Zander enters the world...

So last night Zander David arrived in this big world, all 1 lb. 9 oz. and 13 inches of him. He's doing well other than a slight complication that is common in premature births. The ductus arteriales (or something like that), the vessel that connects two arteries going into the top of the heart, is supposed to close at birth, but because Zander was 3-months early and arrived by c-section, the normal signals sent to the baby's body to close off that vessel never happened. As a result, it is still open and causing increasing problems with Zanders respiratory abilities. Other than that, doctors and staff are amazed at how well he's doing for his age. Doctors have started a medication treatment that should tell his body to close off the artery. It's a 24-hour wait to see if it works and they'll try a 2nd treatment before using the option of surgery to make it happen. Fortunately, out of the hundreds of babies they see every year, the need for surgery only occurs once every couple of years. He's looking pretty good and the prognosis for his continued survival is also very good. What a relief!

I was able to touch his foot last night and discovered that Zander has ticklish feet. He moved his foot away from my touch and wiggled his toes. He's so cute. Becky says she delivered the equivalent of a soda bottle, but I think she'll be surprised, when they finally let her get out of bed and see Zander, how big he is compared to what she's thinking. He's got long feet and he's all arms & legs so I've enjoyed teasing Becky & Dave that Zander is a future NBA star and wish them luck in finding shoes that fit him as he continues to grow into his feet!

Anyhow, after spending the night on an uncomfortable couch and eating hospital food while helping Becky cope with the long hours, I'll be heading home to fetch my dogs from my parents house and prepare for a workday tomorrow. Becky's parents arrived home today from their bus trip so the new grandma has been camped out in Zander's room since lunchtime and the new grandpa will be back tomorrow after retrieving their car from the bus tour's parking area.

Becky, Dave, & Zander's hosptial experience is far from over as Zander can't leave the hospital for another 10 weeks (give or take a week) so I know I'll have more days camped out on uncomfortable couches and etc.