2.01.2012

Wyatt Hunter Pape

I honestly don't even know where to start. I have missed blogging about Christmas, New Years and now the first month of our new addition to our family. Sooo sorry!!! So I will skip Christmas for now. Wyatt Hunter Pape was born on January 3, 2012, weighing 8lbs 12oz and 21.25 inches long. I remember telling my doctor if he looked small when they pulled him out to start looking for another one! I just knew he was going to be big and as soon as they pulled him out, I felt like I could finally breathe again.....
Unfortunately, after we got into recovery they had to send down a NICU team to check on his breathing because it appeared as though he had swallowed some fluid which got into his lungs which is common with c-section babies. No one was able to hold him nor was I able to feed him while they were assessing him. They first told us that there was a period of time, 7 hours, that they wanted to observe him to make sure that the fluid dried up on its own. So seven hours passed.....and we got news that he needed to spend the night in the NICU, because the fluid wasn't drying up and he was needing oxygen to help with breathing. Luckily, the epidural was keeping me calm from the c section so I didn't freak out and just went with it. That night, my nurse had me get up for the first time which was good because Waylen was allowed to wheel me down to the NICU to see my sweet baby. Even though I couldn't hold him I loved watching him and studying his face. He was perfect and tomorrow he would be back with us.....so I thought.
The next two days are starting to be a big blur, but basically over the next 48 hours they ran lots of bloodwork and the counts were not in our favor. We were left with being told our little guy would have to stay in the NICU for the next 7 days. I couldn't believe it. Not only would he not be in our room during our stay....he wouldn't be able to go home with us. I was a mess inside. Waylen and I decided it was better to be safe than sorry... we just wanted our son to get better and we would do whatever it takes. So over the next 7 days they would administer antibiotics through an IV twice a day. The IVs dont stay in very well with newborn veins so he had one his hand, one in his head (that was the worst) and one in his foot. Waylen and I would go down every three hours while we were in the hospital to feed and hold him. Once we checked out of the hospital we went straight to a hotel where we stayed until he got out. It made it so much easier to be so close for feedings. I am happy to report after the 7th day we did get to bring him home and we have been in love ever since. It wasn't the easiest journey and I am leaving a lot of the drama out...believe me...I had lots of meltdowns and lots of tears!!!
All of our parents were so great throughout it all, checking on us and taking care of Harlow. My dad and Lori would bring her up to the hospital every night to see us. It made it soo easy knowing that she was being spoiled while we were away! She always knew baby Wyatt was at the hospital, but she never got to see him until the day we brought him home....and that was so special. Hopefully I can find a way to upload the video of her meeting him for the first time.
The past month has been a whirlwind. Two kids is soooo much work!!! hahhaha.... Luckily, Harlow and Wyatt have both been great and we can't wait to watch them grow up together.