Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Baby Number Two

Here's the story of our newest addition. 
    Jeff and I were keeping a fun secret as we headed off to Omaha!  We were so excited that we would be blessed with another little baby.  We didn't tell family and friends for quite a while, focusing on one life-changing event at a time. When we finally announced that Sawyer was going to be a big brother, everyone was so excited! 
   When we went in to find out the gender of our little bean, we got some surprising news.  First, our little one was a boy (I was convinced it was a girl), and secondly, more importantly and shocking, our baby has Gastroschisis.  We were absolutely heartbroken.  We still are, to tell the truth.  This little boy will be born with some of his organs outside of his tiny little body. He will need to stay in the NICU for a couple months right after he is born.  He will undergo surgery to place his liver, stomach, and bowels back into his body.  We are still waiting to hear more about any possible genetic defects that could be associated with Gastroschisis, but so far, the tests have come back clear.  He has a very healthy heartbeat and the organs, though not in place, are functioning beautifully. His brain is healthy and unaffected by his condition.  We thank the Lord everyday that he is healthy despite his condition.  This has been a really hard, trying time for us.  As a mom, I know how deeply and fiercely I love Sawyer, and I imagine this new little boy will steal my heart just as effortlessly.  This scares me beyond words.  I remember when Sawyer was born, the nurse bathed him and it made him cry that sad, newborn squeal.  I was irrationally weeping while he was harmlessly being bathed because it hurt me to watch him cry.  This new baby will have so much more to endure.  I have a feeling that he is a fighter already, though.  I have faith that Heavenly Father will strengthen both Jeff and I as we fight through the first part of his life.  Jeff has been absolutely incredible through all of this.  He is sad and scared for our little boy, but he has been nothing but hopeful and strong.  According to our specialist (and the slew of information we've gathered on the internet) our little guy has a great chance at a normal, healthy life after he recovers.  We appreciate everyone's thoughts and prayers, and ask to continue to bless our family with your faith and support.

He is pretty cute in there, waving to the world. I have a feeling he may be just as sweet and handsome as his big brother!

9 comments:

  1. Oh my dear demi! I am sobbing. You expressed yourself so beautifully. I truly admire your faith. You and little bean, as well as your other two boys, will continually be in my prayers. And having two boys is so fun! You will love it. I love you!

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    1. Thanks, Sarah. You are very sweet, and I really appreciate your prayers for him! Love you!

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  2. love you guys and your sweet new little guy. xoxo

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  3. We will keep him, and your whole family in our prayers until we hear all is well.

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  4. Beautiful post Demi! I loved the little ultrasound picture too. Sweet, wonderful baby!

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  5. Hey Demi,
    I don't know if you remember me. I played volleyball with you in Smithfield, and I know Jeff from school. Anyways, my sister had a very similar thing happen with her baby boy. My nephew was born with a blockage in his small intestine and immediately after he was born was taken into surgery. He now has short gut syndrome, so not the same thing as your little guy, but similar. My sister has kept a blog that I think might help you know what it's like to be in the hospital with a newborn and toddler, and what it is like to be a mom to a baby like this. I also know that these little boys are special spirits and are so incredibly strong. You have been chosen to be his mom for a reason and you are much stronger than you think. Let me know if you want my sister's info. Your family is in my prayers!

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    1. Catherine, thank you so much for telling me about your sister and nephew. It's nice to hear about people who have gone through similar things and know the emotions tied to it. What's your sister's name?

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    2. Her name is Amanda Etherington. Her blog is amandaetherington.blogspot.com

      My nephew Jackson was born in May of 2011 so you can just start there if you want. Funny story, they took Jackson to UNMC last year to be evaluated by specialists there. They will probably go back once a year, so they might run into Jeff!

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  6. Demi,
    My heart goes out to you. I seriously can't think about it without crying. He is such a precious boy. I just love that little picture of him and I can't wait to hold that little hand. He is a special spirit to be faced with so much adversity from the get go. I am increasingly thankful for this modern medicine that our husbands our studying. Anyway, it is such a hard thing and I just want you to know that I am here for you. Even if you need me to come out for a few weeks let me know. You are such an amazing talented mom. I really look up to you. We will keep praying for Baby #2 (any names?) xxo

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