Kayla Lynn was born!!

ince I finally have a minute, I'll give a full update.

Kayla was born on May 20th, 2008 at 10:09 PM. She was 8 lbs 3 oz, and 19 1/2 inches long. I tried for a vaginal delivery, but after about 3 1/2 hours of pushing they realized she just wasn't coming out that way. So we went with a C-Section. It's been a little more difficult recovering, but I'm doing great. So mommy and baby both had belly surgeries.

She had her surgery a couple hours after birth, and everything (intestines, stomach and ovaries) were placed back in her belly. They found her umbellici (sp?) so she will have a belly button and no scar! Since then, she has done wonderful. The doctors are very pleased, and could not ask for more. She started off with a PIC line, NG tube, and IV's, as you can see in the pictures. Now she only has the PIC line that is feeding her nutrients until she starts eating breast milk. She took her vent tubes out herself, haha. They removed the NG tube yesterday and her IV in her left arm. So all that is left is the PIC. But they said that'll probably stay in until she goes home, just in case.

She is completely removed from her pain meds so she is crying and fussing like a normal, healthy baby. We were able to hold her for the first time on Tuesday! She was sleeping the whole time and the nurses kept commenting on how calm she was when we held her. She's super fussy right now because she's hungry. She gets her food through the PIC but who likes getting their food through an IV? haha

They were waiting for her to have a bowel movement since that is the only way they can tell if the intestines are working fine. She had her first (very big) bowel movement yesterday; which means her intestines are working great. Hopefully today they will start feeding her breast milk.  

If she tolerates her feeds, she will be able to come home within one or two weeks. We've been staying in Fairfax at the Ronald McDonald House because it is closer. I have to say that I was shocked. This place is amazing and the people here are even better. We've gotten a lot of support and love from complete strangers. I didn't realize how much they do for families. So please, if anybody gets a chance- donate. It's the best way to help the organization out. I can tell you that they are at the top of our list for organizations to donate to.

We have a TON of pictures, but no internet for our laptop to transfer them. As soon as we can, I will be adding them. She looks totally different from the pics I have up. Her swelling has gone down, and she is starting to develop a character. I can't tell you how funny she is. She likes to make funny faces, and definately knows how to play her mommy and daddy already.

Hmm.. that's about all I have for now. I'm going to go get in the shower and we're heading to the hospital to see her. Much love, and thank you all for the phone calls and prayers.

xoxo,
John, Alyssia, and Kayla Lynn

BTW, I copied this from my Myspace, so I haven't posted pics yet. Oopsy.  

Are you at Fairfax Hospital? It's a wonderful place. I live right nearby. I hope all goes well and you get to bring Kayla home soon.

hey mama congratualtions!!! im glad to hear she is doing so well!!! ya i knew a bunch of people in the ronald mcdonald house when my daughter was in the NICU it really is a wonderful place.....well hope to see those pics soon!!

Awww, congrats! I'm glad to hear everything is going well with your new baby!  

Quoting Elizabeth (mountainbaby):“ Are you at Fairfax Hospital? It's a wonderful place. I live right nearby. I hope all goes well and you get to bring Kayla home soon.”

We're at the house at INOVA but Kayla is at Georgetown. The other house is in DC, but across town. I'm sure you know how traffic in DC is.. so they sent us here. But thank you! We hope she comes home soon, too.

Congrats.It's great to hear she is doing well

Quoting Alyssia:“ We're at the house at INOVA but Kayla is at Georgetown. The other house is in DC, but across town. ... [snip!] ... across town. I'm sure you know how traffic in DC is.. so they sent us here. But thank you! We hope she comes home soon, too.”

Wow...was she born at Georgetown or transfered there? There are really great hospitals in this area so she is a lucky girl.
Traffic in DC is hell....so it was good they put you in Fairfax...makes life one step easier anyway.

Congrats, I am glad to hear you all are doing so well, especially Kayla! I hope you guys get to go home soon!

Aww I'm so glad everything went so well! I can't wait to see pictures hun. Congrats!