NICU: Walk down memory lane

Wow it has been a busy nine months since Mr. Jack Kenneth was born! My blog is moving slower then ever but I decided that I was going to delete Facebook until I could do a mass clean out of my friends list and focus on catching up this blog. I want to eventually print this off and create a little book so I have a lot of blogging to do to catch up to our present day.

 

Update on us as of May 2014 before I start with very over due NICU stay post!

We are currently still living in San Diego California; Casey gets out of the Navy in less then seven months in which we are planning to relocate back to Texas where he will attend Texas State for his Masters degree. We have a new apartment back in the city (north park) and I can truly say I love it. It has been so nice to be close to food and parks. Arbonne is slow moving but I had one nonprofit event and will be having another in June. Ender is still wild as can be and Sophia just got out of her second heat (which lasts WAY to long). Jack is now crawling and walking along stuff___eating up a storm! But more on that later in his 9 month blog post! I am only working random temp nanny jobs right now which has been harder on us but I am still very thankful Casey is able to support us and allow me to stay home and raise Jack and continue with school online. I have been trying to take full advantage with my "at home time" and  hike multiple times a week and make mom friends while going to the pool and beach.

Oh lastly, we are still working on our credit and trying to find a house a to purchase. OH what a job that is! Trying to find something that fits both mine and Casey's needs...alright more like WANTS!

 

WAY back in July 2013 our little bean decided to come seven weeks early resulting in a little NICU stay in Marshfield Wisconsin.

 

 Facebook post July 16th 2013:
Today at 2:12pm Jack Kenneth Thompson made his appearance naturally born at Marshfield hospital. 33 weeks 4p 4.5oz 16.25 inches long. he's wonderful and healthy:)

 

 

 

117 likes and 4 shares

Emma Gabrielle: Congratulations Britt!

Amy Mulkey: Congratulations sweetheart!!!

Alexandra Hernandez: Congrats I have another cousin! Yay!

Amber Hilliker: Yayyy congratulations! So happy for you. Miss you!

Robert Platek: Congrats Brittany

Laurie Willig: Congratulations!! Jack is beautiful, Brit! Glad to hear you are all healthy too

Tricia Dolch: Congrats girl he is a cutie

Ashley White: Congrats Britt!!! Im so happy for you!! He looks precious & can’t wait to see more of him

Matt Mouw: Congrats KC and Britt!!!!!! Im very happy for you guys J

Lindsay Godwin Barnett: So happy for ya’ll                   

Kimberly Giessel: Congrats Brittany! Welcome to motherhood. It’s the best!

Jason Kremer: Congrats Brit!

Selina Campos: Congrats Brittany. Your baby is gorgeous!

Jessica Chamberlain: Brittles Swift! I just saw that you had Jack! WoW! Congratulations on a strong little guy!

Chantel Jenkins: Congrats dear!!! Miss you!!!

Tabby Swift: Does he never smile? Sheesh J Congrats momma!! I love you!!

Lizzy Marie Meinert: Congrats dear

Cheryl Wittenborn Esslinger: Congratulations to the whole little family!

Karen Brinker: Congratulations!

Andrea Driver: Congrats

Ravin Lee: Congrats

Laurie Gannon: Congrats

Rachel Malicki: Cant wait to meet little jack J

Dawn Thomas: Oh my gosh!!!!!! Congrats!

Chatel Schomer: Congrats darling!! So excited for you J!!

Jessica Weber : Wow! It feels like you just made the announcement yesterday that you were pregnant!! Congrats!!

Katie Randolph: Holy cow! This wasn’t planned to happen in WI was it?

Trisha Jimenez: Congratulations

Jessica Katherine: So greatful I was apart of your special day! Wouldn’t change it for the world! And I am one proud auntie of one lil handsome baby Jack! J I love you B and so happy im a part of your life J (yes I did cry a wee bit)

Jane Detert: Congrats Brit!! So happy for you! J sorry I missed you this week

Hailee Kay Strader: Congrats <3 he’s adorable!!! Such a cute family. I love it J

Brittany Baker: Your in Marshfield?? Congrats girl!

Derek Moore: congratulations!

Aude Mcdonald: Congratulations to you and the baby

Carla Olson: Wisconsin baby? Congratulations momma!!

Michael Hart: Congrats

Leela Klunder: Congratulations Brittany!

Breanna Tritten: OMG!

Justine  Specht: Congrats! Hope to meet the little one!

Amanda Vozka: congrats, girl he’s precious!

Michelle Bushong: Wow congrats. Good that hes healthy for being so early. Enjoy being a mommy J

Taylor Pilat: Congrats Britt J

Kim Maniero: Congrats to you both and to your new wonder!!

 

Trevor Gazes: Congrats!

Mele Logston-Colston: Awe!! Congrats on your new baby boy!!!

Shady Valdez: Congratulations Casey!!! He’s perfect

Marguerite Cowan: Congratulations! Incredible and amazing.. babies are unconditional, unspeakable perfect love and I am so happy for you!

Jami Mead: Awe, hugs n kisses to you all!! Love you!!!

Tracy Frankin: Oh wow, a little casey!! Congratulations from both of us!

Jaewon Yoo: Congrats brother!

Michael Snook: Congrats

Curtis Kirchner: Congrats buddy you’re definitely a hat guy

Kim Lockerby: congratulations bro

Luis Lopez: mini hulk

Garside Ebabe: Congrats!!

Stephanie Wheeler: Congratualtions Casey! He’s absolutely beautiful

Jami Mead: Congratualtions, he is a handsome little guy!

Kat Djordjevic: whaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

Callie Jean Iverson: Congrats!!!!!!!!

Lura Rivera: Woohoo!!!

Jennifer Mason: Oh boy! Congrats Casey.

Jimmy jay: Good work.

Mike Walent: No better feeling than holding your child for the first time. I’m happy for you big feller

Bryan Waldron: Job well done J

Payne Douglas Ivie: Oh my!!! Your are a daddy!!!

Donnie Newton: Big Congrats, now life begins….

Holly Dixon: Congrats, what a precious baby boy!

Adrian Kopejka: Congrats Casey!

Johnathan Marshall: Congratulations man

Erienne Sapp: Congrats!

Zack Kramme: Congratulations Casey

 

First time seeing little bean

First time mom sees Jack



Dads first hold

Moms first hold

Picture from first hold

 

 

 We were incredibly lucky to have Wendy and Jim Baker open their home to us for the length of Jacks NICU stay. It allowed me a comfortable place to pump every two hours and make it back to the hospital every three for feedings. It allowed Casey the access to see Jack everyday multiple times a day before he had to go back to California.

So Blessed.

 



First feeding by dad

First feeding by mom



   

     First night in NICU & First preemie outfits

Facebook post July 18th 2013:

 

Amazing update!!! Jack is coming out of his box and going to a crib. He is also going up in feedings again. Very happy morning.

 

 

 

 

 

Facebook post July 23rd 2013:

One week old

Grew over an inch

Gained one oz

Excelling while with feedings and temp. regulation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Facebook post July 25th 2013:

Baby feet and an update! Jack now weighs 4 pounds 8.8oz  and has doubled his feedings!

 

 

 

 

Facebook post July 27th 2013:
What a beautiful Saturday...Baby Jack is doing great!! His feeding tube is out!

 

 

 

 

 

Facebook post July 28th 2013:

Literally cant get enough. 12 days in the NICU and he's doing incredible! Changing and improving everyday!

 

 

 

 

 

July 30th 2013 Jack leaves NICU after two weeks

So nice to go down memory lane and look back on our little 4 pound boy! Stay tuned for NICU and Monico Visitors post AND our wedding!



Birth Story!

Well this is long over due! I had a level one ultrasound done back in July at the start of the month and everything appeared to be fine baby was about three pounds at 32 weeks I was cleared to drive to WI for a short four day vacation. The house in Texas was ready--crib set, clothes washed, nursery decorated, bottles washed, b pump ready, cloth diapers set! Daddy had just come for a visit and we had our maturity pictures done and spend our last visit before baby exploring San Antonio! 

 

River Walk

So Skye the boys and I were off on our trip Tuesday the 9th right after dropping Casey at the airport; our trip went smoothly the squealing frogs weren't to bad!! My trip home was different from any others before; I kind of hid out and relaxed in Monico with only a few visits with close friends and family.

sleeping away!!

Mrs.Helen and I

Surprised Grandma lucy with the belly

I swear we didnt plan the stripes!

One of my many visits with Rod

So excited to see me and the bump!

 We were suppose to leave Monday the 15th at eight p.m. but as the day went on the pressure was getting worse. I called Casey, my mom, and Skye and said "I think it is time." I wanted my mom to take me to Wausau but she said "no no what if it's a false alarm?!" so off we went to Rhinelander when she got home from work! Arriving at the hospital I was 2.5 centimeters dilated they told use that they would monitor me and see what would happen. "People are this way for weeks!" they said. Midnight comes and I'm dilated a little more so they started me on Terbutaline to stop the labor and I fell asleep from midnight to about five a.m. when I woke I knew Jack was coming that day so I called for a nurse and was checked at six..dilated to 3.5 cm at that point they told me they were unable to deliver a baby at 33 weeks so I was being flown to Marshfield birthing center/NICU after they started me on yet another slowing drug (magnesium sulfate 2).

mom catching a picture of helicopter before heading to meet me!

As all this is going on Casey was trying to get to Wisconsin in time for this baby. Everyone was filling in his family via phone who were in New Mexico and my close friends it was a whirl wind! My flight was 35 minutes long a nice smooth sunny ride but I was dilating by the minute in the air...Dale my pilot said "if you have this baby on my helicopter you have to name him after me" when landing I was at 5 cm; later the doctor told me if my water would've broke on its own it could've easily had Jack while flying! Casey had luckily got a flight out of San Diego and Jessica, Skye, my mom and dad were all right behind me driving down. 

I don't remember much leading up to the labor I felt like I dealt with the contractions well-- I know I was starving!!! I tried taking a bath just couldn't get comfortable. (which is to be expected right?) I remember doctor Taylor walking in and me saying "am I having this baby today?" he replied " why in such a hurry?" I said my fiance is trying to board a plane from Cali and the last hospital told me that they weren't going to stop it or induce it and then after six hours they tried stopping it" he replied "well let me check you and see your contraction sheet"....his next reply "yep were having this baby today...sooner than later!"

I remember thinking I wish Casey was there and how this was totally different from the home birth I had planned. I remember having anxiety and wondering what would happen to Jack. I was excited to see him and excited to be done with this pregnancy. I remember when I knew it was time... I threw up the only "food" they gave me in almost 24 hours... popsicles.

I had to leave the normal birthing room and go into a surgical room in-case of a emergency c-section only one person could come with and Casey hadn't arrived (he was boarding his plane from Chicago to land in CWA) so I asked my mom to join me in this experience. I can't recall the exact time but I think we went in around 1:30pm.

 Some things I remember from behind those closed doors:

1. It was extremely sterile, white, bright, and hot--nurses lined the wall to my right
2. I remember thinking that laying on your back is the dumbest way to birth a child
3. Dr. Taylor at one point told me that I wasn't really pushing I was only doing the motions
4. I remember almost passing out and they were prepping the oxygen
5. I yelled "Get his baby out of me"
6. After Jack was born I kept thanking Dr. Taylor and him telling me that he didn't do anything it was all me
7. I can say that I thought laboring would be MUCH worse

there is our little man! with is NICU doc

First kiss from mama

July 16th 2013 at 2:12pm Jack Kenneth Thompson arrived Naturally and Healthy at 4p 4.5oz 16.5in long

first kiss video!

I don't remember seeing him or kissing him (but we have pictures & video^^^^)  I think my body was in such a hormonal adrenaline relief stage I just couldn't function! They took him in another room to check him over and then sent him to the NICU we weren't able to see him until that night. I texted Casey to call me the second he landed at CWA! I can recall like it was yesterday hearing his voice asking if everything was alright and me telling him he had become a daddy to perfect little man!!!

Random labor pics:) Well that was fun..ha

random labor pics:) Support Team

Things from others around me about what they remembered, felt or experienced:

Just some of what Casey had to say:

from not to cali*

 Mom:

When you called at work I was like WHAT NO! It is too early!!! My work was like GO GO GO! I did 100MPH home!!! I took you to Rhinelander to try to down play everything that was happening trying to tell myself he wasn’t coming! I knew you wanted him in Texas at home with just you and Casey. I thought the helicopter was the best thing wasn’t nervous about that part of it. But I was overwhelmed, scared, excited but knew you were going to be safe in Marshfield.  I did 80mph all the way down once I arrived and saw you in your room I settled down and was able to relax a bit. I was very excited to be invited into the delivery room but sad because I wished Casey would have been able to make it. I thought it was so incredible to see the baby’s full head of hair and see him being born; the most precious part was watching you kiss him and see him for the first time. Some funny things I remember about the delivery room were the doctor sitting back with his arms crossed and waiting for you to “actually” push … you only swore a few times and got annoyed with me once which I thought over all was better than expected. It was a great and exciting feeling to run out and tell everyone baby jack was born! Over all I felt very blessed to be able to experience everything and attend Jack’s birth and your wedding. I think I felt every emotion possible that day. When I went to pick up Casey at CWA I had never meant him; I was waiting at airport… looking for the biggest guy to get off airplane with tattoos…I ran up gave him a hug and called him daddy!! Given the situation the meeting went well… I never shut up the whole way to Marshfield because I was nervous!! I remember telling him

“Welcome to life with Brittany…always a surprise waiting to happen… nothing goes as planned”

I felt like he was really excited ---it was almost surreal for him--- I think he was trying to digest everything on the way there. The day had been a whirlwind for him from finding out you were in labor to trying to get a flight etc.

Skye:  

"First thing that comes to mind is everything was very fast and done with a sense of urgency. I felt

that things went fairly well considering the unexpectedness of it all minus the hospital setting of course.

There were a bunch of anxious people waiting for you to get out of the delivery room or at least some news!...I was trying to find a nurse but they wouldn't release any information. As I remember Jessica was in hospital room super excited but feeling nervous as were we all as time passed. Your dad was pacing back and forth in a excited fatherly way. I remember your mom came running out in scrubs gave everyone a hug and said "baby jack was born all is well Brittany was on a rampage but did well" or something along those lines it was fast just a minute or two.

When you came back to the room you were still a little out of it but very happy and relieved that he was healthy and all had gone naturally and well.

Jessica:

Rhonda (Casey's mom)

I remember Casey calling the night before Jack was born and letting me know that you were at the hospital but telling me that it could be a week or so before Jack was born.  I remember thinking thank God you weren't on the road back to Texas and I was glad you had your family around.  I then remember Casey calling on the day Jack was born and saying you were in labor and they were sending you to another hospital and I then tried to get Casey a flight, you called me while in labor to see about getting Casey there and I remember thinking how awesome it was that you called while all this was going on to get him there. I then remember Casey working it out and getting a flight that left right away and Traci calling me to keep me informed and for that I was so thankful. Since she did that I felt like I was there and more of the experience.  I then remember Casey texting me that he was waiting to board the plane and that he didn't think he was going to make it and I cried for him but was glad he was going to be there before Jack was even 24 hours old.  The next thing I know I get a text and Jack was born I looked at my watch and Casey had been flying for only 15 minutes.  I was thankful that you were ok, that my son was on his way, that Traci had been so wonderful and that my grandson was born.

I remember the first picture I saw and I cried and I remember thinking he is a little fighter! and thanking God that you and Jack were both fine!

STAY TUNED FOR DADDY'S ARRIVAL/NICU EXPERIENCE/VISITORS

Then the wedding :)

WINNERS & GUESSES

I will be posting the last of the nursery projects soon and also belly pictures thanks for your patience with me and my blogging between washing baby clothes, crafting, school, work and helping out a friend I have been mighty busy

Guess Mama's Belly!

Holly was correct with 33inches

How Many Puzzle Pieces!

Grandpa Bill & Mema Traci were correct with 29 pieces

Name Game!

Amber came up with a stunning 11 words and good words!

Price Is Right!

Diapers: Amber and Tiffany tied

Sheet: Auntie Katie

Bottles: Mema Traci and Grandpa Bill

Random Numbers!

Lindsay

Jen, Jason and the girls

 Grandma Rhonda & Grandpa Stan

Karen and Judy!

Thanks everyone for playing! I am crafting the presents so expect them before his birth but not to soon :)

Baby Jack Guesses

Amber H:

Date: 8/16/13

Weight: 6p 9oz

Height: 19inches

Auntie Jessica:

Date: 9/2/13

Weight: 7p 3oz

Height: 21inches

 Auntie Katie:

Date: 8/23/13

Weight: 7p 5oz

Height: 24inches 

Brittany B:

Date: 8/19/13

Weight: 8p 13oz

Height: 23.5inches

Holly, Tom, and Caleb: 

Date: 8/6/13

Weight: 7p 15oz

Height: 21inches

Jacob:

Date: 8/31/13

Weight: 8p 8oz

Height: 20.5inches

Jasmine:

Date: 8/24/13

Weight: 7p 6oz

Height: 19.5inches

Jen, Jason, and the girls:

Date: 9/2/13

Weight: 6p 8oz

Height: 20inches

Josie:

Date: 7/28/13

Weight: 5p 

Height: 21inches

 

Skye:

Date: 9/1/13

Weight: 8p 4oz

Height: 23inches

Strike:

Date: 8/12/13

Weight: 6p 8oz

Height: 18inches

Summer:

Date:8/28/13

Weight: 6p 7oz

Height: 20.5inches

Tiffany:

Date: 8/1/13

Weight: 5p

Height: 19inches

 Mema Traci:

Date: 8/12/13

Weight: 7p 5oz

Height: 23inches