Baby Journal 2

Baby Journal 1

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I develop this bout of pain in my back this fateful evening and suddenly collapses and become unconscious. I am quickly rushed to the hospital in my unconscious state and I lie helpless at the hospital bed for three nights undergoing treatment. Just like other days, after gaining consciousness, I feel rejuvenated and wear my usual smile of hope knowing that all is going to be well. It is now three years since I was diagnosed with epilepsy. This disorder interferes with the nerve cells of the brain causing seizures. The epileptic condition was a result of a stroke I had suffered some years earlier. Sadly enough, this was the direction my life had taken. The seizures could attack me anytime anywhere.

“Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Johnson, you are expecting a little angel. You need to be more careful now”. These were the words of the nurse to me and my husband. She could not hide her joy. She was all smiles. On the contrary, I did not know what to do; I was in a state of confusion simply because it came as a great surprise. It was a mixture of feelings because I was not aware of the pregnancy. We left for home after the disclosure of my three weeks pregnancy. ‘Welcome to the world of parenting” I could hear imaginative small voices speak in my head. I had to take up the task and journey through it bravely.

During one of my clinic visits, in my third trimester, it was found that my fetus was exposed to a teratogen as a result of the frequent seizure attacks that I had. This got me in dismay, as I could not believe the doctor. It was a shocking revelation. The effects on the fetus were decreased oxygen, early uterus and placenta separation, and fetal injury. Fortunately enough, I was put under serious medication in my last trimester, and a lot of care was taken to ensure the safety of the fetus. I had to be hospitalized for the whole of my last trimester to ensure both my safety and the safety of the fetus. For the last three months, I held my breath and I kept reassuring myself that all is going to be fine and work out for our good.

Finally, on the morning of November 2nd, we safely welcomed the little Harmony home. Joyfully, I sighed holding her close on my chest with my eyes wet. She let outcries and the whole scene seemed like a movie to me. On beholding her, I knew it was a journey worthwhile. Harmony’s APGAR score was 5. The doctors said that the low APGAR score was a result of decreased oxygen. Oxygen was held under her nose and her five-minute score rose to 8. Haromy had sandy red hair. APGAR score usually measures the infant's color, muscle tone, heart rate, reflex response, and breathing. It is measured on a scale of 1 to 10. A better APGAR score should be more than 7.

Gladly after my delivery, I thought the journey had come to end, little did I know that I was committing to start another journey in parenting. Five days after the delivery, the pediatrician scheduled an appointment and first check-up for Harmony. Several checkups were run on her. Harmony's weight was on the 50th percentile and her height was equally on the 50th percentile. Harmony, therefore, was in the middle of the normal range both in height and in weight. This simply means that there was no cause of alarm in her weight and height. With the good news and congratulatory comments from the pediatrician, we went back home determined to give Harmony the best of our care.

Gradually, during her 8 months, Harmony started her fine motor skills. She could reach objects grab and try putting them in her mouth. Likewise, she could pick and be able to drop toys and move them from one hand to another. As a mother, this was an interesting transition to behold. Nothing thrills like seeing a smaller version of you grow with your nurture and care. Today, Harmony is two and she expresses gross motor skills. She crawls, sits, throws a ball, and runs short distances. Harmony has a melancholic temperament. She is self-reliant, anxious, and reserved. Parenting is fun, at times tedious and enjoyable. The little creatures are fun nurturing!