Gray: 3 weeks old

For all the War Eagle friends and fans!!

Happy Fall, Y'all!!

Gray is just giddy with excitement about Fall. He's going to his first football game this weekend in the new motor home. Unfortunately, its not an Auburn game, but rather we're traveling to Oxford to "attend" the Ole Miss vs. Alabama game. In case you were wondering, Travis will go in the game, but Gray and I will stay behind and watch games on TV.




Gray now weighs 8 lbs 8 oz and seems to grow and change every day. He rarely cries and is, overall, just a very peaceful baby. We are so blessed - for many reasons.



Several of you have asked how our older 4 legged children are adjusting to the bundle joy. Karleigh, the soon to be one year-old Beagle Travis got me when I was having such a hard time last Christmas, is surprisingly doing the best with the baby. While she's very curious about him, at the same time she will just sit and stare at him in a very protective but sweet way. Allie, my 10 year old "first born" lab, isn't liking the idea of not being my first priority. She just ignores Gray and sulks a little. However, GG (my mom) has been in town and Allie adores her. Therefore, she's been spending some time with my mom and dad (she loves him,too, as he takes her for walks and rides). Ace, Travis' 10 year old aka "The Chosen One" duck hunting dog, isn't phased by Gray in the least. He continues to be the most laid back dog ever.

Our photographer, Monica Carroll (http://www.monicacarroll.com/), came last week to photograph Gray (can't wait to see the pics!). She said the sweetest thing. While he was asleep and she was taking pictures of him, he kept smiling and laughing. She said, "His angel sister, Grayton, must have been whispering something funny or tickling him because he kept grinning and giggling". I like the thought of that.

Thanks so much for all of your prayers and well wishes! As you can imagine, Travis and I just can't get enough of this precious angel.

Until next time,

Leigh

1st Doctor's Visit

Yesterday Gray had his first visit with his pediatrician. While he'd previously lost a 6 ounces from his 8lb 2 oz birth, I'm happy to report he's back up to 8 lbs. When we took him back to the room at the doctor's office and placed him in his diaper on the examination table while waiting on the doctor to come in, he wet the table like I've never seen!! Travis and I just died laughing! We quickly cleaned him up, then the table, just in time for the Dr to come in.
He loved his first outing and slept most of the ride. Our next visit is on Friday, october 2nd.
Its so hard to believe he's already a week old! I wish time would just stand still. Gray is such a cuddler and sleeps best on my chest or beside me - putting him in the bed was something I said I'd never do..."Never say never" and besides, selfishly I kind of like him being so close. I sleep best, too, smelling his head and hearing him breath while, simontaneously, thanking God for such a priceless gift.
He's feeding are up to 3 ozs and he just loves to eat - just like his momma!! :) Leigh

Our First Family Picture

First Night Home

We're finally home--we came home Sunday afternoon. Our first night home was exciting! We were all so tired. Gray is just precious...he's looking all around...we thought him staying awake a bit would help him sleep longer. Ha!....and he slept so well in the hospital !....Everything is good right now, as he sleeps on my shoulder and chest ... Thank you for all your prayers, thoughts, and congratulations !! Leigh and Travis

Baby Gray is here. 8 Pounds 1 oz. and 21 inches long

Diaphragm seems to be intact

On Monday, Dr. Gonzalez (the specialist) was kind enough to put my mind at ease about Gray being born with a Diaphragmatic Hernia. He explained the diaphragm is actually a tent keeping the lungs and heart above and bowel, intestines, liver, etc. below and when a baby inhales or gasps for room air the first time, if there is a hole or incomplete diaphragm (as in Grayton's case) or tear, organs can get pulled into the lung area. There's no guarantee this won't happen. However, he certainly looked Gray over and nothing he saw gave him any indication that the diaphram is not completely intact.

Answered Prayers, for sure! Thank you all who've prayed for Gray, Travis, me as well as our families. We've certainly felt each and every one of them.

At home, I'm starting that nesting phase and a very nice added energy burst - neither of which I ever experienced with Grayton. Unless Gray and God decide something different :), two weeks from tomorrow, he'll be here! Please continue to pray for him as well as the most "normal", uneventful C-Section and birth that Brookwood Hospital ever experienced! HA!

Meanwhile, I continue to go twice a week (Monday and Thursday) for non-stress tests at my OB's office. So far, he's been very responsive but no contractions to record.

Thanks again,
Leigh

Everything is on track

Starting this past Monday (the 24th) I go for non-stress tests twice a week, as well as seeing the Ultrasound Tech once a week for updates on my amniotic fluid and sometimes his growth. As of Monday, his estimated weight is 6lbs 10oz. and everything else seems to be fine. My fluid was down from 12.43 to 8.18 but Dr. Stradtman said it wasn't anything to be worried about and it changes daily. However, they'll keep a watch on it.

While I'm anxiously awaiting Gray's arrival, I can't say it doesn't come without anxiety. Yesterday, I read about a family in Selma who has a CDH (diagnosed in utero) baby who was born, like Grayton, with little to no diaphragm. He lived only 10 days at Children's Hospital in Bham. The family was blessed to have a second son, Chambers (don't you just love the name?!), who is a perfect and healthy baby. Their 3rd child, Celie, was monitored by a specialist like Gray and because of an ultrasound at 28 weeks that clearly showed her diaphragm in place, the parents didn't have any further testing. However, Celie was born with CDH, too. While she's now a healthy and thriving 3 year old girl, it severely scares me. The nurses and physicians at Children's told the family they were only the 2nd repeat case for the hospital in 19 years. While I know its a sin to worry, I definitely struggle with it.

Please pray for Gray to be a complete and whole baby boy who will grow, without any problems, to hunt and fish with his daddy (and mom, too) and one day join The Creekbaum Group at UBS :) Sounds like I'm trying to plan his future, doesn't it? :) Hope you know I'm only kidding about his interests and career path......well, only half kidding anyway.

September 17th just may be the day!

Brookwood Hospital just called....they've scheduled me for Thursday, September 17th. 39 weeks is the earliest Dr. S could schedule the C-Section so if he decides to come earlier or she sees something during my weekly appointments that leads her to believe he should come earlier....I'll let y'all know.

I have to admit, to hear the date somewhat scared me and when I shared it with Travis, his face kind of went pale, too. Then he said, "September 17th..That's a good day." HA! It was so cute. I think he just felt I was looking for some kind of response.

My mind's racing with all of the things I need to get finished at work and with the lose end for Gray's arrival.

Gray's shower was this past Saturday and we all just had a blast!!! It was so nice and he received so, so many wonderful things. I was just overwhelmed (in a good way). I saw friends I hadn't seen in a while and it was just great to visit with everyone. Thanks to all who came!

Please keep the prayers coming for his upcoming arrival. Although it feels and looks like (he hasn't dropped at all and therefore, I'm carrying him very "long") he's stretching his arms and legs out all the time, I'd prefer for him to stay in my tummy as long as he needs to develop. In general, white males are the weakest babies so he needs all the developmental time as possible.

Love to you all!
Leigh

An Estimated Weight of 5lbs.15ozs!!!

Yesterday, Travis and I went to see Dr. Gonzalez (the specialist), as well as my OB Dr. Stradtman. Dr. G performed growth and doppler tests on Baby Gray and his nurse gave Gray an A+ on doppler! Everybody say, "yeahhh"!! His growth was great, too. He's estimated to weight 5lbs 15ozs and I'm currently 34 weeks. His legs, like his mom's, are in the 90th percentile, stomach is in the 80+ percentile (we won't attribute that to anyone :) ), and his head is in the average 40-50%. If he continues to gain a pound a week, he's going to be one big baby! However, we all realize the ultrasound measurements are just an estimate so I'm not holding them to it.

Because I had a C-Section with Grayton, there will be one scheduled for Gray's arrival, too. Brookwood Labor and Delivery won't allow us to schedule the date until we are exactly a month out. Therefore, I'm hoping to have a firm date next week.....but at the same time it's so scary I just want to stick my head in the sand and have him in my safe tummy forever!

Keep the prayers coming!!

God Bless,
Leigh

By the way, I want to share something. There is a website that's completely dedicated to infant loss and it's hosted by a wonderful photographer from West Australia. Another CDH mom turned me onto the site and submitted Grayton's name and a quote from me for a picture to be taken at sunset with Grayton's name written in the sand (thanks Ash!). Here's the link http://namesinthesand.blogspot.com/2009/08/grayton-karleigh-creekbaum.html
I think it's breath-taking!!!

Answered Prayers

Yesterday, Travis and I went to see Dr. Gonzalez and....drum roll, please......Gray has gone from the 39th percentile to averaging (based on all of his measurements) in the 74th percentile!!!! He's almost doubled in size in just two weeks! The Dr. said, "I don't know what you've been doing but keep it up!" Of course, Travis credited it to the steaks and red meat I've recently been eating (normally, I eat 2 filets a year). I think it's answered prayers.

Currently, he's weighing approximately 4 lbs. 2 oz. Gray's legs and head are in the high 60th and 50th percentile, respectively, and his stomach is in the 92nd percentile! Praise God for answered prayers. My amniotic fluid is fine and, during the ultrasound, Gray stuck his tongue out and yawned! Dr. Gonzalez suggested Gray be measured again in 2-3 weeks to ensure he's progressing. I go back to the OB next week so I'll probably schedule it then.

As of today, I'm 31 weeks along and am just getting to the very uncomfortable stage - a little earlier than last time, I think. It could have something to do with unpacking of boxes but prenatal yoga, as well as Chiropractor, seems to be helping some.

Based on his measurements, I don't see Dr. S moving up the due date from September 22nd. However, if he's already weighing over 4 lbs. and, on average, babies gain 1/2 oz per week and I have 9 weeks to go - we may have another "Grayton situation" where the dr. schedules my C-section early. Being I'm not the medical physician (only wishful thinking because I can't wait to see the 'lil fella), I'm probably getting ahead of myself. However, I'll keep y'all posted.

Thanks so much for all of your thought, well wishes and prayers!

Leigh

Gray Creekbaum - Ultrasound

Here is Gray's 4D Ultrasound from 7/14/09.

Dr's Appointment Update

Travis and I just got back from the Maternal Fetal Medicine specialist at Brookwood, Dr. Gonzalez, and I' m happy to report Gray is looking great! While his stomach is still on the small size, there are no other signs to indicate something's wrong. He just may be a smaller baby than Grayton was. He's measuring in the 40th percentile and is 2 lbs. 10 oz. and has hair!! The Dr. commented he had a good bit of hair for a 7 month (in utero) baby. Furthermore, he was taking big "gulps" (as the Dr. likes to call 'em) and his bladder filled well. We are so blessed! Praise God!

By the way, for those of you who don't know - The Creekbaums have moved! About 2 weeks ago, we moved into our new house and are thrilled. Unpacking, on the other hand, I haven't been so eager to engage in. However, a great friend of mine, Stephanie, came and helped me this weekend got me back on track. My mom and dad have also been a huge help, too!

The dogs - Ace, Allie and the newest addition, Karleigh - are all adjusting well. Within the first couple of days, Ace broke through the gate and went swimming in the lake behind our house. Can't blame him, as it's been hot as blue blazes!!

Come see us!!

Love y'all!
Leigh

Using the Birthday Card

Thursday, the 18th, was my birthday as well as my checkup appointment with the OB. My mom went with me and because she hasn't "seen" the baby yet, I went to the ultrasound area, spoke with my friend at the reception area, told her it was my birthday, and asked if my mom could get a peak at the baby (they weren't busy). Thankfully and thoughtfully, she and the ultrasound technician agreed. Gray was just moving around and even posed for us with his feet crossed. It was adorable.

However, when I mentioned to her Dr. Gonzalez, the Maternal Fetal Medicine doctor, said his stomach is small, she agreed with him. I tried to pinpoint as to what problems could occur from this (should it stay on the smaller side) and she just told me to talk to the doctor. Although my amniotic fluid still seemed fine, I'm worried about his stomach. I should've asked her to measure him completely, but I hated to task her since I "snuck" in to get an ultrasound. Thankfully (it was as if God put him in my path), I saw Dr. Gonzalez coming off the elevator at Brookwood and I told him what had happened and asked his opinion on what it could be. He said, "Leigh, every baby isn't suppose to weight 10 lbs. 7 out of 10 times it just means the baby's on the small side of the scale. One of my sons was born 1 oz. shy of 6 pounds and he's a normal, healthy boy. " While it relaxed my anxiety a little, it's the other 30% (or 3 out of 10) I didn't ask him about that concerns me. I'm trying not to be such a worrier, but after having a 1 in 2400 chance of having a baby with CDH it's just so hard not to be overly concerned. At the same time, I know it's in God's hands.

Please continue to keep Gray in your prayers. Today is one year since Grayton went to Heaven and I just miss her so much. At the same time, I'm worried about Gray. I think it's just "normal" to be concerned after losing a baby.

Missing you, Grayton, on your Angelversary.

Leigh

Dr. Appointment

The Echo cardiogram went fine. Gray's heart is well, all organs are in place, and his diaphragm is in tact. PRAISE GOD!!! His stomach is a little smaller than Dr. Gonzalez felt it should be, so I have an appointment scheduled in 6 weeks (I'll be 28 weeks by then). The Dr. will check my amniotic fluid again. While the level is fine right now, if - in 6 weeks - I have an excess, something could be wrong with the connection from his mouth to his stomach meaning Gray is not eating and swallowing like he should or could be. However, if there is a problem, the nurse assured me it's definitely something fixable and nothing like what we've gone through before. I was so grateful to hear her say those words. When I talked to Travis about it, he said Gray just has the problem Travis once had - a small stomach that fills up easily. HA! Retha went with me to the appointment and quickly pointed out (and made my day by telling the doctor) he takes after me by having a small stomach... :) My tummy feels anything but small right now, but I appreciate her saying it!

Please pray his stomach will continue to grow, my fluids will stay normal and that there is no problems with his "gulps" as the Dr. like to call them.

Thank you so much for all of your prayers and notes of care and concern.

Leigh

Fetal Maternal MedicineDoctor Appt.

Travis and I just got back from the lengthy and thorough doctor's appointment. We got to see everything imaginable about Gray! He held up his hand to his face - sucking on his arms and thumb - almost the whole time!! Dr. Gonzalez said he saw no signs of a diaphragmatic hernia or anything else substantial. However, while he wasn't alarmed by this, he was disappointed he didn't see his stomach fill up. While his bladder was full, Gray never emptied it while we were there.

Because he wants to see us again, we are scheduled to go back to see Dr. Gonzalez next Thursday at 1pm. Please pray Gray (while we are there) will decide to fill his tummy up and empty it before our eyes!!! Dr. G said we could've just caught him at a time he was playing rather than eating. (Amy and Melanie, you'll love this -) I asked if I should eat breakfast or something before I came to the appointment. I wondered if that would matter because, if y'all can believe this, I had not done so this morning. Unfortunately, he said it wouldn't make a difference.

While we are at the appointment next week, he'll also do a more complete Echo cardiogram on Gray because of Grayton's CDH. Although his heart looked fine, Dr. G wanted to see it again at 22 weeks. I didn't really understand why, but after having an undiagnosed defect, I'll do anything to rule out complications.

Gray is in the 62% weight (weight about 15 oz.) and is measuring on target. He was really moving around for the tech and kept flipping side to side.

While I'm a little disheartened we didn't get a complete"clean bill of health", we all know it could be so much worse. The next 7 days are going to go by very slowly.....

Leigh

Grayton's celebration was wonderful!!! Travis and I were overwhelmed (in such a great way!) at the generosity of our friends and family. We donated to the NICU, at Children's Hospital of Birmingham in Grayton's memory,at least 75 pairs of booties, 26 tubes of Bodreaux's, 34 hats and 69 receiving blankets. Plus, there was over $500 worth of gift cards donated! Our hope is CDH babies will be "dressed and outfitted" for the next decade!!



Everyone was so, so sweet to send things for the babies, as well as spend their Saturday making Chandeliers for the isolets! A special thank you to Brandy, Brooke, Sonia and Retha for hosting the special, special day! It was truly amazing....and....I didn't cry all day!! Definitely a feat in itself!



The NICU has a new floor since we were there (thank goodness..for so many reasons)!! It was beautiful! The colors were so soothing, bed spaces were further apart, and the entire area was much more quiet (maybe because we weren't there :) ) . As Travis noted, it didn't sound like a casino with all of the machine's beepers going off!

It was WONDERFUL to see Grayton's nurses, Angela and Jenny. I'm blessed to see Angela periodically but we haven't seen Jenny since Grayton's Angel day. They both looked great and Jenny was glad to hear about Gray being on the way. Travis pointed out that they'd have to come see Gray when he was born because we are not going to coming to Children's (oh God, please don't led us there again!).

I'll post other pictures later.

Love y'all!
Leigh

One year ago today....

One year ago today, we found out we'd be having Grayton on the 9th (which was a Friday) via scheduled C-Section. Little did I know what her coming into the world (she wasn't diagnosed with CDH until birth) would bring…both good and bad. I miss her each and every day. I was just thinking yesterday (not to sound ungrateful) that I kind of wish we were expecting a girl and the words came to me out of nowhere – "God doesn't give me what I want….He gives me what I need." I truly felt like He was speaking to me and a peace just came over me.

While no baby will ever replace Grayton, I just pray I've had my "special" child and He'll bless Gray to be whole and healthy. Before finding out what we were having, deep down I knew it was a boy. I think it's God's way of preparing me for the news of baby boy.

Friday is Travis and my anniversary! Saturday is Grayton's celebration (I'm really looking forward to it). Travis seems to think I'll have a harder time with her Birthday than I realize. I just pray God will give me the strength to make it through the day and concentrate on the many blessing we've received because of Grayton! I know her short life was for a purpose....it seems as if every day something good happens because she was born and went to Heaven.




BTW: Amy - thanks for the words to describe my thoughts!

CDH Babies - Prayer Requests

The following CDH (congenital diaphragmatic hernia) cherubs are on their way here. Please keep them and their families in your prayers!

Daisy Moore – Due ?
Amy Marie Meyers – Due ???
Basile Gibeaux - Due 2009-03-02
Nicolas Lesende - Due 2009-04-02
Piper Brooklyn Waddell - Due 2009-04-07
Jon Lee S. - Due 2009-04-11
Andrew Lee Whitten - Due 2009-04-17
Gabriela Monteiro - Due 2009-05-14
Avery Mae Keirsey - Due 2009-05-15
Baby Porretta - Due 2009-06-09
Giavanna Digregorio - Due 2009-06-12
Baby Clarketimmins - Due 2009-06-15
James Reeve 2009-06-15
Cameron Zane Redmon 2009-06-20
Baby Price - Due 2009-06-21
Eli Camden Harvey - Due 2009-06-24
Baby Slager - Due 200907-02
Gabriella Morgan Groenewald - Due 2009-07-05
Baby Brogden - Due 2009-07-06
Kamryn Hope Studdard - Due 2009-07-08
Jacob Thomas Zimmerman - Due 2009-07-18
Blake Francis Lapierre – Due 2009-07-20
Emma Ballard – Due 2009-07-31
Xavier Marcus Mumaw – Due 2009-08-02
Baby Hubbard – Due 2009-08-07
Ireland Rose B - Due 2009-08-23
Jonathan Louis Moehl - Due 2009-09-13