10/6/2003 01:23:15 AM|||Ellen|||Below's a general update of the baby ... will recount amusing labor stories and highlights of the family fun shower soon... my love and thanks to Paulie and Rex for their big help in getting the nursery ready - Paulie with his straight line drawing wallpaper border skills and Rex for his 2 plus hours putting together the drawers .... Na and Lu for their superior nursery and crib assembly as well as pulling together a crazy family shower with food, folks and fun in a house that was not quite ready for prime time.

It was definitely easier worrying about envelopes than worrying about a baby. Coming home with you. To stay. At your house and in your heart forever ....

----- Original Message -----
From: ellen@drchango.com

Hello Everyone!

It's been a truly amazing time with the sudden birth of Robert Ryan, the biggest preemie at the Special Care Nursery. Thanks to your prayers everything has gone beyond perfect, at every turn it's been God's grace shining down on us and we wanted to say how much we appreciate your support. A few highlights:

- my actual ob/gyn was on duty on monday at the hospital and was able to deliver the baby
- my labor went active at 5 pm, and the baby was delivered at 6:44 pm, with only three pushes and no epidural!
- at 8 weeks premature, Ryan was a whopping 6 lbs, 7 ounces and 19" long
- although he is a certified preemie, Ryan has shown all the skills of a term baby and has been able to take all of his feedings with no problems, was able to breathe on his own from birth and was able to maintain his body temp with the help of an isolette for a few days. He graduated to an open air crib today and has been great.
- he's doing so well that his doc has had to revise her prognosis every time she sees him. He went from a potential 3 week stay, to 10 days to going home tomorrow pending his final checkup and a last jaundice check.

Needless to say we are overwhelmed but looking forward to him coming home. It's been a whirlwind couple of days but with lots and lots of help from family and friends the house is ready for Ryan. I'm not sure I am though, as I realize how little I actually know about babies, but I'm sure it'll all work out for this blessed little guy.


Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 |||106542859595310902|||Oh BOY!