Saturday, February 26, 2011

Well…..He’s Here!

So proud to announce the birth of Justin on Friday, February 25, 2011 at 6:28 in the morning. He is 8 pounds and 21 inches long. He was born at 40 weeks and one day gestation.

I’ll give a birth story later but for now, please pray for our true little miracle. From the time I found out I was pregnant, I knew that this child would be special. He is already (at less than 2 days old) living up to my suspicions.

From the time he was born, I was able to hold him for maybe 15 minutes and the nurse thought he needed a little suctioning. Ended up he needed a bit more than that. After being taken to the nursery, we found out three hours later that he would be air lifted (via a jet) to UAB.

He remains at UAB now. He’s been diagnosed with Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of a Newborn (PPHN). Basically his little body wanted to stick with circulating what it needed via the umbilical cord. It is much more complicated than that but I think that is easier to comprehend. Well, once a baby is born, the nutrients and everything the baby needs no longer is funneled through that cord.

Justin needs oxygen to survive right now. Not such a bad thing considering many other scenarios there could have been. We don’t think he will need surgery because he is responding well to the oxygen and has also responded well to the weaning of oxygen.

We haven’t been able to hold him since those few minutes I held him. Brian, I am sure, is a little sad that he hasn’t been able to hold his newest son yet. Just wanted to update the blog in case anyone is looking for updates. Mama is tired and is about to go to bed. Please pray that we will be able to hold our little boy – hopefully tomorrow.  That would be nice.

A few photos:

Justin, before being taken to the ambulance and then off to the jet. The crew brought him by so we could tell him goodbye.

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One of the sweetest people, Sherry. She took care of Justin in the transport vehicles and on the plane. I asked if she would text me a photo of the jet and she texted me that plus a photo of him loading into the plane, on the ride, going to transport, etc. Super sweet person I JUST met!

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A few photos of little Justin. Long fingers and toes. With bilateral club feet. We’ll learn more about his treatment when he’s stabilized. He will need to be stable before anyone can “fiddle” with him!

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Troy meeting his brother for the first time. He waved to him and kissed the isolette.

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Our family of four. Wow! So crazy to put that in writing!

On a side note, I think Troy might look like his father…

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Troy waving bye to his brother. Troy was very sweet but was also very interested in trying to open and close the isolette. I think he would have been happy to be inside with the “bebe” as he called him.

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Grandy, Memama, Jeff and Amy came to visit. They were on “Troy” duty and it was so wonderful to not worry about him!

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Papa John and KK came and stayed a while. My Mom, I think, was on “Elyse” duty :)

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8 comments:

Brian said...

Not that you've had anything else on your mind, but he was born at 6:28! :)

Leigh said...

Beautiful boy! Praying for him!

Mommy and Daddy said...

Praise God from whom all blessings flow. We love the new family of four... everyone one of you!

Runnin' Mommy said...

He is precious! Love the picture of him with His pacifier. He looks so peaceful! We are praying for this sweet boy! He was WONDERFULLY made!

beth huddleston said...

Congratulations on your sweet baby. Those pictures are just precious. I am praying for y'all as well.

Unknown said...

Elyse...I quit blogging and just recently I started following up with other blogs. The first time I got on and checked your blog it was the blog where you first told about the club feet etc. and I have been checking in since then.

I just wanted to write a comment and hopefully a little encouragement. God bless your family!! I will keep you in my prayers....and by the way, you look great!

kat

Amy said...

Oh Elyse! I just checked your blog and CONGRATULATIONS! You have two beautiful little guys! I will be praying for your family.

Kendall said...

He's beautiful Elyse! You will be in my prayers. Welcome to the clubfoot club :) If you have any questions on his upcoming treatment......feel free to ask.