Ok, so if all goes well, you should be able to get updates through this website.  I've finally been able to find some time to create a quick one now that Rita and I have moved into the Ronald McDonald House just across the way from McMaster University Hospital.  If you've been in the loop with what's going on, scroll on down.  If not, read on and I'll start from the beginning.

Rita was scheduled for an ultrasound back in St. Catharines for Aug 28.  Our OBGYN wasn't satisfied with it, and wanted to send Rita for another one at McMaster just on Sept 6, and had scheduled a consultation right afterwards.  Well, the week quickly went by, and we were at McMaster.  After the ultrasound that took forever (okay, fortyfive minutes isn't forever, but I wasn't allowed in for quite some time).  During the consultation, Rita and I were told that our baby (we still didn't know the sex at this point) was still in the breech position, and was surrounded by a higher than normal amount of amniotic fluid.  We were told this fluid would cause problems if we waited until Rita's water broke.  Also, whom we now know as Lauren, has a clubbed left foot, and her feet were up by her head.  Her knees were not bending and her hands were not opening.  So, the doctors felt it would be better to meet the baby sooner than later, and promptly scheduled a C-section to be done that very afternoon (within 4 hrs).  

But plans were delayed some as the staff had to perform an emergency c-section on someone else, and Lauren was not born until later that night at 8:21 pm.  She was quickly escorted out aftera brief visit with mommy and daddy while Rita was still on the operating table.  I won't go into details about the c-section, but let's just say it's something I hope I don't have to witness again!

Rita had some problems after the operation, and because of hemeraging Rita required a blood transfusion.  The dr's were worried that all the pieces of the puzzle that is Rita's body would not fit back together, but over some observation by the medical staff and grace of God, there's still a great chance of more children in the future.  Rita had a pretty speedy recovery, and was discharged from the hospital on Sept 11.  Lauren is still in the neonatal intensive care unit, where she is getting attention from superb medical staff that are friendly, approachable, and informative. 

She's had a couple of bad spells, but seems to be getting stronger.  Her legs are coming down from the breech position, and Lauren is taking to the breast milk that is being fed to her intravenously.  

The problem that she's having is ther her lunds and stomach are underdeveloped.  Now, according to the dr's, she is only a week and a bit early, but I'm wondering if that was misjudged. 

Rita and I just came from seeing her, and was looking good.  A little jaundiced, but that should take care of itself from the breast mile, so I'm told.  Rita and I are now setup at the Ronald McDonald House, and I have to say, this palce is quite nice.  But as nice as it is, I'll be happy to be out because that means my daughter should be coming home.  That's it for now.  Any questions, feel free to email m at wcockrane@ cogeco.ca

Ciao!