LEVEL THREE

Today we came to Nashville to visit little Lewis in his new home: Level 3 care at the NICU of Centennial Medical Center. There's one nurse to every two babies there, which is very comforting. We were able to spend hours at his bedside, just watching him breath and suck on his pacifier... Shelley even got to breastfeed him, which of course was a great mom-son bonding time.

Another first: Lewis got his first spinal tap (they call it a "lumber puncture" now), which will hopefully rule out any chance of meningitis. My cousins and parents are here, and my aunt has opened her vacant home to us while she's off in California. God willing, we'll know more about Lewis' condition tomorrow--keep him and us in your thoughts, as a good prognosis could mean we get to bring him home early next week.

--Justin

Justin will be posting something later, probably with cool pictures etc. I just wanted to give the maternal perspective briefly before I collapse from exhaustion! Today was a pretty good day. The people at Centennial Medical Center are doing a great job taking care of Lewis. Being in the NICU makes us realize how lucky we are. Lewis looks so healthy compared to so many of the premies, and the doctors are very re-assuring that his prognosis is good. They did a lumbar puncture today (otherwise known as a spinal tap) to check for meningitis and a few other things. We are not sure when the results will come back on that. They are still trying to figure out exactly what the bacteria is that is causing his infection. They know the name of it now, just doing research to figure out what it all means.

Otherwise, we got to hold him a great deal. They even had us try nursing, which was not a huge success, but I felt like we got to bond which we both needed badly! Today was really busy, and it took its toll on me. Hopefully tonight will provide some much needed sleep so we can handle tomorrow.

Thanks for your encouraging emails and phone calls etc. We are hoping people are checking the blog because we barely have time to call our family to keep them posted. We will try to post daily updates. We can feel your prayers and are so grateful for all of you!

THE EARLY JOURNEY

Tonight, at about 6 p.m., little Lewis took his first interstate trip--to Nashville for further observation and treatment at Centennial Medical Center. His doctor told us that he needs better testing and care than can be provided in Bowling Green, so he'll be in the "Level 3" care for at least 5 days.

Shelley and I will head up there tomorrow morning, and she, at least, will probably stick around until he's released. We're hoping nothing's really wrong, aside from a mild infection. But the doctors will check for all kinds of stuff, including meningitis. Please pray for a quick healing and a short stay... and pray for Shelley too, as being a new mother isn't supposed to mean staying at someone else's house and only seeing your baby for a couple hours a day.

On a lighter note, click HERE to see Lewis' first bedtime rocking!

--Justin

So Lewis' infection doesn't seem to be getting better... his breathing slows down when he's sleeping, but when he wakes up he gets kinda crazy and starts breathing way too fast. Our pediatrician, Dr. Fraser, told us earlier that if he doesn't show some signs of improvement today, he may have to be transported to Vanderbilt in Nashville for better treatment. We're praying he'll get better on his own, since we're very anxious to get him home, but of course want him to get whatever treatment he needs. Please pray for him, and for us, when you can. I'll post some newer images or video later on today.

--Justin

After two sleepless nights of unidentified “back pain,” Shelley and I headed for the hospital today to try to get that pain relieved…

A mere six hours later, here he is:



Shelley handled the birth like a champ (no real screaming, no epidural, only a half-dose of IV pain medication), and Lewis came out kicking his left leg like crazy (this is a sign that he is a Democrat, like his dad, not a Republican, like his mom).

At this point the nurses are still keeping him in "infant ICU" because his breathing is a bit fast and he seems to have an infection... they aren't too worried about him but want to play it safe. Please pray that he will get better soon so that we can take him home!

If you want to come by, please do! But call me first: (270) 535-5859. We’re at Greenview Regional Hospital.

--Justin

We had another ultrasound today. Baby's head is down. He is facing outward toward my belly, which is not the best position, but he may still turn around. He can deliver this way, but I guess it is harder. He is right at 7 lbs right now. Hopefully he will come soon. I'm not feeling so good anymore!!

I (Shelley) had my 37-week doctor's visit this afternoon. My doctor said that I had not progressed much since last week, but she is wondering if Lewis may have changed position since then. She had me schedule an ultrasound for Monday morning to check his position and weight. She thinks he is probably still head down, but wants to make sure since he will be early. I also tested positive for Strep B which means I will have IV antibiotics during the delivery. Not a big deal, but not what we wanted to hear! Otherwise my blood pressure and everything looks good. We will keep you posted.

Justin's cousin Shari delivered some beautiful hand-made bedding and curtains for baby Lewis yesterday. His aunt Imogene had a rocker re-upholstered for us too (all with some help from Lewis'future aunt and grandmother). Our kitty Macchiato was so excited she jumped right in to help break-in the rocker. Here's the photo!

Pregnancy update: I (Shelley) had my 36 week check-up yesterday. The doctor said things were "cooking right along" and that the baby's head is down in the right position. Yay! She also said I am dilated 2 cm and 50% effaced, which really surprised me. Naturally I asked if she thought I would deliver early and she said her guess would be around July 4th (my original due date was July 13th). We'll keep you posted on how things progress. We are including a photo of my big belly so that those of you far, far away can see the crazy development!

My first film of the 21st Century. Feel free to stop it after the cat makes her escape... there's no more video after that.

So, yes! This is the first post to shepherdfam!

Basically, we are who we are. And will be adding 50 percent more to that equation very shortly. Stay tuned for updates on all that.

Here we are!!