Little Sister Update

I had a routine doctors appointment on Tuesday the 22nd and thought it was going to be a pretty normal day. However, after being seen by my doctor he decided that we needed to get her out because he was worried that her head size was getting to big. I would've preferred to keep her in a little longer but I trust my doctor so that night at 10:30 I was induced. I thought seeing how I went into labor a couple weeks ago, it was going to be a quick labor. Well, Lexie thought otherwise because 20 hours later, I hadn't dilated any more than when I came in. My doctor brought in the c-section paperwork and we begin the process for a c-section. We were going to go through with it until a urgent c-section came in and mine was delayed an hour. Well, Lexie must have heard the news because by the time it was my turn she was ready to make her debut. Within a couple of minutes she graced us with her presence. When I first saw her, I have to admit I was surprised by how normal she looked. Her head had the normal newborn look to it so I breathed a sigh of relief. She started to cry that wonderful newborn cry when all of their hands started touching her. I thought that the NICU team was going to take her away before I got to hold her but they actually let us hold her for quite awhile because she was breathing so well on her own. It was such a relief to get to hold her and actually see her for myself. I got so used to the ultrasound pictures that it was great to finally meet her and touch her.

Unfortunately, she had to go straight to the NICU and is set to stay there until the doctors and us decide what will be the best route to take regarding her hydrocephalus. I was able to come home on Christmas Eve but Lexie had to spend Christmas in the hospital. Leaving her at the hospital had to of been the hardest thing I have ever done as a mother. It felt horrible that she couldn't come with us but I just had to remind myself that she will be home soon. Two days ago was my first time holding her since she was born and then yesterday I got to feed her for the first time. When you see a baby in the incubator you think of a very sick baby, but she acts just like a newborn. She was awake and moving her head all around. She wails her arms and kicks her legs when you take too long with her bottle and then once you put it in her mouth she starts sucking away. The nurse said that if it wasn't for the hydro, Lexie would've of probably been in the NICU for a couple days but then eventually transferred out. We actually don't know when Lexie will be able to come home. She has gotten an MRI and tomorrow a Geneticist will be taking some blood to complete some labs. Once everything is back, will be meeting with the neurologist to see what action will be taken. The neurologist that we have meet with is unsure on whether the fluid is taking actual brain space or is just filling up space where no brain was present (genetic issue). I know he is leaning toward the second one and if that is his decision then he will not agree to place a shunt seeing how it will not change the outcome. Thankfully, my doctor and I don't agree with him. We have every ultrasound to show him that the fluid started out moderate and then got significant which shows the brain being a little squished to really squished. I will push to have a shunt placed and hopefully the doctor will listen. We will probably meet with him sometime next week and I will keep you updated. I know this is a lot of info and you should see what my face looks like when those fancy doctors start using those big words and all but we are trying our best to keep up!

Finally, I would like to thank all of our friends here in San Antonio. They all have been helpful from watching our other two little ones to providing us with meals. We feel so blessed that we are surrounded by such wonderful people and they will probably never know what a difference they have made during such a stressful time. You guys rock!