Thank You from the Bottom to the Top of our Hearts!

Hey there Everyone,

Just wanted to post some cute pictures of the baby for ya'll. We are kind of tied up with family visits for the next few weeks. Mommy and Daddy are getting a little bit of a break to rest. Madison is getting to know her grandparents and she is loving every minute of it (and so are they)!
I wanted to take this opportunity to say Thank You to everyone for praying for her and our family these past few weeks. The flowers, cards, gifts and offers to help have been so kind. Even though we are several hundred miles away from most of you it really helped to know you cared. The advice and warm wishes have helped Tony and I be able to take each day in stride. Our daughter is so lucky to be so loved by people she doesn't even know; I regret I can't give each of you a great big hug. Know that we are all so appreciative.
Enjoy the pictures, if I can I will try add some video. Although, you may get a little motion sickness, I am not so steady with the video camera. . .

Love
The Davis Family

She is 6 days old and finally home safe and sound!

Hello Everyone,

We were discharged from Balboa NICU a day early!!!! She has shown no signs of seizures and her liver and gut have improved. She is eating like a hungry little baby now! She had no more neurological events except the one from being revived right after delivery. The Dr's are just going to have her followed as high risk which we don't mind at all, it's better to be safe than sorry! Last night was the best night of my life even though I didn't sleep a wink. I just wanted to watch her to make sure she was alright. She is having a little trouble with sleeping in a new place and I am sure missing all the beeping noises that she has gotten used to hearing in the NICU.
Other than just being tired mommy is doing fine now, healing from the C-section everyday and now adjusting to Madison's demands (but darn happy to be able to care for my baby finally). She is even more adorable as each day passes and she becomes more aware of her surroundings.
I guess I should explain a little of what happened since we were crunched for time when I asked for everyone's prayers. Don't worry I will spare the graphic details. So I started labor at 3am on July 3rd but my contractions were really strange. I wasn't having pain all over; just pain in the birth canal area , so we thought I may be dilating but the cramping was strong from the very beginning. Also, the cramps only lasted for about 45 seconds and then they were very spiratic when they would happen 12 min, 15 min, 8 min, 2 min, and then back to 10 min. So, Tony and I consulted "the books" and we both agreed it was false labor. The only issue was the pain was getting to the point of intolerable. I knew if I went to the hospital too early they wouldn't keep me but I felt I needed some relief. Tony drove me to the hospital and on the way there the pains regulated to about 4 min apart. We arrived at 7am and told the Labor and Delivery Dr what was going on and they started fetal monitoring. About 20 min. later my water broke so they admitted me and told me I was only dilated to a 2. The babies heart rate was normal and in the 150 range, we switched to a labor room and I was anxious to get some relief. The pains were still coming but now were getting to be intolerable; the corpsman tried to get an IV in me several times but I was swollen so much they kept loosing my vein. Another 20 min. lap and a lady( I later found out was a midwife) comes running into the room and pushes the baby back up as far as she can and tells us that the heart dropped and she needed to move me around to help the baby. At this point the organs are being deprived of blood and oxygen. The midwife could not feel the cord, so the team of experts went through everything they knew how to do. In the mean time, my Dr is on her way but hasn't shown up yet. I still have only dilated to a 2, so they team decide the next thing to do is prep me for a C-Section so that when my Dr arrives all she has to do it cut the baby out. I don't know for sure how long she was in distress but she was born at 8:20 am and we are so lucky the people reacted the way they did. My Dr. said everything looked normal when she delivered her and the cord wasn't pinched or tied in knots, nor did it look like the placenta was seperating from the uteran wall.
We may never know what was going on with her but everyone that was working will never forget her arrival. Even though the midwife was killing me because I had no pain medicine I am so thankful she was there and had the courage to react the way she did. Here is this perfect pregnancy, with minimal difficulties and the sheer fear that washed over all of us for her arrival was a nightmare. Now that we have her home she is the sweetest dream come true.
Tony and I so grateful to everyone for praying for her we were all in a really scary situation. Her improvements are so remarkable. All the nurses in the NICU were impressed with her ability to recover and saying how they couldn't believe she is the same baby that was admitted just 5 days ago. Madison was lucky to have those angels taking care of her and they all wanted to keep her because she was so good. They liked that they could love on her because she was big enough. Mostly all the babies we saw were preemies. I don't think I could take seeing another baby in the NICU, it was heart wrenching to look around at all the little ones fighting to keep weight on so they could go home too.
Enjoy the pictures of Madison and please feel free to call or stop by we can't wait to show off our precious gem!

Love
The Davis family

Madison's Update!!!!!

Hello everyone,

I just wanted to update ya'll on Madison's progress. She is not "out of the weeds" yet, but she is showing major improvements!!! The Dr.'s found that because she was without blood supply and oxygen for so long that some of her major organs were damaged. With babies this is not the end of the world because they have the ability to heal, repair, and grow much quicker than adults. The liver suffered but during the monitoring it shows signs of healing on it's own. When you have a "gut" injury they do not want you to eat for 48hrs or so; to give the area time to heal. Today they let us feed her for the first time (and I got to do that myself!) and she did wonderful. She ate at 2pm and again at 6pm. We are going back tonight for the 11pm feeding. The love I feel when I feed her is so overwhelming. The only way to describe it is pure infatuation. The next step for her is to pass a few more hurtles and we won't know if there is any problems with her brain until later on as she starts to develop and mature. Her nurse told us today that she wants us (Tony and I) to start her discharge checklist. We may be coming home, all of us, by Tuesday next week; if the good Lord wills it!

The people at the hospital here have been wonderful and it was very convenient to stay near her. We were staying in an empty room one floor below the NICU, but we have moved to a house at the hospital called, The Fisher House. Our room is room 8, I have no idea what the telephone number is at the moment but the best way to reach us is still by cell phones. We may not be able to talk at the moment but we will call you back when we can. The house is not an elevator trip to see her anymore but it is the next best thing and we do have more privacy and few more comforts than a hospital room. Not that we were complaining; we are so grateful for everyone that has helped us. The Fisher house as email, so that's how I had a chance to update my blog. I have more pictures of our little angel but no way to publish them to the net yet. I will when I get the opportunity!

I also wanted to say thank you to everyone for praying for her and for Tony and I. We would not have made it through such a rough situation without knowing we were loved and cared for by wonderful people. I know some of you called and offered to help in any way and just knowing that you would made such a difference in our will and strength to survive! Tony and I are taking care of each other and being strong for our beautiful daughter. I know after having a C-Section that I need to take it easy as well, so I can care for Madison when I bring her home. I am doing all I can to be healthy for her and I know I can't nurse her unless I do take care of myself!

Please continue to pray for Madison, your prayers for her survival and healing are being answered!

Love and we will be in touch,
The Davis Family

Baby Madison

Dear Family and Friends,

While I am overjoyed at becoming a mommy July 3rd @ 8:20am, I write to you with a heavy heart. Our daughter was delivered via an emergency C-Section and then rushed to another hospital 3 hours from our house. Her heartbeat dropped suddenly from 150 bpm to the low 70's in about 20 minutes. The doctor's are not sure what caused this reaction but they wanted to give her the very best treatment possible. So, they flew her to the NICU at Naval Hospital Balboa, near San Diego. I, having just had major surgery, was unable to go and be with her. I was just released from the hospital here and Tony and I are on our way to be with her now. She is doing better with her breathing already but only time will tell if there is any other reasons for concern. The Dr.'s want to keep her for observation so they can rule out any neurological problems that would have caused this kind of reaction. I would just like to ask that everyone pray for our daughter that she will recover quickly and be even stronger so she can come home with us. I have yet to even hold her in my arms nor have I even seen her for more than a few minutes. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers that God will heal her tiny body.

I don't know when I will the chance to write again, but I will update as frequently as possible.
Love

Erin and Tony Davis

Less than one Week to go!

Hey everyone,

I just wanted to take moment to update my blog one last time before Madison Sierra joins us at the Davis Estate (hehehe)! It has become impossible for me to do much of anything except wait. I tried to go walking but my feet hurt terribly from swelling so badly. The heat of the desert has been a challenge for me lately with the temperatures going into highs of 108 degrees. To me it feels like an inferno!
Tony and I are both feeling the strain of this pregnancy by now and it's becoming old routine. We are both on edge from excitement and anticipation of Madison's arrival. I have a Dr.'s appointment this Tuesday and I hope to hear some talk of relief pretty soon. I know she will come on her own time but even she can tell there is no more room for her to get bigger in there! I have never been a very patient person, I guess I am learning babies are gonna do things their way=)!


We will let everyone know once the joyous event happens until then take care and thank you for all your prayers and thoughts!

Uncomfortable in the desert,
Erin Davis and Madison Sierra

May Baby Shower and Nursery Pictures

I thought I would put up some pictures of the "Tres Chic" baby shower I had last month. It was alot of fun and I enjoyed seeing everyone that came. I missed the ones who weren't able to be there, like my mom of course. My friend recorded it though and I was able to send it to my mom in GA, which was the next best thing. As you can see the cake was darling with a pink poodle dog--mmm so yummy! We played the toilet paper sheets around mommies tummy game and it took 11 sheets to go around me and Madison. I don't even want to think about how many it would take to go around us now at 36 weeks! We played the nursery character game, and "Don't Say BABY" clothespin game and the funny Lapseat GAME! It was a fun day. I still have to get my Thank you notes mailed out too. . . .working on it they came out very cute!

I finally got the energy to start Nesting as well! I didn't realize the urge would be so severe. . . .and neither did Tony. Poor guy, I am sure he is glad that we finally got the nursery complete enough that I'm not nagging him to, "put this here, no I liked it better there;" "could you do it now." I am sure I was a Bear to deal with. Sorry HUNNY! He was so patient with me and he has been throughout this life changing experience. He is truly excited about being a father but by the 4th piece of baby gear and set of directions he was over being a handyman. We also found everything we buy from now on will some kind of batteries---what a scam=)! It has all been worth it though and look what we have to show for it so far. . . .Madison Sierra's Nursery is adorable! I also added in some photos of SuperDad putting together a swing/bouncer combo.

Enjoy for now and I will update again soon,
Erin and Madison

Oh my gosh, can I get any bigger!

Okay I don't even know if I can find clothes to fit me anymore! Madison is in the home stretch; the picture of me in the red shirt is on April 16th I was 29 weeks and now I am 31 weeks in the blue. What a big difference 2 weeks can make. She is started to head down south a lot more too. Madison is still pretty active despite being cramped in her quarters. I guess I will just keep poking out more and more until she can't take it anymore being squished.

The baby furniture was delivered yesterday and one of the pieces was damaged and won't be able to be replaced until after the beginning of July. We just have to love living in the desert where it seems everything is always back ordered! At lease the crib is okay, we do need some where for her to sleep. . . . . I will post the room once we get it all set up! It may be awhile since I have not ordered the bedding yet. I am waiting on the trim to arrive (supposedly tomorrow) so we can match up paint colors. I am so impatient; I can't wait to see it all decorated.

Some wonderful ladies from Tony's old unit, 1st Tanks, threw a shower for Madison about a week ago. Madison has some beautiful clothes to wear now and of course some very cute baby things that I can't stop looking at in her room. She is already spoiled and I am most grateful for their generosity. It's all coming together. A dear friend is throwing a shower for us on May 20th, I am looking forward to seeing everyone that can attend. She is going to video tape it and send it to my mom, who sadly can't make it, so she can be as much apart of the experience.

Tony has been helping me but he is back to work these days. We are going to try and get some work done in the babies room this weekend during his off time. I will take it easy and listen to my body. I have cut back on lots of things because I was swelling really badly. I am also watching my sodium intake very closely. Living in the desert is a challenge, due to dehydration and the heat will make you swell pretty easily. But, I am taking all the necessary precautions. I won't let mother nature interfere with me being a mom!

Well until I grow more or until something exciting happens I will say keep in touch and we will too!

Love and miss everyone,
Erin and Madison

Wow we are getting BIG!

I just realized it's been awhile since you all have heard from us. Not much really to report except I am huge! The outfit I am wearing with the white and blue stripes no longer fits me, that was about 2 weeks ago. I had to get bigger pants just this past weekend. Madison is very active despite there being no room for her in my tummy. Eating is becoming a real challenge. My mouth is willing to put it in, but there is no room in my belly for it once it's there!!! I never knew how hard it is for a pregnant woman to bend over. . .I have almost given up tying my own shoes and taking them off is nearly impossible. I am at the 10 week mark starting today. It's literally like I woke up overnight and had grown several inches!
Tony and I decided to paint the babies room after all, we started that today. I will post some pictures once the project is complete. It should be really cute, we decided to go with a pink poodle theme. I can't wait to see Tony with a pink stroller, now that's what I call HOT!
The pets are getting very antsy too. They are all wondering why they can't lay all over me anymore. I get the feeling like they will be happy when my belly goes back down. I must say I will be happy too but sad to not feel Madison moving inside me.

Well I will post more as the news unfolds or gets bigger!
Erin and Madison

Peanut has turned out to be a Princess!

Yes that's right we will be having a baby girl! She was very modest at first but we finally got a good look and we are 99% sure. After all the pictures were taken we got to keep one of the face and one from "between the legs". She weighs 1lb and 1oz so far and the due date is checking in around July 4th, due to size and weight. She was napping head down in the fetal position right in the middle of my torso, so her legs are at the top of my tummy. At one point she was sucking her thumb but for the most part just hanging around in there having little baby dreams. How funny to think she was completely unaware her parents and some ultrasound tech were spying on her. . . I'm sure she will be as smart as her dad is though, because by the end she was looking back at us! As far as we could tell from all of our vast medical training (which is zero) she is healthy, at least the Dr wasn't called in to discuss anything. I have an appointment in a few weeks for the results, so everything is progressing as it should be! We will let you know what we decide to name her but for now we are just calling her "Princess Peanut"!

We love you all,

Davis' of the Desert

20 weeks, half way to D-Day

Hi everyone,
We are finally out of the 1st trimester and out of the "danger zone", so to speak. I have been sick, here and there, but not like I was a few months ago. Check out my belly! Now there's a new idea of "Baby Phat", right? I am finally getting some energy again. This working full time and growing a person in me is exhausting. Tony is so excited and amazed that we are going to have a baby in few months. It will be such an adjustment to our lives, but we can't wait.
We are going on Feb. 22nd for our second ultrasound. I can't wait to see the baby again and get assured that everything is fine. Lots of people are thinking it will be a boy. Tony is hoping for a boy and I think my mom and his mom are too. I hope the baby is healthy and that I have been a good host for it! I am feeling Peanut move around now, but it took a long time because I had no idea if it was that or just my stomach settling. Which is surprising because our first ultrasound showed a very active baby. I had a check up a few weeks ago and my Dr. listened to the baby's heartbeat and it seems the baby is loving my lower left side. I will let you know how it goes on the 22nd. Hope everyone has a great Valentines Day!

Love Erin and Peanut

CHECK ME OUT!!!!!!!!

We are 12 weeks!!!! Feels like forever already; being nauseated 24/7 feels like an eternity. The good news is the Dr. gave me some meds for it, so keep your fingers crossed that is will actually work. Anyway, the little peanut is awesome. The baby wasn't bothered at all by me feeling sick, it was doing aerobics (or acrobatics) while we took a peek at the little booger! It has 2 legs, and 2 arms. It's definitely Tony's baby, it wouldn't stop moving it's legs around. It stretched it's arm above it's head and kicked with all it's might but I couldn't feel a thing. Not yet anyway. Peanut is 5.42 cm, which is about the size of your car key (+/-). Remember being that small??? Nah, me neither. Tony was very excited to see the little one and we are both relieved that it seems to be healthy so far! The little bundle has long legs and had them crossed at one point--so cute! Hopefully we will have a cooperative baby to find out at the next ultrasound visit if it's a boy or a girl. Our next appt will be in Jan. for a baby check, then we will get another ultrasound appt! It's all very exciting for us new parents. Okay well that's all for now, I will blog a belly shot once I start to poke out. Despite it looking some days like I am showing alot, I haven't gained any weight yet. My belly is just making room for Peanut! We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and I promise you will get a Card from us this year! Maybe a little late-I fell behind being sick and all. We love and miss you! Feel free to send an email or reply to the blog!

6 weeks!!

Hello everyone,

I had my first OB appointment on Thursday, Nov 9th. I saw the Nurse and got to take home a ton of info about how to be pregnant and cope with all this crazy nonsense that's going on inside my body! She told me I was 6weeks and 5 days and to start taking my pregnancy in weeks. So today I am 7 weeks. Unfortunately, Nausea has settled in and doesn't seem to want to go away. I feel great when I am sleeping. . . .is this really happening? Other than that "We" are doing okay. My next appointment will be in December; I will see the Dr. and we will get to hear the baby's heartbeat!

toodle-loo for now,
erin+1

Oct. 28th: WE'RE PREGNANT

I found out on Oct. 26 from a home pregnancy test. I took a second test today and it was positive too! Let you know what the Doc says next week. It's exciting but a little weird! I guess we will see who checks their email. . . . . .

San Diego Zoo

Sept 2006: San Diego Zoo; Mom came out to visit us and we went to the Zoo for the day. It was fun and the weather was great! We ate dinner at the Fish Market on Harbor Drive YUMMY!!!!!!!