As may come as a surprise to no one by now, Elijah James was born on February 9th. He was delivered by C-section at 12:40pm. As we were told and prepared for, he was born with Hydrocephalus and Spina Bifida. We knew this was coming and we have been praying for a miracle healing for him every day. We realize that the miracle is here, and he is a beautiful and wonderfully made baby boy.
He had his back surgery to close up the nerves, wrap muscle around the spinal column their and close the skin Friday the tenth in the afternoon, then the next morning, he had his shunt surgery to help drain the excess fluid from his head, to his abdominal cavity, where he reabsorbs it. Both surgeries went very well, and we found out we have one of the best neurosurgeons in the country, possibly The best! God does not make mistakes!
He has been recovering wonderfully and we are so proud of him and his progress. His back is still healing and his fluid has been draining dramatically for the last week. His skull, like any newborn is loose plates that we will have to watch and keep aligned until the skull sutures fuse.
We still do not know what the lasting effects will be, but we love him so much, we enjoy his little cute face and big cheeks and Lil chubby self. God knows His plan for this boy He has given us to raise, but we know he is our boy who is eating and kicking and showing the nurses and doctors how being a baby is done!
We are cautiously optimistic he will come home soon, but until they give us the discharge papers, we will just nod and say OK. Every nurse and doctor had their own idea about what we need to do, and we keep pushing back if we don't believe it's best for him and for our family. At this point we are learning how to care for him, which isn't too different than most newborns, just a but more careful.
Big sisters have been able to meet him a few times now and they love him and want to hold him. They miss mom and dad and we miss them so much, we can't wait until we are all home again. They have been home with some amazing friends that have taken turns caring for them since he was born, so being on routine and in familiar places has been great for them. Brad's mom even came in from out of state to spend a few days with them and spoil them, as all loving grandmas do!
Wendy's mom had been staying with us at our room at the place on the hospital grounds for families of patients, and helped Wendy get back on her feet while Brad has been working during the day until the baby is home. This help and support from her mom has been a huge help for our family being able to concentrate on helping baby in the hospital, taking Wendy to appointments, putting up with our frustrations and helping us through a very hard time. Words or thankfulness can not repay the love she shows our family continuously, but thank you Sheryl!
Thank you for the updates! Every week we get together as a camp and we pray for your family and Elijah! May God continue to Bless you guys! We are praying for you out here on the east coast!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the update...God has really put your family on my heart. I do continue to pray for you and your sweet boy. Just wanted to tell you that you aren't forgotten.
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