miller's hospital stay

Saturday, August 7 - Monday, August 9

The postpartum unit at St. Francis was under construction during our hospital stay, so we stayed on the B level of the brand new Children's Hospital. On the postpartum unit there are 3 large "pavilion rooms" that are available on a first-come first-serve basis for an additional $185 per night that is not covered by insurance. All other rooms on the postpartum unit are very small and pie-shaped. The rooms in the Children's Hospital are very large and even have a neat view of Tulsa. The temporary nursery was on the fifth floor of the Children's Hospital. Miller stayed in our room most of the time. However, we did have him go to the nursery for about 2 ½ hours on Sunday night so that we could try to get some sleep. Because the nursery was so far away from the B level, the babies could not be transported by parents and were not allowed to leave the mom's room without a member of the nursery staff.

Our room at St. Francis Children's Hospital.

Our first night in the hospital after Miller was born. We had wonderful postpartum nurses and techs during our stay.

We chose Dr. Knippers as our pediatrician. I had heard great things about him from several people and we were not disappointed. He came to the hospital on Sunday to see Miller and perform his circumcision. He walked into our room in his red M&M T-shirt and started joking with us about our last name. We weren't quite sure who he was at first. He was very personable and funny and looks a little bit like Santa Claus. Miller's circumcision went perfectly although he was a little drowsy for the rest of the day.

Miller's bassinet.

Miller had lots of visitors during our hospital stay-both friends and family. We are so grateful for all of the love and support! Our pastor from Boston Avenue United Methodist Church, Dr. Biggs, even visited on Monday morning.

Miller and Grandpa Curtis.

Miller with Nana Debbie.

Miller and Uncle Brian.



Miller with Aunt Krystle.


My family with Mackenzie.

Miller with Aunt Mackenzie.

Miller and Aunt Maddie.

Miller and Grandma Paula.

Miller and Grandpa Randy.

Melody and Dustin visit.


Michelle Phillips and Sutton with me and Miller.

Brad Phillips and Sutton with Colby and Miller. The Phillips are members of our Sunday school class. The Gaddis family from our Sunday school class also visited us at the hospital. Unfortunately, they came right after Miller was taken to the nursery for his circumcision, so they were not able to see him.

Miller with flowers from Orchid.

Miller with Grandma Paula and Aunt Maddie.

Miller with Aunt Maddie and Aunt Mackenzie.

My hospital stay was uneventful. I did have IV antibiotics after delivery because my labor was so long-almost 29 hours. Dr. Nilson returned from his vacation and came to the hospital on Monday morning to discharge me.

Breastfeeding was pretty difficult and painful at first. Miller didn't want to eat for about the first 24 hours and had trouble latching on. I had trouble learning how to coordinate the different holding positions. The lactation nurse at the hospital was very helpful and encouraging. She even showed Colby and me how to practice the sucking technique with Miller using a finger and sterile water.

We are so thankful that Miller's hospital stay was uneventful. He did not have jaundice or any other problems and he passed his hearing test. He weighed 8 lbs 9 ounces when we left the hospital.