Ear Tubes

I know I haven't posted a while -- no kid updates, life updates, general rambles... I always have them & have every intention of getting them on here, but the thoughts usually occur in the shower, while driving, or some other situation far from my computer. By the time I get home, normal life gets in the way of sitting and getting those thoughts out. Anyway... on to today's blog. :)

Hayden has been having a problem of chronic fluid in his ears. Whenever he gets "juicy" - as the ENT called it - the fluid in his sinuses heads straight to his ears. Sounds familiar to me, as I've been battling the same problem for 30 years as well. I can control mine with Flonase, and we tried Nasonex with Hayden for 6 weeks. Didn't work... in fact, the fluid was worse because he got a cold during that time as well. And an infection was developing. He's actually only had 4-5 infections diagnosed in his lifetime, which isn't bad; however, he also never gives us any sign that he might have an infection so there could've very well been more.

After a recheck with the ENT after the Nasonex trial, they deduced that he did have some hearing loss from the fluid and wanted to put in tubes. I agreed, since it was decided that I wouldn't get tubes at a young age and almost had to get them at age 25. I figured... let's take care of this now, since I have scarring in my ears from all my problems. We took him in the morning for the very quick procedure. In and out in 12 minutes - lots of fluid drained from both ears and the tubes put in. He was grumpy coming out of the anesthesia (very normal), but after getting home for some breakfast he was much happier. He's now napping so he can rest up, especially after getting up 2.5 hours earlier than normal!

I hope he continues to do well the rest of the day. Carter and Lauren are at their grandparents' house for a long weekend so I can solely focus on Hayden today. Thanks to everyone for their thoughts and well wishes!

Welcome to the World, My Baby!

Hayden Thomas Wolf arrived this morning at 10:30am. He weighed 9 lbs 10 oz and was 21.5 inches long. He's got lots of dark hair and is such a blessing!

Labor was quick and without incident. I got to the hospital at 6:30am and got the paperwork filled out. Dr Stowell came in around 8am to do a check -- I was almost 5cm and he broke my water. He said he didn't know what was holding him in there! The contractions got stronger from there... I got up to walk and they got even stronger. I got back to my room and just sat and labored, no pitocin needed! In about an hour they were really strong and I thought, "Okay, maybe I can't do this." So I asked for an epidural, but then the next contraction I knew it was too late... They were hurrying to get the doctor in the room, making me breathe through them so I wouldn't push. He let me push as soon as he was ready, and Hayden was out in 3-4 contractions. Without an epidural, you have more incentive to push harder! :) All in all, 2.5 hours of labor and a healthy, beautiful boy!

We forgot the USB cable for the camera, so Matt will get some pics uploaded tonight. I'll post one here when I can. Need to get baby woken up to nurse... :)

Welcome to the World, Logan Robert!

Logan Robert Crutchfield was born just after 6am this morning. He weighed 8 lbs 10 oz and was 22 inches long. He has dark hair, long fingers, and long feet! Both mom and baby are doing wonderfully after an easy delivery.

Congrats to Amanda and Tim, and to big brother Ethan! We're excited to meet the new little guy, and Carter & Lauren are excited about their new cousin. :)