Just so everyone can understand

Hello friends!
I just want to make sure we are all on the same page and that everyone understand why we have asked that everyone waits to visit.

Devin was born at 36 weeks 1 day gestation age. That means he wasn't quite full term, yes he may look like a full term baby but he isn't, he is considered to be a late term preemie. We were in the NICU for twelve days due to respitory issues. Now unless you've had a child in the NICU you have no idea how scary it is in there.

Devin was flown to Tucson approximately 11 hours after he was born. He was just needing a little more help then Safford could provide. He had what they called respitory distress. He was grunting when he would take a breath and was working way too hard to keep his oxygen up. Once he got to Tucson he was doing great until about 4 am Thursday morning when he desat. One of the pockets in his lung blew out, this was only allowing his lung to partially open with each breath. He was given medicine called Surfactant, and then he had a chest tube inserted. That tube was put in to drain out all the air that had been escaping, the tube was in for two days. During this time we were not allowed to hold him and were only allowed to touch him during cares. Each day that passed after that just got better. But We were terrified the entire time and we never left him alone.

Before we were released we were given strict rules from his NICU doctor. I hope by me sharing a few with you it helps you all understand a little better.
1. No children visitors
2. Anyone that visitis has to wash with soap up to their elbows and wash their faces.
3. No visitors that have been sick in the last 5 days
4. Smokers must change their shirts before coming into contact with him
5. No going anywhere for atleast two months including church, stores, and other families houses.
6. Doctors appointments are mandatory
*These are just a few of the rules we were given.
This is RSV season and since Devin had respitory issues it will be so much easier for him to get sick again. We would appreciate that all of our friends and family respect our wishes of no visitors until the time is right. I don't want to see my son back in the NICU ever again it drained us emotionally.

I know everyone is excited and ready to meet him but my main concern is to keep him heathy! We appreciate all the love, support, and prayers! 💙

Tuesday September 2, 2014

Monday seemed to be the longest day ever,  I kept looking at the clocking thinking the day couldn't possibly go by any slower. By the time night came I couldnt go to sleep, I felt like a 5 year old waiting for Santa. My mind was racing because I had no idea what to expect, in just a few short hours I would be having major surgery to meet someone I've loved for nine months. 

Tuesday finally arrived and I woke up at 6am to get ready for our big day! I had my hair and makeup done all before 7am because there was no way I was going to look ugly when I was in the operating room. After this the times seemed be fly by and the next thing I knew I was walking to the operating room. 

As I walked into the operating room I remember thinking "holy cow it's so bright and so cold in here." I instantly started to shiver because well hello I had nothing but a hospital gown on (haha). I had I sit on this little table so they could start my spinal block. As I'm sitting there waiting for the lady to start it I kept telling myself quit shaking, if You don't quit shaking she's gonna miss and I'll be paralyzed. So I sat there with my eyes closed and I prayed. 

Then the anesthesiologist said "ok you should start to feel your legs going numb," and boom that quick I couldn't feel my legs. Once my legs were numb the rest of my body quickly followed and I couldn't feel Devin kicking anymore either and that scared me until the man anesthesiologist told me my belly was moving like crazy. Finally, they let Kale come In and I was so happy to have him with me and as soon as he sat down time really flew. I remember being told your incision was just made and seconds after the anesthesiologist told Kale if you want to see your son be born stand up now and then all I could hear was the most beautiful cry in the world. I cried like a baby. I was so happy I couldn't stop crying. My son was finally here! The moment I had been waiting for what seemed like forever was finally here. It only took two minutes from the time I was cut open to have Devin out and in the nursery. The longest part was when they were putting me back together and shortly after I was taken into my room to recover. 

My little man was born at 9:00 am weighing 5 lbs 13 oz and 19 inches long. And I was finally able to hold him a couple hours after he was born. 

Thank you Jesus!

If you havent stopped and just looked over your life and said thank you do that right now. We all have so much to be grateful for.. I don't know your situation right now, you could be in a rough spot where you feel like you've hit a dead end, or things could be absolutely perfect.. I've been in both places trust me.. But I've grown so much over the last two years, I've had my heart ripped out and stomped on but I've also been given pieces of it back over time.

The Lord has his hand on you, you have no idea how he is working in your life. Blessings are being poured out to you each day that you open your eyes. There's a verse in one of my favorite songs that says "gods got his hand on you so don't live life in fear, forgive and forget but dont forget why you're  here, take your time and pray,"  wherever you are in life close your eyes and just say thank you.
I'm very grateful for everything The Lord has given to Kale and me. We have been very fortunate to have such an amazing family and supportive group of friends.