Paying the Price and more interesting stuff

So, Ember and Jaxen had their well child check ups on Wednesday along with the dreaded shots. Well, yesterday I notice that Ember's right arm is swollen, red, and hard. She says it doesn't hurt and she doesn't have a fever or anything so I decided that I would call this morning to see if this is normal. I call and the nurse says to bring her in so the doctor can look at it. I thought it would be something quick....nope, I have to pay my co-pay ($20) to have the doctor take a look. BIG SURPRISE. Once I pay that, then I know it is going to be a "everything-looks-good-give-her-some-benadryl" kinda answer. YEAP. Wow, the worst $20 I have spent in a long time...see what happens when you worry about your kids too much.

On another note: Last night we went in to see Owen after dinner. I had called in advance to have a lactation consultatant come by. I have been stressing lately on whether or not Owen is going to be able to nurse, how to try it, etc. Granted my other two had no problems, but they weren't born at 27 weeks either (42 weeks if you want to get specific). She comes and says we will try right now (it is his feeding time). So after pumping for a few minutes I give it a shot. He "tries", althought I don't really know what he is doing....more like an up down motion with his mouth. But, that's trying, right? LOL The consultant comes back in with a shield and shows me how to use it. Apparently many preemies do well with the shield and transition to regular BFing easier. Low and behold he did it!!!! You have no idea the overwhelming relief I had that he could do it. She said to keep using the shield till about 38-40 weeks and then try regular...if he still has a hard time, start with the shield and take it off half way....she said he can be fully breastfeeding by 42 weeks....with a bottle or two for supplement (calories to maintain weight and vitamins). But that slowly I can do BF and offer bottle afterward until he really isn't taking aything from the bottle, then we know he is getting what he needs. I can't tell you how excited I am. She also said not to try BFing at night until he gets the hang of it, we both need our sleep. So dear hubby gets baby feeding duty while I pump....mainly because it won't work the other way around!