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Grey Matter

January29

It took me all this time to actually log onto my blog after I posted because all of your sweet comments made me weep with appreciation. Amelia is a lucky cookie to have so many virtual friends out there, and I plan to let her know just how fortunate she really is. Because she is.

I’d offer to tongue kiss you all individually, but I’ve been crying all day long and cannot breathe out of my nose any longer so it would be gross. That said, thank you to each and every one of you who prayed for us. Believe it or not, it made today just that much more bearable. And trust me, I needed anything to make today more bearable.

So, WTF, right?

Let me back up a second so you realize how out of left field this whole situation was.

Yesterday, at 4:27 my daughter Amelia was born after about 10 minutes of pushing. Let’s not say a thing about what that means about the state of my girl bits, okay? When she was born, my OB said the words that no one really wants to hear upon pushing out a child: “Becky, it looks like she has some sort of cyst on her head.” Then she called neonatology.

Well, shit. I had an US last week and it wasn’t picked up, so that’s good, right? Her color–despite being covered in cheese–was pink and rosy, she was screaming bloody murder and moving around like no one’s business.

I didn’t catch her Apgars because I was too busy hyperventilating, but I’d assume that they were good. After she was de-cheesed somewhat, she was brought into my shaking arms where she looked around at the world for awhile. Just taking it all in. Before she dived head first into the old boobies for some delicious treats.

The neonatologists ordered a Cat Scan for today and overall seemed remarkably unimpressed by her cyst. Apparently, these things DO happen, and are typically superficial. While the prospect of sending my 10 minute old child into a tube wasn’t exactly my idea of a party, I was somewhat placated by their nonchalant attitude.

Well, Daver and I reasoned, it was a good thing she’d have some hair to cover that up, right?

No big deal.

This morning, after being up half the night in pain and the other half either nursing or throwing things at my snoring husband, my attitude was slightly more nervous. The alternative to having it be a fatty cyst was decidedly less pleasant. It could mean that there was some sort of breakdown in the formation of the skull where some of her brain could be hangin’ out.

While I have frequently been called a “boring” “idiot” by some of my blog trolls–a charge I would not deny, but would plead down to simply obnoxious–I have never exactly had my brain anywhere but firmly inside my skull. Where it belongs.

Around 10:30 this morning, my daughter who had been nursing like a champ (or her brother Alex) was wheeled away from her panicking mother and accompanied by her doting father down to get a picture of her skull. Always the way *I* want to start my day.

Afterward, since no one rushed around yelling “STAT” or even making any sort of big deal out of anything other than my overzealous use of ice packs on my aforementioned girly bits, I began to sort of calm down. She acted just like any other normal baby, and shit, it probably WAS just a fatty cyst. Good thing she’d have some hair to cover it up, right?

I’d claim that the joke was on me, but there was nothing remotely funny about what happened next: the phone rang as I nursed her for the 40th hour that afternoon, and on the other line was her doctor. Begging Dave to talk for me so as not to have to juggle my nursing daughter we got some news. Suddenly, NICU, who I’d had no contact with, was on their way up to take her down. To the NICU.

Down to the NICU for a consult with a pediatric neurosurgeon.

I’ve said before such lofty things as “xxx ranks up there with things I never wanted to say” (xxx being something like, visiting my father in the ICU, the last time I shit my pants, or my favorite Rush song), but nothing could possibly compare to the thought “my daughter’s possible brain surgeon.”

Not only was she not even 24 hours old and not only was this not detected previously, now she’s suddenly in need of a NEUROSURGEON?

F-C-U-K.

No one took the time to explain much of anything, and I was stuck juggling the needs of Alex who misses his mommy desperately and vice versa, but juggling the needs of my new daughter who needs to eat for 50 hours a day. So Dave and I did precisely what mature parents do in situations like this: we both flipped the shit out.

And continued to do so until about an hour ago when, discussing the MRI that the neurosurgeon ordered for tomorrow morning with one of the NICU nurses, it came out that the ped was being cautious (= good), that Amelia was looking awesome (=good), and that our worst case scenario (death, major brain surgery) was probably a little drastic (= extra good).

Music to our addled ears.

Whatever may or may not be in the cyst (fluid, fat OR the ever popular BRAIN) is “small” and the neuro was so unconcerned that he won’t be around until tomorrow to read the MRI/CT SCAN results.

More music to our ears.

While we’re certainly not out of any woods yet, nor do we have anything really specific as a diagnosis or treatment plan, this is certainly better than things appeared to be this afternoon. I will continue to worry, stress, and pray, but I’m feeling slightly better. So is The Daver.

Please, if I haven’t already asked enough of you all already, could you do whatever it is that you do tomorrow that my wee daughter will check out to be more fine than not? If you do, I’ll give you pictures (just as soon as I figure out how to do so on Daver’s lappy).

I’m off to try and con a sleeping pill from a nurse and hopefully conk some zzz’s before Amelia comes back for more boob time. I can’t wait to see her again. She’s just…awesome.

posted under Abby Normal, Cinnamon Girl, You Got To Scrape That Shit Right Off Your Shoes

98 Comments to

“Grey Matter”

On January 29th, 2009 at 9:32 pm Melanie Says:
I was so glad to read the update……..been checking all day….. prayers will keep coming
On January 29th, 2009 at 9:34 pm heather Says:
Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeew. Geez, I’ve been checking here all day worrying like a fool. I am *so* glad it appears to be okay and I’ll be praying that you get solid confirmation that all is perfectly well. I’m sure she’s gorgeous. Hope those boobies get a break, Becky.
On January 29th, 2009 at 9:35 pm a Says:
I’m praying for your sweet girl. I hope all goes well tomorrow, and she will just need to grow some hair. Good luck.
On January 29th, 2009 at 9:36 pm Em Says:
Had to check one last time before bed. Glad that it’s good news. And it is good news. Tomorrow will just bring confirmation.

Prayers for peace and health – and some sleep.
On January 29th, 2009 at 9:42 pm Rachel Says:
I’m feeling much better for you after reading this. I hope you get a good report and can go home soon!
On January 29th, 2009 at 9:43 pm foradifferentkindofgirl (fadkog) Says:
I can’t wait to see pictures. I bet she’s beautiful! This sounds like all good things, really. Really. Doesn’t mean I’m not gonna toss a few more prayers up for you all, because I’m totally going to, but I trust that things are going to be just fine.
On January 29th, 2009 at 9:44 pm Heather Says:
I’m with the other Heather. Been back here 20 times in the past two hours since I found out what was going on!!

Sending good vibes and good thoughts your way!! Sent text messages off to friends who can’t check blog but asked that I check on you too!! See… you are loved!! 🙂
On January 29th, 2009 at 9:44 pm Elizabeth Ann Says:
Thanks for the update! You poor things, here is hoping you get the fuck out of there and get to go home soon (like tomorrow). C’mon baby girl we are all pulling for you! Hugs and sloppy kisses to you guys.
On January 29th, 2009 at 9:45 pm kalakly Says:
Oh Becky,
What a shitty way to start this journey. You KNOW I will send every good thought out there over to Amelia and I’ll send some puffy hearts your way to help you get through this. It sounds like it will all turn out just fine but I know that doesn’t count for shit when you’re stuck in the middle of it.
I’m here, squeezing your little ickle hand and waiting quietly with you for the good news I know will come tomorrow. And you know what, she won’t have just her hair she’ll have lots of fabulous hats too:)
Call me if you need me or email me kalakly at yahoo dot com
Big, gross squishy hugs dude. Always.
xxoo
On January 29th, 2009 at 9:46 pm Shawn Says:
You’ve got my families prayers and well wishes.

Oh, yeah and Dave sucks.
On January 29th, 2009 at 9:46 pm Nate Says:
Good to hear the news. All of your friends & family are rooting for the 5 of you!
On January 29th, 2009 at 9:51 pm mnsm31 Says:
wow, she’s just a girl who will like to MAKE her parents shit their pants with worry.
glad everything is turning out all right, as it will be better, ALL BETTER, tomorrow.
On January 29th, 2009 at 9:58 pm Rachel, too. Says:
that is absolutely terrifying and makes me want to punch people for not providing every possible morsel of information to the parents of a brand new baby about something like that. grrr. but, i am confident that you will get great news tomorrow and will keep you in my thoughts and prayers in the meantime. can’t wait to see pics!
On January 29th, 2009 at 10:03 pm Sus Says:
This just makes my entire body tense up. I will keep you in my thoughts! I can’t wait to see your beautiful little girl!
On January 29th, 2009 at 10:04 pm LilSass Says:
YAAAAAYYYY!!! I’ve been meaning to write and this is very relieving news to read. *sigh* Of course ‘not out of the woods yet’ is important to keep in mind but when Neurosurgeons AREN’T rushing to tend to her, this is alsoa good sign.

I’ve got lots of time to pray and pray I will do.

Your family is in my thoughts my dear Becky. Hang in there Amelia! WE WANNA MEET YOU!!
On January 29th, 2009 at 10:06 pm Dre Says:
Prayers, on their way. STAT.
On January 29th, 2009 at 10:07 pm guilty noodles Says:
Whatever questions you may have, write them down, no matter how small. A friend’s family of doctor’s was the head of pediatrics and another member of the family is in this area of expertise. She told me she would get you answers if you weren’t getting any from your doctors.

See you tomorrow.
On January 29th, 2009 at 10:09 pm Holli Says:
You didn’t address the most important question: how are your feet?
On January 29th, 2009 at 10:10 pm AlmostMrsJoyner Says:
Oh my goodness Aunt B, I was checking this morning and the last thing I saw was that the babe had a cyst on her head before my computer conked out!! I just got it up and running and it’s good to hear that everything, as it is, is looking good. I bet she is gorgeous and we can’t wait to see her. Please know you are in my thoughts, prayers, meditation and whatever else I can do to make sure everything goes well. Love to you and the family!!
On January 29th, 2009 at 10:11 pm Big's Other Half Says:
Isn’t parenting fun? Nice and calm, most of the time.

This is Big, and me and D are keeping you all in our prayers.
On January 29th, 2009 at 10:13 pm Miss Grace Says:
Amelia will be fine. Because I say so.
On January 29th, 2009 at 10:15 pm Karen Says:
Ok. The fact that no one is yelling STAT is good thing. I love and hate doctors who are overly cautious. Thank you so much for updating us – I am not sure I would be in a place to do it if I were going through that stuff.

I have been thinking of you all day. The first thing I said to my boyfriend this evening was “My friend Becky had a little girl last night and something might be wrong.”

But I am still praying that nothing is wrong.
On January 29th, 2009 at 10:19 pm jessiee Says:
long time lurker, first time commenter: God, Becky, been following along for more than a couple months now, and hate that NOW is when I am forced to show myself…but do this: just breathe. everything will be okay. Your blog has brought me great laughs and great pleasure over the last few months — and I am certain that Miss Amelia will be fine — though this will only be the first time she puts you through the wringer 😉 .. welcome to parenting a daughter, my dear

Thinking of you and sending all good things your way
On January 29th, 2009 at 10:20 pm Marly Says:
Oh, Becky… First of all, CONGRATULATIONS to you and your entire (bigger an better now) family! And secondly, know that I will be praying for things to go smoothly for your littlest darling. I look forward to seeing pictures of Her Awesomeness soon!
On January 29th, 2009 at 10:22 pm baseballmom Says:
God, girl….I am so praying for you guys, and sending you good juju…that is just what you don’t need, someone to tell you that something may be wrong with your sweet babe. She’s gonna be fine!
On January 29th, 2009 at 10:25 pm LaskiGal Says:
Phew . . . holding breath throughout the post.

Praying for FAT!!!

My heart is with you . . . your family . . .

FATFATFATFATFATFAT . . .
On January 29th, 2009 at 10:40 pm Alex Says:
Oh, phew … you know, mostly. I was late to catch up on her birth (and what followed) and just came back once more to check and see if there was another update, but wasn’t really expecting to see one. What a delight to have this relatively positive picture of what’s going on, and I will continue to hold you and Amelia and your family in my thoughts and hope for more good news tomorrow. And yes, please — pictures!
On January 29th, 2009 at 10:41 pm SciFi Dad Says:
Can I add to the list of shit you never thought you’d say?

“I hope your baby has a fat head.”

Fuck, that’s weird.

OK. Seriously. I hope everything turns out OK. I know how “cautious” pediatricians can easily become targets of rage for fathers, so keep an eye on Daver, K? No need for that sort of thing to happen twice in four months… that’s all I’m saying.
On January 29th, 2009 at 10:43 pm Donna Says:
Bless your ickle heart glad at least things are looking up and I’m like everyone else that’s checked 20 times today whew praying and lighting candles and whatever else I can think of for tomorrow to be a good day and you guys can go home soon. Hope the swellings going down in the tootsies. Take care and sleep well.
On January 29th, 2009 at 10:45 pm Painted Maypole Says:
prayers incoming.
On January 29th, 2009 at 10:47 pm swirl girl Says:
phew!

The mere fact that she’s only 30 hours old, and eats 50 hours a day is a good sign, right?

sometimes a cigar is just a cigar.
On January 29th, 2009 at 10:52 pm kate Says:
i’m sorry. at the risk of sounding insensitive, and in between saying prayers for your girlie pie, can i just say…must…have…ickle…girlie…baby…photos.

really, i’m just praying praying that all of their non chalance is exactly right.

love and prayers.
On January 29th, 2009 at 10:55 pm Nanny Garcia Says:
My gift to my friend LK after she gave birth: my finest collection of pain pills and sleeping pills. Yes, I know, I’m a great friend. I just started reading, but you let me know if I can hook you up. Gurl, I am professional nanny/drug dealer and I ship anywhere.
On January 29th, 2009 at 10:55 pm Jenn Says:
All will be well. I feel it. And I usually carry a dark cloud around so I know what I’m talking about! Sounds like you are in good hands and it’s a good thing that they aren’t all hopped up to do anything just yet.

You will all be in my prayers tonight. Thanks for the update.
On January 29th, 2009 at 10:56 pm Mrs G Says:
So happy to hear that things are looking good. Will defiently keep you guys all in our thoughts (including Alex, missing Mummy must feel like the most serious thing in the world to him at his age).
On January 29th, 2009 at 10:59 pm Meg Says:
Geesh, Your girl couldn’t be happy with the regular “Look I’m new and cute attention” she just had to kick it up a bit.

Seriously, your sweet baby girl is in my thoughts. I hope you get the best kind of good news tomorrow.
On January 29th, 2009 at 11:00 pm Cricket Says:
I think she’s jealous she didn’t got a ball sack and then stuck them in the wrong place.
On January 29th, 2009 at 11:01 pm Sky Says:
I’m sending out all of my good thoughts and prayers and mojo…everything!

I’m a regular reader, just too lazy to comment…but I am thinking of you and your little girl!!
On January 29th, 2009 at 11:02 pm Lynn Says:
Prayer request granted! Thanks for the update, we’ll be keeping tabs on you and Amelia. 🙂
On January 29th, 2009 at 11:09 pm lola Says:
Well, that’s better news. She’s going to be fine, I just know it. You guys, on the other hand, are going to need some serious meds. Oh, and keep those ice packs going 😉

Man, am I glad I was out all day and only read the last post a couple hours ago. Otherwise, I’d have been freaking out all day, too.
On January 29th, 2009 at 11:10 pm Valerie Says:
I been telling people about you and Amelia all day, so I got lots of extra people thinking good thoughts for you along with me!
On January 29th, 2009 at 11:14 pm Jenn Says:
Of course I will keep you all in my thoughts! I’m glad you are feeling a little better about the whole situation. I really hate the way doctors say things like that and then don’t explain all the way, leaving you to freak out on your own. Anyway, I AM thinking of you (have been all day, I’m obsessed!) and I’m sure everything will be okay. xoxo
On January 29th, 2009 at 11:20 pm Melissa Says:
Praying for you and your family. Hopefully she’ll be back in your arms nursing in no time 🙂
On January 29th, 2009 at 11:33 pm Danielle Says:
Absolutely doing what I do and praying for your awesome baby and your whole family! Also wishing the nurses to be kind to you and giving you a beautiful pill to help you sleep.
HUGS!!!!
On January 29th, 2009 at 11:35 pm Sara Says:
Since 1- I’m a million miles away, and 2- am in no condition to be near a baby (I have the plague or something) I can definitely keep Amelia and her crazy parents in my prayers.

And if I was THERE and not HERE (even though I don’t really know you) I would come freak out with you! So I’ll do that here for you too.
On January 29th, 2009 at 11:42 pm Emily R Says:
Now, that’s just typical of you — has to be dramatic doesn’t it? You’re quite the drama queen.

Seriously, you are in my thoughts. And she needs to be just fine and way good looking because if Lilah turns out to be a lesbian, I’m so fixing them up.
On January 29th, 2009 at 11:44 pm Ames Says:
I’m stuck at work overnight for the next three nights, but wanted to let you know that I’m thinking of you and praying for sweet Amelia! (((hugs))) to all of you!
On January 29th, 2009 at 11:57 pm Heather P. Says:
Praying for you and baby girl.
On January 30th, 2009 at 12:01 am Sarah Says:
I too have been checking repeatedly for a hot tip… happy to hear everything else so far has been good news. Praying that is the continuing trend, and also that both you and Amelia sleep like babies and eat like champs. Helps everything.

In defense of your lady bits – I pushed out my FIRST child in less than 10 minutes, so… yeah.
On January 30th, 2009 at 1:29 am Kristen Wiley Says:
I am praying for Miss Amelia. I read the first 2 posts, then had to work. So I ran home and this is literally the first thing I did. I am glad they seem as unconcerned as they do. You and your family are in my thoughts.

(((Hugs)))
On January 30th, 2009 at 3:13 am Erica Says:
sending good vibes and lots of prayers…
On January 30th, 2009 at 3:24 am ewe_are_here Says:
I’m so glad you updated… it was the very first thing I checked when I got on the computer this morning from waaaay over here.

It sounds like of all scenarios, without yet having a definitive answer, everything is going to be ok.

I hope you get some sleep and your wee girl is back in your arms healthy and happy when you wake up.
On January 30th, 2009 at 4:47 am Andy Says:
what a day! Go Amelia! You show them what little girls are made of… sass and spunk, just like your mama.
On January 30th, 2009 at 4:53 am Coco Says:
I’m so happy to read this that I’m crying. I’ll be even happier tomorrow when you get those results and everything is A-OK.

In the meantime, count me in on Team Amelia. Of course.
On January 30th, 2009 at 5:37 am CLC Says:
How scary and stressful! She is in my thoughts. Sending you big hugs Becky! Hang in there!
On January 30th, 2009 at 5:46 am Jen Says:
Holy hell, Becky! I hope the results come back perfect. I’ll be thinking about you guys and checking obsessively for an update.
On January 30th, 2009 at 6:44 am tash Says:
What I really wanted to write yesterday was that I hope they were planning on following up with an MRI, because in my experience CAT-Scans are kinda for shit. So yay doctor!

Thinking of you all, and will be updating like mad later today. You’re all in my thoughts. Let me know if you need anything delivered from the internet.
On January 30th, 2009 at 6:52 am Emily (Apron Strings) Says:
Aw sweetie … first of all, congrats on the arrival of Amelia. I’ve been remiss on reading lately, but have been checking periodically for Amelia updates. And second, I’m so sorry that it’s been a traumatic kind of 2 days. I’ll be keeping you and Amelia and the whole fam in my thoughts today. Keep us posted when you get a chance … but just know that you and your fam (especially little Amelia) are SO loved!
On January 30th, 2009 at 6:58 am Amy Says:
Working today but will utter the words, “God, please let Amelia be alright, let Bex not learn of the NICU hell first hand, let her not have to go through anything too incredibly serious with her daughter until she must have THE talk with her when she is, er, 21. Please, in all seriousness, let Amelia be fine…let it me nothing major and hold my sweet friend close to your heart and relinquish her from anything horrible!” Ok, so I won’t be that lengthy but you get the jest of it all. Thinking of you and Amelia today, all will be fine. It has to be!
On January 30th, 2009 at 6:58 am Ms. Moon Says:
Add me to the list of folks who are sending great, good thoughts of a terrific outcome for your beautiful girl.
And for all of your family. I am glad she’s such a good nurser. That’s a wonderful sign.
On January 30th, 2009 at 7:03 am kim Says:
THANK YOU for the update. Still praying and pulling for you and yours.

((hugs))
On January 30th, 2009 at 7:08 am arkmama Says:
Oh Aunt Becky! I am so glad that the situation is not as dire as you thought! It *is* scary when they come and take your brand new baby off for observation.

They did that to my first born without really explaining the whole thing first – is that what they teach you in NICU school – “Freak the parents out as much as possible before you actually explain what’s going on”?

Anyway, I will continue to keep you and yours in my thoughts.
On January 30th, 2009 at 7:20 am Marie Says:
I am sure everything will be fine and this will be just a scary memory that you can make her feel guilty about when she is 16.

Still sending positive vibes.
On January 30th, 2009 at 7:22 am mumma boo Says:
Go Amelia! We’re all praying for you, Mommy, Daver and your big brothers! Glad to hear she’s nursing like a champ, Becky. That’s a great sign! Get those sleeping pills now – soon you’ll be home and the next time you’ll see the inside of your eyelids will be June. And, 10 minutes? Whoa.
On January 30th, 2009 at 7:38 am Maria Says:
Wish I could bring you a nice warm non-hospital breakfast and a big hug, lady. Been thinking about you nonstop.

So proud of you and can’t wait to see pictures of the lovely lady.
On January 30th, 2009 at 7:41 am mandy Says:
wowee girl, I am sure new momma hormones aren’t making it any easier either. I wish you the best and am praying for you all!
On January 30th, 2009 at 7:48 am bri Says:
I’m here, baby. Thinking of you and sending love.
On January 30th, 2009 at 7:55 am Kendra Says:
Oh, I’m so glad to hear the update. Sometimes I think I’m going to have to throttle doctors for not letting us in “the loop” of what’s going on with us and our kids. I’ll be thinking of you all day today and anxiously awaiting the good news. I want to get on to the serious business of sore nipples and resentful lady bits, not the worrying about brand-new baby’s health. And I can’t wait to see your lovely little girl!
On January 30th, 2009 at 8:05 am kbrients Says:
I am so extremly happy that there was more good news than bad that came out of all of that. I will continue the prayers and am on thr edge of my seat waiting for pictures (no pressure)…. don’t make a girl wait to long!!
On January 30th, 2009 at 8:12 am Betts Says:
I kept refreshing your blog all night last night until I went to bed, hoping for an update. The doctors should take lessons from you on communication, because you’re better at keeping us informed than they are of you.

Kids can sure scare the shit out of us. I’ll be sending good karma to you until you blog that everything is fine and you’re bringing your little angel home. Everything you said sound encouraging. [[[[hug]]]]
On January 30th, 2009 at 8:14 am Kyddryn Says:
Poor wee lass – Mama pushed you out so hard you got a blister! Or did Mama and Papa have The Sex a little TOO enthusiastically just before you made your debut?

Mizz Becky, was there a prize for setting the land speed record for squeezing her out?? Good grief!

I’m glad the NICU folks had a modicum of sense and realized that parents of newborns might need an extra dose of Zen about things because they’re parents of newborns and can’t be expected to be cool, calm, or collected about weirdoes on the back of their baby’s head.

Whatever her little friend is, she’ll be fine – she’s got you and the Daver to watch over her, and Alex and Ben…who could want anything more? Also, she’ll have hair to cover it up…

Shade and Sweetwater,
K
On January 30th, 2009 at 8:34 am Collette Says:
Whoa that was a scary post. Gald to hear the problem is not as bad as you thought and hoping her cyst is of the fluid filled variety. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts.
On January 30th, 2009 at 8:48 am SCY Says:
Oh my gosh! Time delay sucks!!! I only got a clue right this minute about all the stuff happening with the sweet child. I’m sure all will be 100% Becks – but I’m keeping your family in my prayers all the same.

HUGS
xxx
On January 30th, 2009 at 8:49 am Tiffany @ My Random Wisdom Says:
Oh thank god it sounds good Becky!!
the fact that she is so alert and nursing like a champ is an AWESOME sign..simply awesome…and the fact that they had not seen it in the US last week is even better..
she will be in my prayers Becky, as will you and the Daver…
Hang in there honey, and know we are ALL thinking of you OK?
On January 30th, 2009 at 8:51 am Shanna Says:
You and Amelia don’t just have virtual friends, we are family. I am glad to see that things don’t appear to be as bad as previously thought. She is going to be fine because Aunt Shanna said so. 😉 Cause I have that power, you know.

Hoping that soon everyone will get to pack up and head home. Let me know if there is anything I can do. Marjorie and I are home all alone next weekend if you need us.
On January 30th, 2009 at 9:37 am Amanda Says:
It all sounds really, really good. I was talking to a friend of mine who just happens to be a pediatric neurosurgeon (yeah, I know, I have weird friends) and he said that all that sounds very good (especially the MRI stuff). And if you have any questions that your doctors aren’t answering, I can easily ask my friend. Anyhow, I’m praying for you and Amelia and Daver and Ben and Alex today.
On January 30th, 2009 at 9:48 am Dora Says:
Still kind of scary, but better. Hope you an get some rest!

P.S. You are some pusher! 😉
On January 30th, 2009 at 9:52 am c. Says:
Thinking of you, sending good thoughts and love, Becks. XO.
On January 30th, 2009 at 10:09 am amy Says:
My heart truly goes out to you and your family right now. I lived in the NICU for 5 weeks when my first child was born 10 weeks premature. As a mom you blame yourself…did i overdue it, did i get enough sleep, etc.
Jackson weighed 3 lbs 11 oz at birth and lived in an incubator for over a month while his little body grew stronger. Today he is 7 months old and thriving beyond belief!

If there’s one piece of advice I can offer you it’s that the NICU staff always covers all bases. In doing so, they typically scare the shit out of you with worst-case-scenerios.

It is such a stressful time when you are unsure of the health of your newborn baby. I hope this experience will bring you even closer to your husband, because you will need to lean on each other. Sending lots of love and prayers your way. Amelia will be perfect! Hang in there mommy.
On January 30th, 2009 at 10:11 am loribeth Says:
It’s the not knowing that’s the worst part. I’d be happy to join in the throttling (mentioned above) of the med staff who weren’t keeping you in the loop. Grrr… Hugs, hugs & more (((hugs))).
On January 30th, 2009 at 10:33 am magpie Says:
Here’s hoping it’s nothing. Thinking of you all.
On January 30th, 2009 at 11:22 am Heather Says:
i am thrilled to hear that things sound good, and i will be praying, wishing, hoping, sacrificing, chanting, rain dancing (mentally on that one, what with the bedrest) for more of the good
On January 30th, 2009 at 11:24 am Fiddle1 Says:
Hear it. It’s the whole Internet pulsing with prayer. Much love to you and the boys and Amelia —
On January 30th, 2009 at 11:55 am Amanda Says:
Hurray! I’m thinking everything is going to be alright. I’m so happy for you and the whole family. Once again, sending all my good ju-ju to you and the bebe!
On January 30th, 2009 at 12:46 pm birdpress Says:
Prayers have been sent and will continue being sent until (and probably long after) I hear that she is well past any possible danger. I have a good feeling that she is going to be fine. I hope you aren’t in too much pain. I’m glad she’s nursing; that is a great sign!
On January 30th, 2009 at 1:24 pm Josh Says:
I’m happy to hear that it sounds like everything is good. My hopes are with you that this is the most drama she causes till she turns 16 and starts acting like we claim we never did.
On January 30th, 2009 at 1:34 pm A Says:
I had a child born prematurely who spent the first 3/12 months of his life in a NICU. I can tell you from experience that you will be ok. So far it sounds like your daughter will be like one of the many I saw (and was insanely jealous of) who came in, spent a few days being poked, prodded, checked and re-checked, and went home with a clean bill of health. I pray I’m right and that in a few days you’ll all be home and this will become a distant memory. Good luck!
On January 30th, 2009 at 2:27 pm Betty M Says:
So relieved that the neurosurgeon is not that concerned – phew – hoping that those woods will be well and truly behind you by tomorrow. Cant wait for a photo of the no doubt gorgeous girl.
On January 30th, 2009 at 3:17 pm Beth Says:
What a scary story! Hang in there and look forward to seeing little baby pictures soon. Get some rest….
On January 30th, 2009 at 3:46 pm Ginger Magnolia Says:
I’m sorry I’m a bit late with this. I am in awe of you, Becky. Thank you for posting to update us on Amelia. I have been thinking and praying a lot for you all. Big, comforting hugs for you.
On January 30th, 2009 at 3:49 pm shelli Says:
sending love.
On January 30th, 2009 at 4:13 pm JP Says:
Damn work! Keeping me from your blog and all this information. First of all, Congratulations!! Second, I am glad that as of now, Amelia’s cyst is not ruffling the feathers of the medical personnel too severely. I hope all turns out well for you all.
Congratulations again!
On January 30th, 2009 at 7:41 pm Fancy Says:
You are all in my thoughts. Keep those boobies ready, and I’m sure she’ll be okay. My heart to your heart.
On January 31st, 2009 at 8:26 am nissa Says:
I am praying for Amelia and your family. I cannot imagine how hard all this is for you and The Daver.
On January 31st, 2009 at 9:15 am Badass Geek Says:
Fuck.

Shit.

Jesus.

When this is all over, I’m coming over with some booze.
On January 31st, 2009 at 9:40 pm Denise Says:
Sending all the good thoughts I’ve got your way!! Give that girl a big smoochie from me.
On February 1st, 2009 at 11:03 am Melissa Says:
Wow. What a situation… that sucks. I am glad things seem to be getting better for your daughter. LOVE your blog. Will throw up some prayers for you. 🙂

Peace.
On January 1st, 2010 at 12:33 pm What Tender Days We Had No Secrets Hid Away, Now It Seems About 100 Years Ago at Mommy Wants Vodka Says:
[…] was born with an undiagnosed neural tube defect, yes, an encephalocele and I very much feared that I’d birthed her only to send her in for […]