I'm Officially An Uncle (but there's a problem)

Ash · February 10, 2009, 06:47:02 PM

It's official, I'm an uncle!

My sister and I were the only siblings left after our younger brother Cory died in a motorcycle accident in 2003. Neither of us had kids and my parents were always wondering when they were going to be grandparents.
Their wish came true when my sister gave birth to her son recently.

There was a problem, though.
While the baby was in the womb, the doctors noticed that he had a problem with his heart.
Here is the official description of what was wrong:

He has "transposition of the great arteries with septal defect. This means that his pulmonary artery and his aorta did not crisscross and are coming out of the wrong ventricles(lower chambers of the heart). The pulmonary artery is coming out of the left ventricle which normally pumps oxygenated blood through the aorta to the rest of the body. Because of this, oxygenated blood is going right back to the lungs instead of going to the body. Which in turn, means the aorta is pumping non-oxygenated blood to the rest of the body instead of hitting up the lungs for oxygen first. The good news is that he does have a septal defect, which is a hole between the two ventricles. This for now, is what is allowing the non-oxygenated and oxygenated blood to mix before being pumped to the body. Without this hole, the chance of survival is slim."

Immediately after he was born, the doctors whisked him away to keep close tabs on him.
He required open heart surgery to fix this problem.
The good news is that out of all the possible congenital heart defects, this one is the most common.
He had his surgery the other day and he pulled through! The doctors operated on his heart, which was the size of a walnut, for almost 8 hours. They closed him up and he seems to be doing well. His eyes are open and he'll grip people's fingers.
I haven't had a chance to see him yet because I've been so busy with classes. That, and the fact that he's down at the University of Iowa hospitals which is about a half hour drive away.
My sister told me to wait because any kind of disturbance near him can send his vitals out of whack. Even my sister and her boyfriend don't go around him too often. Once he's more stabilized, I'll go down and meet him.
They say that he will be on medications for most of his young life, but after that, he should lead a normal life.

Check out these pictures of my nephew...

Check out his hair!

(From left to right) My sister's boyfriend Dustin, my mom, my step-dad, my sister.

Look at all that equipment!

I'll bet you want to know his name...
His name is Cory. (after our brother)

Mr. DS · February 10, 2009, 06:55:14 PM

Poor little guy, at least he's doing well. He's a handsome lad and may he have a nice long life. Uncle Ash needs to spoil him now. Better learn how to change diapers. If I could suggest anything, new parents always appreciate the little things like a person who will buy them diapers and a hot meal. That and a person who will watch the baby so they can sleep.

Paquita · February 10, 2009, 07:03:44 PM

He looks like a giant healthy boy! I'm glad to hear that he's doing well!

Doggett · February 10, 2009, 07:07:05 PM

Another member of the ASH clan !
It can only be a good thing

He's got cool hair !

Andrew · February 10, 2009, 07:30:07 PM

My best to the little one, and I hope he thrives.

JJ80 · February 10, 2009, 07:31:13 PM

Congratulations Ash! All the best!

meQal · February 10, 2009, 07:39:49 PM

Fine looking young boy there your sister had.
I do know there are no words which going to ease the fears you and your family are having right now. Been there myself with my youngest daughter who only weight 13 ounces when she was born. Just trust the doctors and staff of the neonatal intensive care unit to do what is best. They are great people and possibly the most carring staff in the entire hospital.
And conrats on the new nephew.

Rev. Powell · February 10, 2009, 08:21:08 PM

Congrats, Ash, and that's a heck of a head of hair on your nephew! First thing I noticed.

Seems like every baby that's been born to my family or friends lately has been a candidate for neonatal intensive care. The work those doctors and nurses do is amazing.

trekgeezer · February 11, 2009, 09:55:21 AM

What a boy! other than the tubes, he looks in really good. Babies are tough little guys, they have to be to survive birth.

I'll bet he turns out great and you'll have a lot fun teaching him bad habits.

ER · February 11, 2009, 10:35:51 AM

Congratulations on becoming an uncle. I hope your new nephew is home with his family very soon!

akiratubo · February 11, 2009, 10:56:43 AM

Quote from: The DarkSider on February 10, 2009, 06:55:14 PMThat and a person who will watch the baby so they can sleep.

This. I don't have any kids, but I have a lot of friends who do, and I get invited over a lot to "visit", which usually turns out to be me playing with the kids while my friends take a nap.

You nephew looks like a tough little guy. Spoil him rotten.

Psycho Circus · February 11, 2009, 01:03:30 PM

Aww, that's great news that he'll be okay Ash, congrats on becoming an uncle. His hair is awesome too!

#

I am an uncle to my sister's 4 kids, but screw me if I can remember any of their names!

Ed, Ego and Superego · February 11, 2009, 02:09:11 PM

Uncleing is great!
I feel sorry for the poor litle guy, babies have it hard enough without extra stuff. Give the best to your family.
-Ed

BeyondTheGrave · February 11, 2009, 03:34:34 PM

Congrats Ash!

I'm sure eveything will be fine.

Mofo Rising · February 11, 2009, 03:38:17 PM

Congratulations to your family and the new addition! Hope his health problem is but a momentary blip in an otherwise long and healthy life.