First Doctor's Visit

Second post in a row alert!

We were cleared to leave the hospital on Sunday on the condition that we would see the pediatrician first thing Monday. Rebekah was jaundiced. Her biliruben level was 13.8 on Sunday morning, and they were concerned that this is on the border of needing light therapy. Our appointment was at 10:30am on Monday morning, and I couldn't figure out why Mom was rushing me to get ready at 9am. Hmmm, note to people that might wonder the same: getting out the door with two littles takes FOREVER!!!!!!! (Oh, and of course this was one of those many mornings wherein I couldn't find my car keys...which were - and often are - swimming at the bottom of my diaper bag...sorry for the bitter, accusational phone call, Ryan!)

So, we actually showed up at about 10:30 just for me to recall that they wanted me there EARLY to register R as a new patient. Oops. (Did I mention that I was already in a foul mood because I didn't have any clean maternity clothes to wear, and I still look super preggo? It has NOT been cute around here.)

Back to the doctor. Fortunately, our doctor usually runs only ten minutes late. I love that about her. When they weighed and measured R they told us she was about 7lbs. and 18.5". They thought the weight loss was totally reasonable. Our Dr did a full check-up wherein she declared R perfectly healthy and ordered the blood work to test the biliruben levels. This was a stark contrast to my experience with the Methodist Hospital nursery staff who were perpetually hassling me about R's eating and evacuating habits. They had me in tears everyday. Leave it to my favorite pediatrician to tell me everything is perfect! Ahhh. Sweet relief.

The office called later Monday afternoon to tell us that R's biliruben levels had only increased to 14.2, so we were free to continue caring for her at home, as normal. Our next appointment is in two weeks. We'll give an update on any essential info at that time.

As far as other baby updates are concerned, she's still perfect: gentle, snuggly, patient, adorable. Thank God!