Monday, September 28, 2009

Simeon Lael Van Eaton

Simeon Lael Van Eaton
Born September 26, 2009 at 7:58 PM
Weight: 6 pounds, 11 ounces
Length: 19.7 inches

The meaning of Simeon is "to hear and obey, to hear with acceptance" and the meaning of Lael is "devoted to God". These names were chosen because of our personal testimony, which I hope to post soon.

Simeon was born a few weeks early. I (Marsha) was at Maternal-Fetal Medicine having a non-stress test on Friday, the 25th. My blood pressure, which has been been fairly stable due to medication throughout this pregnancy, was rising and there were other signs of pre-eclampsia starting. It was decided that it was safer to deliver baby than to continue to carry him.

After a night of very little sleep in the hospital, labor was induced at 5:40 AM. At 5 PM, I was making no progress, although I had endured a full day of contractions and constant monitoring. The membranes were then striped, which upped the pain considerably, but did nothing to progress labor. At 7:08, the bag of waters was artificially ruptured. 50 minutes later, Simeon was born.

After introducing Simeon to his big brother and grandparents, Jason and I spent the long sleepless night in awe and amazement at this incredible blessing God placed in our care at the end of such a long journey.


More photos coming soon.

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Moving Quickly!

Today's doctor appointment for baby was informative. It is being recommended that we not be allowed to go past 39 weeks (October 9) due to the deterioration taking place on the placenta from the blood pressure medication. In fact, if anything happens at this point, such as a blood pressure spike or other pre-eclampsia indicators, they are ready to deliver the baby immediately -- no extra stay in the hospital waiting for the right time. Of course, they would like to see this baby come naturally, without having to be induced, before we hit that date. I am in total agreement.

The ultrasound today didn't provide any photos because baby is head-down (yippee) and he is facing towards my back. But, they estimate his current weight to be 6 lbs and 4 oz.!

My next ultrasound is next Monday to check on the placenta / blood flow status. I would appreciate prayer that the placenta stays healthy and doesn't put baby at risk, as well as for labor to begin without doctor intervention.