Chapter I: "Fritz"

Chapter I

Frederick James "Fritz" Hofmann

"Fritz" We are so joyous for the birth of our son Fritz, and have been looking forward to sharing our birth story with everyone! On Saturday morning, January 30th, 2010, Alicia received a call from our midwife, Col. Nancy Steimer. She informed Alicia that her latest protein urinalysis had risen dramatically in the last 4 days, from 194 to 303. Above 300 results in the diagnosis of preeclampsia, a potential life threatening condition which can result, if not addressed, in kidney damage, liver damage, and move into eclampsia which can result in seizures, coma, etc. This urgent condition, while not immediately reflected in Alicia's blood pressure, which was averaging 130/80, needed to be treated immediately - the decision to induce was made, despite being nearly 2 weeks from due date (2/14/2010). Timeline 01/30/2010 12:00 - Admitted to Tripler Army Medical Hospital"Tripler" 14:00 - Pitosin drip administered to begin contractions / labor 18:00 - 4 cm dilated 21:00 - Placement of contraction monitor in cervix to maximize pitosin drip, bag of water breaks 22:00-24:00 - Moderate labor, contractions 3-4 minutes apart Blood pressure remained steady and healthy at 135/85, and never went above 140/87. This was very excellent, meaning that we had beat preeclampsia and avoided all major dangers. 01/31/2010 01:00 - 05:30 - Growing intensity of contractions 5:45 - 9.5cm dilated. Reposition to reduce anterior lip of cervix 6:00 - First "urge" to push. 6:30 - First serious pushing begins. Alicia does an amazing job of maximizing pushing and working with contractions, while resting and relaxing in between. 7:09 - This is it!!! 07:11 - Frederick James Hofmann "Fritz" takes his first breath of air! Hooray!!!!!"07:11" "5 lbs. 14.5 ounces / 19.0" While Fritz was breathing on his own, it was slightly laborious for him, and resulted in him making little "grunting" or "singing" noises, as the nurses called it. After 25 minutes, this had not ceased, so the pediatrician came in and examined Fritz. It was determined that he was having difficulty emerging from transition, and it was decided to administer him into the Neo-natal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) to monitor his progress, administer oxygen and confirm fully developed lungs, etc. "I don't like these oxygen tubes" The doctors found no problems with Fritz, his lungs were fully developed, no major fluid in the lungs, and nothing that was a clear cause for his difficulty. The doctors think that his tiny alveoli were still partially covered with tiny amounts of fluid, and simply need a day or two to fully aspirate and build his lung strength. Unassisted, Fritz's lungs were working at 92-95% of lung ability, and he only needed a minor amount of supplemental oxygen to breath. "Vitals Check" The doctors also elected to administer an antibiotic via I.V. to rule out the possibility of infection that might have occurred after the bag of waters was broken. All culture test are currently negative for any infection, and Fritz is scheduled to have this removed by tomorrow morning. He also starting developing a bit of jaundice around 4:00pm on 2/2, and is currently receiving photo-therapy, and should be fully treated and healed by 2/3. Fritz is also currently being weaned off of oxygen to monitor his lung strength, heart rate, B.P., etc. We are praying and hopeful that he will be discharged by tomorrow afternoon (02/03/2010). "Healthy Rest" Alicia is doing excellent, and has been cleared and discharged in full health this morning. We are staying at the hospital tonight (2/2/2010) so that Alicia can be close for feedings. Fritz is taking to feeding very well, and is latching quicker, feeding longer, and sleeping soundly in between feedings. We are so happy that he is continuing to gain in strength and health. We are thankful for all of your thoughts and prayers, and look forward to everyone meeting our precious son in the coming months / year. Best regards and aloha from Hawaii, Love, Poppa Grant, Momma Alicia, and Baby Fritz