Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Update and Pictures

After tossing and turning all night long watching the Weather Channel for 5 hours, they finally began to prep me for my C-Section.  I know there are a lot of ladies reading this blog and telling me its not too bad, but boy did it feel like an out of body experience to me.  After all the prep, Byron was brought into the room and Baby Elliot joined the world minutes later at 8:03am.  He came out kicking and screaming and it was the first time in days Byron and I could take a deep breath.  Byron was in awe of the C-Section and couldn't help but check out the entire surgery.  The doctors thought he was a riot.  Byron followed Elliot to the NICU and they finished up on me and off I went to recovery.  I finally got to see my little boy around noon, it felt like days had already gone by. 

Elliot is one handsome little man.  They told us immediately that at first glance he physically was looking great.  Many times hydrocephalus can also occur with spina bifida, but not with Elliot.  He weighed in a 8lbs. 15 oz. and 21 3/4" in length with an Apgar of 8 and 8.  He does have an elongated head, but its one nice lookin' noggin.

After an ultrasound on his brain, an echo-cardiogram, chest x-rays and more the NICU doctors and the pediatric neurosurgeons declared Elliot stable enough to not need oxygen anymore and ready for the next steps.  Elliot will be transferred to Children's Hospital (right across the parking lot) to have a MRI in the morning and possible brain surgery to place a shunt in his brain to relieve the pressure on his brain tissue.  After this, we may have more answers on Elliot and his brain development.  We are extremely positive right now and hoping for the best. 

Byron and I were also finally allowed to hold him tonight and it was the best feeling we have ever felt to hold our little boy in our arms.  He is soothed by our touch, startling to noise and opening his eyes lots to check us out.  Its amazing!  All-in-all, today felt like all good news.  Elliot is in great hands. 










22 comments:

  1. Tears are pouring out of my eyes. Beautiful pictures. I am so happy for you.
    Love,
    Andi

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  2. Jamie, this is Beth (Deborah's sister). Your little boy is so precious! You all look great and are such a beautiful family. The 3 of you are in our prayers!

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  3. Awesome pics you two! Congrats!! You have a beautiful baby boy. Thank god he looks like his mom, lol! Can't wait to see you n the new kid. We'll definately be up this weekend. Anyway, great job you guys! He looks awesome. Just goes to show you the power of faith and prayer. Love you guys, see you soon. C, A, H n D

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  4. YEA!! Congrats mom and dad! Holding your little man is really neat Byron...He needed to smell you. Thanks a million for taking the time to keep up updated. We've had a church full of people praying hard for Elliot and you - and of course, you are always in our prayers - enev when your stress levels are not off the chart. Aloha, Love Unkie Hal

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  5. Thanks for the update and beautiful pictures. Love and prayers from your hometown! Cathy M.

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  6. Jamie,
    He is ADORABLE! I am so incredibly happy for you guys! So glad to hear all of the great news and so much fun to see your little guy! What a lucky little guy to have such AWESOME parents! Can't wait to hear more good news!
    Love,
    Shelly

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  7. What a great message and pictures! I am one proud father/grandfather. Great Grandma Frances and Great Grandma Phyllisanne both send their love and congratulations. Love,Dad

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  8. Awesome update! He looks great. Jamie, if you were my daughter I'd be bursting with pride. Guess I'll just have to burst vicariously. :)

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  9. He is absolutely beautiful Jamie and Byron! I'm so happy for the good news, thanks for keeping everyone posted!
    Love to you all,
    The Athens crew!

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  10. You guys have shown an amazing amount of grace and perserverance! Elliot is one lucky little man: good looking and the son of awesome parents!!
    love, esther

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  11. Thank you for the wonderful update. Elliot is darling and Jamie, you look great! Byron, you too. I love the last picture where all three of you are looking at the camera.

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  12. I love the pictures. I'm sure holding him was the best part of your day. You have kept up your mom's tradition of having big chunky babies! That means there is more to kiss and snuggle. You have an army of people pulling for the 3 of you. All our love.
    Great Auntie Peej

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  13. Great to see that you are holding him and giving him love. Thanks so much for all the updates. Sending you good energy from the West Coast.

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  14. Oh man, I'm so glad you guys got to hold him and hiss him and love on him, there's nothing better. And man, what do we FEED our kids? There's no doubt us Horne/Linberg/Updikes produce some big ol' dudes..LOVE it...!

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  15. I loved the pictures of all of you and the Clark family will continue to send positive thoughts and prayers your way. What a handsome little guy - good work you two! Love, Mary and Tony

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  16. He is so precious and reading your sweet story makes me want to hug my girls and to remember to not take things for granted. I am so thankful that he is doing so well!!!

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  17. Glad he is doing well. Wish you guys all the best.

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  18. Elliot looks wonderful. So glad that you are all doing well. Congratulation! - Vicki Pearson

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  19. Elliot is such a beautiful boy! Love to all!
    Carolyn and Jeff

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  20. Not only a future Hokie, but a future first team All-American linebacker Hokie!!

    You 3 are constantly in our thoughts.

    Lots of love,

    Great Uncle Skunk

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  21. Oh my goodness you two he is absolutely beautiful! Talk about beaming parents, thats you two for sure:) Being a mom & dad is just an awesome feeling as you now know. You three make a beautiful family. Our prayers continue to be with you all. Will be watching for updates. Talk to youns soon. Love, Phil & Lisa

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