In the NICU - day three.
Justus Theodore Browning.
A superb NICU nurse.
Going home!!!!We welcomed the arrival of our sweet baby Justus at 12:56pm, Monday - May 11th. It was an adventurous labor. I started having pretty consistent and regular contractions around 9:30 am with them picking up intensity around 10 am. Amanda drove me to the hospital, where Phillip came in shortly after us. Little Justus made his debut very quickly in probably the easiest labor and delivery I have had thus far. It was a very sweet time.
We were able to enjoy him for several hours. Napping, suckling, all the normal newborn "things". Then when our Pastor and his wife visited we noticed something. Justus' feet were a very alarming dark purple. We immediately called for a nurse, who was followed by a pediatrician. The pediatrician listened to his heart and determined he heard a murmur. He continued to say he thought Justus also had Down Syndrome.
I was caught by surprise. However, my husband was quickly by my side speaking words of comfort by reading scripture to me. I can't explain the peace that evaded my soul. He truly was used of God to help me focus and lean on my Saviour.
The nurses and pediatrician took little Justus into the nursery to monitor him and do x-rays, etc. Phillip followed his son. I rose from bed and got dressed to go down and learn that they were readying my baby to be transported to the Newborn Intensive Care Unit in another city and hospital. They would transport him via ambulance. We could follow in another car. My heart sank. I had never been away from any of my babies in this fashion. All I could do was pray. It was a tearful goodbye. I was quickly discharged so I could follow my son - for what would be a total of four days in the NICU. Once in the NICU they monitored his oxygen saturation levels, did an echo cardiogram, and abdominal ultrasound, and some other things. He had about three or four "lines" hooked to him. I do have to say that those nurses and doctors are so very good at what they do. They are truly in a position of caring for those who cannot care for themselves - a noble "job" and one that requires much strength. I am so very thankful for them.
We kept receiving comments or questions that assumed we knew prior to our delivery that Justus had Down's. We did not. We decline the genetic screening you can do during pregnancy that checks for it. One doctor commented that if we had done the screening we would have at least been prepared. To that, my husband replied later to me: there is no better "preparation" than that is made by the Holy Spirit.
He is so right.
Plus, if the nurses and doctors had been awaiting a child with a heart defect upon delivery - they would have taken him much sooner. Thus, no nap, no suckling none of the normal things Phillip and I relish after every delivery.
The genetic screening is not very reliable. I am thankful we did not have it done, and will not have it done in the future, if God so allows us to have more children.
The cardiologist determined that Justus has a congenital heart defect that is called Tetralogy of Fallot. About 50% of Down Syndrome children have a congenital heart defect. This will require open heart surgery in a few months. Let me say right here: the down syndrome is not a big deal to our family. We look forward to the simple joys that Justus will bring. We know that his life was created with purpose by our Lord. I have a gift that most mothers will never experience. I have a child of whom will probably live with me for a much longer time than any of my other children. I get to experience his love and companionship indefinitely. The real concern regarding Justus is his heart. I would covet your prayer for our son. The cardiologists would like him to get a little bigger prior to surgery. He may have what are called "blue baby" spells. This is where he turns blue. This is normal with his heart condition, however not normal for a Mom and Dad to watch their baby turn blue! I ask my Lord for wisdom and for guidance in determining what to do in those situations. The doctors have given us some advice at how to manage them and when to call the doctors. Once these spells start to occur they will put him on medication to help so he can get a little bigger before the surgery. We also are trying the best we can to keep illnesses at bay. He is more susceptible to infection. So... I carry hand sanitizer everywhere we go and keep it all over the house. This has been a challenge as it seems we are in the middle of a cold running through all our children.
Please enjoy the pictures. Please know that your prayers over the last week have been a huge help and much felt. While in the NICU, Justus made huge leaps of getting better everyday. For that we are grateful to our Lord. He is so good to His children. We feel both humbled and thankful by the encouragement and prayer of the saints.
I will try and continue to update as I have time.
I have to say that Christ has truly manifested Himself in ways that would have to take a much longer "post" to illustrate to you during this time. God's hand has been "in it all". It is unmistakable and ever so clear. What a comfort!
I also want to mention how thankful I am for my sweet friend, Amanda. She stayed with my children - no complaints, no questions asked. She is a true friend that I was able to lean on in a very difficult time. I had complete confidence that my other kiddos were well cared for and loved. Thank you Amanda - and thanks to my Saviour for His provision of her in such a timely fashion.
Again, enjoy these sweet images of my precious baby. He is already such a joy. Such a good, mellow baby. I treasure the gift God has given me in my family. I am blessed BEYOND measure!
Justus had a cardiology appointment today. He had an EKG done as well as weight check and oxygen saturation levels checked. . . and everything looked great! What does that all mean? Well, an EKG measures the electrical output of your heart. This indicates how hard the heart is working which can also indicate if the heart may be getting bigger due to too much work. The heart is a muscle and the harder it works the bigger it may get - which is not good. Justus' heart is a little bigger on the right side, due to his heart defect. The doctors are looking for a rise in electrical output to indicate if it is getting larger - but today the EKG measured the same as last time - so that is GREAT! The weight check is an indicator at how Justus is thriving. If there isn't a significant weight gain then there may be a problem - but Justus weighed in at 9lbs 1oz. which is AWESOME! The oxygen saturation levels tells the doctors how rich in oxygen his blood is - 100 is the number most would come back with. Justus had a range set in the NICU for 75 - 90% due to his heart condition which allows some de-oxygenated blood to travel through his body, which in turn drops his sat. levels. If his sat. levels would show a big drop at a visit it would be a sign that his heart is working too hard to deliver oxygen to his organs. . . but. . . his levels were 94% today - which is TERRIFIC! He didn't have an echo cardiogram today, but will at his next visit - which just shows the docs. a picture of his heart and how the valves are holding up. 
Gabe
