Life is GOOD!

Chillaxin with dad in his office.

Kickin' back in the comfy swing.

Sportin' a beanie--one of Christopher's trademarks.

We are FAMILY!

These photos were taken the morning that nine-day-old Christopher came home--Saturday, December 8th, 2007.

There's No Place Like Home

Christopher's House

"I'm HOME!"

Christopher has been home with his family for five days, and everyone LOVES having him there. The little guy is receiving all the nurturing care and attention a family can possibly give, and more. Robert's parents are still in town helping out which is a huge blessing. Thank heaven for grandmas and grandpas! Christopher had his two-week checkup today and the pediatrician said both of his incisions (head and back) are healing beautifully. He is still restricted from lying on his back, which means no car seat (except for the brief ride to the doctor today), no swing (and he has quite the elaborate setup), and lots of being held by those who love him. No one seems to mind. Even Spencer got a turn!

Snuggles from Emily before leaving the hospital

With James and ready to go home

BIG NEWS! BIG DAY!

Christopher is off all wires, monitors, and connectors of any sort. He got his booties, he got his beanie, and tonight he gets to sleep with his mommy in the special "Mothers' Room" at Children's Mercy. Becky was hoping that he would be released from the hospital this coming Monday, and she was elated when she received the news that he can come home with her in the morning. BIG NEWS! BIG DAY!

Six Days Old

Christopher received several pokes today as the nurse attempted to reset his IV. It's back in his head now, which is not Becky's favorite spot, but the large vein there makes it easier to find. He is getting plenty of fluids, so the IV is only needed to provide antibiotics at this point.


Today's big milestone was nursing for the first time. Becky said that Christopher went at it like an old pro. Tomorrow, she should get to put little booties on his feet, and the next step will be a beanie cap. Every day means a little more progress.

In Mommy's Arms

These photos were taken on Tuesday, December 4th, when for the first time, Becky was able to hold her son. It was a special bonding experience for both of them. Becky said there were moments when his eyes were open that they just stared into each other's souls. I think it must have been like that connection between spirits when so much is communicated without any words being spoken.

Christopher is lying on a pillow on Mommy's lap...

...where she can snuggle him close and kiss his cheek.

A day of bonding...

... for mother and son.

By the way, Emily got her wish and was able to share part of her birthday with Christopher by opening one gift in NICU.

Got Milk?

Becky got to hold Christopher for the first time today--not just pick him up--but really HOLD him ... for a LONG time. Evidently, all of mom's lovin' snuggles improved his little appetite because his feedings were DOUBLE that of yesterday! He's chuggin' about 50 cc's per feeding now (almost two ounces) which is plenty for a five-day-old. It was even enough to qualify for removal of the "turkey baster". Check back later tonight as Robert & Becky will be adding their own post to this blog WITH photos, of course.

Fifth and Two

Babies with wires are hard to hold...
...and tricky to feed.
Doing so good, baby Rud!
Gotta' love the heart-shaped bandages!

It may be Christopher's fifth day in NICU, but it is only day two for his mommy. Becky is painfully sore and deprived of sufficient rest, but her thoughts and concerns are directed towards her newborn son. She looks unbelievably good, despite it all, and exhibits her usual cheery disposition. Christopher is progressing everyday! The nurses have already removed one of his tubes that is no longer necessary. Although he still appears to have quite an array of connectors, most of the wires at this point are standard monitors. One checks his heart rate; one, his body temperature; an IV in his hand provides antibiotics and other necessary fluids; and he even has a little "turkey baster" to keep him nice and plump. (I don't know the technical term, but I liked Becky's name for it.) His bowels are functioning much better and he is having no problems sucking or swallowing--all GOOD SIGNS!!!! He has only lost three ounces, which is phenomenal! (Generally, a healthy newborn loses 5-7% of their birth weight in the first couple of days and over 10% before the doctors have need for concern.) The next big milestone will be complete healing of the surgical wound on his spine. At that point, he can be snuggled in a blanket and removed from under the current heating elements. Tomorrow is Emily's 11th birthday, and she wants nothing more than to spend it with her baby brother in NICU. In fact, her wish is to open at least one present in his company...if the nurses will allow it. It was just about as difficult for her to leave Christopher tonight as it was for her mom, but Emily handled it well...because she's a mature almost-eleven-year-old big sister!

Reunited

Home Again

If you are like me, you can't wait to hear about Becky's reunion with Christopher. As I chatted with her tonight, she sounded so good! She has some burning pain on one side of her incision, but she is as perky and happy as ever. I'm sure there is comfort in being home again--but there is also a strange absence--someone in the family is missing. When Robert first took Becky in to see their new baby, Christopher was in the midst of tears, but his cries suddenly quieted when he recognized the sound of his mother's voice. It's an amazing thing, the bond between mother and child, and I have a feeling that Christopher Rudger Etchells knows EXACTLY who his mommy is. For hours she gently hugged him, kissed him, talked to him, even changed him ... and now, she will dream of him...until she can be with him again ... tomorrow. p.s. Christopher has been shifted from his tummy to his side. If everything goes well, he should be home in one more week!

The Shortest Distance Between Two Points

Christopher was born at Shawnee Mission Medical Center

Christopher's surgeries and recovery are taking place at

The Children's Mercy Hospital

She did it! As soon as she possibly could, Becky got her staples out, was released from the hospital, and went STRAIGHT to her baby boy who is recovering at The Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City. The entire family is there with him celebrating the successes of this week. I can't imagine having a better team cheering one on through life than Christopher has. The Etchells Family, friends, and relatives, are a pretty incredible collection of amazing individuals.

The Significance of the Frog

My son, Daniel, asked me last night what the deal is with the frog. He wondered if it was because Christopher's little legs are folded under his tummy like he's ready to jump. Cute! Those of you who know Becky well, and even those of you who don't, probably realize that "cute" comes easily for her. Each of Robert and Becky's children have had a special animal from the time they were babies. Emily recieved lots of teddy bears, James was their little monkey, Spencer's signature animal was the giraffe, and Christopher...well, now you know why his blog is green.

Flying Colors!

Christopher is out of surgery and everything went well. The wonderful doctor "Greg" used all the comforting words anyone would want to hear, like "customary", "routine", "successful", etc. Christopher actually had two procedures done. The good doctors took care of the opening in his spine--which was relatively small--a significant blessing! They also surgically inserted the shunt, a drainage system in his head which will prevent water build up. The little guy has been through a lot and will most likely sleep the rest of today. Becky should be released from the hospital tomorrow morning and is looking forward to being reunited with her son. She took her first long walk down the hall this afternoon and did really well. Becky should be able to hold Christopher and nurse him in a couple of days. Thank you everyone for your thoughts and prayers. The miracles are happening!

More Family

Spencer "BIG BOY" Etchells

Who's your daddy?

Becky's awesome sister, JulieRobert's Parents, Diana and Jim Etchells

Baby Christopher and Family

With SissyWith Jamie
Sweet Dreams baby Rud
With Froggie

Happy Grandmother, Karen Smith

Brief Update

Since Christopher is in ICU, the nurses are not allowing any visitors at this point. Robert is with him most all of the time. The little guy is scheduled to have surgeries at 8:00 a.m. tomorrow which should last approximately three hours. Becky got "some" broken sleep last night and is both eating and walking today. It's been rough, but she has a great attitude and is making tremendous progress. More photographs will be posted in the morning. This last tip is for those of you who are not familiar with blogging, and because some of you have asked. In order to leave your comments/questions or to read the comments of others, simply point and click on the small text just after the time of day at the bottom of any post. There you will see the current number of comments and then the word "comments". For example, "0 comments", "1 comment", "2 comments", etc.

Still Smiling

Mommie doesn't feel good...

I visited Becky for a few minutes tonight. Poor thing hasn't slept a wink all day; and in anticipation of this morning's events, she didn't sleep but three hours last night either. She also hasn't had anything to eat. She tried one bite of jello, but her body rejected it--and then some. In addition to nausea and vomiting, she has quite the headache. Of course, that could be the result of not eating or sleeping--and crying usually gives me a headache too. Anyway, while I was there, she had at least five other visitors plus her mom and sister. She is definitely loved. So all of you who will be praying for Christopher tonight, pray for Becky too, that she will get the rest and nutrition necessary to recover from major abdominal surgery. WE LOVE YOU BECKY!!!

A morning filled with smiles and tears...

Beautiful Becky Adorable Christopher
Saying Goodbye

He's Here!

Christopher was born this morning at 8:10 weighing 7 lbs. 6 oz. and measuring 20 inches long. He has hair that's "kind of curly" with a reddish tint and, according to Becky, he looks a lot like James. Becky says he is BEAUTIFUL and you would never know by looking at him that he has Hydrocephalus or Spina Bifida. Not only is he adorable, he looks like a completely healthy baby boy. But, the truth is, he is not. Christopher has already been rushed from Shawnee Mission Medical Center to Children's Mercy Hospital where they will run tests, determine the severity of his condition, and decide how immediately surgery is needed. Becky, unfortunately, never got to hold her new baby boy in her arms. She did see him briefly and gave him a kiss, but he was hooked up to several tubes and wires being readied to leave. Christopher has some bowel problems that require tubes; he also has an IV in his head, which is feeding him the necessary antibiotics to avoid infection to his open spine. He is breathing nicely on his own, which is a positive sign, and his legs are kicking, although his feet and toes do not have much movement. It has been quite an emotional morning for the entire family. Becky has been shedding tears and clinging to two Polaroid photos of Christopher. Robert and his parents, as well as Emily and James (the two oldest siblings) are with Christopher at Children's Mercy; Becky's mother and sister, Julie, are with her at Shawnee Mission; and Spencer (the youngest sibling) is with Becky's good friend, Lynette Speyer.

Photos will be posted this afternoon, and we'll share more details as we become aware of them.

Tomorrow is the BIG DAY!

Friends and family have all aniticpated Christopher's birth for months. We've been thinking about him, praying for him, and anxiously awaiting his arrival. But probably no one more than his parents, Robert and Rebecca Etchells. Becky is scheduled for surgery at Shawnee Mission Medical Center tomorrow morning (seven freakin' thirty a.m.!!). Check this blog for information, updates, and photographs. Your comments and questions are always welcome!