Wednesday, January 17, 2007

Little Bella has arrived!

Isabella Marie Dyer arrived this evening at 7:55PM. She weighed 7lbs and 11oz and was 21 inches long thus ending 20 hours of labor. Cat is doing well and will get some well deserved rest this evening. She is running a slight fever, but it is coming down as I type this.
Isabella however, has experienced a bumpy ride thus far in her short life outside the womb. She is currently in the NICU and they think she will be there overnight for sure, and possibly longer. Unfortunately, her shoulders were stuck on her way out. The doctors thought she may have broken her clavicle during delivery, but she had 2 x-rays, and they don't think this is the case.

The more serious issue at the moment is the trouble she is having breathing. The doctors originally thought that she might have an excess of fluid in her lungs giving her difficulty and that she would work it out after a short time. After this didn't happen, they started giving her oxygen to supplement her own breaths followed by a CPAP which is a set of tubes they placed in her nose to help keep the lungs inflated to ease breathing. I left the NICU at this point to provide an update to family waiting outside. They wouldn't let me come back in to see her after that since they proceeded to intubate her and hook up the ventilator to make sure she was totally comfortable. We will know more in 24 hours. The worst case at the moment is she could have pneumonia which means she will stay 7-10 days. The more realistic case is that she just needs to work some fluid out that irritated her lungs, and she will be in the NICU 2-5 days or so.

We just got back from seeing her a few minutes ago. I wheeled Cat down there, and we got to see her for about 15min and we talked to the doctor for a little bit. Bella is much calmer now than when I saw her earlier.

We are extremely excited that Bella is here, but dissappointed at the same time because she might not be coming home with us. We are however comforted knowing she is in good hands. Please remember little Bella in your prayers (and mom & dad too).

Love Cat & Todd

9 comments:

Laura Odom said...

Congratulations! We're a bit behind - I don't guess I even knew you were expecting! We will certainly keep little Bella in our prayers. I hope she is well and going home with you very soon. I love the picture with Catherine in the nursery!

The Henry Group said...

How exciting! We have all been looking forward to this day. We are not suprised that Isabella made her entrance into the world in her own timing and in her own way. No doubt, she will be a very independent young lady! We thank God that you are all healthly, trusting God to clear up Bella's lungs quickly, and that your family will be at home together soon! What a precious, perfect gift you have been given! (James 1:17) Enjoy every blessed moment.
Love,
Candy, Vic, Taylor, Lee & Beau

Ben said...

Congrats guys, we hope that you daughter is home with you soon.

Al, Liz, Oak and Isla Carter said...

Oh Divino.

Gracias por Dios.

We are excited for you guys & we are still praying for Isabella

Al & Liz

Wendy Couture said...

Bella is such a beautiful girl -- just like her mom! It sounds like she is receiving great medical care and will be able to go home to her nursery soon. You are in my thoughts! Please keep us updated. This blog is fantastic.

Janna, Brent, Trent, Carter & Maggie said...

We are so very excited that sweet Isabella has safely arrived.She is just beautiful. We are anxious to meet this precious one. We know that she is in the palm of God's hand as we pray that she gets stronger each day for an earlier discharge that projected. We are grateful that Catherine is recovering well. God's blessings to you.

"For this child I prayed; and the Lord hath granted me my petition, which I asked of him." 1 Samuel 1:27

Love, Janna, Brent, Trent, Carter & Maggie

George F. Bernard Clan said...

She's beautiful!!! Guero, James, David and Veronica can not wait to meet her. We have had the little one in our prayers and are certain she'll be coming home soon. We love you guys and welcome to parenthood!!!

the Anthony's said...

Congratulations! We are so proud for you and are excited about what God has done. We are praying for you all, especially Isabella! We know what it's like to leave a child in NICU. They will take good care of your little one and she will be home soon. We look forward to seeing Isabella in the future.
Love, Gary, Jan, Rachel and Kylie

Unknown said...

Wow! Isn't God just flat-out good? We see your spirit in and through this and your unfailing trust in Him is well-placed. We haven't seen you two for awhile, but that doesn't mean we have been praying for you. God buess you an little Bella is these coming days. [Mom and Dad Carter.]