Paxton's Here!

Surprise!

July 13

This Tuesday I went in for my 35 week checkup where we learned that Paxton's growth had dropped below the 10th %. This meant a non-stress test. Almost immediately we noticed decelerations in his heart rate, leading to a test of his umbilical cord, and

then being admitted to labor and delivery for further monitoring. If it was based on Paxton's activity, things would have been great; buddy was so active in there. But over time we continued to see these heart decelerations, namely late decelerations. His heart rate would drop after I had even a little Braxton-Hicks. It was such a pattern that our

doctor determined that a. we were pretty blessed that Paxton had been holding strong and was still with us and b. we needed to deliver him immediately via c-section. He was not handling contractions well enough and it was a matter of time before they were too much stress for his little body (heart). Paxton had also only gained one ounce in his last month, meaning he would probably only grow about a half an ounce if we tried to keep him in the womb until 37 weeks. But the risk for stillbirth was too great if we went home. So Dave and I had about 25

minutes to prepare for emergency c-section. We rallied the troops and had a blessing and in we went.

I won't say too much about the c-section, but it was a scary experience. Besides the physical aspect and little time to prepare for it, most of all I think I was just overcome with emotion that it was all really here. Paxton was coming. For that I was so grateful, but also so nervous for his health and to begin this journey. Preparation time was up! Dave and I watched most of the process and got to see Paxton for literally one second before they passed him

through the NICU window.

We were relieved to hear that Paxton was doing well, stable, and even an 8 on both apgar tests! They were able to tell, however, immediately, that Paxton was struggling to breathe. He does not just have a cleft pallet, but he has no pallet, no roof of his mouth, thus allowing

the tongue to fall back and obstruct his airway. Right away the doctors could tell that most of Paxton's most severe issues lied in his throat. They gave Pax an oral airway to help him breathe. Because this plastic device gags him, he would slowly push it out, then his breathing and heart rate would drop, then the nurses would rush to help him recover. Dave got to go see him twice in the NICU as they explained Paxton's conditions to him, and I got to go see him before going to my recovery room. It was so great to see him and we both were so surprised with how wonderfully normal Paxton's features were.

Dave got to be in the NICU quite a bit that night, taking two family members at a time to see him, and when he came up at 12:30, exhausted, he told me the nurses said I could hold him if I wanted. ! Well I was shocked and I knew better not to let that opportunity go by, that things might be different by morning. So we wheeled down there and I got to hold Paxton skin to skin for 2 hours, singing and talking to him. It was precious time and to that point my greatest

desires and hopes had been fulfilled. I was so immeasurably grateful to meet and know our sweet little Paxton, and especially to hold him literally close to my heart and treasure that most tender bond between mother and child. Some wise friends were right when they told us before Paxton came here, we already know each other.

We love you so much, Paxton, and we so happy you are here!