Our Poor Baby Ashtyn

Unfortunately, things didn't run so smoothly around the second week of Ashtyn's life. When she was nine days old, I noticed she was breathing a little funny. I took her to her pediatrician and after examining her (her temperature was actually below normal), they sent us to Primary Children's Hospital for more testing. Little did I know that would mean blood and urine tests, two spinal taps, IV's, and a six day hospital stay. The first day and half were terrifying! Hearing possibilities like bacterial meningitis are pretty hard on an already emotional mother of a newborn. Luckily the scary tests came back negative and we found out she had a common virus. Unfortunately, she had a difficult time keeping her oxygen levels up, so they ordered more tests. After a sleep study test, they diagnosed her with severe obstructive sleep apnea (even though Clark has this, they say it isn't hereditary). The doctors hope she will outgrow this problem. So, for now she is on oxygen (mainly while she is sleeping, but that is just about all the time) for three to four months until she can be tested again. We are so grateful this trial seems to be more of an annoyance than a major problem. We are hoping Ashtyn doesn't catch any other bug so we don't have to repeat this whole process. Consequently, we have become quarantined germaphobes. We love hand sanitizer!! In spite of our stressful week, things are going really well. Ashtyn is sleeping like a champ (six hours in a row last night--not bad for a three week-old). I will eventually need to figure out how to get myself and my family ready before two in the afternoon, but for now we are having a great time taking it easy!