Update Time!

Hello all!   It's Emily (Lindsay's BU roomie and best friend) coming to you live this evening!

I just got off the phone with Linds-- she gave me some scoop to share and I now feel like quite the reporter trying to figure out how to turn my notes into a blog post!

She'll write more in the coming days or weeks to give you the real birth story but here are some updates about what's been shaking with the Safrans:

• Her blood pressure was high enough at Tuesday's regular OB appointment that they did decide it would be best to deliver Blake later that afternoon.  Once they took a look at a sonogram and realized her fluid levels had dropped from 13 to 5 (!!!), however, it became a "you will be having this baby immediately" kind of thing.

• She described the experience from doctor's visit to delivery as "shocking, harried, and a little scary" but said that "everything went really great and couldn't have gone better for what it was."

• Blake's weight was just over the limit (we're talking 2 grams or some such) to avoid undergoing a NICU observation.  Hooray!  So Linds got to see him and hold him during recovery, which she didn't get to experience with Grant.

• The little guy has been a "total champ" through everything.  He has lots of thick dark hair and even some meat on his bones!!

• The no-longer-little-guy (aka Grant) had a wonderful first meeting with his new little brother.  He held him, rocked him, and even serenaded him with "Jesus Loves Me"!!  

• There are still some concerns with monitoring Linds's blood pressure, but the more serious issue has been pain management.  They've finally gotten it under control but yesterday especially was rough.  The pain was also keeping her from sleeping so she's, as you can imagine, very tired!

To that end--  Linds and Jason want everyone to know how thrilled they are for Blake to meet all of his fabulous new friends......but not immediately.   By all means, please text and/or call them and absolutely request a time to meet the new guy--  but do not be offended if they ask if that meeting can take place in a few weeks!!

Even after they've gotten home (which hopefully will be either tomorrow or Saturday), not only will the blood pressure concern continue for some time, but also the threat of RSV and cold/flu in these winter months.  It is critical for all newborns--and especially those born early--to be kept from all the germs that proliferate in winter.  So I hope you'll also understand the need for young children and anyone sick to be kept away from Blake for the months to come, as well as a general minimization of contact with him.

(Side note: Linds was very worried how this information might come across and I assured her that everyone would understand the importance of keeping both mom and baby healthy.  (Right?!  :-) )

Finally, Lindsay and Jason are so thankful for all the prayers that have been prayed over them during this experience.  So many of you prayed specifically for her not to get sick during or after the surgery (and she didn't!) and/or for Blake not to have to go to the NICU (and he didn't!).  Please know that your prayers were felt and were such a comfort to them during this trying time.

Hopefully the next blog update will be from Linds herself with pictures of Blake's introduction to his new house!!    Can't wait!!