Friday, February 6, 2009

Kid

It has been a big couple of weeks. I guess I should tell the story.

Krisi's blood pressure finally reached the point where bedrest would no longer control it. (I've learned that high blood pressure during pregnancy can be dangerous for both mom and child) Late on a Friday night, we headed to St Vincent to see what they could do for her. The on call doctor for the weekend kept her over the next few nights for observation and monitoring. When Krisi's actual doctor came in on Monday morning at around 9:30, he told us we'd be having a baby at noon. We had just enough time to get really worried before Krisi had to prepare for surgery. The C-section started at noon and Avery Kate was born at 12:22 on January 12. She was 34 weeks gestation and arrived weighing 3 pounds, 14 ounces with a perfect amount of the most awesome dark hair. I was able to walk over to the special kiddo area of the delivery room and watch the nurses do their normal stuff. I cut the cord, which was ninja! Krisi was able to see her face for about 3 and a half seconds before they wisked her away to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.


The next few days were tough. Krisi was recovering from surgery and her blood pressure stayed pretty high until the next day. Because of her BP, she wasn't able to see Avery until Tuesday afternoon. I had already made a couple of trips to the NICU to see her. For a first time Dad, seeing your kid with tubes and wires and monitors attached is a little frightening.

We stayed in the hospital until Friday afternoon. During that time, we spent several hours in Avery's room in the NICU. We were afraid and tired and emotionally drained. Tough. Slowly, the doctors and nurses weened her from the oxygen until she was breathing on her own. By the time we left, she had lost a little weight (which I'm told happens with all babies). I'll tell you: Leaving the hospital without your kid is like leaving the dentist without your teeth. It sucks. But, Gables don't complain. In fact, after spending time in the NICU, we are painfully aware of just how many bullets Avery dodged and just how bad it could have been.

Over the next 3 weeks, Krisi spent her days in the NICU while I went to work and I joined them for a few hours every evening until we had to go home for the night. Avery consistantly gained weight and gradually began oral feeds. We were able to bring her home when she was a little over 4 and a half pounds. For the next few months, Avery is on prescription caffeine and hooked up to a portable monitor at home.

This is where we are now. Avery is home and healthy(relatively). We have a new appreciation for some of the stresses of the world of premature babies and a pretty firm understanding of life in the NICU.

6 comments:

Megan said...

Thank you for the update Alan. I know you guys are so worn out. But I am thankful that both your wife and your baby girl are safely at home. I know that Avery will continue to grow, and what a blessing to have two Christian loving parents to look after her. I look forward to seeing more pictures. Oh, and I think she is beautiful, tubes and all.

Tammie's Thoughts said...

Congratutions on a beautiful baby girl! I know she will be loved beyond measure and spoiled to death! You'll make a great dad, Alan, if you're anything like your dad was....I just wonder if when she starts playing sports, will you be able to still on the side line as calmly as your dad did?

Anonymous said...

Welcome to parenthood. For the rest of your life not a single decision will be made without considering its effect on Avery Kate. We are so proud of you and Krissi and the way you are surviving your ordeal. Avery is beautiful.

Deborah said...

Oh, Alan, she is gorgeous!! I am so sorry you have had to go through such an ordeal getting your baby girl home.

We'll be introducing our little Daniel really soon!

Anonymous said...

Just thought I would remind you that I was a 4lb. 4oz. child and look how little and under nourished I am now. I know Avery Kate will grow in your love and care. We have the three of you before the Lord every day. BTW tell Krisi she done good!

Anthonyfixr said...

Thank you for the update Alan. I know you guys are so worn out. But I am thankful that both your wife and your baby girl are safely at home. I know that Avery will continue to grow, and what a blessing to have two Christian loving parents to look after her. I look forward to seeing more pictures. Oh, and I think she is beautiful, tubes and all.