Welcome Baby Kevin!

Our little Kevin was born last Thursday, August 9, at 11:50 AM. He weighed 6 lbs. 15 oz and was 20 inches long. By all medical standards the delivery went well, though for me it was terrifying. For some reason I was overwhelmed by an irrational fear that something was going to go horribly wrong. The baby was born without incident, but he seemed unusually sleepy. The nurse noticed him grunting. When they got him back to the nursery his heartrate was around 270 beats per minute. They whisked him off to NICU. LaMonte tried to appear calm when he told me, but he was visibly shaking. "Don't worry," the nurses and doctor's said. "This is a fairly common problem, everything will be ok." But...I didn't believe them. They would say the same thing to every new parent until the official diagnosis revealed otherwise. My worst fears, it seemed, had been confirmed. I was convinced our little son would never be going home with us. It may sound strange, or heartless, but I wouldn't allow myself to feel any attachment to him. I wouldn't think of him by the name we had chosen. I didn't feel any hope...which left me feeling insanely guilty. I did pray for him, though-with all of my heart.

The official diagnosis came back. He has a condition called SVT. It stands for something long and scientific that means "rapid heartbeat." The condition is easily treated with medication and the doctors assurred us he would be just fine. Most cases resolve within the first year of life. Though still not entirely convinced, I allowed myself to open my heart to our little baby. I worked to feed him, to understand his condition, and to overcome the irrational fear and worry that plagued me. We have been at the hospital now for three days. Though at times so tired I have struggled to keep my eyes open, keep my thoughts clear, or even walk a straight line, I have stayed with him as much as possible. How is it that something so tiny and helpless can, so quickly, overtake your heart?

The kids came to visit on Friday, though they could only see him through the window. They are the ones who picked his name, Kevin, months before he was born. They wanted to name him "Kevin" after my brother who just returned from his mission. Also, when they first started school, friends and teachers both would mistakenly call Jason and Keith "Kevin" so they believed we were meant to have a Kevin in our family. LaMonte and I agreed to their name selection, believing that this would help little Kevin form an early bond with his older siblings. LaMonte picked his middle name, Thomas, after Thomas S. Monson-the prophet of our church. LaMonte has thoroughly cared for and spoiled both of us during this hospital stay. He is the best husband and father we could hope for.

The kids have gone to St. Louis to spend the week with my mom. She is amazing! Even for a grandma I would think it would be daunting to take on 7 kids last minute! Right after the long drive to get them, she took them to Grant's Farm and stood in a 1/2 mile line with all of them, hoping to see an elephant show. Anyone who wonders how I manage to have so many children can clearly see how much of this is made possible by the support of a loving husband, mom, and countless other family members and friends who are always reaching out to us with their love and support. We love are little Kevin and are so very grateful to have him as the newest member of our family.