About Me

We found out at our 20 week ultrasound that our baby boy would be born with a cleft. This is his story.

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Birth Story

He's here!! Dallin has made his entrance into this world. And we have already seen so many blessings!

My water broke early Sunday morning and we headed to the hospital. The labor was long and stressful- Dallin was showing signs of stress with each contraction. There was a moment when they thought they'd have to do a C-section for sure. But he hung in there and before I knew it, he was here!

There was a split second in all the mayhem of getting ready to deliver where I realized that 5 months of waiting and wondering were about to come to an end. I had been so worried all day about getting Dallin here safely, I had almost forgotten about all the other things we have been concerned about this whole time. I realized in that moment that I didn't care how he came here, just as long as he was healthy.

As soon as Dallin's head emerged, we discovered why he had been stressed during the whole labor- the cord was wrapped around his neck three times! What a trooper for hanging in there. Who knows how long that has been there and how long he's been stressed.

Then I heard my doctor say, "The palate is intact! It's only a cleft lip." Greg and I looked at each other and started crying. We couldn't even believe the miracle! And his cleft lip is so small. We have been praying for months (and I know a lot of other people have been praying, too) that his cleft would be minimal, and that if possible, it wouldn't involve his palate. We were praying for a big miracle, and we knew it. We were filled with so much gratitude to witness this miracle!! We are still so overwhelmed with this blessing.

As I held him in my arms for the first time, I felt so much joy and peace. I thought to myself, what have I even been worried about this whole time? He is so perfect.

Another amazing blessing that we were not prepared for- Dallin is a champion at breastfeeding! As soon as we found out there was no palate involvement, I asked if I could try to nurse. I was thrilled when it worked! Dallin formed a great latch, even with his cleft, and has been nursing great ever since. Wow.

Our hospital stay was wonderful. We loved having family visit us and meet sweet baby Dallin. I loved having a never ending supply of cranberry-apple juice and snacks:) We loved cuddling our sweet baby and getting to know him. Dallin had to stay in the NICU for 24 hours to get his blood sugar up. But he seriously was such a trooper! He is such a calm baby and let them poke him over and over again, without hardly a sound. We were so happy when he was released! And even more happy when he got to come home with us! Dallin has exceeded everyone's expectations. His cleft has proven to be hardly a problem at all.

We're not sure what's going on with his kidneys yet- we'll go in for an ultrasound in about a week to get them checked. I almost feel ungrateful praying for yet another miracle, but we're hoping that the hydronephrosis is gone. Or at least easily repaired.

We've also set up a consult with the craniofacial clinic at Primary Children's for next Wednesday. We'll be meeting with the surgeon and discussing when his surgery will be. I almost don't want to get his cleft fixed! I seriously love him just the way he is. It will sure be bittersweet to "fix" his already beautiful smile.

Well, today is my "due date" and I am so thrilled that I am snuggling with my baby right now. All those months and months of worrying have been replaced by so much joy and love. We feel so very blessed to have sweet Dallin in our home! We are so grateful for his health!





Enjoy the pictures!










Although it looks like he's screaming, he wasn't crying at all! I had to keep asking if he was okay because he wasn't crying!




6 lbs- so tiny!!

















































5 comments:

Sarah said...

wow, what an inspiring blog. You have such a strong testimony. Thank you for sharing!

Jeremy and Heather said...

I love birth stories. I am glad things went well and that you did not have to have a C-section. You little boy is cute as can be. I forget how small babies are.

Jess & Jessica said...

Congratulations!!!! He is so beautiful. He has a cute smile and I LOVE the hair. Have fun with your two beautiful boys. :)

Lindsey said...

I am so happy for you guys! He is so beautiful! I am so glad that the palate wasn't involved. What a blessing! He is just perfect! Let me know if you have any questions or need anything. :)

Lauren said...

Aw, Lin, I love you so much!!! I'm so happy for you guys. This post just made me smile so big. Dallin is such a gorgeous baby, and Hunter looks so happy to be a big brother!