DAY 2

Wow, what we have learned today sure makes us feel a lot better. We now realize we are in great hands at Butterworth. I think these doctors may know more than me!

We started out the day with an ultra sound of the baby. Everything looked great. The baby weighed around 4lbs. 10 oz. This was more than we or the doctors expected. One doctor told us anything more than 2000 grams (4.5 lbs) will decrease the risk for the baby. This was a good way to start the day. We still have not found out what we are having. We do have pictures of the face and will try to scan in for people to see.

We also talked with the high risk pregnancy doctor. He is assisting Jen's normal doctor. This also gives us reassurance. He told us that after 30 weeks things look up. They would not let Jen go longer than 34 weeks. He gave us some stats that 50% of the people deliver before 24 hours (we passed this!) and 80% deliver within two weeks. On Friday at 5:00 PM Jen will have had the steroids for 48 hours and that is a key for the lungs. Then on Tuesday she will have had the antibiotics for 7 days which is also a big help.

This afternoon we met with the neonatal (spelling???) doctor. He explain what he is going to do for the baby. They will help with any breathing problems and or eating problems. He said the baby is to young to know how to eat and will learn as we go. They will have to help feed because the baby can not swallow, suck, and breath all at the same time. The breathing problems should be minimal and said this is like "riding a bike to them".

Jen continues to keep her head up in this tough time. Of course she is worried about every one else and how she is being a burden. As of now the family is doing great! Kids have fun at the hospital and don't mind going. Hopefully this will continue for the next month and on.

My parents are helping at the house during the week and Jen's parents are helping on the weekends. We are trying to keep the kids on a very normal routine. We want to be as smooth as possible for them.

Talk to you later