Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Welcome Tucker!!


Ok so I am going to try and start "blogging". We are at a point in our lives where our cup runneth over! We have a new addition to our already wonderful family, Tucker was born June 24th. He was 10 weeks early and was 4 pounds of perfection. But despite the odds he is as healthy as they come! I can not get enough of him. He spent 4 exhausting weeks in NICU. It definitely took it's toll on me and the family. First of all my water broke at 28 weeks. I spent 2 weeks in the hospital trying to keep him in as long as possible. Next challenge was that there was meconium present in the uterus, and my white blood cell count was way high and my Iron was incredibly low. So.. they induced me. The epidural only took on the right side, on the left I felt everything (not fun). Then as we are starting the delivery stage the Dr. informed the nurses "um.This is NOT a head!!" Need less to say Tucker was born Breech. He did cry for a sec but then his lungs went stiff and they had to intebate him. Also because of being breech he had a large contusion on his bottom which caused jaundice to be a problem. Amazingly enough he was off the breathing tube with in a few hours and went straight to room air.(which is totally unheard of) He started breastfeeding after about 4-5 days although he did have a feeding tube and would need to be supplemented after eating most times he was still eating from mom!!. We had really good days and we had really bad days. At 2 weeks he started with his apnea and had to be put on oxygen (so very frustrating). At that time he was also given caffeine doses to see if that would help with his heart rate and breathing. Despite everything that was going on the Dr's were amazed at how well he was doing. Most babies will not even be able to suck, swallow, and breath until they are 34-36 weeks let alone be breathing with out help of a machine. He was eating but he would however get very sleepy after feedings or during feedings and he would have episodes were he would stop breathing and turn blue, his eyes would roll back and he would go ever so limp. I have never been so scared in my life. But with many prayers and Priesthood blessings he was able to come home after 4 very long yet at the same time, very short weeks.How blessed we are. We love you so very much Tucker and are so excited to have you in our family!

2 comments:

Angel Group II said...

Dar...
Love the blog set up it is so cute! You just need to start to post more stuff on it...I know " in all your SPARE TIME". remember that I love you most.
-Angel

smellnat45 said...

Your blog is so cute, you need to add more. You must be so busy now with the baby but I would love to see more pictures of your family. There is a link from my page and Kj's for Luanas, you should take a peek.
Take Care,
Mel

Brody 12, Joslyn 10, Alex 8, Jackson 5,Tucker 3mos
Wow, how time flies! Brody has started jr high this year and has made the football team. He is also playing rec football, weekend soccer, and is on a comp basketball team. So far his grades are A's and he is loving school!He loves to text his friends and enjoys hanging out with them as well. He has become quite the artist, he loves to draw. He sets such a wonderful example every sunday when he passes the sacrament. His brothers look up to him so much.
Joslyn is in 5th grade. She is the second fastest runner in her class and the third fastest in her grade. She loves playing soccer, softball, basketball, and wallball. I think her favorite thing to do would be talking!! She likes hanging out with her friends and listening to music. She is alot like her father when it comes to her sense of humor. She is well liked and helps her mom out quite a bit. She loves being the only girl. Spoiled comes to mind.
Alex is in third grade and loves walking to school. He truly enjoys reading and soccer. He chose to be baptized and enjoys primary. Alex is very creative and loves to laugh. Infact sometimes he can't stop. He too loves music. His dance skills are ones that need to be seen in person to be appriciated. He is addorable with his new baby brother, and he is such a good cuddler. Love it!
Jackson did start kindergarten this year and thinks it is so-so. He likes to play more than he likes to sit and do work. He is the only one of the kids who I might consider addicted to video games(especially Star Wars). However he does have the sweetest disposition. Every morning he comes in and says good morning to mom. Then his best bud in the world(Brody) gets him a bowl of cereal. And then they hang out together. Again singing and music are a favorite for him. He also like his sister, likes to make up songs to sing. Very amusing. He is a very sweet spirit.
Tucker is 3mos old and weighs 6lbs 13oz. He is such a blessing. He is very spoiled already. What with his four siblings always holding him and kissing on him. He does get a little colicky, but mom is so patient with him because she is still so glad and thankful to have him home and to have him healthy. He was able to take off the oxygen and the heart monitor after about a month of being home. He doesn't look so pathetic now. He is just so perfect and precious that we can not express enough words of thanks to our Heavenly Father for such a wonderful gift.