He's here!

It has been about two weeks now since Michael Maverick Harris has entered the world...and boy did he make an entrance! I went in for my weekly checkup at 37 weeks and the doctor said that my blood pressure was too high, and she sent me over to the hospital for observation. Eric and I were hoping that the blood pressure would go down and I would be able to go home and let the baby get nice and fat in the womb for ten more days. No such luck. My blood pressure was not dropping and they decided to induce me that very day. It was a long 24 hours of blood pressure machines going off and iv's being stuck in my arm and oxygen masks being shoved in my face. With all of this going on all I wanted was a glass of water, but no water for Kari, so I settled for ice chips. Then, at 5:10pm on 7/30 I experienced the most wonderful moment of my life- little Michael was born. He was 6 pounds 1 ounce (smaller than expected) and 47 cm long. I was so happy that I was able to hold him for a moment before they rushed him away, seeing his little eyes looking into mine was nothing short of a miracle.

After the initial tests, he was transported by ambulance the Children's Hospital LA Heart ICU. Eric was able to ride with him and be there with him as he was admitted. He spent about five days in the heart ICU where they determined that based on his oxygen saturation levels which range from 75-90, that he may not need the shunt surgery right away. They moved him up to the NICU where he stayed for the next five days and continued to thrive. The cardiologists are very impressed with how well he is doing, so they moved him up again to the sixth floor. The sixth floor is not my favorite place. It is a regular hospital room with a low level of care. Being in here is like going from the Ritz to a Motel 6, but I can't complain because it is a step closer to getting him home. Right now what we are working on is getting him to eat consistently. Due to his heart condition he tires very easily while eating, but he has been building up his endurance and is doing great. Today he finished his whole bottle twice...which is a very big deal. If he can reach his goal of eating on his own we can bust out of this place!! Eric and I are so sick of these monitors buzzing and doctors and nurses poking and prodding him. But we could not be happier with our little fighter. He has proven every one wrong from the time he's been in the womb. He is a strong, sweet, beautiful baby boy and we are so blessed to have him. Eric and I are so grateful to everyone for their support and generosity during this time. These two weeks have been the happiest and hardest of our lives, and it helps to know that we have an amazing support system there for our little family. Thank you.