The Begining!!

The Begining!!!!!

We found out on September 25, 2009 that we were going to have a baby born with a Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia. We were very scared and nervous and wasn't quiet sure what to expect. We were told that the baby would have to be born at UVA Medical Center in Charlottesville, VA. On October 1st we had an appointment at UVA for a ultrasound. We were very scared and not sure what the doctors would tell us. The doctors informed us that the baby was going to be born with a hole in his diaphragm. The hole would allow his stomach and intestines to come up threw the hole and push on the baby's lungs. The baby's lungs would not be able to develop as well a a normal baby's would. The baby would have to have a tube down its throat to help the baby breathe. They would do surgery on the baby 3 to 10 days after it is born to fix the hole and put everything back were its suppose to be. The doctors gave us all the facts and told us that there is no guarantee. We knew that it was going to be a very long and rough road ahead but we were going to stay positive and have faith. We received a lot of information that scared us and made us very nervous but we also were informed that we were going to have a baby BOY! We are going to have a son and he is going to be an amazing young man! We chose to name him Nathaniel because it meant "Given by God" and we knew that he is our gift and we were blessed. We have had many doctors appointments since then and many ultrasounds and he is growing and doing as well as can be expected. They are going to induce me on February 4. Nate will have to remain in the NICU until he will be able to breathe on his own. We have faith that God will take good care of him and he is going to be okay. Nate is making his mark early in life so God must have a special purpose in mind for him.















Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Nate with no CPAP! (again that is just on his forehead to keep CPAP from rubbing)
Nate sleeping away!

Nate is his big boy crib!
ICN!!!!
Today Nate moved to ICN which is a step down from the ICU. It was a very exciting day. Nate has been on high flow nasal canulas since yesterday at noon. They took out his central line yesterday and he is doing very good. He is getting 77ml of breastmilk every 3 hours and he is handling it very well. Nate still has to ween from oxygen and learn how to eat by mouth. The doctors are still slowly weening him from his pain meds. Nate is very strong and has come a very long way. Please keep praying for him as the road is still rocky. We appreciate all the thoughts and prayers. (Sorry I haven't updated in awhile its been a little crazy!)


Friday, March 5, 2010

Our one month old boy!!

Pretty blue eyed boy!
Nate with nothing on his face! (the thing on his forehead is to prevent CPAP from rubbing)

Nate on CPAP!
Nate sitting in his big boy chair!



Daddy holding Nate for the first time!






One month old!!!!

Nathaniel is one month old and look how far he has come. Nate was extubated on March 3 and put on CPAP. He is doing good but he still isn't in the clear. He has to be able to keep his lungs inflated without the help of CPAP. The CPAP machine gives him constant oxygen and gives him pressure but he is breathing on his own. His blood gases have been good but they are watching him very closely. They are still slowly weening him from his pain medicine. They are starting to increase his feedings as he tolerates it. Nate is more alert and looking around. The occupational and physical therapist are working with Nate to get him where he needs to be at his age. They say that Nate is doing very well. Nate has a long way to go. Keep Nate in your prayers he is a miracle baby and we are so proud of him.