Sunday morning started with reports of more "dips" in the baby's heart rate, another ultra sound and more blood work. With about 4 minutes left in the Carolina game Sunday afternoon, the doctor came into the room and said she had all the results and the blood flow in the umbilical cord had begun to reverse and the baby was no longer safe inside of me - we have to get Poppy out.
The plan was to induce me and see how the baby reacted when I started having contractions. I was moved to labor and delivery, began the induction and was put on a magnesium drip to keep from having seizures. They were going to run a test to see how the baby reacted to 4 contractions within 10 minutes and if the heart rate stayed in a safe range, we would proceed with the induction, if not we would have a c-section. Once the contractions started, I learned that was another test I failed. I was no longer a good incubator for the baby. Immediately, they started prepping me for surgery and dressed Randy like the Michelin man... My family left the room and Randy and I headed to the OR.
At 8:32 pm on March 16, 2008 Ethan James Miller was born. He came out bright-eyed and beautiful. His daddy was able to be with the NICU doctors while they got him set up with a breathing tube and I got a brief look and a quick kiss before he was taken to the NICU. Ethan weighed 1 lb 13 oz and is 13.5 inches long. He the sweetest, smallest baby I have ever seen. He is everything we dreamed he would be.
Ethan came 91 days before the due date. He is only 27 weeks old. Because of his prematurity, his lungs are not fully developed and he needs help breathing. He got the tube inserted immediately and on Monday Ethan was doing great! The NICU doctors follow a protocol to move them to the least supportive method so they were going to take the tube out and move him to a bubble CPAP (I am fairly certain but probably prone to making mistakes in all this technical jargon). Unfortunately, Ethan did not respond well. His little lung collapsed and he got air around them. They had to put him on an oscillator ventilator, which is a breathing machine and insert a chest tube that constantly removes any air collecting around his lungs. This was a step backward but we understand that we are on a long ride that will have many ups and downs. The hope is the chest tube will be removed in a few days and he will come off the oscillator. The longer a baby is on these machines, the more their lungs are depend on them and the tougher it is to get them off. Ethan was on 100% oxygen yesterday and his numbers have already come all the way down to the lowest setting so he will be ready to come off the oscillator soon! What a strong boy he is!!
Last week at this time, I was admitted to the hospital. Today we are the proud, proud parents to this beautiful little boy that has completely stolen our hearts. The Lord works in mysterious ways. But how certain we are that the Lord is indeed working in Ethan, Randy and I. The huge outpouring of support and prayers brings us such comfort. I am completely blown away by the number of people who have given us their love, encouragement and prayers. We love and thank each and every one of you from the very bottom of our very full hearts.
As for me, I am doing well. Since delivery is the "cure" for preeaclampsia, I am "cured". It can take up to 6 weeks for my blood pressure, liver and kidneys to return to normal but all is looking well. If all the tests turn out okay, I will go home from the hospital tomorrow.
Ethan is here for the long haul. He must stay until he is at least 34 weeks. He was born at 27 so it will be 7 weeks minimum until they let us take him home. There are no visiting hours at the NICU so Randy and I will be burning up the road between High Point and Winston. Unfortunately, since it is flu season only Randy and I can visit Ethan. Those restrictions may be lifted in April or May but as for now, we will have to share Ethan with you through pictures. Which, I am hoping to post after I write this. You will see what a handsome little fella he is and I am sure it will be no surprise that he is sporting his Tar Heel pride!!
Please keep the prayers coming and I will continue to post here as often as possible.
With much love-
Randy, Arika and Ethan
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
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3 comments:
I'm waiting on pictures!! AND I'm going to have to get that little boy a Duke hat!! (Just kidding, Arika. Ethan, you'll learn to love Duke if you are around me, just you wait and see!)
We 4 love you 3~
Ash
Congrats Arika and Randy and welcome Ethan!!! Just wanted you to know that I have been keeping up with your blog and have had all 3 of you in my prayers!! Keep posting pictures...he looks precious! Good luck with your recovery and I will be calling you very soon!
Love, Missy
I am so proud of you and Randy and Ethan. He is just adorable and I can't wait to give him tons of kisses and love. You guys are always in our prayers, we love you all sooo much!
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