The Unexpected Arrival

AIDEN JOHN SHELLE

So much to our surprise our little boy decided that it was time to make his appearance last Friday (Aug 31st). As we thought that we had another 6 weeks before his arrival we were fairly overwhelmed and unprepared, but are so glad to finally have him here. My water broke at home at about 3 a.m. on Friday and he was delivered at 6:48pm. The whole process was very chaotic as there were LOTS of medical staff there to make sure that he was doing alright throughout the event. Since he was just barely 34 weeks he did have breathing trouble after birth and had to be taken to the RNICU and had a breathing tube placed.

Luckily he is pretty big (5 lb 6 oz, 19 in) and he has been doing well. They removed the breathing tube on Saturday night and put him on a CPAP machine. He was taken off the CPAP machine on Sunday and has been breathing on his own since then. They started tube feeding him on Monday and as soon as he starts tolerated that he will be moved to a bottle. We are hoping that if he keeps doing well he will be able to come home in the next 2 weeks. There are several milestones that he has to pass before he is sent home so it just depends how fast he can do that.

He is however (not that I am bias) the cutest baby ever!! Every thing about him is so tiny and perfect. He makes the funniest faces already and when he opens his eyes if just melts our hearts. He also seems to have a bit of a temper and lets you know when he wants your attention. Overall Aaron and I are totally in love with him and can't wait to have him home with us.

*************************************************************

AUGUST 31ST

BIRTHDAY !!

This is right after he was born when he was still in the room with us. The RNICU staff was all there to check him out and get him stable before they took him upstairs. We didn't get to hold him before they took him but Aaron was able to follow him upstairs to make sure that he was doing good.

This is the first pic once Aaron could see him in the ICU. He looks a little rough (although still cute) but everyday he keeps looking better and better.

The VERY proud daddy.

Aaron did an awesome job through the whole thing. He has given me so much support throughout the experience I couldn't ask for a better husband!!

He's so tiny!!

Finally sleeping peacefully after quite an eventful day.