A Decade of Gussy

Ten years ago I gave birth to this young man on June 17. He was three weeks early and just over 6 lbs. The doctor missed the delivery it was so quick. I don't know about other mommys, but I'm not fully aware of the "behind the scenes" when nearing the end. I just want it to be over. There was meconium present (which they didn't tell me) and the NICU doctor was waiting in the delivery room standing to the right of me. The nurse who "caught" Gussy prayed the Hail Mary with us (she was clearly Catholic) after I begged audibly for St. Therese the Little Flower to take away the pain in so many words. I think I said something like, I am a little soul and couldn't handle anymore. Gussy was born shortly afterward.

He spent 6 days in NICU. Every day in NICU feels like eternity. It's gloomy and sad. The lights are kept low and everything is quiet minus suffering babies wales and monitors going off regularly. It's a depressing place. It makes one sleepy and somber. I have a feeling people talk to God there more than most places in the world. It would be nice to have a tabernacle right in the middle of it all. I believe it was day 5 when we had our priest come to baptize Augustine there in the hospital.

That was a very difficult week for me and Gussy. He was not improving and they kept saying he may have an infection of sorts. His medical records state he had hypoglycemia and polycythemia. Basically, he had too many red blood cells which made his blood very thick. He was at risk for seizures. After 6 days of no improvement whatsoever, they did a partial exchange transfusion (slowly removing and replacing a large portion of Gussy's blood volume). Prior to this procedure, he would not nurse, was lethargic and kept shaking. What annoyed me is that they did not note his shaking. I felt it over and over since I was there holding him day in and day out as much as they would allow. I personally think he had multiple seizures that were undetected. My reason for believing this is because he ended up having physical therapy per my pediatrician's request. He was a very floppy baby at two months and could barely move his head. He could not even come close to sitting on his own by 6 months. He improved quickly with therapy and diligence on my part of daily therapy. He never did nurse well and in retrospect I should have pumped and given him a bottle. He often had a sunken fontanelle (not getting enough fluids) and was colicky beyond words. He stayed in the 5th percentile until about 5 months. It was a trying time in all of our lives.

Ten years later and he's adjusted remarkably well from homeschooling to private school. His grades only improved as the year progressed and he had a fantastic end of year report card. He's grown into a fine young boy and full of life and energy. We love you, Gussy!

This year Augustine wanted his big birthday party. I was SO hesitant since I'm so VERY pregnant right now and couldn't handle much. Invitations went out via email last week. I was so happy 5 of the 6 boys could join us with such short notice. It all went well with the Knight's help.

There was a TON of noodle sword fighting, dunking, choke holds and gun fights. These were a rowdy bunch of boys and I'm so glad Gussy decided to have a pool party. It otherwise would have been a long 4 1/2 hours. lol

God blessed us on this day. This pool is normally packed. The weather had been overcast and rainy hours up until the time of the party, which was a good thing. Only three other people were in the pool due to the weather. I told Gussy earlier in the day to keep praying for good weather. I also begged God to give us good weather from 6-9 p.m. I was fully counting on Him. He listened!

This is when it started to get a little out of hand and one of the boys got kicked in the stomach by another boy. We cut the pool time short and headed back to the house.

It was somewhat of a battleground trying to take photos: balloons flying, heads moving, etc. It's funny what a difference a few years makes with boys. The other boys had their big birthday party when they were 2-3 years older. 12 and 13 year old males are much more mature, polite and calmer compared to the 10 year old age category. Lol

 I'm glad Gussy had so much fun. That's what was important.