BabyUpdate -- 25 October 2006

Well, it looks like we're done with the birthing of Madelynne. The final blood tests show that the jaundice is on the way out the door, and we're well on our way to raising a nice little baby girl. So, except for some pictures, this should be the last update on Madelynne's entrance into the world.

BabyUpdate

Here's the scoop:

1) Ellen was discharged this morning at midnight. No, this doesn't mean that they kicked her out the loading dock door at 12:01 am. The reason they did this was so that we could "room in" for the night, due to the fact that Madelynne wasn't released yet. Why wasn't Madelynne released yet?

2) There is a small problem with Madelynne. Apparantly during the delivery, some of Ellen's blood mixed with Madelynne's blood. Unfortunately, Mommie's and Baby's blood are different types, and are not compatable with each other. So, Madelynne's antibodies are killing off Ellen's blood cells, and the antibodies in Ellen's blood are attacking Madelynne's blood cells. While this can get serious, it appears that the worst that this is going to come to will be a bad case of jaundice, easily treatable with phototherapy (among other treatments) if necessary. Most of the time, this runs its course. Tests were run yesterday, and again today, and it appears that Madelynne's jaundice levels had held steady under the level where she'd have to go under the lamps. Sooooo....

3) Madelynne and Mommie are now at home. Fortunately, we are enjoying a bright, sunny day. Sunlight also helps fight jaundice, so Madelynne's probably catching some rays right now. We have to take her back in Sunday morning for additional tests, but if those come back good, Madelynne is home to stay.

4) I know, I know, the pictures are taking a while. Right now, we're getting them developed. I hope to have those up here next week

Until then, take care.

And that was a game...and that IS a winner!

Game 7 of the NLDS was a great game. Both teams were tough, pitched well. Rolen had a home run stolen from him, and the Mets stranded the bases loaded, leaving a great opportunity to put the game away. I'm kinda surprised that Suppan was able to pitch into the 8th inning -- seeing pitchers go that close to complete games (especially in the playoffs, and even more so in Game 7 situations) says alot about his abilities to throw the rock.

Way to go, Cardinals. Let's see if we can nail a tiger's hide on the wall.

BabyUpdate -- Madelynne makes her digital debut!

And here's the virtual birth announcement from the hospital. We've taken other pictures, but just haven't gotten them back in a digital format yet. In the meantime...

http://www.southeastmissourihospital.com/babies/October/announce7477.htm

BabyUpdate -- And the name is...

And, after a great deal of deliberation, our newest member of our family now has the name!

Madelynne Brianna

According to Ellen, between our three lit'l spudlings, we only have about 8 letters in the alphabet to use up in children's names. No word yet as to if we'll go for the gold on that job.

Picture of little Madelynne will available shortly.

Baby Update -- IT'S A GIRL!

Announcing the birth of a baby girl!
9:15pm ::6# 12oz, 19"
No name yet, but we're working on it!
Everyone doing fine.

Baby Update -- We're getting close!

Ellen's fully dilated and effaced. We're in the home stretch now. THANK GOD FOR EPIDURALS -- she's had some doozies of contractions already.

Baby Update

Water just broke. Hopefully, this will move things along.

Baby Update

Here's where we stand. Contractions are going along nicely. And, more importantly, so is the epidural. Baby still hasn't dropped, and (prob. just like Mackenzie), won't until her waters break. More when we know it.