I didn't want to post this in the running thread because it's not about, well running. But you've all been so kind and supportive to me and my family through this whole pregnancy that I wanted to give you an update.

Will (William George, after DIL's father) arrived at 7:00 PM last night. It was a long day for my DIL. She's doing pretty well. Unfortunately, Will has some issues. His skin was pink when he was born, but quickly started turning blue due to low oxygen levels in his blood. The NICU team was in her delivery room, and after dad cut the umbilical cord and they held Will for a few minutes, the team took him down to the 3rd floor NICU to monitor him and watch for signs of stress. There was so much going on, I'm not sure I have the information 100% accurate. I think I mentioned that the baby's pulmonary artery and aorta are switched, and that's what's causing the oxygen problems.

The doctors were hoping that they could just let him recover from the birth process and that he'd be able to breath ok on his own until they did the open heart surgery next week, but after giving him a drug to help clear his lungs and help the arteries work, he stopped breathing altogether. They had to intubate (spell?) him and the doctor told us that they'd need to do a procedure to help Will keep his oxygen at a safe level. So at 12:15 this morning, they put a cathater in his leg going up to the main arteries to insert a balloon and create enough room to help Will breath. The doctor came out about an hour later and told us everything had gone well and the baby's oxygen levels were back up to 80-90% which was a good sign.

FINALLY, they let the grandparents go in to seem him, two at a time, my DS, his dad and I, then DIL with her mom and dad. They still had the breathing tube down his throat and he had all kinds of wires and tubes hooked up going this way and that. He looked so tiny - but he was also pink!

He's a beautiful little boy - 7 pounds even, 16 1/2 inches long with dark hair. I wish I could tell you I took lots of pictures, but due to the situation, we couldn't take the camera in to the NICU. I've asked my DS and DIL to take some pictures and send them to us as soon as they can. The open heart surgery will probably be next week, depending on how Will recovers from all of this.

We also found out yesterday that my DH's younger sister committed suicide over the weekend. It's been a stressful few days. We need to celebrate those entering the world and those leaving it, too.

Thanks for all of your support and prayers, you guys.

My heart hurts for the loss JLynne and I hope the birth of Will can help healing. Hugs to your DH too.

WILLIAM GEORGE??????!!!!! That's my kiddo's name!

I hope the tubes come out soon and sweet Will can gain strength soon.

Thanks for letting us know. I have been thinking of you and the new parents every day. 

Hang in there JLynne---peace to all of you.

Karin

Thank you for the update, JLynne.  We were all holding our breath, waiting for the news.

We will continue to send healing thoughts and gentle hugs to little Will as he proceeds on this difficult path.  And hugs to all of you too.  It's a scary, emotional time for all of you.

Also - I'm very sorry about the loss of your DH's sister.  How tragic.

(I'm not sure how successful we'll be in the transition from Leo to Will.  You've got us all trained!)

Send us more updates when you get the chance.

Oh Jlynne - what a tough time you and your family are going through right now!  I will continue to send thoughts and prayers for Baby Will and your family, and for your DH's family in the aftermath of the tragedy of his sister's death. 

{{{hugs}}}

Jlynne, what an emotional roller coaster for you and your family.  I'm glad to hear little Leo/Will is here and doing ok in good hands.  My thoughts continue to be with everyone as he gains strength for his surgery and that it goes well.  My thoughts are also with your husband and his family over the tragic situation with his sister.  Keep us informed as you have the chance.

TomS