Bad Bili

Well the latest news is Eli's bilirubin level is up and they want him to go in the lighted UV blanket. The have to protect his eyes so he has to wear this headband and goggles. L-rd willing it will go down and then tomorrow he can go home. If not it will be friday. So please pray. His temperature is maintaining well...so thanks for your prayers there.

Oh sweet baby!

I am a rock star!!

He wasn't very happy about the lighted blanket.

Little Wubbas

Well as you can see we are keeping our temperature up and working hard. Well, maybe not working hard, but we are doing what we do best, lookin' good. It's a Blevins family curse, but we're not complaining. Eli likes the temp in the room but mom and I are a little warm. Eli said he wanted some more photos to remember this time, so daddy obliged him. He loves having his picture taken, and I think TLC is going to have to do a reality tv show called Eli so we have some place to put all the photos and videos we are taking. It might not be the most exciting show on tv right now, but it might be the cutest, and i am sure as he gets older he will cause plenty of excitement. Enjoy the pic and thanks for your prayers.

Tben

Who do I look like?

Dad?

Mom?

Or a little of Both?

From earlier...

Eli has got his first nickname, wubbas. I call him that because when he gets upset his lower lip starts to quiver real fast and he makes this sound like wubba, wubba, wubba, wubba. we tried to capture it on video but it doesn't do it justice. He is now in the room with us again, and hopefully will get circumcised tomorrow. Pray that his temperature is sustained so that he doesn't have to go back to the NICU.

What are you lookin' at?

Eli is doing well he is eating so well and his temperature regulation is getting better. Today we sat and made faces for more than an hour. He was so awake, sorry about the quality I took it with my phone. Hopefully he will get circumcised soon, then it wont be long and he will be able to go home. I am not in a hurry, I thank G-d that he is doing so well, and we will go home when he is ready.

NICU calls again!

Well, this morning at 3am my sweet baby boy had to go back into the NICU because his body temperature dropped again. I mean I just don't understand how the little guy can get so cold. He is wrapped up in two blankets, with a hat, socks, and pjs. I guess that's what happens when you only weight 5 lb 13 oz...things are just a little harder. But I have to wonder is there something that we are doing wrong to cause his temperature to drop. I am sure that is just the overwhelming amount of hormones in my body causing me to doubt the gifts G-d gives us as mothers.

Regardless, we had a great 6 hours with him while he was with us in the room. We cuddled, nursed, and watched our baby boy with all of his sweet little quirks. At one point Ben and I just starting cracking up at him and his little expressions and gestures. He really is a beautiful child. G-d has blessed us richly.

Ben is a champion dad...seriously, he is a rock star. He pretty much held Eli the whole time when I wasn't nursing (which to be honest seems to be all the time now, the nursing part that is). He loves his little guy so much and it is so cool to see the way he looks at Eli and the way Eli looks at him.

We will continue to pray and seek G-d's guidance in this process. We ask that you join along with us in this prayer. Till next time, this is one tear streaked, tired mama signing off.

Eli is outta NICU

Eli is out and back in the room with us. The Doctor said that Eli was doing great and he could come stay with us tonight. They are still keeping an eye on him for at least 24 hours, but he is now with us. He is eating well, and mom loves changing his diaper. She is so good at it that I think she should change them all, for some reason this thinking doesn't work for me. I remember when i did such a great job vacuuming and mopping that now I always get to do it. Why is this so different? Well as dad's know you are out numbered at the hospital. No one cares if you sleep, feel good, need some food, or anything really. They just keep talking to your wife like you aren't there, and heaven forbid you say something. Then the response is always the same, "did you just go through labor and give birth?" What do you say to that? I was there, my back hurt, and no one asked if i needed an epidural. Maybe I wanted one too, where is men's lib when I needed them? Maybe I will become and masculininist or whatever you call it. Truth be told I really don't care. As long as they take care of my family I'll be fine. I am looking forward to reading the bible with him tonight, and telling him the story behind his name. it is a big name to live into but I want double for him. With G-d's help he will do it. I will keep taking pictures and posting them, why? Because i am a proud dad and I want my friends and family to share in that. They have been telling us that since he is a premie and all that we need to be extra careful, not having a lot of people to the house ( especially kids or anyone who has been sick) so this may be the only way some of you can keep up for the next few weeks. we are trusting G-d, that He will provide and take care of Eli. Eli is in his hands, where better to be? Thank you for all your prayers and all that you have done. It means so much to us to know so many people care.

Eli's in the room with us...look at those socks and how huge they are. When I got them, I thought, these are so tiny...no way they will fit our baby...ha!

Our sweet bundle of joy.

Can you tell we are proud parents!

Daddy finally gets so Eli time.

Eli and Dad!! He's a natural

A Few New Pics

This is not just a face a mother could love

This picture is for ER, he wanted one with Brooke in it.

But here is what you all have been waiting for, the handsome Blevins Boys. I am feeling a bit tired but its worth it.

Not sure who's cuter

Okay, from this angle its easier to tell, sorry it's not me. I know I am a little biased, but he is cute.

We are still here

Okay so here is the scoop. Eli is still in the NICU, but he is doing great. They are keeping him there to monitor him and make sure he can regulate his body temp without help. So far he is doing great. All the labs have come back great and he is eating very good. They tested his hearing and he passed in both ears. Now they are testing his car seat to see if he fits. Brooke is going to be discharged today so we may be moving to the la quinta or we may be "rooming in." Here are some pictures from the start of Eli's third day.

Here are two very handsome men, the proud dad and his son

mom is kind of an Eli hog, always has to hold him

Eli like naps like his mom

Eli's hearing test, not sure what he was reaching for

high five (I, Brooke, think he's digging his new headphones and jamming out to some great worship music)

The Rest of the Story

After a day of cleaning the house and getting ready for my (ben's) mother's visit, Brooke and I drive in to pick up my mom from the airport. Now my mother has been saying it would be great if Brooke would go ahead and have the baby while she was here. "Mom its only been 35 weeks, its not time." I say, thinking its way to early to have this baby. Back to the airport, my mother texted me and says her plane has landed, so we went to the cell phone waiting lot so the stopped car nazi won't have to run us off for loitering by baggage claim. Brooke can't sit still so she has to lean her seat back and put her feet on the dash, heaven forbid she stay awake and talk to me. As her feet touch the dash she says, "OOOOOO, OH! UH OH!"

I calmly answer, "What is it?"

"I think my water just broke!" she says with wide eyes.

With great empathy and support I ask, "Are you sure you didn't pee yourself?"

"Pretty sure." She said unsurely.

I just give her the "are you sure" look?

Then my mom calls, "Mom grab you bags because Brooke says her water just broke." i hang up and we call the doctor and go to get my mom. The doctor says to go to the hospital. Then my dad calls, "Tell you mom you are messing with her."

Sorry Dad we ain't. we pull up to baggage claim where i swiftly grab my mother's luggage and toss it in the back of the suburban. Off we go to the hospital, where all along the way my wife continues, "OOOooooOOo Oh no still coming and no not pee."

we get to the emergency room from the wrong direction, steal a wheel chair and off to Labor and Delivery. This is where the nurse says Brooke is grossly ruptured, meaning her water did break and this baby is comin'. The hours seem like minutes as we wonder what is going to happen and try to notify family. As the contraction get worse I seem (to Brooke) to get less funny. I still believe it was some of my best stuff, but to each his own. from here things blur a bit pacing, waiting, encouraging (because that's my job in this whole thing), pacing some more. at one point Jenn asked me, "why do you keep going out into the hall?"

"I am looking for someone." I say.

"Who?" she asked.

"I don't know, I am hoping I recognize them when I see them."

It was a strange time. not exactly what i expected. I thought during labor you just pushed the whole time, not true, you push three times in a row and then everyone stands around with a simple look on there face for a minute or so before you try again. then there is just this new person in the room, I realize he was in the room before but no one seem to really notice him. Well I guess he was tired of not getting noticed because at 7:20 on Sept 26 Elisha Samuel Blevins made his entrance in all his glory. We see him, Brooke gets to hold him, then its off to the NICU because he is a premie. Now I am left standing in this room with all these people who have seen my wife naked. AWKWARD! "So what did you all think of that?" Apparently my humor was not for them either. soon i am sitting with Eli and he is holding my finger in his hand and sleeping soundly. I talk he listens, I thank G-d for him and put His name upon him. We say the Sh'ma for the first time together. It is an amazing time, the beginning of a new life. The start of our journey together, and I bless G-d for this little man he has given us. Thank you all for the support you have given my family during this time. Soon we will be bringing Eli home and he can begin to take his place in our community. May G-d's hand be on you all.

Tben

This Blog is dedicade to my wife who pushed like a champ. Honey, you are amazing, you did an amazing thing, and you are an amazing mom. I love you very much, and did i say, you are amazing.

Elisha Samuel Blevins

Eli as he will probably be know, has come into the world when he was ready. Put yourselves in Brooke's shoes, remember who she is and then throw a baby into the mix 5 weeks early. to say the least this was not part of her plan. Never-the-less she is very excited and we have loved every minute with little Eli. Elisha means G-d is my salvation, which seemed an easy fit for us and for this little man that G-d brought into the world. It is also an amazing story of wanting to be passionate for G-d. Our pray for Eli has always been that he have "a heart for G-d and for his people." it is still my prayer and I pray it is double. We will post more soon on how this whole thing came about but for now here is his name and some pictures of the little man after G-d's own heart.

Mom and son for the first time

look at that sweet face

babies are tougher than they look

Eli Samuel little man of G-d

Tben

34 Weeks

Less than 6 weeks left now. It is amazing how time flies when you are growing another human being. Well, maybe not so much at night when you are seeing the clock and the toilet every hour on the hour. I am starting to get BIG...well, at least, what I consider to be big. It is amazing how our stomachs can stretch to accommodate these little guys. G-d really was masterful in his whole creation of the world bit. Anywho, I still feel really good (so good that I mowed and weedeated the yard today...okay, moms don't freak out...it was on the riding lawn mower). I get tired a little more easily these days, but for being 8 1/2 months pregnant I feel really blessed. On Thursday our friend, Amanda, is taking pregnant belly pics for us. I am pretty excited about that. I just love pregnant women's bellies... plus she makes them all look good with a little secret called the airbrush (oh yea!!). So I should have professional photos to post soon...not my own craptacular photos taken with a self-timer. Till then you will just have to enjoy my own self portraits.

He's growing!!

He's a real soccer player too...always kicking and stretching and making sure I am aware of who's the boss.

We Passed Our Classes!

We finally finished up our series of childbirth classes this week. Tuesday we successfully passed our breastfeeding class. That means we are ready to have a kid right!! Well we are 6 weeks out and everyday the reality of having an infant becomes more apparent. G-d is definitely preparing me for the sleepless nights at this point...since I wake up every hour or two to pee or hoist myself into another position. And when I say hoist, that is what it feels like to move the little guy around at night. He is certainly making himself comfortable in my belly. He prefers to sit with his butt under my ribs and occasionally pushes up just to make sure I know he is there. I am sure it is just his way of showing affection at this point. Here's some pics from our class the other night...yes we were the only people who brought a camera to the birthing class (but hey you never know where you might find good blog material.)

Ben looks like a pro right. So happy holding that plastic baby.

Looking so excited to be taking this class...Ben did tell me that if my baby came out looking like this, I would "have a lot o' splanin' to do".

We passed!!

Ben can officially breastfeed now...oh wait, that would be awkward.

Happy 6th Anniversary Babe!

Today marks Ben and my 6th anniversary. Six blissful years of marriage!! No seriously, I am so proud to call Ben my husband and friend. He is an amazing man with a huge heart and I am blessed that I get to be his wife. So babe, I love you. Sorry I am not home today, but know that I love you very much.

Here is Ben's anniversary gift...a T-Shirt Quilt. I have been working on this quilt for a couple of months now. I think it turned out really well and Ben seems to like it (that was after he said, you cut up all of my shirts).

Here's Ben enjoying his blanket...he has slept with it every night since he got it.

32 Weeks!

Well we hit the 32 week mark. Hard to believe we are now 8 months pregnant...okay I am 8 months pregnant, not Ben (although his ailments do resemble those of an 8 month pregnant woman). The nursery is pretty much complete, with the exception of a few wall hangings. We are still searching for pediatricians. We had two appointments last week...one good, one not so good. We still do not have a name, but we aren't worried...we know G-d will give us one when the little guy gets here. The bags aren't packed yet, I don't want to jinx anything. I started back to school last week, taught my first college class as like a real instructor...so much fun. I really do love teaching. I think the watermelon belly did help me garner some new respect from my students. I am continuing with proposal writing, almost done with chapter 3. I hope to defend in early October, which means I have to hurry. Other than that all is well at the Blevins' abode.

32 Weeks...is it a basketball, a beach ball, a watermelon, or a growing baby boy?

Our New Desk

I have to beat my husband to this blog entry...because he was going to tell you lies. So here is the TRUE story. Ben is a visionary, a dreamer, a budding architect, landscape designer, and now furniture maker. He is talented beyond measure. So he has been dreaming up a new desk for a few months now. After we decided to move all of the rooms in our house around to free up space for the nursery, this desk dream became even more pressing. You see we had been using an antique table as a desk for the past four years now. It served its purpose and made a great desk for a period of time...but it wasn't ideal. It was a little too deep and not so organized, etc.

So on Thursday, Ben decided it was time to get this desk built. So with the help of our good friend Brother Bruce, Ben started on this project. Let's just say I was a little leary, because this was Ben's first foiray into the furniture building world. In light of this apprehension, I might, operative word being might, have questioned his vision along they way. You see, I am not such a visionary or dreamer, I am more of a here and now gal and this practice of visualizing what this piece of furniture was going to look like was a little difficult for me (just ask Ben about my initial thoughts about our amazing deck). Well after two days of intense cutting, sanding, staining, trimming, etc, the desk is now complete. It is wonderful. It has these fancy storage boxes for all of our computer equipment, so they can be pushed out of the way when i need to work on my laptop (which means I pretty much take up the whole space). It is a much better size for our current office. It has a place where the PC can go so it doesn't have to sit on the floor. And it matches perfectly considering we used the same stain that is in our house.

HONEY....you did great work. I love our new desk. (now if he tries to say anything different, just remember this is the TRUE story).

So organized. Everything has it's own little storage box. So much workspace too.

Now the computer doesn't have to sit on the dusty floor.

Isn't she beautiful. Way to go Benny boy!