Jamison's Surprise Arrival

Jamison was determined to come at 31 weeks, despite our greatest efforts in holding him off for a few more.  On Tuesday, January 27, 2015, we headed to the hospital around 7:30 pm after some bleeding and were admitted with the possibility of my membranes being ruptured. I was already dialated to 2 cm so the goal was to keep me on bed rest until at least 34 weeks.  I was put on a high dosage of magnesium to keep contractions down and given a steroid shot to help develop the lungs just in case I were to deliver early.  The magnesium didn't help contractions subside through the night, but ultrasounds and other tests looked promising as my membranes hadn't ruptured, I had good amounts of amniotic fluid, and the baby's head was down.  I continued to have contractions, though the doctors were hopeful that I could keep him in and would not be delivering soon.  Around 4 pm, contractions were pretty intense, extremely close together, and the bleeding began again.  They had been holding off checking how far along I was to prevent further progression, but checked just in case.  I was at an 8 and was immediately taken to labor and delivery. The rest was a whirlwind.  I was dialated to 9 1/2, but was able to get an epidural right before the delivery. (Hallelujah!). (I wouldn't have made it through without Kevin!) Fifteen minutes later, little Jamison Walter Couch was born at (5:20pm) and rushed off with the NICU nurses.  Kevin was taken to see him while they finished doing some tests.  They wheeled Jamison in for a quick chance for me to meet him on his way up to the NICU... And truly there was no better feeling than holding that little boy in my arms for the first time.  His first few days in the world were filled with numerous tests.  His breathing was pretty good, but he was given the CPAP to help.  The oxygen flow has only needed to be at 21% which is equivalent to what we breathe.  Kevin was able to hold him for the first time on Friday and there's nothing I love more than seeing those two together.  My mom took a red eye flight from LA as soon as Jamison was born and we couldn't be more grateful to have her here.  I was discharged from the hospital on Friday, so we make our way to the hospital a couple times a day to see our little sweetie.  Now for the difficult journey ahead... The day-to-day trial is watching your perfect little son have to struggle and work so hard.  It has left us feeling so helpless.  Though it's difficult to see, we have faith in his ability to fight and be strong.  He is so active and we just love watching him.  We are looking forward to having him with us and in our arms permanently one day in the near future.

We are overwhelmed with gratitude for the numerous prayers, fasts, etc., on behalf of our little family.  I get so emotional thinking of all our sweet family and friends who have offered so much support and love and done so much for us these past few days.  Thank you for reaching out-- I'm so sorry if we haven't gotten back to you very quickly, we are catching up as we speak. We have so much to be grateful for!
Love this little family of mine!