At times it is easy to forget he is sick. You have what appears to be a perfect son, at home and doing all the things babies do: eat, poop, sleep and repeat. He already is getting bigger than when he was born. It is hard to think about what it will be like to go back to the hospital for his surgery. For now we appreciate every moment, as it is a gift to have him at home.[...]

Louis at home [...]

As we drove out of the hospital parking garage, I watched the first glimmer of sunlight grace Louis' cheeks... And he scowled the entire time. What a lover![...]

Our sweet boy is doing well in the NICU, he has been eating well and his blood oxygen levels are stable. His heart has been monitored for the last week to see the progress of his PDA (patent ductus arteriosis) closure. The ductus arteriosis is a normal fetal artery connecting the main body artery (aorta) to the main lung artery (pulmonary artery). In fetus' this allows blood to skip being oxygenated through the lungs. In Louis' case, this is helping regulate his blood oxygen levels. Once it's closed, he will have his surgery.
Since he is doing well, the cardiologist allowed us to take Louis home today. And he will get to be home for about three weeks, with weekly visits to the cardiologist. We are so pleased we get to spend a few weeks together before this big hurdle.
Unfortunately, because of Louis' heart condition and his pending surgery date, he cannot be around large groups of people and we are not able to have visitors until after his surgery. The cardiac surgeon wants to be sure Louis doesn't get a cold or any respiratory infections which could delay his surgery.[...]

A few things: he has a name! Louis DeWitt Ribbens
Louis because Dan and I both really like it and don't know anyone with that name, DeWitt because it's Dan's middle name and his grandfather's middle name and his great grandmother's maiden name. Louis is doing really well. His IV was removed because his blood sugar looks great and he and I are learning to feed. Dan and I can visit him in the NICU any time we want. It's a little difficult because I am recovering myself so I am moving very slow. Dan has to wheel me around through the hospital still. Dan is taking very good care of Louis and me both!

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Dan and I are the proud parents of the sweetest 6lb 10oz 20inch baby boy! He was born last night around 9pm, so far vitals are looking good. I haven't seen baby too much as he is in the hospital across the street and I'm in recovery, but Dan has been to see him and finds him a very agreeable boy! I'll give more details soon, I need rest first. Thanks for your patience while I worth through this roller coaster of emotions. I'll also keep you updated on baby's follow up care and surgery, no new news yet.[...]

I am 35 weeks and baby is measuring 5lbs 10oz, and everything is on track for a September 15th due date.
We have had several appointments this week because they caught an abnormality on baby's heart during a routine ultrasound. I would call everyone but this first time mama is very weepy so if you want to chat please call me!
Here's the technical stuff: baby has what's called the Transposition of the Great Arteries, specifically Double Outlet Right Ventricle, which means the two main arteries of the heart (aorta and Pulmonary valve) are switched. so baby is not pumping enough oxygen-rich blood to parts of the body. To compensate for that, baby has developed a Ventricular Septal Defect which is a hole between the ventricles, to get more blood circulating.
I will deliver as normal, no need for any emergency delivery, as my body and placenta are doing all the work for baby right now. But once baby is born, they will give baby an ultrasound to get a better picture of what is going on and then they will operate within the first week. Baby's recovering will then be a few weeks in the NICU at the best hospital here in Grand Rapids. Doctor's say although this is abnormal for ME, they see these types of heart defects often and baby will have no long term effects.
Medically, our little family is in the best hands. I know everything will be fine, we just have to make some adjustments to our bringing-home-baby plans. I will keep you all updated as I know more.[...]