I know it is common to hear a mother say “how can my baby be 2 years old already?!” But those are my exact thoughts as I write this blog! Our youngest (and final) son is such a blessing and truly completes our family. I’ve made the comment that I am so thankful that we are not living the crisis that was our lives 2 years ago….for those of you who don’t know the story of Collin’s first few weeks of life, here are a few pictures and our journey in the summer of 2008. Thankfully it all has a wonderfully happy ending!
Collin was born on May 22, 2008 at 4:37 p.m. after I was induced two weeks early due to his projected size. Like his brother he was VERY big (8lbs 14 oz…again two weeks early) and had thick dark hair. My induction went fine, with some minor complications at the end for me. We had no idea the roller coaster of events that was about to start the next day.
May 23rd was a day full of shock, confusion and bad news. We learned that Collin had a positive Coombs test the night before. What was first thought to just be an issue of needing some photo-therapy quickly turned worse. We learned that Collin had an increased white cell count, rapid breathing and high jaundice levels. Instead of having our baby in the room with me, he was in the nursery receiving double photo therapy, IV antibiotics and on monitors to watch his vitals. What was supposed to be a joyous time to celebrate with friends and family was full of tears, fears and a longing for answers to why our little boy was suddenly so sick.
Collin’s high white cell count and rapid breathing quickly subsided and he responded well to the antibiotics given. However, Collin’s jaundice levels were not improving and each day our poor newborn baby had 2 separate blood draws to check his jaundice levels. We were told that he had hemolytic jaundice which is much more severe than the usual jaundice that is typically seen in most babies. We were also told that this was caused by something called “S antigen” which is less severe but also much less common condition much like the RH factor. At some point during pregnancy some of Collin’s blood interacted with mine, my body built up immunities to this and thus began attacking little Collin …..giving him this hemolytic jaundice.
After 7 days in the hospital, Collin was finally cleared to go home. However, our celebration of finally having our family together was short lived. We were ordered to have Collin’s levels checked twice a day (again more pokes for our sweet newborn baby) and if his jaundice levels jumped, he would have to be readmitted. Less than 24 hours of being home, Collin’s jaundice levels were dangerously high again and we were back at Mercy Regional Health Center for another 3 days of photo therapy. During this time, I was trying to nurse and keep things as normal as possible with our baby. It was such a trying time to be limited to how often we could hold him as he needed to be in the baby warmer under the photo therapy lights as much as possible.
The second time we were released from the hospital we were sent home with a “bili blanket” which was essentially a portable photo therapy machine for home. Again, we went back to the lab twice a day for a check of Collin’s jaundice levels. While these did not spike again, after 4 days, Collin became anemic. The antibodies from me were destroying his red blood cells faster than his little body could make them. At this point our amazing pediatrician Dr. Rose made the call and were sent to KU Medical Center in Kansas City, MO. We again made hurried arrangements for our son Mitchell with friends while our parents were in route to our home.
During our 3 day stay at KU Medical Center in the NICU we seemed to hit rock bottom but also quickly found we were in the right place to finally solve our son’s mystery. We met with an amazing pediatric hematologist. At first she threw out lots of scary possibilities including leukemia….we spent a sleepless night waiting to hear how more blood work had turned out while Collin received a small transfusion. The next morning we awoke to find out that an F4 tornado had hit a town less than 15 miles from our house and my parents and older son had spent the night in our basement. We also received the best news we had gotten since Collin’s arrival was announced to us as he was born on May 22nd.
It was now almost a month later, (June 11th to be exact) we had spent over 2 of Collin’s first 4 weeks of life in the hospital with him. He had been poked dozens of times over for blood draws, had numerous IV’s….and thru all of that seemed to be a healthy (and large) thriving baby. All of the doctors and nurses continued to comment not only at his size, but at how healthy he had been/acted thru all of this, never once showing any signs of being sick or of having an on going major health issue. Both Chad and I will never forget the moment the hematologist walked in the room with Collin’s test results and said “I know exactly what is wrong with your son and how to treat it. Once we are finished he will be fine and you can go home.” And she was right!! After two IV/IG treatments, the antibodies in Collin’s blood causing all the issues were neutralized. His jaundice levels lowered, his red blood count went up….and we were home free!!!
While at KU Med Collin’s hematologist also ordered some blood work done for me. It was confirmed that I indeed had the antibodies in my blood and we were informed that I would have these in my system for life. Unlike the RH factor, there is no shot or other method to get rid of them, thus the window for the possibility of more children was closed for us. We look at this from a positive perspective; God has blessed us with two incredible boys and I was meant to live in a house surrounded by men!
Some fun facts about Collin 2 years later! He is extremely happy, loves his big brother and is VERY verbal!! He now talks in 4 to 5 word sentences, he can count to ten, sing his ABC’s, and he loves to sing and dance. He loves to read books and currently enjoys any kind of trucks….especially cement trucks! Even though he loves his trucks, he is NOT a good traveler!! Collin is so engaging with anyone who will give him attention and is always on the go, trying to keep up with whatever his big brother is doing. He can definitely test the limits and makes his wishes known! He lights up a room with his smile and his sweet laugh and hilarious comments make my day….Happy Birthday to my baby boy Collin!!!
Mitchell getting his diploma from his P2 teacher Ms. Melody...it has been a great year!
Right before leaving the hotel room..... It was early and I was full of nervous energy!!! Pretty sure Chad was about at his limit with my photos at this point! :)
Our wonderful friends the Croghan's came to support us all at the finish line.....great signage!!! 
13.1 miles!!!! What an amazing feeling! It was so great to run the race with Shana....we had a great time and both commented along the race about all the crazy stuff we have done together from high school and beyond. What an awesome friend and so glad we could do this together. 
GINW girls running the Lincoln 1/2 marathon....Brenda, me and Shana
Chad and I after the race! Even though we didn't finish together....he toughed out a hard run and finished strong as well! He is my inspiration and driving force behind this little journey that I started about 5 months ago. I wouldn't have done this without his pushing and encouragement....he is an amazing man, wonderful father and the love of my life.
My sister in law Christa and I headed to the start of the Lincoln Half Marathon early Sunday morning! This is the 3rd race that we have run together and she did amazing finishing in just over 2 hours and 1 minute. Hopefully we will all run together soon!
