Andrew Simon Kenten Waldrum came on his own terms on March 2nd at 12:29pm. He weighed in at 7 pounds 8.6 ounces and 14 1/2 inches long. He is adorable! Unfortunately he is still in the NICU, and is needing help breathing. On the night of his birth they confirmed the diagnosis that they gave him from the beginning that he would not survive. We were devastated. However, the next morning they changed the prognosis, keeping it in the same skeletal dysplasia category, but saying it was not fatal, and that he would live! We have experienced a whirlwind of emotions over the past 5 days. We are tired, but thrilled that we have a son! Thank you Jesus for life! Thank you for our little miracle!
We had the best nurse for Andrew's delivery. Her name was Kristina. She was very encouraging during labor, she stayed by our side pretty much the whole time (even the hour before when we were waiting for Dr. Lo) and she made a way for us to get to hold Andrew in the NICU even though they were busy running tests on him! Thank you Father for our sweet and persistent nurse. Thank you for this opportunity to hold him!
We are waiting for him to get an MRI done on his neck so that they can remove the breathing tubes. The x-rays showed a severe curve up near his head that could cause paralysis if the spinal cord is damaged in anyway, so they are being extra careful with his neck. We are praying that this place in his neck will be healed, and there will be no signs of a curve on the MRI. We can't imagine our newborn baby having to undergo neck surgery. He is so sweet and innocent. We just want to hold him and tell him everything is going to be alright. We are in love!
Looking at Andrew it is easy to see and think that he has a lot of problems. Thankfully, with God we always have hope, and we believe these "problems" can be opportunities for breakthrough. The journey we have ahead may be long, but we are going to take it one step at a time. God's word is still true, and He is still able to do exceedingly abundantly beyond all that we can ASK or imagine. We are so thankful for our adorable blessing! Please pray that we will get to bring him home soon!
Andrew has had several visitors to come and love on him!
Mimi
Papa
Nala
Aunt Leah
Uncle Ryan
Aunt Bec
Uncle Michael
Aunt LeAnne
Great Mama
Amy... and also my sweet friend Becky drove down from Waco, but her picture is on my mom's phone. I will add it later.
We also had a parade of visitors at the hospital eagerly anticipating Andrew's arrival. We felt so loved by all of our dear friends and family who were standing with us and praying for us. Thank you!!! People from our church as well as many other believers all over have been, and continue to carry Andrew in their hearts and prayers. They have even started a Caring Bridge Site. Here is the address if you want to visit: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/andrewwaldrum
Thank you all for investing in our son! He is a mighty warrior! We feel so covered and supported in this journey.
Karis, I've kept up to date over the years on you and your beautiful family through your amazing mom. I just wanted you to know that I am praying for miracles to continue for Andrew. I am confident in our Lord's plan for him. Carrie (Sullivan) Escobedo
ReplyDeletesweet karis, i'm so amazed to see already the miracle of precious little Andrew's life!! I will continue to pray for him...that the Lord will continue to heal him in a mighty way!! I love you!!!!
ReplyDeleteDo they have a diagnosis yet? If not, look up diastrophic dysplasia - he has many of the symptoms of it, particularly the shape of his feet. Please email me if you have any questions - nicolejoy81@gmail.com . My daughter has dd. you can check out my blog for more info - www.madeline-hope.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteYes, that is what they called it. I will email you soon! :) About to check out your blog.
DeleteI am so happy to hear that Andrew is here. I have been praying. Praying that he would live long enough for you to hold him and love him. God is so good......so happy for you. He really is beautiful. ((((((HUGS))))) and more prayers.
ReplyDeletePraise God! Wonderful news about Andrew! We will keep praying for him as he has his neck surgery. He is a precious miracle!
ReplyDeleteAndrew is adorable!!! Make sure to check out the Diastrophic Help website (http://pixelscapes.com/ddhelp/) for important information that will help Andrew, especially the "Just for Babies" section and also the 2004 Diastrophic Dysplasia booklet. I am the mom of an adult with Diastrophic Dysplasia (DD, for short) and also the creator of the DD Help website. Contact me at any time at vitagagne@comcast.net.
ReplyDeleteVita Gagne
Oh, forgot to say, please contact me once you get the MRI results. We have _lots_ to talk about which will hopefully put things in perspective for you about Andrew's medical stuff.
ReplyDeleteVita Gagne
congrats! Andrew is adorable! My name is Stacey. My son Grant is 3 years old and has Diastrophic Dysplasia. We have very similar stories. When my. son was born they diagnosed him with AOII before deciding he would survive. Grant also had a curved neck (kyphosis) that was corrected at the end of last year, and is doing great. We have a blog for him at www.grantcstone.com Email me if you want to chat. Staceystone610@hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the birth of your gorgeous little boy. I have 2 DD sons Philip (age 27) James (age23) James had the neck problem and had 2 surgeries when he was 3 of which we were told he might not survive But God brought him through Amen. Keep trusting in Him he always makes a way through.This is James' website /www.threefootseven.co.uk/. God Bless you all.
ReplyDelete