Monday, June 28, 2010

More answered prayers

Our pediatrician called today to tell us that she had gotten the results of Anderson's chromosome testing. Those of you who have been praying and following this story won't be surprised to hear...

it was all NORMAL!!!

You see, when a baby is born without a Corpus Callosum, there usually are other disorders, abnormalities, and problems associated with it. Chromosomal abnormalities or deletions can be the cause of the CC missing, or can show that other things are involved- and with the chromosome problems, the symptoms are on the more severe end of the spectrum. This is why they did the test on Anderson when he was born- the chromosome test can give more information as to what is going on-before symptoms arise. BUT...since his is normal and nothing showed up out of the ordinary, this confirms that there are no other disorders to go along with it.

In fact, as I read back over his medical notes from Vanderbilt, I realized that even though they have diagnosed him with ACC (Agenesis of the CC), they aren't sure themselves whether it is there or not...the large cyst made it difficult for many things to be seen, so they made the diagnosis based on the appearance of other things in his brain that tend to go along with ACC. So we really don't know what all is going on- what is there, what isn't there- and we probably won't know until they do another MRI...which hasn't even been scheduled.

For me, it doesn't really matter. He is doing so good right now and so far all of the information we are getting is so positive and reassuring. That's all that matters to me. All Jamie and I have ever wanted through this is for Anderson to be able to live a life with some type of "normalcy". Once he had his surgery and we were able to come home, he has not been any different than when the girls were babies. He eats, sleeps, dirties diapers, and when he is awake he is alert and takes it all in. He loves to be sung to, and when you talk to him he is already trying very hard to "talk back"...he hasn't really gotten any sound out yet, but boy does he try! He is a sweet baby who has already blessed our family tremendously and has shown God's power to many people. We are thankful for everything we have received so far, and continue to thank God for everything he has already done and will continue to do.

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Doing Great

Anderson went back to his pediatrician this morning to recheck his weight. He is now up to 8lb 9 oz, which is 2 oz heavier than his original birth weight!! Yippee! Gaining weight is good for any baby, but it is especially so with Anderson- because feeding is actually a neurological activity. Many babies who have developmental issues neurologically cannot feed and have to be fed through a feeding tube. However, Anderson is doing great drinking his bottle and is continuing to gain weight each day. I am so thankful for this!

We also got other good news today at his visit- his doctor examined him and then looked at me and said "Honestly, Andrea. If I didn't know his story and couldn't see the scar on his head from his surgery, I would not know that there had been any concerns with his health. He looks great developmentally and is doing everything a "typical" 3 week old baby should be doing. He might just be God's little miracle baby."

You have no idea how wonderful it was to hear that. I knew that Jamie and I had not noticed anything different about him than our other girls as babies, but we also knew we weren't doctors and might be overlooking something. We are so thankful that Anderson is doing so well. We continue to pray daily for his development. We feel God has already blessed him and will continue to bless him. Thank you for helping us pray...God has already answered many prayers.

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Could not ask for more

I thought I'd update with a few pics to show you how well Anderson is doing. Jamie and I feel blessed beyond measure, and we know that God is present and answering prayers every day. Anderson is already doing things that make us look at each other with amazement. We already feel that he is going to do way more than any of the doctors think he will do.

He is a good eater. His weight was up to 7lb 14 oz this past Monday, which was up 6 oz. from just the Friday before. We will go back next Monday just to be sure he is continuing to gain- hopefully he will be back up to his birth weight of 8lb 7oz.

He is a great sleeper! He sleeps anywhere from 3 to 3 1/2 hours at a time and 2 nights in a row he has gone 5 hours between feedings at night. I am loving this and hoping it doesn't change- unless it's for the better!


He HATES bath time! We are still having to do sponge baths because of his incisions from the surgery as well as the fact that stupid belly button still hasn't fallen off! That thing is annoying! He screams his way through his bath but as soon as I wrap him up and pick him up, he is perfectly calm and relaxed.


His big(gest) sister still thinks the world of him and stays pretty close to his side. The newness has worn off some, but both sisters still think he is pretty special.

Here are some pics from his surgery. The incision on his head is where the shunt and valve are placed. You can see where whoever shaved his hair for the surgery got a little "razor-happy". But the incision is about 3 cm long and at the base of his head where it meets his neck, you can see what looks like a knot- which is actually the valve piece of the shunt under his skin. Once he regrows his hair, you won't be able to see any of it. He also has an incision on his abdomen right above his belly button. This is where they cut to pull the shunt piping down into his abdomen to allow the fluid to drain.




It has been frustrating not being able to get him out, or to be able to have many visitors. We are anxious to be able to get him out so that all of you who have been praying for him can see him in person and be amazed at what he is already capable of doing. But we also understand the seriousness of getting an infected shunt, so we are following doctor's orders. Until then, I guess the pictures will have to do. Thanks again for the continued prayers and support. Things are going so well right now, we could not ask for more.

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Settling In

Just wanted to do a quick update. Anderson is doing great. He seems to be getting adjusted to being home. The girls are so excited and very helpful (kind of). I'm wondering when the new will wear off because right now they can't get enough of him. They are in his face, trying to shove his passy in his mouth everytime he makes a little noise. Whew. He does seem to be taking it well so far and not getting bothered too badly. We'll see how long that lasts!

He went for his first visit with his Pediatrician today. Everything looks good right now. He hasn't gained weight yet, but they feel that the loss of fluid and the surgery are probably contributing to that. We will go back at the beginning of next week to see if he gains weight. He is eating really good, so hopefully when we go back his weight will be higher.

We are getting adjusted to having a new baby. So far it has gone well, but Jamie has to go back to work on Monday so we'll see how well I do next week...Wish me luck!


Wednesday, June 9, 2010

HOME!

Yes, you read that correctly...we are HOME. We had no idea that there was even a possibility of us going home today. But when the doctors made their rounds this morning at 11, it was decided that Anderson was doing so well, there wasn't anything they could do for him at the hospital that we couldn't do at home.

So we loaded up, got the paperwork, and headed home.

The doctors did ask that we be very careful about trying to ensure that his shunt doesn't get infected. An infection in a shunt is a pretty serious thing, so the doctors have asked that we do a lot of hand washing, hand sanitizing, and try to limit Anderson's exposure to a lot of visitors. They would like for us to try to keep him away from germs as much as possible. I know that you all understand and want what is best for him also.

So, we are going to get settled in. I am going to prop my swollen feet up and snuggle with the girls- who are excited to have their baby brother, momma, and daddy home. We thank you again for your prayers and support. We will continue to keep you posted of how Anderson is doing, but as for today God has answered all of our prayers and we are grateful beyond measure.

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

At a loss for words...

This is Jamie. What an amazing journey this has been, and it has only just begun!

I want to express my sincere appreciation for the prayers, calls, comments, and text messages we have received. I am humbled and to be honest at a loss for words. I do not feel adequate nor deserving to be blessed with a beautiful healthy family. God is truly in control and knows our every need!

From the time Anderson was born, I have read all the comments on this blog as well as the comments on Andrea's Facebook. There has not been a day go by that I wasn't moved to tears. Tears of joy, sadness, and love.

I am amazed at the support we have received since we were first told about the condition. You guys have stood beside us through this journey and it is my hope you will continue. Your beautiful comments, encouraging words, and most of all your prayers to our GREAT GOD has been so powerful!

We could not have asked for today to have gone any better. I am anxious to get home and spend time with our beautiful girls. Can't wait to see what God has in store for Anderson. All praise and glory be to our God!- Jamie

Of couse I have to add my two cents worth...

Just as Jamie said, we are completely humbled by the love, support, and prayers that we are receiving from so many people. The past week has been full of ups and downs, but just being able to log on and read the comments on the blog and facebook always lifted our spirits. We knew that with that many prayers going up on Anderson't behalf, things were going to be okay.

I am so glad that I have been able to share this experience...when we first found out that something wasn't right on the 20 week ultrasound, I really debated on whether or not to share it with everyone. No one ever wants to hear that something is wrong with their baby- so the first reaction is to try to keep it quiet so that no one will know. But something told me that I needed to share it so that the few friends and family that we had who read the blog could pray for the baby. As I sit here tonight, I know that was the best decision ever. We absolutely could not have made it through this pregnancy or through the events of the past week without each one of you by our side throughout the journey. And this journey is not over. In fact, it is just beginning.

One thing that I want to ask from each of you. Jamie and I are determined that we are not going to "label" Anderson with any type of disability or say that he "can't" or "won't" be able to do certain things. We are going to allow him to prove to both us and the doctors just exactly what he CAN do. We don't want him treated differently than any other baby. We don't want special attention. What we do ask is for your continued prayers, continued support as we know we will face challenges, and continued understanding. We are going to take one day at a time. That's all we can do. We refuse to sit and worry about the future. What we will do is get all of the help and support that we can for Anderson and work with him to make sure we give him every opportunity to have a wonderful life.

So far tonight, Anderson is doing great. He has been able to drink 2 bottles since surgery and is scheduled for his 3rd at 11pm. They weren't sure if he would be able to drink at all, so this progress is wonderful! Right now he is resting peacefully, but they are having to keep him on medicine because they said he will have some pretty bad headaches for awhile from the release of the pressure on the brain. So tonight we pray for a restful, painless night for him. We pray that tomorrow will bring more progress and that we will hear the words "going home" in the near future. Thanks again...we will never be able to thank each of you enough. God is great and he has proven his healing power once again today.- Andrea

Surgery is Finished!

Dr. Tulipan just came out and told us that the surgery is finished and that everything went just as planned- no problems. They are waking him up and as soon as he gets to recovery they will come get us. Thank you for your prayers. We are relieved that the procedure is complete---now on to recovery.

Update

Anderson has been taken back to surgery. The anesthesia team took him back around 10:20. Once he is sedated and has his breathing tube in, the procedure should take about 30 minutes. We will keep you posted. Please continue praying.

Feelings

As I type this, Anderson is sleeping peacefully. We are being as quiet as possible so we don't wake him because he is HUNGRY and can't have anything to eat. His surgery was originally scheduled for 9:30 but we have already been bumped to 11:30. I know it's a good thing that he is not considered an "emergency" case, but I hope someone takes into consideration that he is only a week old and doesn't understand why he can't have a bottle. (maybe that is just the mommy in me!)

Jamie and I were able to get a sleep room at the hospital last night which consists of a twin bed and a reclining chair. At least it had a shower in the room, which meant more to me than a comfortable bed because right now sleeping is not something I do much of- too hard to get comfy after the c-section and too much on my mind. A good hot shower is absolutely necessary, though.

So the big question is "How are we feeling?" This morning I have lots of different emotions going on (and the post-pregnancy hormones aren't helping much.)

My first emotion is sadness- It breaks my heart to see this little fella get poked, prodded, have IVs started, blow veins, do more IVs, wear a mask so that he can be under the billiruben lights, and know that he will be intubated for his surgery. One 1 week old today and it has been a rough start for him.

I also have a little bit of worry- I know that I shouldn't worry, but I can't help it. As a mother it is hard to know that your precious newborn will soon be put to sleep, intubated, and have a tube put through his skull to drain fluid from around his brain. The tube goes from his head down into his abdomen where the fluid will then be naturally absorbed by his body. Even though I know God is in control, I can't help but worry about him during the procedure.

I also can feel God's presence this morning. I know that he is with us and he is in control of the situation. It is completely overwhelming to know how many people are sending up prayers on his behalf. We have even had complete strangers sending us messages letting us know that they are praying for him. Jamie and I keep reminding ourselves daily that God has a plan. He sent Anderson into this world for a purpose...we don't know exactly what God has in store for him or our family, but we trust him.

Finally, I do have a sense of uncertainty. Even after the surgery we will not have any answers to how Anderson will respond to the surgery, whether it helped, or what his prognosis for the future will be. Basically, no one (except one person) knows what type of life Anderson will be able to lead. He may have some serious delays, or he may be completely fine. None of the doctors know exactly what the future holds in store for him- and we won't until he shows us what he is able to do.

Anderson is starting to wake up and try to eat his hands, so I am off for now to try to keep him as peaceful as possible. I will have someone in our family update the blog as information becomes available. Thank you for the prayers...please keep them going up all day today.

Monday, June 7, 2010

Update

Jamie and I have just finished speaking with Dr. Tulipan's nurse practitioner. The neuro team has decided that it is best for Anderson to get a shunt placed in the morning. We have stepped out of his room right now, as they draw his pre-op bloodwork as well as get an IV started. We have still not been moved to Children's hospital, but should be doing that in the next hour or so from the latest we were told.

We are okay- scared for our 6 day old baby to undergo surgery, but we also know that he is being cared for by the top-notch neurosurgeons and we know how many people out there are lifting him up in prayer. God will take care of him during his surgery. We know this is what is best. We still don't have any idea of his prognosis for the future, and we probably won't. But, the surgeons do feel that he will tolerate the procedure well and if he does good feeding then he could go home the next day...we will see.

So that is the latest. Please pray for the team of surgeons and pray that Anderson will tolerate the procedure well and that this will help him.

Sunday, June 6, 2010

The Ups and Downs

Tonight as I sit here and write, I have feet swollen so bad they look like one of an elephant's. Physically I have had a good day, but it has caught up to me and now I am hurting and my incision feels like it is about to rip apart. Emotionally I am a wreck. It has been a long day. Jamie and I have faced some challenges today that we never really planned on facing.

The Pediatrician over the NICU step down unit came in this morning and wanted to at least show us the films from Anderson's MRI that he finally had Friday night. There still isn't a report, because we are still waiting for Dr. Tulipan to do that tomorrow. However, seeing the pictures of your baby's head and seeing nothing but fluid where there is supposed to be gray matter (brain tissue) is pretty disturbing. Hearing a doctor say that he isn't sure if the right side of your baby's brain has developed at all is even more disturbing. Then having the doctor look at you and tell you that you should go ahead and file for disability for your newborn baby just puts the icing on the cake.

For those of you who have been following the blog, you are probably thinking one of two things: either 1.) Andrea and Jamie have not been being honest about the details of the baby's brain condition. or 2.) What? I thought it wasn't that bad. I thought we were looking at a case of fluid that may/may not need to be shunted.

I can assure you that one thing Jamie and I have tried to do whenever we blog is to be real, honest, and open. We feel that if we are asking for prayers and support, then those of you who care enough to pray deserve updates and details of what is happening.

So, that leaves question number 2, which is exactly what we were thinking as we listened to the doctor and looked at the pictures. Why are we being told different things by each different nurse/doctor/nurse practitioner that comes to talk to us? Why is no one on the same page? Does anyone REALLY know what is going on or is everyone just giving us their opinions? All of these questions have been running through my mind all day.

Basically the doctor today said that there is a cyst in his brain- a cyst that is full of fluid- lots of fluid. He feels that the cyst grew in place of the majority of the right side of his brain. So basically he thinks that about 1/4 of Anderson's right hemisphere is developed and the other 3/4 is a fluid-filled cyst. Sounds encouraging, huh? So Jamie and I had a moment of shock- I felt like I had been hit by a ton truck. It had never been presented to us in quite this fashion.

Kinsley and Karlie were both able to come to the room and get to see and hold their brother for the first time. It was so good for them to get to finally spend some time with him after waiting so long. However it was very emotional for me when they had to leave. I feel so guilty right now because I am not being able to spend time with them- they are being cared for by others, and I know they are being taken care of and are fine- but I also know they are ready to have their mommy and daddy back home and get back to some type of regularness.

So as I type this tonight, I am emotional and overwhelmed. I just want to be at home with all three of my wonderful children and be able to be a mommy for all of them. I am anxious to find out tomorrow what the neurosurgeon says about the MRI and what his recommendation is. I know that first thing in the morning we are being taken from our current room where we have been getting to spend all day and night with Anderson, over to the Children's Hospital where we will not get to share a room with him. Tomorrow is a big day...there is a possibility that surgery could even be scheduled as early as sometime tomorrow.

Jamie and I have not given up hope, even though that is what Satan is trying to get us to do. We are realistic and know that the MRI does show things to be concerned about. Jamie kept reminding me today when I would have a meltdown that God is still in control- He has a plan for Anderson. We don't know that outcome or the plan, but there is one person who does. So far on our journey we have had good days and bad days, ups and downs. Today was a down day, and tonight I feel like the little engine who could. I feel like I am at the bottom of the big hill and while I feel like saying "I think I can..." as I look toward tomorrow, Jamie has reminded me that together, along with God leading us, we have to say, "We know we can..."

We will get through this. And no matter the outcome, it will not change our love for Anderson. We think he is pretty special. We are not willing to give up on him, label him with a disability, or say that he is not going to be able to do certain things... No one knows what he is going to be capable of doing- until he reaches those points and either does/ or doesn't do them. Until that point, we refuse to give up hope. We refuse to think a miracle is impossible.

Are we concerned about his future? Sure we are. I'm not going to try to put on an act like things are hunky dorey all day long and we don't get anxious or allow ourselves to worry. We do. But we don't allow those worries/fears to overtake us. We don't allow Satan to win that battle. We have too many prayers going up on Anderson't behalf, and we know just how big our God is.

Lord, we believe. Forgive us for our unbelief.

Thank you for your prayers. Many people are asking what they can do for us- PRAY, PRAY, PRAY...that's it. There is nothing more that anyone can give us right now than this. Prayers for Anderson's well-being, prayers for strength for Jamie and I as we face the coming days, prayers for Kinsley and Karlie who don't understand why their mommy, daddy, and baby brother can't come home and who have lost all sense of routine and security.

We will try to get the word out tomorrow as soon as we know what is happening. If we can't get to a computer we will try to have someone post for us. Sorry for the long post- but I had a lot on my mind and in my heart that I wanted to share tonight. Thanks for sticking with me to the end.

Saturday, June 5, 2010

A Good Day

Today has been a great day. I just wanted to share a few updates with all of you.

The step-down NICU where Anderson was moved is wonderful. The nurses and doctors here are wonderful and keep us informed of everything going on. Jamie and I are in the room with Anderson all the time- the nurses said they want us to act like we are at home as much as possible. We are doing all of his feedings, diaper changes, rocking, etc. He is all ours, but is being monitored by the nurses and they check in on us often to make sure everything is going well and we don't need anything. So, since Jamie got to spend time with him last night, I have spent most of the day today rocking and loving on him. Jamie teases me about spoiling him, but right now I don't care- he will survive being spoiled. Emotionally and mentally this is good medicine for me and I am sure it is probably the same for him.

He is a little jaundiced, so he is laying on a billi-blanket. We have been told that it's okay to lay the blanket on our chest and hold him (so I've done a lot of that).

He did have his MRI last night and praise God he did not have to be sedated. Jamie fed him a bottle before they took him and he slept through the entire thing. I don't know how he slept through a procedure that noisy, except that God knew how badly we didn't want him to have to be sedated since he also had breathing issues.

At first we were told that when we got the MRI results today, that if all looked good and no surgery was required, then Anderson could possibly be released tonight or tomorrow. However, since then we found out that the Neurologist on call today wanted to wait until Monday for Dr. Tulipan to review th films and give the results. So Monday he is going to read the results and discuss with his team of neurosurgeons what they think needs to be done- surgery or no surgery. Until then we will just get to relax and enjoy being here. :) The doctor actually said that Anderson is doing so well that he medically doesn't have a reason to stay in the hospital and we could go home, but he would hate to send us home and then make us come back for surgery is that is what they decide to do.

So that is where things stand tonight. Jamie has gone home to spend time with the girls. They are doing great. They can't wait to get their brother (and mom and dad) home for good, but they have really dealt with the separation and being bounced around really good. We are so thankful for our families who have all stepped in to help out. We have also had a lot of friends volunteer to help watch them. We have lots of people willing to help if needed and that makes this much easier. It's great to not have to worry about where they will be or who will watch them.

We will be sure to update if anything new arises between now and Monday. We will also try to update on Monday as soon as we know something, but we realize that doctors don't seem to work on the same time schedule as we would like so we have no idea when on Monday we will find out something.

Until then...I'm going to sit and rock this sweet baby and spoil him rotten!
Andrea

Friday, June 4, 2010

Still waiting....

Anderson has been moved from one NICU to another NICU, which is regarded as a step down unit. He is able to be in the room with us and we are able to feed and hold him anytime. The feeding tube was removed today and he continues to be able to take the bottle with no problem. He may be a little jaundice. More blood work is being performed as I type to determine the status. He left the room around 8:15 to be taken for his MRI. Hopefully he will cooperate and not have to be sedated. I ask for your prayers as we anxiously await the results. This should determine if a shunt is needed.

Andrea was released from the hospital today around 2:00. She is still in some major pain but for the most part doing good. Her persistence and patience throughout this pregnancy has been remarkable. She is truly a warrior and my best friend! After her release, we sat in the waiting room for nearly 5 hours waiting for the next step with Anderson. She was emotionally, physically, and mentally exausted. She has went home to try and get some much needed sleep. Pray that she is able to rest peacfully.

I am staying the night with Anderson for a little Daddy/Son bonding time. I am looking forward to holding him and spending some time with him. As the MRI results become available, I will try and post and keep everyone informed. Thanks to everyone for all the prayers on his behalf. I am confident he will be able to tell his story one day!

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Prayers are being answered...

I have just returned to my room from the NICU, where prayers are being answered. Anderson has been completely removed from all of the oxygen for the last hour and a half and has done wonderfully. As long as he continues to do well, he will get to stay off of the machine! Thank you God for answering all of those prayers!

He did not have his MRI today, and we have been told that is because they are waiting for me to get discharged tomorrow so that I can go with him to the MRI. They may need to sedate him, but felt it would be best if I could go with him. So please continue to pray that the MRI will go well tomorrow.

We have also been told that after the MRI, Anderson will be moved to the Children's Hospital to a REGULAR room so that mom (and Dad) can be with him all the time.

His nurse tonight said that as of right now they are not planning on doing a shunt- they have checked the fluid and there is no infection, so he doesn't need antibiotics. Right now they feel that the fluid will naturally be absorbed by his body. But the MRI should give answers to many questions.

Again, this information came from Anderson's nurse tonight. We don't know for certain that everything will happen as planned, but what I do know is that tomorrow will be a BIG day. Anderson has already made so much progress and I know it is because of all of the prayers going up on his behalf. God does answer prayers- I've said that and believed that all along. The hard part is making myself realize that God doesn't work on my time scale.

Thank you, thank you, thank you for your prayers for Anderson. Please keep praying for big things to happen tomorrow. I will keep you posted as things happen.

I am headed back to the NICU at 11 to feed him again. I am already praying that things continue to progress in this direction. I can't wait to get him home so that all of you who have been praying for him can get to see him, hold him, and love on him!

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

All the pain goes away when........

you get to hold your baby for the first time! Andrea finally got to hold Anderson and feed him his first bottle. He did really well considering he has a tube down his throat.

We have received results from a few tests. The scan of his kidneys and the EKG results came back normal. His dependency on oxygen continues to decrease. Praise God for both of these!

Andrea had a rought start to the day, but has since rebounded and done excellent. Although the pain and soreness is present, she has been able to walk several times today including once on her own.

That is all for now folks. Thanks for all the prayers,calls, texts, emails, and gifts. We truly are blessed! I will leave you with a few more pictures.












A Few Pics

The newest love of my life.



The proud big sisters.

No updates yet today... but Jamie and I are anxiously awaiting 9am so we can go see our sweet baby and find out what kind of night he had last night. Praying that we will be able to hold him very soon. My pain is much worse today, but I think getting to be with Anderson will make it all better.





Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Latest details

Wow! What a day! Jamie and I woke up at 3:45 this morning, left the house at 4:15, and were at Vanderbilt at 5:20 ready to go. I was taken into surgery right on time at 8:00.

Anderson Knox entered the world at 8:38am. They held him up over the curtain for me to see, and then took him to the other side of the room where a team of pediatricians were waiting to check him out. It took him several minutes to start crying, but he did finally begin to cry. Shortly after, we were told that he was struggling to breathe so they were going to take him to the NICU to give him some oxygen. Before they took him, they put him up to my face so I could see him and give him a kiss -and off he went.

Jamie and our family members all got to go see him throughout the day, but no one has gotten to hold him. I finally was able to get out of bed and get wheeled down to the NICU so I could actually see him around 4:30. I know I am a little biased, but he is absolutely wonderful. His complexion is perfect, he looks just like Karlie when she was born, and he has dark hair under his little cap. He is beautiful!

His breathing seems to be getting better. He isn't struggling so hard to breathe. He is on a C-PAP (?) to help his breathing, and he has a feeding tube down his throat, although he is not being fed any formula yet because they are afraid he will aspirate it due to his breathing difficulties. He has 2 IV's- one in each hand, and an oxygen monitor on his foot. They have drawn blood from his foot several times also. It is absolutely heart wrenching for me to see him lying in that little bed, so uncomfortable, and there is nothing I can do to help him. I can't even pick him up and hold him. Although it did melt my heart when he started crying and when I began to talk to him, he immediately quit crying and turned his head my direction. He definitely knew his momma's voice.

He is not in critical condition. It could be much worse. But I don't thinkI had prepared myself for breathing difficulties. As far as his brain goes, they did an ultrasound on his head today, which confirmed what the fetal MRI had shown- Absence of the Corpus Callosum, a small cyst, and a build-up of fluid. However, no one has mentioned an immediate need for surgery to have a shunt put in. They are going to keep measuring the circumference of his head to see if the fluid continues to increase. They have also done tests on his heart, kidneys, lungs, and some other organs to see if any other organs have abnormalities along with the CC missing. So far our understanding is that everything else looks good, but we won't get official results until sometime in the morning.

We don't know how long he will have to stay in NICU, or in the hospital at all. I should get released on Friday as long as I keep doing as well as I have today. So far I have had very little pain at all. I feel really good, which is an answer to prayers since I had such a hard time after my c-section with Karlie. I'm not so sure about leaving the hospital without my baby...I know lots of people have had to do this, but I can't stand the thought of leaving him here.

Again, thank you for all of your prayers and support. Jamie and I are blessed with such wonderful friends and family. Please continue to pray for Anderson's health and that he will be able to come out of the NICU and be with his mommy!

My head is bobbing with exhaustion so I guess it's time to shut down and try to get some rest. I will continue to post pictures and give updates as they become available.

Andrea

Welcome Anderson


Anderson Knox Spears made his arrival this morning at 8:38 am. He is a hefty 8 pounds 7 ounces and 20.25 inches long. He is having some difficulties breathing so they took him to the NICU where he will stay until he can breathe better. They have done an ultrasound on his head, and the neurologists are waiting to get the results from that before any decision is made on where to go from here.

Here are a few pics: