Update

Grrl just called to tell me that her son has been taken to the NICU because he's having breathing problems and has developed a fever. I'll update as soon as I hear back from her. Please send thoughts and prayers.

*** GOOD NEWS! ***

I was just getting ready to post an update to let you all know that there was still no word, when the phone rang. Grrl told me that after a very long and scary night in the NICU, her son's condition has improved and today he is doing well. Of course, he will continue to be monitored, but things are looking good. So YAY!

My heart has finally slowed to a normal rhythm and my hands have stopped shaking, making it much easier to type this update. I let Grrl know that the entire internet has been sending good wishes and prayers her way and she thanks all of you. And I do, too.

Comments

[Ardaniel]

Gefilte made it this far, I don't see the NICU being too much of an obstacle for him. Best wishes to all concerned, including yourself, Danae.

(relurk)

[Bill B]

Here's hoping for the best.....

[Shannon]

Please, God, hold these families in your hand, close to your heart, and breathe whispers of strength and hope into their ears. Shelter them from pain and sickness and unite them as a family in this beautiful time. Amen.

[Susy]

As my dear departed grandfather would say, Grrl and Sarah need this "like a hole in the head." I suspect the fever is the result of infection due to the long labor. This happened to me and my babe as well (both recovered quickly and without incident). I just hope Grrl isn't too freaked out and discouraged (of course she is, but may it be very soon resolved).

Lots of love and prayers.

[Beth]

Wow, congratulations! Hugs and prayers! Can't wait till they give the little guy the all clear!

These things sometimes happen, especially after a long and difficult labor. I'm sure he's getting the best care possible and he'll be borrowing the car keys in no time.

Love and hugs to you too, Danae! Thanks for keeping us updated.

[Liz]

Good thoughts going out to Grrl, Sarah, Baby, Mr. Grrl and Mr. Sarah.

[Peggy]

Fingers crossed and good thoughts and prayers

[Jenn]

Congratulations Sarah, Grrl, Mr Grrl and Baby Grrl.

Best wishes, thoughts and prayers are with you all

[MM]

More love, more prayers, coming right up!

[pam]

Sending thoughts and prayers.

[unexplained]

Wow, what a rollercoaster. Praying for all!

[Marivic]

Danae, you are a fantabulous writer, but you outdid yourself with:

"Grrl just called to tell me that her son"

Her son...her son! That's just so...

oh I really hope you can find the words since you're clearly so much better at this than I am! Man is that heartwarming! And I'll be hoping and sending warm fuzzy thoughts, but I'm sure everything will be fine in Grrl-land, little fellow's just getting an early start on having a go at his poor exhausted parents.

[Jenn]

Oh dear Lord why can't things be easy for anyone in IF land? Will be thinking about them.

[secretradio]

Thank you so much for the updates.

My congratulations to the entire Grrl family, ever-growing. Sending loving light to her baby boy, and calm vibes to his mama.

[Damomm]

Welcome to Motherhood, Grrl. I'd imagine you're loving it and hating it right now.

All my prayers and love to Sweet Boy and his ever-courageous Mama.

[Tiny Coconut]

There are no guarantees in life, and I'm sure this feels just huge...HUGE...to grrl, but the many previous posters are right. NICU happens to all the coolest kids these days. And if grrl is anything like me, this feels like the most impossibly horrible thing to ever happen right in the midst of the most incredibly perfect moment of her life. But when she starts to take a look around at all the really SICK babies, not just the ones who swallowed some meconium, maybe, or need a course of antibiotics (both of which were the case with my first child), she'll start to realize that the perfect is the dominant part of this experience.

If it helps any, I'm saying this as I prepare for my 6-days-in-the-NICU baby's 8th birthday party, and it really all has become a very distant and repercussionless memory...

[journeywoman71]

I was so glad to read the last post and then....

I'm praying...all my prayers are starting with "Gd don't you f**king do this! Do NOT f**king do this!"

Best wishes to Grrl, Sarah, Dad, and son.

Prayers....Please keep us posted.

[Kathleen]

I am holding this beautiful boy and his entire family in my heart.

[MollieBee]

Lots of love to Grrl and her family.

[Jody]

Because I still needed to hear it: Congratulations to Grrl, Mr. Grrl, and Sarah on the birth of Gefilte.

And because I hated the NICU with a white-hot passion: may the antibiotics do their work, Gefilte's lungs recover quickly, and all of you be home real soon. Peace be upon you.

[Onyx]

Oh no no no.

It will all be ok.

*keeping them all in my thoughts*

[Tracey]

Sending out my P&PT's.

Damn it all to hell, why can't it all go smoothly for once.

[Jen]

I don't think many kiddos have had THIS MANY people pulling for them...

Gefilte Baby, and parental types, hang in there!

Danae... you effing rock, for so many reasons. That's really... the best way I can say it.

[Mollie]

Going quietly insane with worry. Also, my heart is bursting with love.

Trying to stay here in this moment, and hoping all is fine.

xoxo to the messenger and the ones who are living this story...

[Scully]

Thinking of Grrl, hubby and baby. Thinking very good thoughts.

[Simone]

She's a mother! Finally! That little boy must be surrounded by such love. Thanks Danae, hope you have a good update soon. Blessing to them all.

[Amyesq]

Prayers out to Grrl, Mr. Grrl, and baby boy Grrl.

sending love, happiness, rest, and above all good health to grrl, dh, baby son, and sarah...

thanks Danae for the updates. hang in there guys. my prayers are with you.

mb

[j]

How disappointing to have a complication, but I'm sure he will be fine. If labor was really as long as it seemed, I wouldn't be surprised to hear of some issues. My cousin's baby had similar issues, and all was fine. The little guy and the whole family are in my thoughts, and I hope to hear a good update soon.

[Michelle]

Sending good thoughts to everyone. I have to say "Grrl's son" are two beautiful words!

[Polichick]

They've got them. I hope Baby is better soon.

[claire]

Everything I've got.

[libby]

Sending healing thoughts to Gefilte, Grrl, Sarah, and Mr. Grrl. Hope he's home soon. Please please please, universe, let this little one be ok. Please?

Thanks for keeping us updated Danae. Healing thoughts to you as well, my dear.

[Lola]

I'm thrilled for Grrl and everyone else, and I'm sending positive thoughts to little one.

[Sarah V.]

Oh, my god. She must be going frantic beyond what I can begin to imagine. And so hard on Sarah as well.

At times like this I wish I wasn't an atheist so that I could pray to someone about this. Or at least register a major complaint.

All I can do is offer my good wishes and keep all concerned in my thoughts. Which feels pretty feeble.

[Robin (from TLOL)]

Delurking to add more good, healthy, quick-discharge thoughts from Israel.

[Pixie L]

Thanks, Danae. What a bizarre sensation to refresh (again, after taking some time off to give my refresh finger a rest) to get both of these posts.

You're just wonderful for updating us like this. Well, you're just wonderful for being you, but this is above and beyond the call of simple friendship. Thanks so much.

Sending good thoughts and crossing all cross-ables.

[Wavery]

Inhale, exhale, repeat.
Grrr, Mr. Grrl, Gelfilte, I'm thinking of you.
Sarah, Damn woman, I hope you get a glimpse of how warmly this circle of women feels to you.

[LEB]

'it'll be okay' mantra in action.

I'm overjoyed he's here! Grrl & Mr Grrl (and Sarah & Mr Sarah) must be feeling so overwhelmed at the moment - lots of love & good thoughts being flung in their direction.

[parcequilfaut]

Oh, Lord.
/grabs out the prayer beads

This has to work out. It has to. T&P from myself and the kitties.

[kaje]

Thoughts and prayers from England coming your way.

[Thalia]

Hopes and thoughts and love and hope.

[Boulder]

Like most here, I got both posts at once. Heart bursting and full of joy first, then full of an ache for Grrl, her boy, her husband, Sarah, and Sarah's family.

Hoping the NICU visit is short and that everyone is bouyed up by the positive thoughts and prayers being sent their direction.

And, Danae? Thank you for you kindness in sharing the updaes with us. Of course you would for your friend, I know. But many thanks none the less.

[B]

Thank you for all the updates, Danae. You are a wonderful person. Please let Grrl know that she has a whole lot of people pulling for her and baby Gefilte.

[jamminmommy]

the entire family is in my thoughts.

[Kitty]

Nooo. I've just got here and read both posts together.

Hugs, best wishes, prayers, crossed fingers, good luck charms and anything else that might help being sent to Gefilte, Grrl, Sarah and Mr Grrl.

[Liz]

Yet another Australian sending heartiest congratulations and love to Grrl, Mr Grrl, Sarah and - of course - the little fella. I hope that his stay in NICU is extremely brief.

(The Southern Hemisphere is chockablock with people checking obsessively for news of Grrl and her family. It's like a worldwide relay of people keeping them in their thoughts...when one side of the world retires for the night, the other side wakes up and switches on their computers, anxious for news!!)

[KarenD]

Sincere congratulations to Grrl, Dad and Sarah on Gefilte's arrival. Hoping and praying that his NICU stay is very short and that he's home causing Mom and Dad sleepless nights very soon.

[Stephanie]

Farkin A!!! Grrl, Mr. Grrl and Sarah congratulations!!!! Welcome to the world GetupBoy!!! I am so sorry that you all are now dealing with NICU!!! So darned unfair. I hope it will be a short stay and soon forgotten. Praying for everyone involved.

for Danae .. you are an amazing person. How are you doing? Sending prayers and hugs your way.

[juliejulie]

thanks for the update Danae

[kaje]

Okay, still refreshing over here in the UK. I am assuming it is early morning there and the reason there is no update is because everybody is snoozing. It is early afternoon here and I am not doing any work at all!!!!

Hmmmmm .... that is all.

[Slim]

Resfreshing between prayers . . .

[Rori]

Thrilled that he's finally here - congrats to Grrl and her family! Sending positive thoughts that the sweet little boy will be going home soon.
I'll also be refreshing endlessly - thanks for keeping us updated, Danae.

[Sara]

First time commenter here to add my sincerest wished that all is well with the newest most precious boy, and all others involved. You've got a lot of people rooting for you, people you never even knew were around.

[Kate]

Hang in there Grrl and baby boy!

[Andrea]

Congratulations, and welcome to Motherhood, Grrl. Looks like you ended up with the Trial By Fire Option. My little girl spent 8 (long, hideous) days in the NICU, which at the time were the longest days of my life, but she is healthy and happy and has never been seriously ill since. I'll keep you and your family in my thoughts until your little boy is at home in his mama's arms, where he belongs.

And maybe Sarah deserves a bonus for the World's Longest Labour Ever? WOW. Ouch.

Danae, thanks for the updates.

[Diane]

Thoughts and prayers from Toronto.

Congratulations to Grrl and Mr. Grrl on the birth of your son! I hope he will be home with you before you know it.

Thank you Danae for keeping us posted.

[Anne]

Wonderful news about the baby boy. I am so pleased. Less wonderful about NICU. Please God everything will be fine. Thanks for keeping us updated.

[Minna]

Danae, thank you for keeping us posted.

Congratulations to Mom, Dad and Sarah on Gefilte's arrival!

I hope the wee one's NICU stay will be short and you all get to go HOME soon. My thoughts are with you.

[LPF]

Fingers are crossed, good thoughts are sent, and prayers are offered up. Best to 'Filte and the family.

[Cat19]

Many many many prayers and healing thoughts for Grrl and her long-awaited son and family... crossing everything that he's healhty and home soon!

[Celeste]

Grrl, you're a mama!!!!

No experience with NICU but hoping things look a lot better today.

Congratulations to all and may you be safely home together soon.

Hugs to all of Gefilte's loving family.

[jennifer]

Add another person who can't stop thinking about them!
Prayers...and many congratulations!

[Ollie]

A million congratulations, and MANY MANY PRAYERS. Be a good boy and get well soon little Gefilte.

[Debe]

Think of them all today and sending prayers that the baby is ok

[elana]

sending all good thoughts to grrl's little boy.

[Suz]

Many congratulations to them, thoughts, and prayers.

[Libby]

Congratulations on the arrival of Gefilte!! I am extremely happy for you Grrl!

I hope Sarah is doing well, that the babe's stay in the NICU is short and uneventful and that you can all go home soon.

Many prayers and good vibes sent your way.

All the best,

[Tine]

I've been thinking about you and Gefilte and Mr. Grrl and Sarah all weekend, wondering how things were going (I was in a computer-free zone) and sending you good juju.

I'm stunned that labor was so long and thrilled that Gefilte is now among us! Yay and double yay! Congratulations to all of you, and to Gefilte: welcome to the world!

I'll keep the good juju going. May your son's stay in the NICU be short, and I wish you all a happy transition to life at home together.

XOXOX

[Momness]

Congratulations all round, and lots of hugs and prayers for them all.

I'm hoping that this NICU stay is just a precaution (not uncommon) - an NICU visit can be horribly stressful and worrisome for Mom and Dad (been there), but it may be the best place for Nigh right now - and in some ways that can be reassuring.

Welcome to motherhood, Grrl!

[Nancy]

Oh Grrl.... I so hope things are fine with you and your dear son. I am sending major prayers your way. I so hope your son is doing fine now.

Hugs and Prayers
Nancy

[Dee]

Sending a hearty round of congrats to the four of them! So glad to hear that Gefilte's here--and am sending many thoughts and good wishes that he's soon out of the NICU and home in Grrl's (and Mr. Grrl's) arms.

[wheelomatic]

Yay! Grrl's a Mom! And Mr Grrl's a Dad! And Sarah continues to be the amazing divine person she is! But of course we KNEW all of this would come to pass.

Welcome Gefilte. The world is a wide and wondrous place. We are so happy you are here. May you have a long long time to explore and enjoy.

Danae, still thinking of you, wishing you ease in your sore heart. Thank you for helping Grrl and us. You are beautiful, really really.

[morgan]

This is going to sound like everyone elses post, but here I go anyway.

Lots of babies start off in the NICU. The beautiful twin girls I used to nanny (ICSI babies by the way) both spent time in the NICU before they could come home. One of them spent a long time there and now, nearly 5 years later they are wonderful, healthy girls.

My thoughts and prayers are with Grrl, Mr. Grrl, Sarah and of course Grrl's son (!) Gefilte in this difficult time. I know that he will come through this beautifully!

Danae - My t's and p's are with you too.

-m

[reenie]

Congratulations on the birth of little Gefilte! I'll be praying for a short NICU stay. My son was under an oxygen tent and went home after a week. Hang in there, and remember to take care of yourself. I forgot to eat sometimes and it doesn't do anyone any good for Mommy to be unwell. Thanks for the update, Danae...I hope you don't take offense if I say I'm holding out for a better one!

[Sol]

Danae, Thank you for the updates. You are such a great sport!

I am sending tons of prayers, positive mental thoughts, rubbing lucky charms and praying to any deity out there that Gefilte has the shortest possible NICU stay and gets better soon.

Much love and strenght to Grrl, Mr. Grrl and Sarah from Argentina.

[Amanda]

Congratulations Grrl!!! All of you will be in my thoughts.

Thanks for the updates, Danae.

[karla]

Prayers going up Gefilte.

[Jen]

Prayers, thoughts and love to Gefilte Baby, Sarah, Grrl, and her family--and many thanks to you, Danae, for keeping us all updated.

[Rachel]

Congratulations Grrl!

My thoughts and prayers are with you and Mr. Grrl and Sarah while little Gefilte is in the NICU.

Take care of yourselves and let the doctors take care of him.

[marisa]

my prayers are with little Gefilte after his long awaited arrival.
thank you Grrl, for updating us.

[Anette]

Congratulations on the birth of Gefilte Boy!

My thoughts, prayers and love to Grrl, Sarah and family, all the way from Brazil.

Danae, thanks for keeping us updated.

[Kristin]

I am so very happy that Gefilte is here...and I'm saying many, many prayers that his stay in the NICU is extremely short.

Sending all my love and prayers to Grrl, Mr Grrl, Gefilte, Sarah, and her family!

[rebecca]

I've been lurking a long time, and had to post now. Congratulations to the Grrl family, including the wonderful Sarah.

Praying hard for Gefilte and family here in the Midwest...

Thank you Danae. You're a good soul.

[morgan]

This is going to sound like everyone elses post, but here I go anyway.

Lots of babies start off in the NICU. The beautiful twin girls I used to nanny (ICSI babies by the way) both spent time in the NICU before they could come home. One of them spent a long time there and now, nearly 5 years later they are wonderful, healthy girls.

My thoughts and prayers are with Grrl, Mr. Grrl, Sarah and of course Grrl's son (!) Gefilte in this difficult time. I know that he will come through this beautifully!

Danae - My t's and p's are with you too.

-m

[morgan]

This is going to sound like everyone elses post, but here I go anyway.

Lots of babies start off in the NICU. The beautiful twin girls I used to nanny (ICSI babies by the way) both spent time in the NICU before they could come home. One of them spent a long time there and now, nearly 5 years later they are wonderful, healthy girls.

My thoughts and prayers are with Grrl, Mr. Grrl, Sarah and of course Grrl's son (!) Gefilte in this difficult time. I know that he will come through this beautifully!

Danae - My t's and p's are with you too.

-m

[liz]

Thanks for the update. I'm sending healthy, well-baby thoughts.

[Jen]

Thoughts, prayers, good vibes coming Grrls way and yours, Danae.

[Becky (UK)]

How wonderful that gefilte is fianlly here, so sad that he can't be with his Mummy "just" yet. Thoughts and prayers to all, Grrl, Mr.Grrl, gefilte and especially Sarah who deserves all the love the universe can give.

[sarandipity]

All will be well, I just know it. G-d bless this entire family!

[wessel]

Sometimes the medical staff has the good sense enough to be extra cautious with babies born of "precious pregnancies." I wouldn't be surprised if the medical staff was on the lookout for neonatal infection since the labor was a long one and infection under those circumstances is so common. Gefilte is a fullterm baby and as such, he is strong. The antibiotics are wonder drugs--I'm sure he will be fine, but am sending prayers just the same. Grrl, it sounds like you got the Deluxe Version of the Let's Frighten the Hell Outa Mommy game--I'm so sorry (and angry) about that! It's not fair--I so wanted for everything to be as smooth as pudding for you. Looking forward to hearing good news from you soon.

[Clare]

To reiterate what others have said, a stay in the NICU, especially for a full-term baby, isn't a huge cause for concern. And I think breathing problems are pretty common with a long labor or with a c-section.
When my son was in the NICU, they told me that they tend to keep them there for a bit as a preventative measure if there's any mild problem, because if they check out and come back, they have to go to pediatrics instead of neo-natal, which isn't as geared towards the tiny babies.

[Stephanie]

Oh and I just wanted to come back and nominate Sarah for the Saint Surrogate award!!!! Although she probably knew giving birth to the son of Getupgrrl was going to be an event I am sure she didn't expect 4 days!!! I labored for 25 hours and ended up with a c-section and we thought that was more than lon enough!!!

[Clare]

To reiterate what others have said, a stay in the NICU, especially for a full-term baby, isn't a huge cause for concern. And I think breathing problems are pretty common with a long labor or with a c-section.
When my son was in the NICU, they told me that they tend to keep them there for a bit as a preventative measure if there's any mild problem, because if they check out and come back, they have to go to pediatrics instead of neo-natal, which isn't as geared towards the tiny babies.
Congratulations and much best wishes and good thoughts for Grrl and family.

[Pazel]

There's no way your child can go to the NICU and not to be frightened. My thoughts are with the whole family. I wish he wasn't in the NICU, but if that's what he needs, he's in great hands.

[FrumDad]

I don't know how to do a Trackback ping, so:

http://frumdad.blogspot.com/2005/07/i-know-i-know.html

I'm not looking for traffic (I haven't had new content in months, anyway), I just thought it would be polite to tell someone.

Danae, delete if this is against protocol.

--FD

[FrumDad]

I should make clear -- I'm a total traffic whore, and there are days when I judge my entire self-worth by the hit counter.

But in *this* *particular* *instance* I'm just trying to be polite.

;)

Thoughts and Prayers.
SWHH, NBIGTH (Nothing Bad Is Going To Happen)

--FD

[Sheri]

Many prayers and best wishes...

[Amy]

I am sending good thoughts their way! I'm sure all will be well.