Our Extended Stay

Our hospital stay was longer than usual. We were supposed to be at Stonecrest Hospital for 3 days, but ended up being there for 5. Dallas had a severe case of jaundice. This condition affects about 60% of all newborns around day 2 or 3 of life. Well, Dallas was born with a high bilirubin count due to us (him and his mommy) having incompatible blood types. To treat the jaundice, Dallas was put under lights in the nursery and received bloodwork 3 times a day to monitor the condition's progression. He was also fed frequently in an attempt to flush out his system. So, for three and a half days, we were unable to hold or feed our bundle of joy. The nurses were all extremely helpful, sensitive and encouraging- especially to a first-time mom who was overcome with emotion like me. God answered our prayers (once again) and we were able to bring our baby home knowing that he was going to be alright.

THE BIG DEBUT!!

The wait is over! The Maverick finally decided to make his big debut. Dallas John Cooks was born on March 25, 2010 at 12:46 p.m. weighing in at 6 pounds, 11 ounces and 20 inches long!

After 12 hours of attempts to induce labor, Dallas decided that enough was enough. Although Mommy was contracting, her cervix never dialated. With each contraction (and there were some big ones), Dallas' heartrate dropped. These factors made Mommy's nurses (Kim and Pat) and Dr. Fox a bit nervous. Thus, a c-section was scheduled.

Of course, Daddy was in the operating room with Mommy. As a matter of fact, Daddy's face was the first that Dallas saw when he opened his eyes!! In the waiting room were Grandma Bobby, Auntie April, and Uncle Miguel. If you know this family, then you know that tears (of joy) were flowing everywhere!!