35.5 hours apart

Today was my first overnight trip away from Kristal and Ella.

The best part was not falling asleep on the drive to Chicago. A bad part was in my sleep-deprived state, I left my work computer at home. Trust me, that's a bad thing.

It's not nearly as bad as being away from Kristal and the baby. But, Kristal sent a wonderful surprise to me in the afternoon. I guess she had figured out how to e-mail photos from her I-Phone and figured it out just at the right time. I got to see my little girl.

Might as well face it, I'm addicted to Ella

It was back to work for me today. At least I was in town for the day and was able to head home for lunch. But when I got home and looked into her deep, dark eyes, it made me sad that I missed the previous five hours of her life.

Additionally, Kristal is going it alone with Ella now that our visitors are on their way back home. It's good. We will eventually need to learn to handle having Gabriella with us without being able to hand her off when the going gets tough. It sure was nice though and will be again when new visitors arrive.

Kristal's doing a wonderful job. I'd still like to be there to support her, hold Ella while she is showering, etc. I guess I still get weekends.

In the end, being at work is quite a bit different now than before. My focus has to be on work things but my thoughts are with my girls at home.

Clint and Jen visit

Kristal's brother and sister-in-law visited this weekend, but made the grave error of taking Kristal's mom home with them on Monday. Very sad. They were all great help to us both.

From Arnolds at home Week 1

From Arnolds at home Week 1

From Arnolds at home Week 1

From Arnolds at home Week 1

Gabriella's things to do

Hi, I'm Gabriella. I am 11 days old and am really starting to figure things out. Here is a look at what I am planning for my days. It is pretty routine right now, which I like.

1. Wake up from night's sleep around 8.
2. Feed.
3. Go back to sleep.
4. Feed.
5. Stay awake a little while and then go to sleep.
6. Feed.
7. Stay awake a little while longer and then go to sleep.
8. Feed.
9. Stay awake a little while and then go to sleep.
10. Feed.
11. Stay awake for a little bit and then go to sleep.
12. Feed.
13. Sleep.
14. Feed.
15. Sleep.
16. Feed.
17. Sleep.

It may look like I sleep a lot, but I'm not lazy. I just get sleepy when I am eating.

Gabriella the Diaper Slayer

Gabriella has already discovered an interesting array of ways to dispense of a diaper. Without going into all of the details (although yellow and seedy seems like a good description now), she has killed five diapers in the past six hours.

In honor of March Madness, we have offered her a point system for dirty diapers. A heavy diaper is worth three points. A medium diaper is worth two. A light diaper is worth one. We do this for urine and for poop*

• March 17: 25 points
  
• March 18: 20 points
  
• March 19: 32 points
  
• March 20: 26 points (with time left on the clock)
  

It looks like her scoring average is going up, which can only mean more dirty work for mommy and daddy.



*-We call it poop, but that yellow and seedy stuff doesn't resemble normal poop.

March Madness

Gabriella and daddy watched some March Madness basketball on Thursday, taking in the LSU-Butler game and the Northern Iowa-Purdue game.

We had Butler beating LSU in our bracket and thought that Purdue was ripe for an upset, too. We're cheering for the Boilers though.

Here's hoping the rest of the tournament goes better for us and that Purdue keeps going.

More Gabriella Photos

From Arnolds at home Week 1

From Arnolds at home Week 1

From Arnolds at home Week 1

From Arnolds at home Week 1

She makes us laugh a lot.

From Arnolds at home Week 1

Visitors

The thing that always struck me about new parents that I have met along the way is they really all seem to have it together. It always seemed like they knew what they were doing and the only help I could be is to offer a meal or a kind word.

I was wrong.

The medium/longer-term visitors we have seen so far -- Kristal's parents, Rachael and Steve Greer and, coming up this weekend, Clint and Jen Guier, have helped us get through this.

We learn about five lessons per day on how to make things better for us and for Gabriella. When we learn the lessons, we don't pay for it nearly as much with people around. Lessons like overfeeding, having her sleep too long during the day, swaddle or not to swaddle, changing her versus putting her to sleep, etc. If you make the wrong call, it means less sleep. But if there is someone else around to hold her, change her, etc., it's a gift.

Anyway, I now know that I could and should have spent more time with the new parents I've been around. I could have learned a lot more (for sure) but I could have also helped a lot. Just like I do often with my baby's noises, when I was around those new parents, I misread the situation.

So, come on over. Spend a little bit of time. Just wash your hands and don't come over sick. If you get Ella sick, it reminds me of a favorite line from Tombstone :o)



I'm kidding of course. Cool movie.

Additionally, the online visitation is also appreciated. It is such an encouragement to hear from everyone -- especially when groggily trudging to the kitchen to wash out some bottles in the middle of the night. It's just great to read that others are out there thinking of us.

Some more photos from Gabriella

From Arnolds at home Week 1

From Arnolds at home Week 1

From Arnolds at home Week 1

What's up, doc?

It actually came to my mind while we were talking to our pediatrician to ask, "Is she the cutest baby you've ever seen?" But I didn't. We pretty much stuck to the important things.

So, here were our main questions and a paraphrase of the doctor's answers:

1. How deep is the pectus indention?
Answer: Nothing to worry about. It doesn't look like much. It can change at adolescence, so don't stop monitoring, but nothing to worry about now.

2. Does she have a heart murmur like her father?
Answer: Nope.

3. She's been sleeping at great lengths at night. How long is too long?
Answer: A baby in its first few weeks should probably only go (at max) 4 hours between feedings.

4. Is swaddling ok even though the American Society for Pediatrics said it may increase SIDS chances?
Answer: There are a lot of competing theories on this. For now, she feels comforted by swaddling, so go for it.

5. Should we are should we not use alcohol on her healing belly button?
Answer: Do so and do it at least once per day.

6. She seems to be in pain with gassiness. What can we do?
Answer: Babies don't make gas. They get it one of a couple of ways. First, sucking air, usually through a bottle. Second, mommy passes it through to her in the milk. Watch mommy's diet and see what foods are increasing the gases and you will likely fix any problems.

7. How much time should we have Ella on her tummy?
Answer: Ten to 15 minutes two or three times per day.

8. Her skin seems dry now. Should we use lotion?
Answer: No. It's dead skin and will go away. Right now, it's best to steer clear of lotions.

A couple of other things to watch:

1. She should be gaining 0.5-2.0 ounces per day.
2. A temperature over 100.5 means we should call.
3. Mylicon has no side effects and may help with gas.

All in all, it was an educational visit and one that told us that Ella is doing just fine.

Gabriella in action: Day three

Pardon me, do you speak baby?

OK, it has been a rougher day today and it mostly stems from not knowing what Ella wants from us.

She cries out and we check the diaper. Once that is changed and she is still crying out, it means she is hungry or gassy. If she's still crying out after that, we are at a loss. This is where we landed today.

We kept going through the checklist. Fed? Yes. Changed? Yes. Burped? Yes.

We did discover another one tonight. She was fussing in her bed and grandpa Dean went in to check on her. He came out with a new friend. She just wanted to be held and be around people.

Every day is a learning experience. Good thing Kristal practically has high aptitude for language acquisition. She can eventually tell me what Ella needs.

Not a disaster

Kristal has always had a very organized and clean house. That desire has rubbed off on me, too, so our house is usually in pretty good shape.

Having a new baby around changes not only the ability to have an organized life but the desire isn't nearly as strong. Surely it will go back to normal a little, but right now, we just don't care as much.

Kristal's folks have been great in this area but the places only we go (bathroom, etc.) are like a tornado hit.

Instead of worrying about it though, Kristal and I are sort of laughing about it.

Photos from Day 2

From Arnolds at home Day 2

From Arnolds at home Day 2

From Arnolds at home Day 2

First crisis averted

We know that new parents are nut cases. With so many potential things to be worried about, how any of us can sleep is beyond me.

Today, Gabriella had some issues with little bits of blood in places that it shouldn't be -- at least according to us.

So, we called our pediatrician and he talked us off of the ledge. The key questions:

1. Is the baby acting normally?
2. Is the baby eating normally?
3. Is the baby sleeping normally?
4. Is the baby pooping or peeing normally?

If the answer is pretty darn close to yes on all of those, it usually means things are ok.

It's common sense but, as I suspected a bunch of times during my childhood, common sense leaves once you become a parent. :o)

Gabriella: A Guier?

Take a look at these three photos. They are photos of Rachael Greer, Kristal's cousin. There is a growing sentiment that Ella looks a lot like Rachael did as a kid. You can make your own opinion:

From Arnold Family Three

From Arnold Family Three

From Arnold Family Three

The stud behind Rachael is her daddy Roy.

From Arnold Family Three

And here is Rachael today. Cute as a button, huh?

Gabriella: What I like

I don't have a lot to say yet since it is only my first week in this world, but I wanted to get a word in on my own blog.

I like all of the people saying nice things about me on the Internet. It will be fun to read these things in a few years.

I like to burp. It makes me feel good and it makes funny noises. Tooting is somewhat cool, too.

I like to eat. I'm kind of picky. I hear I'm like mom that way.

I really like mommy. She feels great and has this really soft voice that reminds me of when I was younger.

I like to sleep. I can't say I am great at doing it when mommy and daddy want it, but when I am sleeping, I'm a tough little bugger to wake up.

I like to be swaddled. I hear the AMA is worried about me a little, so mommy and daddy only used a doctor-approved swaddle blanket.

I like to wave my arms around.

I like to bring my knees up above my belly. It thwarts the whole diaper-changing thing. Zero fun, sir.

I like to look at things. Not sure what they are but they seem neat.

I like grandma. She's way more comfortable than a crib. Grandpa is too.

(P.S. I also like the Tigers and basketball. It makes mommy and daddy happy. I'm too nervous to ask what they are yet)

More photos, including her first trip

By the way, there are a number of photos in the that I haven't specifically posted that are uploaded to the slideshow. Check it out (it's on the left).

From Arnold Family Three

From Arnold Family Three

From Arnold Family Three

From Arnold Family Three

From Arnold Family Three

From Arnold Family Three

Home, Sweet Home

I'm so glad that Kristal's folks are here. We fed Gabriella, cuddled with her and played with her and then put her to bed. A little while later, a baby was crying in our bedroom. Neither one of us made a move. We had forgotten there was a baby in the house. We thought it was coming from the TV or something.

We aren't bad parents. We're just working on little sleep and are back in a familiar place (where there used to not be a baby).

Anyway, the diaper was changed and the feeding is coming up. We love our little girl. Call it my first of many parenting errors.

Words become reality

We are in that uncomfortable period where we don't know what Gabriella wants and she isn't all that sure how to get what she wants.

Last night was long and tiring for all three of us. She was more of a snacker in the late evening, and mommy and daddy were determined to get the breastfeeding off on the right foot ... er ... breast.

So, Gabriella tried to tell us she was hungry and wasn't getting enough, but we just didn't understand. She would sleep while being held by either of us but when we would put her in her crib-like structure, she got cross and cried.

Around 1:30, about 45 ml of the supplemental formula did the trick. She went down and didn't peep for four hours.

Glorious, glorious sleep. In fact, what am I blogging? She's off getting some more tests done and probably sleeping (she took 50 ml a little while ago). I should nap.

More Photos of Gabriella and family

From Arnold Family Three

From Arnold Family Three

From Arnold Family Three

From Arnold Family Three

From Arnold Family Three

From Arnold Family Three

From Arnold Family Three

From Arnold Family Three

From Arnold Family Three

Not quite home, but close

Gabriella has finally joined us in our room. Technically, it's Kristal's room and they let me stay here, too, but let's consider it mine as well.

Gabriella spent her entire life up until now in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit due to the antibiotics she had to have.

No more IVs. No more heavy monitoring (other than her parents watching her). She's now in our room and we love it.

Welcome to almost home, baby.

By the way, our home right now is room 324 in Clarian Arnett Hospital. It's a new hospital and is gorgeous. Everyone who has visited has been blown away.

Photos shortly. Kristal has to authorize postings because daddy would post anything.

Gabriella has something of daddy's

We think Gabriella has taken a lot of fine traits from mommy. One trait she took from daddy is what appears to be a pectus excavatum (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pectus_excavatum).

She has a light sink in her chest. Daddy had one that wasn't so light that eventually required surgery. We think Gabriella won't have anything that severe, but it does make her unique.

Worried? Well, maybe at first. But god has got this whole thing under control and has placed her in the care of some great doctors.

So, if Gabriella is reading this note later on in life, "Sorry honey." Oh, and those feet look to be mine too and I am REALLY sorry for that.

New Hawkeye fan

Gabriella and daddy spent some alone time this afternoon watching the Iowa-Michigan basketball game. She wasn't very into the game but did spend a great deal of time looking at me. Actually, the same was true for me.

The game wasn't close and by halftime, she had hiccuped herself to sleep. She's so neat.

More pictures coming tonight, I promise.

Who is this Gabriella anyway?

So far, we know that Gabriella is an inquisitive sort of baby. Once awake, those big dark blue eyes are glad to fixate on even the smallest of visual cues. Mommy and Daddy are becoming the most memorable and entertaining of the cues. Mommy's voice draws great attention and comfort. Daddy keeps after the job of winning her heart and soothing her.

She talks a little bit but mostly spends her time just taking it all in. No crying or fussing -- even when getting a shot. It's not that she doesn't have the ability to cry. She's just too busy studying everything. She's got a lot to learn and might as well get after it now.

She sleeps, poops and eats, usually combining the first two. But she is willing to allow delays in fixing the problems associated with any of those three things without yelping too much.

Gabriella is now a day old. Her parents absolutely love getting to know her.

Gabriella's first photos

From Arnold Family Three

From Arnold Family Three

From Arnold Family Three

From Arnold Family Three

From Arnold Family Three

First feeding

Gabriella knows how to eat. 

Because her mom is still recovering and a woman's milk doesn't come in until day three through five, Gabriella was offered a chance to bottle feed this afternoon. She was first offered some collostrum (sort of a pre-milk mixture of goodness from mom). Ella gobbled it down like she had been doing it for months.

Then, Ella was offered the bottle of formula. She ate it, grudgingly. A whole ounce. Looks like she would prefer mom flavor. 

Anyway, the best news out of this is that Ella no longer has a tube going down her mouth and into her stomach. This means she is happier and much more comfortable. It also means we will be taking some photos of our cutipie.

Look for the photos tonight.

Gabriella's birthday

The Internet played a huge role on Gabriella's birthday. During the process of induction, pre-labor, labor, pushing and the c-section, there were breaks where Kristal and I updated our Facebook pages to keep the many family and friends informed.

The updates quickly disseminated basic information and allowed folks to sort of follow the birth from the comfort of their own home or office. 

It also allowed comments from family and friends to reach Kristal instantaneously. That support and encouragement was key to helping Kristal along during some very rough patches.

In the end, there were 13 posts and they provide a nice timeline for us...

James is dad to Gabriella Jean Arnold, 7 pounds, 9 ounces and 22+ inches long. Ella's mom is feeling better but still in recovery. 12:45 a.m.

James is a father of a baby girl. She's healthy and making all kinds of noise. 11:54 p.m. 

James Pushing didn't work. C-section coming. 10:43 p.m.

James Push time. Pray all. 8:42 p.m.

James Probably any time now. Kristal's ready. Baby's ready. I'm ready. Doctors and nurses need to get ready now. 7:50 p.m.

James Kristal is at 6 cm and the baby's in position. Doctor said she might be pushing within the hour! 6:31 p.m.

James is it's Patocin time. 4:36 p.m. 

James is watching Kristal nap while her contractions continue. A wonderful sight. 3:09 p.m.

James is 3 cm. Here comes the epidural. 2:01 p.m.

James is watching Kristal in labor. She's doing great despite the pain. 1:50 p.m.

James is contractions stronger. They actually hurt now. That's supposed to be a good thing. 12:40 p.m.  

James is water is broken. Baby coming along great. 12:05 p.m.

James is at the hospital. :o) 7:02 a.m.

Weight

We plan to teach Ella not to lie about her weight, but the scale actually told an untruth last night. She is actually over 9 pounds as the nurse had guessed last week at a sonogram. 

She's not chubby or anything. She seems long and slender to me but I'm just the dotting daddy.

We'll get some pictures posted before too long. She was all hooked up to various wires and things last night, so the photos we have now are more sad than anything. Poor Ella.

Gabriella Jean Arnold

Baby Arnold is finally here. And it's a girl!

Gabriella Jean Arnold arrived after 11 p.m. on March 10. She weighed in at 7 pounds, 9 ounces and 22 1/4 inches

She joined the world via c-section after a valiant effort by mom. That means we will be in the hospital a little bit longer than initially planned, but it appears that mom and baby are both doing very well.

Ella has already won over our hearts in a big way, and we look forward to spending lots of time with her (once we get some much needed rest).

Thank you to everyone who prayed for the three of us on Tuesday. Keep 'em coming as Kristal and Ella heal up over the next few days and weeks.

Induction day

We got up early and had a small breakfast. We were to the hospital by 7 and in the room not too long after that. 

Kristal received the induction medicine around 8. It was doing its job and by noon, she started to feel the contractions. By 2, she had dilated to 3 cm and it was time for the epidural. 

By 3, she was in a dark room with soft music playing and not feeling any of the contractions.

We kept everyone updated on the progress via Facebook and had responses from a plethora of folks, including Jennifer Parsons, Troy and Sherry Cole, Rebekah Zenn, Christy Steinmuller, Joe Herb, Rachael Greer, my sister Mimi and friends from work, school and all over. Despite being apart from a lot of family and friends, it was comforting to hear from so many folks.

We kept Kristal's folks up to date throughout the day and my mom, too. I think I woke her up with the first call. Oh well. It was a big day.

Not sure when the baby will arrive. For now, we are just glad that mom (Kristal) isn't in severe pain.