Sara Chaica Smyth H____ arrived at 6pm on December 27 via c-section at the ripe old age of 29 weeks, weighing in at 1 pound, 6 ounces, and 12 inches long. 'Sara' is her great great grandmother (paternal). 'Chaica' is her great grandmother (paternal). 'Smyth' is her great grandmother (maternal).
The early birth was forced by a failing placenta -- full of blood clots, as it turns out, thanks to a chromosomal abnormality -- which prevented her from growing at a normal rate. Daily biophysical profiles (ultrasounds to check her oxygenation, movement, and amnio fluid) started at Thanksgiving in anticipation of early delivery, so although it was not scheduled, it was not unexpected.
The first week was full of awful, albeit typical of preemies, surprises:
* An underdeveloped liver led to high bilirubins and jaundice. 7 days of blue-light therapy, for which she donned chic little cloth sunglasses and bared her butt.
* High levels of procrantin (?) led to worries about kidney function. OK as of day 10.
* PDA (hole in heart) suspected. If it doesn't close on its own, meds and/or surgery will be needed.
* Routine scan for bleeding in the brain is negative.
She was bright red and feisty, blonde and blue-eyed, with well-defined biceps due to an utter lack of fat.
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!! You have created life... you are at once the most powerful and most powerless creature in the universe.
ReplyDeleteI'm thrilled to hear of her relative health and strength (yours as well) and know that Sara is so very fortunate to have you for her mom. Looking forward to continued progress and a lifetime full of pictures and banjo pickin'!
Oh yes, and at 6pm on December 27th I was celebrating my grandmother's 90th birthday with her and the rest of the family in FL. This birthday is also shared with my grandfather, my cousin and my sister-in-law!!
ReplyDeleteQuite an auspicious date.
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ReplyDeleteYou have always been our treasure, our first-born child! And now your Sara is our newest treasure, our first grandchild. She is adorable and perfect and as healthy as she can be, at her very tender age.
ReplyDeletePraise God for her safe arrival and for the amazing care she is receiving in NICU. Sara is a very fortunate young child ... and you are her very lucky mother!
Remember, some of the very best, most valuable things come in the smallest packages. We are all bursting with love and anticipation and always eager to lend a hand -- however and whenever you need one.
xoxoxo
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Welcome my tiny niece! As every one of her relatives does I am glad to see you are already claiming your spot on the web. See you soon!!! VERY soon.
ReplyDeleteHello Sara and Lisa -- I look forward to hearing about all your wonderful adventures in NICU and beyond. It looks like you're clearing all the hurdles ... and are getting ready to soar. Best wishes and bon voyage!
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