Levi Joseph Fernau

Joe and I are proud to introduce our new addition to our family. Levi Joseph Fernau was born Thursday, September 23rd at 2:27 pm. He weighed 4 lbs 13 oz and was 18 inches long. Levi first went to a transition area to be examined by the pediatrician and then went to the newborn nursery. After a few minutes there Joe brought Levi back to our Labor room and he was able to spend time with us there. During his first night Levi was not able to keep his temperature up which is really common in small babies. On Friday morning the doctors decided to admit him to the NICU for some more observation and some oxygen. He was just getting so worn out trying to keep his temp up. On Saturday I was discharged which was a great feeling except that Levi could not come home with us. Leaving him at the hospital was one of the hardest things either of us has done. It was a very quiet and tearful drive back to Kalona that night. On Sunday when we got to the hospital to visit him we got the wonderful news that he was off his oxygen and was moved to a crib because he had stabalized his temperature. We were also moved to a different bay in the NICU so we were both able to stay the night with him. We were told that Levi would have a few things he needed to figure out before he could get home......eat well, and gain weight. So far feedings have been going well and he gained a little weight last night. The doctors were happy with what he is doing and are comfortable with us taking him home tomorrow! We are so excited and can't wait to get him home. Thanks for all the prayers and support over the last few months. We really appreciate all the has been done for us.
Here are some pictures of our new little man!

Bed Rest

Sorry its been so long since we have updated the blog but its been a crazy and frustrating few weeks. I was placed on a modified bed rest on August 30 and was able to be at home for that week. Then September 7th we had an OB appointment and my blood pressure was again elevated and some of my labs came back abnormal and I was diagnosed with preeclampsia. I was admitted that evening on the Mother/Baby Unit for what we thought was going to be one night. The next morning the doctors did their morning rounds and decided to keep me in the hospital on bed rest until the baby delivers. They felt that it would be better to keep me there to be monitored instead of sending me home where I would be along most of the day. Right now we are planning on starting the induction September 21st unless something changes with my blood pressures or if the baby is showing signs of distress.

Its been a long and frustrating week. It is hard to let go of my nursing knowledge and become a patient. We have learned that the communication between the doctors, nurses and patients is not real great sometimes and that the doctors don't always inform us of changes they make in our care. I have learned that I am spoiled with working in the NICU and have the doctors readily available when I need orders written, have questions about the patients, or when parents are there and want to talk with the doctors. I am not used to waiting hours to talk with a doctor and then only have a few minutes to talk to them. I am also not used to seeing my nurse only once in 8 hours. I keep thinking that if I were home I would see Joe or my parents more than I see the nurses sometimes and have a hard time being told I need my blood pressure monitored closely but then only getting it taken twice a day. Its extremely hard being on the other side of things.

I have also learned that its ok to ask for help and its ok to depend on other people sometimes. Joe has been staying with me in the evenings and overnight which has been great. The days get very long but I know that when its 5 I will see his smiling face soon and everything gets better. He is great about bringing me a yummy dinner so I don't have to eat hospital food all the time, filling up my water pitcher every few hours and running home if there is something I think I need. He always has a smile on his face and helps keep my spirits up. Mom and Dad have also been amazing during this time. They are taking care of Tucker for us and making sure things are ok at the house. Mom is graciously taking our laundry home and bringing back clean clothes every time she comes to visit. Dad has been busy at the house with yard work and making sure things are ready when we come home with the baby. We are so lucky and thankful we are so close so they can visit often.

Thank you for all your love, support and prayers during this time. We definitely feel all the support while we are here and we just ask that you remember us next week for the induction and birth of our child!