Makena had surgery but is recovering nicely

Makena had been spitting up quite a bit. But, her big sister Karis used to spit up, too (In fact, she had trouble swallowing and would often begin choking and then vomit out the milk.) we didn't think much at first. Additionally, Lena was getting frustrated with Makena's inability to remain latched while feeding so she went to meet with a lactation consultant April 15th. We discovered that Makena had no problem latching, but rather she was purposely detaching because she was getting too much milk. In fact, she shot up from being 25th percentile weight after birth to 90th percentile at one month. The consultant gave her some tips on how to slow down the distribution of milk so that Makena wouldn't struggle as much. We hoped this would end the frequent spitting up episodes.

However, they continued into the next week. In fact, it turned into vomiting (without choking) non-stop nearly 24-hrs starting Tuesday evening (with the exception of two middle-of-the-night feedings). We called the doctor and he wanted to observe for a day thinking it could be the stomach flu. The symptoms seemed better for one night and then the vomiting returned. So Lena called back to the doctor and we were given a referral to see radiologist for an ultrasound on Friday. We wanted to rule out pyloric stenosis which is genetic and something I had as an infant. The surgery to fix it involves cutting the outside of the muscle that operates the flap from stomach into the small intestine. The flap remains closed ("stenosis") because the pylorus muscle is too thick/strong. (LINK to medical description.)

Friday afternoon's ultrasound was sent to radiologist and our doctor for review and consultation. We were admitted right then to ER for a second opinion. We waited around for about 3 hours for the doctor to show up to give us his opinion. Then, suddenly, we were advised that Makena was headed to pre-op even before the consult. Apparently, they were certain it was pyloric stenosis and wanted to operate immediately. It snuck up on us as we knew it was a possibility because I had it, but with the whole getting too much milk and likelihood of flu, it wasn't fully on our radar.

Here are some photos of her pylorus muscle before the incision, of the incision, and then after showing the membrane beneath. For frame of reference, the pylorus is about the size of your thumbnail (for small hands, the size of the last joint on thumb to tip of nail).






















All the while our babysitter for Karis needed to leave, but thankfully our wonderful roommate offered to watch Karis while we were at the "quick" doctor's appointment. Little did he know it would turn into "feed Karis dinner" and then even "give her nighttime bottle and put her down for bed." He did fantastic and he says Karis was fantastic and without fuss. (We're going to get notes from him and how to do all that without fuss by the way.)

I was pretty calm about the surgery as it is pretty successful nowadays. The surgeon performed same surgery on a couple from church a couple of months earlier. My scar from almost 40 years ago is about 7 inches long from the side of my belly button up towards my neck and comes complete with scars from staples and stitches as well as a scar in the shape of an 'x' on my ankle where they inserted the feeding tube. My niece had the same surgery 20 years ago and has a thin 1.5" horizontal scar beneath her rib cage. It's much cleaner and harder to see. Makena will have three very small scars (see last photo below). Anyhow, I was good after they whisked Makena into surgery until Lena said, "They're cutting open our baby!" When put that way, it hit home. The next 90 minutes were going to seem like days. They finished earlier than anticipated (45 minutes) and shared it was a success. Yay!

Lena and Makena were to stay at the hospital until Sunday. But since Makena was doing so well they released her Saturday night. Here are some photos of Makena post surgery.















































If you received this as an email and do not see the photos, please visit http://sweetfamilyrobinson.blogspot.com and read the actual post.

rAnDoM piCtURes of kAriS

Earlier this week, we took the girls to Petsmart to see the animals. Afterwards we went to Jerry's Dogs and Coffee Bean. It was a fun spur-of-the-moment family outing. Here is a picture of Karis enjoying a product from Coffee Bean for the first time. I gave her her own cup and spoon but she hijacked mine and worked from both of them.

We bought Karis her own sofa/futon. Secretly it was in hopes that she would stay off of our couch which she loves to jump all over (we're just waiting for a bad tumble off the couch one of these days). It didn't work but we like how she enjoys her pint-sized furniture.

Karis always keeps us laughing whether it be because of a facial expression or something she does. Here are a few examples:

The other day while I was making Karis her dinner, I gave her a raw carrot to keep her occupied. I then went upstairs. When I returned, I found her walking in my shoes with a carrot in hand. She looked like a clown!

I put Karis down for a nap today even though she told me she wasn't tired. She fell asleep in a squatting position. After I snapped the picture, she fell forward onto her face, let out a soft whimper, and then continued to sleep for 2 1/2 hours.

The other day my friend dropped off her baby while she went to an appointment. It was fun watching the two of them play together. Here is what they enjoyed doing the most.

Resemblance

Can you tell which one is Karis and which one is Makena?

You probably can tell. We have just been amazed as we look back at old pictures of Karis. When Makena was born, we didn't think she looked like Karis at all. As Makena has put on some more weight, they are starting to look very much alike!

Sisters

I would like to say that this photo represents how my girls are when they are together:

But in reality... it's more like this:

Makena doesn't cry often, but when her sister is around, that all changes. We're still trying to show Karis how to be gentle and teach her that hitting her sister is not okay.

The first few days we brought Makena home, Karis showed very little interest in her. After a few days, she was more curious and aware of her presence. Now Karis loves to run into Makena's room to see her. The first thing she'll do is squeal in delight then kiss her on the head. She'll then pat her head a couple times and before you know it she'll give a big 'ole smack on the head. Karis also likes to point/jab at parts of her face and most recently, she likes to hold her on her lap.

When I nurse Makena, Karis stays close by and hardly ever leaves the room. As much as I try to protect Makena, she often gets a beating while nursing. Juggling two young ones every day keeps me busy, but it has been surprisingly easier (not easy) than I anticipated. I'll have to share those thoughts in a later post.