was great to see everyone and spend some time catching up. Special thanks goes out to Jess for organizing the entire thing. I was delighted when I arrived and saw all the decorations, the diaper cake and the games she had planned. The soon-to-be grandma's helped with the food (which was delicious) and my dear friends Sarah and Kelly helped with games, presents and bringing cameras and the amazing cake.

As mentioned we got some amazing gifts! We got receiving blankets, adorable outfits, handmade blankets, a stroller and carseat combo, shoes, hats, a memory book, diapers, wipes, a bouncy chair, bottles, bath products, toys and so much more. It really really helped us start our collection of all the things you need for when baby arrives. We were also lucky enough to receive some gift cards which we used to purchase a playpen, snugli infant carrier, diaper bag, swing, exersaucer, bathtub and various small items we needed. We finally are beginning to feel ready for our little girl to make her appearance.

Thanks again to everyone for making my shower a memorable event. I feel lucky that I have such a wonderful support network of friends and family. Love you all!

26 Weeks!

I officially can no longer see my feet, which makes tying shoes incredibly difficult. I cant believe how much she has grown in the last 2 weeks!