Thursday July 19th- Day 5

And so parenting starts. I’ve been looking forward to feeding so much but fell overwhelmed with the enormity of the task as it begins. I have to be at demand of our little boy for the next who knows how many months. That is a little overwhelming as I am already having a hard time catching up on sleep. But Jacob is a pro, he catches on right away, and we’re feeling very positive. He had one spell of apnea this afternoon while feeding, and no one is sure why. They will keep us in ICU for a few more days to monitor.

He’s feeding tube was taken out later in the day. One less cord attached. I get to spend the night now that he’s breastfeeding. Also he gets a day of tanning under the lights to help lower his bilirubin.
Exciting and yet I feel sorry for Kev because he’s feeling a little left out of the pajama party. Soon we’ll be home and he can be part of three am feedings! Jake also had his first bath tonight, and loved every minute. Must have parents that like the water.
God continues to pour blessings over us. Can you believe some people thought this boy wasn’t worth keeping at 18 weeks pregnant? What a horrible mistake that would have been. He is so perfect, absolutely a picture of Gods handy work. The love of parent is overwhelming, so much so fast. Nothing in the world compares to it. Thank you Father!

Wednesday July 18th- Day 4

Our wide eyed wonder.

How precious he is. Doing great! No breast feeding yet, but they inserted a small tube through his nose to give him my milk through. 3mls the first time! They will slowly increase it over night and if he’s tolerating it well by morning I’ll get to start feeds. Again another ultrasound shows little to no change in the fluid on the brain, so no shunt for now.

Another day of cuddles and much exploring, both by Jake and us. Again we feel the presence of the Holy Spirit surrounding this child given to us. What a wonderful world.

Tuesday July 17th- Day 3

No more breathing machine! What a nice surprise when we arrived at the hospital. He is getting food through the IV because he still remains very sadiated on the morphine. Hopefully tomorrow well begin breastfeeding. I’ve been pumping around the clock every three hours to keep my milk supply. So far, so good.
The day was filled with much cuddling. Dad tends to hog the baby, we might need to get an egg timer so he gives others equal time. But I wouldn’t change a thing. He continues to improve at rapid rates. God is so good. I pray he is as much a blessing to others and he is to us.

Monday July 16th- Day 2

So finally the update that everyone has been waiting for. Our apologies that it’s taken a week to fill those of you far away in on more details of our journey, but it is well worth the wait.
Jacob remained intubated (a breathing machine through the nose into the lungs) for today.

With the morphine they had him on for pain controlled he was calm and comfortable. We enjoyed the day of getting to know the features of this precious gift. His hair is the most beautiful colour (not that I’m a little one sided!), almost golden.

Jake’s ventricles remain stable, as seen through an ultrasound of the head (no increase in fluid on the brain). All ready he’s daddy’s boy. God has been so faithful in answering our prayers. He continues to kick with those little legs. All glory be to God.

Here we go!

So much to our surprise my water broke July 14th while we were puttering around Babies'R'Us, very ironic! We picked up our bag and headed off to the hospital. What and exciting feeling to know that this is it, not to mention having no contractions and feeling just great!

We were given the option of waiting in hospital until I naturally progressed into labour, which I hear can take up to 3 days, or an induction. So we opted for the later and at 5pm got the process going.

I was set on not having an epidural but at 6cm and fully effaced, baby facing up, and tons of back labour I broke down and asked for one "sorry what did you say" our nurse laughed, "GIVE ME THE EPIDURAL NOW!!" 30 mins later I was resting in bed. Can you say AMAZING?! Why I waited I'll never know.

Labour and birth is such an intimate experience for a couple. It's so wonderful to see how husband and wife can draw together, with God's help, and experience one of the most beautiful passages of life. Okay so it isn't "beautiful" as it happens, but the ending is beyond words.

12 hrs later @ 4:55am little

Jacob Kohl Hilman

completed our family,

a true blessing from Christ.

God has given us so much joy, and much more than we were prepared for...

Example A) We got to spend 30 wonderful, amazing minutes holding our son.

Wait correction..... I got to hold, since Kev got to go with babe!

Kev went with little Jake in the ambulance over to the Stollery, and spent the day watching him. He is such a natural father, observing every move and even filling the nurses in on a few things! I was discharged early afternoon and dragged my sleepy tail over to see our son. He is perfect. Every inch of him is God given perfection.

At 8:30pm Jake went to the operating room under the wonderful care of Dr. Aronyk, and mom and dad went for a celebration supper. He arrived back to the unit, with a little breathing tube in his nose, and did awesome. As of yet Dr. Aronyk feels he will walk with little to no support. Praise God.

Kev and I were talking as we headed home that night about how God answers prayers in his own way. We struggle to grasp the reason for this, yet rest in his unending grace knowing that He is God, and will always be God. Some might challenge that Christ listened to a young couple calling out for a miracle at 18wks in a pregnancy gone against the grain. But when our son shines as bright as he does no one can deny God hears, and answers prayer.

Moving, weddings and contractions...

So I'm finally down in Edmonton for the duration of our pregnancy. The last month has been full of events, all great fun. Where to start.

We officially sold our house in Fort Mac mid June. The remainder of the month was spent packing and moving bit, by bit. Thanks to all those that helped, being pregnant I was the least helpful through out this event. Mom and Kristen (my sister) even ventured up north to lend a hand. All is much appreciated.

Kev's company golf Tourney was held on the 30th. It was such a success with almost 60 people. I even swung my clubs, adjusting my swing to accommodate my ever expanded belly, and managed to get in a few prizes. Such a great time. I'll post some pictures if I remember.

Candace were married on July 9th under our heavenly fathers glorious creation outside of Canmore. The event was filled with love and laughter, family and friends. Candace was radiant in her happiness, by far the most beautiful bride. We were thankful to be part of such an intimate event. They now are honey mooning in Italy and Greece until the 26th.

They are also having an open BBQ @ Red Deer on Saturday the 28th of July. All are welcome, you can call Caley Hoskin at the office (780-743-8817) for more information.So I've covered all the moving and wedding, on to contractions...

Yesterday I started in "pre" labour. I was 2 cm at my doctor's appointment in the late afternoon. Nothing happened over night, although I slept like a baby. I'm hoping and praying that things will move along today. But that's totally out of my hands. Dr said it could be days, but also a couple of weeks. The only thing that is supporting it being sooner than later is that I went from 0-2 cm in one week, so the progress was fast. I know that everyone will be anxiously waiting an update, I'll try my best. But until the little guy is here I will be slightly occupied, if you know what I mean.

God has been so good to us. We've been blessed with family and friends that have provided us housing, and such here in Edmonton. We are so thankful for those that have contributed to making this difficult time easier.

Love, Melody