More Kilpatricks to Come: Beckett

As soon as we knew that Beckett would be born on the 17th, I began to be equally excited and terribly nervous. I knew all the things that had brought us to this point and why we were so hoping that an early delivery would mean avoiding a long hospital stay and health problems that plagued Rhys. I also knew that my C-section would be different this time since it was planned and not such an emergency. But I still knew that he would be one day shy of 35 weeks old and would be small, just over 5 pounds and my worries were rapidly adding up.

The weekend prior, my mom and niece had come to visit us just to hang out and see Cameron and Rhys. We played all day and didn't do much at all. We cooked and cleaned up toys endlessly, and just enjoyed the last weekend of no baby. I knew that I would be visiting my specialist, Dr. M, on Tuesday when she would most likely tell me if she was recommending that we deliver early. And sure enough, she said to plan it for the next day or two and Grammy knew that she wasn't going to head home anytime soon!

The day before, I spent about half the day at the hospital being monitored and having my blood tested and making sure that the blood bank would be ready in case we needed some very specific transfusions. A very kind nurse told me that being awake during his birth rather than completed sedated would be a bit strange at times, but that I would most likely enjoy getting to witness so many more things. She was even wise enough to warn me of the things I would feel and how to respond if I became nervous or concerned. Let me say to any of my friends that may end up having a C-section, I will tell you the real truth when you are ready and want me to. :)

The day came so quickly. We checked in at the hospital around 10:00 am and were scheduled for surgery at noon. We were so touched to find out that a whole team of doctors and nurses had been prepped with information about Beckett and would be in the room during his delivery. Maybe it was the combination of nerves and gratefulness that we had made it that far, but I was crying before he was even born. The moment the doctors held him up for us to see, Bo said to me, "He's awesome! He's little, but he is awesome." I remember seeing how small he looked in the doctor's hands but that his skin looked so healthy and pink! Compared with Rhys, he looked so much better.

And yet, we still had to head straight to the NICU. He was put on three lamps to help him process out the bilirubin and he had wires and IV cords everywhere.

Over the next week, we tried to be patient and thankful as the doctors told us they were testing you for all the same things that we had dealt with for Rhys. Bilirubin tests, CBC panels, hemoglobin and hematocrit numbers, making sure that you were eating and digesting out those bad antibodies...

But really we anticipated that you might be there for a very short stay! Your brother was in the NICU for an entire month and we were hoping that you might only need a few weeks.

Such a sleepy boy, we were always excited to see your eyes open! For now they seem to be a deep blue and Daddy and Cameron are pretty excited that you are part of the club.

This is the first time that Mommy got to hold you. Even with all the cords, I was so excited to snuggle you close to me and tell you how much we love you.

Daddy is so proud to have not one, but miracle boys! We know that God is going to continue to give you strength and help your body correct the things that need help.