Thursday, September 25, 2008

Life As We Know It - Has Changed



































Monday, September 22, God blessed our family with a miracle. On this first day of Fall 2008, Ethan James was born at 4:15 pm. Thankfully, my whole labor and delivery process was pretty much a non-event (yeah for epidurals!). However, it was clear pretty quickly after delivery that our little guy was having a hard time transitioning from life on the inside to life on the outside. I was only able to see him for a few seconds before he was transported to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit downstairs. James went with the baby while I was recovering. After a while James came back up to my room and said that Ethan would be staying in the NICU but that I could go see him as soon as I was able. That evening we learned that he had some sort of infection in his body and that he needed to stay a while for observation & antibiotics to treat his infection.

Since we knew that Ethan would not be coming home when I did, I asked to be discharged from the hospital on Tuesday night so that I could sleep in my own bed. We also decided that James should go back to work on Wednesday so that he could save his paternity leave for when Ethan comes home. He stops by the hospital on the way to work to see the baby and my mom takes me over in the afternoon to see him. Then when James gets home from work we go to see him at night together. As soon as the baby is home, James will be home with us for two weeks (yeah!).

Each visit we've received great progress reports and Ethan is continuing to do very well. I was able to feed him yesterday morning and he's been eating like a champ ever since. The doctors say that he'll need to stay at the hospital at least until Sunday to finish antibiotics and continue being observed, but possibly into next week. Of course, we're praying for Sunday! He's also being treated for a bit of Jaundice as well, which is really no big deal at all.

I apologize for not caling everyone upon his arrival, but due to the fact that we were unsure of his health, I was not up for calling lots of people. My focus has been soley on Ethan and his getting better...oh, and on taking care of recovering from birth as well :) It was very tough in the beginning to see him with the tubes and monitors, but it's getting easier on us as he continues to progress. We can't wait to bring him home. Please check back for updates and photos along the way.

Thank you for all the prayers and support on behalf of our little family.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

congratulations Fall family! Ethan is precious! We are praying for him to have a quick recovery and for the transition home to be smooth and easy and all that you imagined it would be!

We love you!

Eddie and Jen Resendez

Sarah N. said...

Oh, Jess..... I'm praying for little Ethan and I hope you get some good rest while he is on his baby-vacation.. he will be home soon!

Tracie and Ricky said...

Dear Jessica, James and Baby Ethan,

Congratulations on the celebration of Ethan's birth! I am elated to hear that he has arrived and will be praying for his continued improvement. Soon he'll be home with you (and those sleepless nights will begin!). He is such a beautiful little boy, I'm sure you both are so proud. Jessica, since the time i met you I could see the love you have in your heart towards your family. This is no exception for your husband and new son! Isn't it wonderful how God gives more love in your heart until it overflows. May God bless your new beginning and your new family. Being a mother is a precious thing.

Your friends, Tracie, Ricky and Isabella

Cheri said...

Congratulations on your miracle, Jessica! Ethan is absolutely beautiful!!! I am so glad that things are progressing and I will be praying for Ethan's continued good health. You are going to be the best mama ever! :) Love in AOT, Cheri

MAJGrammie said...

Jessica and James....your sweet little guy is absolutely beautiful. We will be praying for Ethan to come home as quickly as possible and then for the transition with parenthood when he comes home! Blessings to you all, Cathy and Lyle

Sarah said...

We too have been praying. Michelle's been giving me the updates ... and I'm rejoicing with you that your dear little man will be coming home soon!

I can't wait to see his sweet face in real life!

Welcome to mommy-hood! Nothing like initiation by fire, from the very first minute. You're a pro now.

xxoo