a long tale of our newborn

It all started with the laundry. I bought some padding for our baby's bed that ended up having a very strong odor. Not wanting my newborn to be sleeping on such a strong smelling bed, I took the padding off and threw all of the sheets and blankets in the wash that now smelt like the potent padding. As I closed the lid I thought my water broke. I was scheduled to be induced the next day. For some odd reason I keep going into labor when I'm supposed to be induced- awesome! We called the doctor, they said it sounded like my water had broke and to go to the hospital. We quickly packed all our bags, got our sleeping little Joseph out of his bed, headed to Mike's cousin's to drop Joseph off (it is now about 11PM) and went to the hospital. The drive seemed to take forever! The whole night I had contractions and didn't get much sleep. They didn't want to start me on platosin until the morning so I could get some rest. At least Mike got some rest! Finally at 5:19PM we had adorable Andrew! I seriously felt like giving up several times during the birthing process, and once they announced his stats I felt a little more justified. He weighed 10 pounds 7.6 ounces, and was 23 1/2 inches long! They almost ran out of measuring tape. This long little guy definitely did not get my height for genes!

Welcome newest addition!

Joseph holding his new little brother

Andrew was born Wednesday, and we intended on bringing him home Friday. Thursday night our nurse kept checking Andrew's breathing, and as it seemed faster than it should, she called the doctor. He wanted an x-ray of his chest, a blood sample and a blood culture to be taken to determine if he had an infection. His x-ray showed his lungs to be a little hazy which could have indicated baby pneumonia, or could have been nothing at all. His white blood count was high, which was an indication of an infection. And just like that, they whisked my baby off to the NICU to start him on antibiotics as precaution to him having an infection. Initially they told us they had to have him there for at least 48 hours to give the blood culture time to grow anything if there was an infection. After 24 hours nothing had grown which was a very good sign. 48 hours still nothing had grown. I just wanted to take my baby home! Talking with different doctors they would give me different answers or tell me different information. After a day or two at the NICU we were told Andrew would have to be there for 7-10 days! He needed to be on the antibiotics for an infection that wasn't appearing to exist! I was very frustrated. Mike needed to go back to work and had been running back and forth between the hospital and home with Joseph. Fortunately my mom was coming in town to help out. She was coming to help with the baby, but ended up being Joseph's best friend. My mom would drive back and forth between the hospital and home, which was not a quick drive. It allowed me to spend time with my precious baby in the NICU, and still play a little bit of the roll of a mommy to my toddler. In the end, we were discharged a day early (YEAH!) because nothing ever grew in the blood culture. We were blessed in may ways during our stay at the hospital: The hospital let me stay there for FREE while Andrew was in the NICU. The nurses were so great and kind to work with. Talking to the right doctor makes a HUGE difference in how they convey the situation and make you feel about things. Andrew's breathing slowed down, his white blood count went down, and he was able to get treatment for his bilirubin he ended up developing while in the NICU. We received many dinners from members of my church which was incredibly helpful while I was still staying at the hospital. We received many prayers that Andrew would be alright, and that I would be alright as well. We are so blessed for all the help we received, and for the beautiful healthy baby we were able to bring home.

Pictures at the hospital. Lately I've been getting a lot of this when I say,
"Joseph, smile for the camera!"

my little champ during a difficult time

Andrew's quarters in the NICU. They gave him this special crib because he was too large for the others and his arms and legs would kick the sides.

Andrew with his little monitors on. This is what I look like living in the hospital for a week.

Joseph enjoying some chocolate cake with Grandma and Mommy in the hospital cafeteria while waiting for Andrew to be discharged

Yeah! Andrew is finally discharged and in his car seat ready to go home! First touch of sunlight!

Joseph with his best friend Grandma. Anytime she left the room he would call her name and ask "Where's Gama?"

Identifying the parts on Andrew's face for him

2 Week Old Picture!

Andrew with Grandma Wilson. So blessed to have both Grandma's help! And time for Joseph to get to know them both better.

Adorable Birthday cake my mother-in-law got to celebrate Andrew's birth. Joseph loved blowing out the candle. We've been practicing for his birthday.

And lastly a picture of two of my handsomes after they went to the St. Patrick's Day parade. Love them!