Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Big sister Kaiyah
Here's what Kaiyah's been up to:
She LOVES Amelia so much. It's so good to see. :)
Amelia's harness and other pictures
I'm finally getting around to posting some pictures of what's going on around here. Enjoy!

This is Amelia's harness. It's really not that bad, just a bunch of straps that keep her knees bent in a fetal position so that the hip stays in the socket and the bone can grow curved around it. She doesn't seem to mind it too much. It's pretty hot and gives her a bit of trouble in the gas department, but otherwise is harder for us than her. (Diaper changes can be a little tricky and we're only able to give her sponge baths). We have an appointment for an ultrasound next Monday which will tell us if/how the harness is working and where to go from here. We'll keep you updated.
Amelia LOVES to get her hair washed. She just relaxes and enjoys the pampering, even when Kaiyah "helps" wash!
When we first came home from the hospital, Kaiyah found my breast pad, calling it a "hat", and put it on Amelia's head. Too funny: )
Amelia's hair gets crazier all of the time! I thought that she looked like Elvis with her puffy wave on top! I entitled this picture "Hunk of Burnin' Love". Ha!

Cutie head! She loves to be cuddled in soft, fuzzy blankets.
Chris' parents gave us this outfit when Amelia was born. It was so cute, but unfortunately, she was only able to wear it once and only for a few hours at that! (She had a diaper explosion while we were going to pick up my Mom.) The next day she got her harness and is no longer able to wear things with legs. Oh well. Maybe we'll have another girl and can try it then... but that won't be for a while! ;)
This is Amelia's harness. It's really not that bad, just a bunch of straps that keep her knees bent in a fetal position so that the hip stays in the socket and the bone can grow curved around it. She doesn't seem to mind it too much. It's pretty hot and gives her a bit of trouble in the gas department, but otherwise is harder for us than her. (Diaper changes can be a little tricky and we're only able to give her sponge baths). We have an appointment for an ultrasound next Monday which will tell us if/how the harness is working and where to go from here. We'll keep you updated.
Cutie head! She loves to be cuddled in soft, fuzzy blankets.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Amelia's hip
As some of you know, Amelia was diagnosed with hip dyplasia in her right hip, which basically means that her hip socket isn't rounded enough and her leg will pop out of joint. This doesn't hurt her now, but can lead to uneven leg length, early onset of arthritis, and hip replacement. One of our friends, who is our age, had this issue and needed a hip replacement in his early 20's because the dysplasia went undiagnosed and untreated. All this to say that we are so glad the pediatrician found it so early. We went to the orthopedic doctor yesterday and they confirmed the dysplasia and fitted Amelia with a Pavlic Harness. The simplified description is that it's a bunch of straps that connect to socks to keep her legs in a bent position which will keep the bone in the socket. Though it looks odd and rather uncomfortable, Amelia doesn't seem to mind it too much. The only complication is that she already struggles with gas and so not being able to move her legs doesn't help the situation much. And changing diapers is a bit tricky too, but we're getting used to it. She'll wear this all of the time, not even taking it off to bathe, but if it is effective, she should only need to wear it for a few months. We have an appointment for an ultrasound in two weeks. At that point they'll be able to tell if the harness is holding the hip where it should and if Amelia's body is responding to it appropriately. If so, we'll be good and it should only take about 2 months to correct the dysplasia. If the harness isn't working, we'll try a different harness and see if that helps. So, be praying that this harness works and that Amelia's body heals. We'll keep you updated and I'll post some pics soon as well.
Monday, May 11, 2009
The wait is over: baby Amelia has arrived!!!!
After 3 weeks of contractions, 2 false labors, lots of wondering, and a couple of emotional breakdowns, Amelia Madeline Geiss was born on May 10, 2009, Mother's Day at 4:13 in the afternoon. She weighed 8 pounds and was 19.5 inches long. She is so beautiful and we fell in love immediately, but of course, we're partial. : ) Kaiyah also loves her sister and beamed from ear to ear when she held her last night. It was too cute! I'll post more details later!
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
A day late and a dollar short...
So, as you might have guessed, I didn't go into labor this weekend and Mom and Katie left Monday morning. It was really sad for me, not because I didn't have the baby, but because I wanted them to be here when I did. Unless I hold on a while longer (like until the weekend), they won't be able to come back. We'll see what the Lord has in store. In the meantime, though, we're doing well. We have amazing support here in Columbus as well, so we feel good whatever may happen. I'm resting in the peace God has given me thru all of this and know that things will turn out just as He desires. I had a doctor's appointment today and am still dialating (now to 4 cm) and effacing (90%), so the contractions I am having are productive, which is good. Baby is continuing to grow and mature in lung and brain development. We are excited to meet him/her very soon. Here are some pictures taken of me yesterday, my due date. Baby keeps getting lower and lower and I'm having more and more difficulty finding clothes that fit me.

Here's Kaiyah cuddling with Daddy the yesterday. She's been really grumpy, I think due to a runny nose and sore throat that may or may not be induced by teething her 2 year molars. She and Chris were watching a "baby video" while cuddled in a blanket (one of her favorite things to do) to help her relax. She's doing well otherwise. We really enjoy her (most of the time). :)
And here's what's happening with new baby:
Week Forty
*Much of the vernix has vanished but you will notice traces on her body.
15% of your child's body is fat. Since he hasn't learned to shiver yet, these fat stores will help regulate his temperature.
Approximately 60 - 75 percent is water!
*Your baby's chest sticks out, almost as if he's ready to strut proudly over his accomplishment!
His lungs will continue developing until birth. They are manufacturing large quantities of surfactant which works to keep the air sacs open.
*She continues to grow; her hair and nails longer as well. You may need to trim those fingernails soon after birth or protect her face from scratches with mittens.
*Small breast buds are present on both sexes.
*The baby now weighs 7.6 pounds (3462gm) and is 20.2 inches (51.2cm) long.
Week Forty
*Much of the vernix has vanished but you will notice traces on her body.
15% of your child's body is fat. Since he hasn't learned to shiver yet, these fat stores will help regulate his temperature.
Approximately 60 - 75 percent is water!
*Your baby's chest sticks out, almost as if he's ready to strut proudly over his accomplishment!
His lungs will continue developing until birth. They are manufacturing large quantities of surfactant which works to keep the air sacs open.
*She continues to grow; her hair and nails longer as well. You may need to trim those fingernails soon after birth or protect her face from scratches with mittens.
*Small breast buds are present on both sexes.
*The baby now weighs 7.6 pounds (3462gm) and is 20.2 inches (51.2cm) long.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Still Waiting!
Just an update to let you know what is going on here in Columbus. Friday night I called my Mom and Katie Jennings to come to Columbus because I was having regular contractions and other signs of early labor. But here we are, 2 days later, and still no baby. I had a couple of starts and stops, but my contractions didn't have any staying power. Oh well, baby just isn't ready yet. Every day gets us a little closer. Katie and Mom will leave tomorrow morning if nothing has happened. So, hopefully we'll have a baby today/tonight, but no promises. We'll keep you posted.
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