Mason

Update: Mason and Kelli are both doing well. Kelli's doctor let her go off the mag a little early and she is doing much better. She is able to eat again and is up and walking around. Best of all, she has been able to go up and see Mason. We have been together three times today. He is doing well. He is breathing on his own and seems to be doing a good job regulating his temperature. They have moved him to an isolet - a step between the first get-up he was in and an open crib. He is also eating pretty well. We have been able to give him a bottle twice and he guzzles it down. We hope that he will be able to get the IV out soon as a result. He also really likes the pacifier, which is one difference with his older brother. However, they look very much alike.

Thanks to all who have offered prayers and well wishes. We are so grateful that Kelli is on the mend and that Mason is doing so well. Our hearts break and sympathies go out to the parents of the babies in the NICU who are not doing as well.

Now for the fun part. Video of the first bottle Kelli got to give Mason.

And Second Time to the Rodeo Makes Four

Announcement:  We are now a family of four.  Mason Bryce Williams was born via c-section on Tuesday August 30, 2011 at 12:20 pm at Huntsville Hospital for Women and Children.  His due date was October 6, so he is 5 weeks and 2 days early.  Nevertheless, he weighed 6 lbs. 10 oz and was 18 inches long.  Kelli developed preeclamspia again, so yet another early baby - hence our second time to the rodeo.  Lincoln was born at 36 weeks and weighed just five ounces more.

Mason is having a little bit tougher a time breathing than Lincoln did and is in the NICU.  We anticipate he will have a several days' stay there, where Lincoln did not.  He is making good progress, though.  The big downside is that we have to go to him for visits and cannot keep him in our room with us.  What is more, Kelli is on magnesium post-delivery for the high blood pressure.  This means staying in the bed and only liquids for 24 hours (until tomorrow afternoon).  As such, she cannot go see Mason until tomorrow.  They did let her stop by on the way back from recovery.  We are grateful that both Kelli and Mason are doing well and are excited to start our life as a family of four.

Mason is named for his grandfathers - indirectly.  His middle name, "Bryce," is a combination of Brian (Tyler's dad) and Bruce (Kelli's dad).  His first name, while continuing the historical theme, was also Papa Williams' nickname in high school.  This apparently had something to do with a 70s musician famous for a song called "Classical Gas."   Mason and Lincoln have wonderful grandfathers and Kelli and Tyler have amazing fathers.  We hope that both follow in the examples of Mason's namesakes.  

Thanks to everyone for their prayers and well wishes.  We would appreciate your continued prayers for Kelli's speedy recovery and for Mason's quick progress, so he can come home soon.

Now for some pictures.  These are all in the NICU.  The "bow" on his head is an IV.