Friday, May 27, 2011

Bryson's Big Debut




On 5/3/11 this girl had a regular doctors appointment and an ultrasound appointment right after that, I had a funny feeling all throughout this pregnancy that I wasn't going to carry full term.

Well I was put on high risk from the beginning of the pregnancy because one my hormones was too low, so because of that I had an ultrasound every month of my pregnancy to ensure everything was going ok. Needless to say I never was really worried about it because all along I knew that God was in control, and if he allowed us to get pregnant he had a plan for this baby and our lives. Back to the morning of May, 3rd...I went in to see the doctor first, and she did a quick ultrasound and said everything was great! My amniotic fluid was at a good level and the baby looked really good. Then right after that, I went in to see the ultrasound tech, and as soon as she looked at the screen she said "oh no!" not the words that you want to hear ever from a health care professional! Well she said "I have to get the Dr. right away" and walked out. All while I'm still laying on the bed and by now freaking out. The Dr. comes in and looks at my fluid, which just a few minutes ago was perfect, well my fluid level was at a 3 when very low is considered 5, and I was at a 3! They started running all these tests on me and the baby, and Bryson seemed fine in all of them, but they couldn't understand why my fluid was so low. After a couple of hours, the Dr. comes in and says "we are keeping you overnight, we think you are dehydrated" In my mind I knew that could not be possible because I drink water all day. They said the other opinion was that my water was broken! I really started to worry a little because I was only 34 weeks along. Well they kept me overnight and pumped in a million gallons of fluid, then they were going to check my fluid level in the morning. Of course there was no other explanation to me than that my water was actually broken, but the fluid kept coming back negative in that test. Well next morning sure enough my fluid was ever lower, but still could not send me to the other hospital that has a NICU because the test for the broken water kept on coming back negative. Finally after another long day...5 doctors looked a the fluid and decided I actually had my water broken for 3 days!! If only they had listened to me from the beginning! The doctor came in and told me I had to ride in the ambulance to the nearest hospital with a NICU, I was at the base hospital. I really did not want to ride in the ambulance, I did not want that kind of drama. After they explained to me that I could have this baby any minute, I guess I had to do what they said.
As soon as I got the hospital, they were ready for me! They had to induce me and don't be jealous...I did not feel one contraction! I had the epidural right before they started inducing me, I got hooked up for sure. I slept for a few hours then in the morning it was go time, he was here after 7 minutes of pushing. The doctor said my body was made to have kids, it's just easy for me to have them, I guess.
Bryson was born at 5lbs. 6oz, and I did not hear him cry. I was a little worried, Brandon ran back there and then I heard him. Since he was a preemie, I did not get to hold him or see him for 6 hours, which seemed like an eternity to me. As soon as I was able to move my legs, Brandon took me to the NICU where I could finally see my baby. He had oxygen, feeding tube, and was in an incubator. It made me feel really sad to seem him there struggling to breath, but still I knew God had it control.
The next day, we get a call to our room saying that the cardiologist wanted to speak to us about our baby, we headed to the NICU right away. Well...Bryson was born with a little hole in his heart, and will need to have open heart surgery by the time he is 9 months old. He has been doing so great in the NICU, and his oxygen level is great! The doctor says that we are blessed because babies that are born with this condition usually have to have surgery right away because they are blue, and our baby is rosy pink. Bryson is a great candidate for the surgery and will do great. Meanwhile he is still in the NICU getting stronger by the day, and hopefully will come home soon. We ask you that you keep him in your prayers.
This has been a hard time for our family, but we have found so much strength in God and the support of our family and friends.

The last picture was taken yesterday, and as you can see he is getting bigger and stronger by the minute. :)


3 comments:

Lisa said...

Mel - I am so inspired by your strength. I wish so badly that I could be there with you. Know that we pray for you and Bryson every single day. We love you all so much, and are so looking forward to seeing you in July. Have a wonderful weekend, and remember that you are severely missed.

We 2 Bees said...

Thank you for sharing your story of beautiful Bryson! He is so cute! God definitely has you in his hands. We'll continue to pray for your whole family! I am sure it's been hard but your faith gives you strength. We do miss you guys tons! Continue to stay strong.

MamaHen Em said...

He is absolutely in God's hands and you are so very blessed to have the peace that comes with knowing that! We pray for you and your little guy every day! Miss you guys so much!