Welcome Eliza!

Last evening things took a bit of a turn for the worse with Brenna and the baby. The docs were concerned with drops in the heart rate and various other signs that were obvious changes from how things had been the last several days. But, while I and the kids were still there, everything stabilized and things looked good. So I took the kids home, we got some sleep and all seemed set up for Brenna to continue her stay in the hospital.

Brenna and I talked this morning, and she said that things had changed a bit again overnight and the docs were keeping a close eye on her. So I took the kids down in the early afternoon, and we were just hanging out, chatting and eating a few snacks. Brenna was hooked up to the monitors, and the heart rated dropped a time or two, but things would soon stabilize and all appeared OK. But about 2:30 in the afternoon the signs took a turn for the worse again, and the doc told Brenna it was time. So, one of the kind nurses took the children to the lobby to watch some cartoons, and I gave my folks and Brenna's folks a quick call to let them know that birth was imminent. I then called our dear friend Teri, and she got in her car and came down to the hospital to pick up the kids (thanks for everything, Teri!). The docs got some scrubs for me and I changed and watched through the window as they gave Bren an epidural (not sure that's what they call it with a c-section, but you get the idea).

After she had the epidural they allowed me to go into the surgery room. Bren was awake, but soon completely numb from the chest down. Once there, the docs performed the c-section (absolutely amazing, by the way, but I don't think it's wise to go into detail here) and pulled the little baby right out. Time of birth: 3:55PM. After a few seconds the baby made some crying noises and took a few breaths all on her own. This probably doesn't need to be said, but since Bren was only 28 weeks along, the baby was absolutely tiny. Amazingly well formed and just perfect to look at, but incredibly small. She has lots of black hair, just like her sisters when they were newborns. Very fun to see that similarity. The neo-natal docs then took the baby and got her on some oxygen and under the heat lamp. They also put some meds in her to ensure her lungs would function properly. The little one took it all in stride and seemed perfectly at home in the doctor's care--not a worry in the world. One of the docs pointed out a couple of external signs on the baby that indicated the baby had been starting to have stress in the womb, and that it was good she was delivered when she was. He said it was good timing and good work by the obstetricians. I am certainly grateful for that.

Meanwhile, the obstetrician was stitching Brenna up. Bren really wanted to be with and hold the baby, but of course, she was in no position to do so. But she kept looking over, and it was touching to be reminded of the immediate bond between mother and child. You could see Brenna's heart was with the baby. Soon enough Bren was stitched up and the baby was ready to be moved to the NICU, and they wrapped her up and let Brenna hold her for just a few moments. I will always have that beautiful memory.

Then they took the baby to the NICU, and I went with them. Once there, they weighed her, measured her and her stats are 2 lb 14 oz and 15 3/4 inches. I can't believe how small that is, and I reflected that not too many years ago this poor child wouldn't have had a chance. But today, things are looking absolutely fantastic for her. What a blessing! Here is a video of her shortly after she was admitted to the NICU. I especially love the beginning because she is moving around a bit!

After spending a decent amount of time in the NICU I went back to check on Brenna. Suffice to say that having a c-section is not easy. My dear wife needs some rest and recovery time, and I am glad she will get just that.

We have been batting around baby names for a little while, and we're still not fully settled, but we think her name will be Eliza. Not sure if we'll make the actual name Elizabeth and call her Eliza or just stick with Eliza. We'll see over the next few days.

I have a few pictures of the day to share:

Here she is in the NICU. She has a tube going down her throat and into her lungs to ensure she's getting enough oxygen. The docs hope she will be off of that in two or three days. She is being fed intravenously, with the IV going straight into the little umbilical cord stump. Pretty cool!

Close up. Aaaaw! (I love her.)

I didn't realize I had this thing in sideways, and I'm too lazy to change it now. But after what my wife just went through I'm looking waaaaaay too happy. (I think I am a little justified, though.)

Yes, delivering a baby definitely takes a lot out of you--especially when you don't get too really hold and bond with the baby immediately after. It's been really tough on Bren to have her whisked away so quickly. Fortunately, Bren will probably be wheelchair mobile tomorrow, and then will be able to come home Thursday or Friday. So she'll have opportunities to spend time with Eliza, and then will be able to be with family shortly thereafter. Lots of trips to the hospital in the near future.

And here is one for a little perspective. That's my wedding ring you see there. Note the size of the diaper as well as the fact that the thing covering her face is one of those newborn caps they put on babies. Tiny! Docs advised that we should plan on Eliza being in the hospital until her original due date (May 8), but did leave a window of hope that she might be ready to come home a few weeks before that. We'll see how it goes.

I am firmly convinced that Eliza decided when she was going to be born. Savannah was sad the other night because she was missing her mom and was worried about the baby. So she and I had a little chat, and I told her that the baby knew what was going on. She realized we'd just celebrated Maddie's and Savannah's birthdays, and that there was no way she was going to be left out of the February girl birthday brigade. That brought a smile to Savannah's face. It's comforting to think that your little sister knows who you are and knows about the family. You may smile and say it's all coincidence, but I don't believe it for a moment. Eliza wanted to be born in February--of that I am certain.

After I picked the kids up from the Esplins tonight, Savannah happily pointed out that I was right--Eliza did decide to come in February. It was a sweet moment.

We are blessed and very fortunate. Thank you to the amazing doctors, nurses and other hospital personnel for their expertise and care. Thank you to family members and friends for your support and prayers. They have been very well put to use. Thank you to our ward members who have gone above and beyond any expectations we may have had in making this experience as easy as it possibly could be on Brenna and the children. I really haven't had to do much of anything except show up. People are wonderful. Thank you to our school community. The families of Hunter's friends have taken Hunter under their wing and made sure he's had plenty to do in those hours between when kindergarten ends and dad finished working. We have amazing people in our lives, and we love you all.

And, we love the Lord. His spirit has been felt throughout the past several days and last evening Bren and I received unmistakable assurances that everything would turn out well. We feel loved and cared for, and we are so grateful because we know there are many, many people who have not had things turn out so well for them. Our hearts go out to all such, as we can't imagine such a trial.

Welcome to our family, Eliza!