First photos of Maddy (ChargerBaby)

[ChargerGirl]

These were taken in order, starting with a couple of pictures on Friday evening thru the latest pics from yesterday. The blue lighting is part of some therapy to keep her from having jaundice, kind of like a tanning bed, without the tanning. She's looking better every day and seems pretty laid back when no one's messing with her.

Maddy really is a miracle baby. Apparently the embryo implantation wasn't the best, so her umbilical cord placement was off to the side inside of in the middle of the placenta, so she was already working with faulty gear. Most of the time when this happens, it results in miscarriage. Luckily she managed to get everything out of the situation she could and lasted to 30 weeks and was fairly healthy/strong to boot.

This whole adventure started on April 1st when I woke up with a fever and vomiting and had to be admitted to the hospital. They were able to take care of the fever, and after a couple of days, realized I had acid reflux and treated that. Friday, the fourth I was hoping to go home, but around six am, I felt sharp pains in my lower belly and back and when they put the monitors on, Maddy's heart rate was irratic. They rushed me in for an emergency c-section and put me under general anesthesia. The whole surgery lasted only 13 minutes and I spent the rest of the day on a drip. By the evening I was feeling up to seeing her, so Marc wheeled me in. (that's the first couple of pics).

Her prognosis right now is looking really good. She's been able to breathe on her own from the start and pretty soon they'll be removing the nose canula (sp?) so her face will be freed up. Her weight is stable and her blood count is improving every day. Right now the only thing they are worried about is her bowel obstruction, which she's been working on getting out since yesterday. So hopefully by the weekend she'll be done with that and we can focus on keeping her fed and comfy for the next five to six weeks that she has to stay in the hospital.

Thanks again for all the prayers and thoughts, they are part of what's been keeping me together the past few days. I'm looking forward to getting her home and taking her for her first ride in the Charger (probably just a cruise around the block ). In the meantime, I'll keep updating this thread as we get more pics and videos.

[1bad4dr]

Thanks for sharing Tam.

Wow, Maddy has lots of hair.

How are you guys doing? You look good in the pics. Tell mom hello from us.

[ChargerGirl]

We're doing ok. After spending all day at the hospital yesterday, my feet were almost too swollen to walk on. So I'm taking it easy today and we're going up to the City after Marc finishes work. The incision's healing up nicely and I'm feeling better every day. Marc's hanging in there, just impatient he can't stay with her all the time, which is where I'm at. But yeah, over all, we're doing ok, just beat.

[mrssrt10]

You and Maddy look good! Thank you for the pics. She really has long legs! She's going to be taller than her parents!!!

Glad to hear she is doing well. She's a tough girl! But you already knew that just from her movement!!!

[nevinsrt]

shes one strong baby!!!
Congrats Tam and thanks for sharing!!!

[HEMISFEAR]

Awwwww...what a cutie. I can't wait until you guys can take her home. I'm glad things continue to look up T.

[Mains]

such a strong little lady Maddy is... huge congrats!

[ChargerGirl]

Oh and baby stats:

At birth she weighed 2 lbs, 10 oz and was 15 inches in length. She has a headfull of black hair and we're thinking the eyes will be brown, but they're still that weird blue/black color.

[StevoSRT]

Awww mama and chargerbaby!....

looks like shes getting the best care she can get which is good!...always pleased to see positive updates!

hang in there Tam...you and mark will be home w/ the whole family soon enough!

[Cheatek]

Thanks for sharing the pics Tamara, I know this is a real hard time for you. As a father of 2 I know how much your child means to you. Hang in there!!