Baby Emma came home about 10 days ago. She had the shunt put in and they sent her home with feeding tubes and monitors in hopes she would gain some weight in a home environment. She was doing well and almost up to 6 pounds. Yesterday around noon she stopped breathing and Ellie (her mom) had to do CPR on her while an ambulance was in route to the house. Baby Emma is now at Children's Hospital awaiting heart surgery. They really didn't want to preform the more complicated open heart surgery until she was 10-11 pounds, but they may not have a choice. There is a "temporary fix" surgery they might try. On top of everything, she has water on the lungs. Anyway, we know this sweet little special girl is a fighter, but she needs extra prayers right now. I got to meet her about 2 weeks ago and fell in love with her on site. We buried her great-grandmother, my grandmother, that day and seeing this tiny little fighter wanting to stay on this earth so bad just really effected me. Thanks to all of you...I know we have some serious support system here.
ALso, if you want to follow her progress, you can go to www.carepages.com. You have to create a user name and password. Then when it prompts for a carepage name type in BabyEmma08

Thanks again.
Sara (Bubba Chad's and Shammy's mom)

Baby Emma was 2 weeks old yesterday! She is stabilized enough to be moved to the Children's Hospital (they are in Oklahoma City). So, I think the shunt is the next step. I still haven't seen a picture of her but my mom said she is adorable with a cute little nose. As soon as I hear more, I will let you know. Her maternal grandma did set up a page for her with updates. You go to www.carepages.com. YOu have to sign up, then the name you enter (no spaces) is babyemma08 and it should let you in to read the updates.
Again, I can't tell you how much it means that so many of you have reached out and taken a personal interest in this special little girl. Ellie told her mom the other day that she really did feel the prayers were working. She and my cousin have gone back to work, they are going to use the rest of their maternity/paternity leave for when she comes home!
Sara (Bubba Chad's and Shammy's mom)

Any new updates on Baby Emma? I have been thinking about her and her family. I hope all is going well.

Judy, Scooby, and Daphne

Sara,
We will defnitely keep your family in our thoughts and prayers. My friend's baby also has hydrocephaly and has a shunt for draining. He was only one pound, 9 ounces when he was born- even smaller than Emma. He has gone through several surgeries and is now 9 mos. old....so I know Emma will do great with hers as well. These little babies are real fighters and definite miracles. Keep us updated on little Emma. Your cousins must be extraordinarily special. God doesn't send these precious spirits to just anyone. Their lives will truely be blessed by Emma.

*Adopt a Great Dane! 'Cause everything else is just a dog.*

Any new news on Emma, Sara? I hope she's doing well!

Baby Emma's parents must have an incredible amount of strength to be going through all of this. Seeing your baby on a hospital bed laying there completely helpless is one of the worst things that could possibly happen to parents (Owen was hospitalized when he was 3 months old and I thought I was going to lose it). Support is always what helps you through difficult times like these. Is there anything that we can do for them? I am happy to send food or even a card... whatever you think they would appreciate.

I talked to her mom last night and she is stable. In fact her mom was calling me to have me help her get some nursery furnitured ordered from JCPenney (where I work)! She just KNOWS Emma will eventually be coming home.
Apparently with Down's Syndrome comes some health problems, one is intestinal. She has had some problems so they did a biopsy yesterday and if it is the Down's related problem, she will have surgery for that tomorrow. If not, just medicine. Once she recovers from that, they will put the shunt in to relieve the fluid on her brain. Good news is her head size has not increased, so that is stable. Last, they will do the heart surgery. But, her vitals are STABLE and she is in much better shape then last week. Her mom and dad are protective of her and just want to get her home! I bought her some cute little outfits for her for when she does come home. I can't wait to get up there to meet her. Thanks for all the prayers...she still needs them, but looks like they are working!

I think Michelle (and jamie) have it right... .. at this time it might be hard for your family to find all the joy in this child.... but each child no matter how hard their struggle is a joy.. no matter what happens this child is loved by brave and caring parents and family and that is a blessing....

May Emma know the love of her family and her family find joy in her love.
I don't know if that says it the way I mean it.. but I am sending big hugs toooo.

we are sending many good thoughts their way. we will keep them in our prayers..

that you have many friends that say congratulations on the birth of their little girl Emma. They are in my heart and prayers throughout this. During each of my pregnancies the one thing I prayed most for was a child that could know joy. If my child was capable of experiencing joy and happiness then I know I could provide a good life and also be grateful for a child that could smile, laugh and be loved. Emma has some obstacles but I hope nobody assumes her limits just yet.

Our hearts and prayers go to you and your family for sweet baby Emma!
Ellen, Loyd and Jinxie

Yesterday it was confirmed that Baby Emma has Down's Syndrome. She is stable though and they got a "pic" line in (which I don't understand, but was a good thing). She should have her first surgery later this week, not sure if it will be the shunt for the brain or heart surgery first. My cousin and his wife are handling things really well...I am sure the prayers helped. Some other family members are not, but hopefully in time they will accept that Baby Emma is a gift and she will be a bright addition to our family.

All paws are crossed for baby Emma and your family. We will be keeping all of your family in our thoughts.

Sara-- I have had 2 friends that has really small premature babies. One of them was also 3 lbs. and the other was 2 lbs. They are both very healthy kids today. Although it was a long emotional battle while their babies were in the hospital, the agony and pain would subside and eventually the babies got to come home.
Please keep us posted on your cousins baby's progress... especially after the surgery. I will be saying extra prayers!

-Cristina

I totally get that "small extended family thing", Sara. Growing up, my few cousins were much more like siblings than distant relations. I'm also sort of partial to the name Emma so you can count on lots of prayers and general well-wishes from me.

I know this is such a scary time for all of you. Everything is so new and I'm sure Chad and his wife are shell-shocked from having information thrown at them. The good news is that medicine can do so much now - if Emma is a fighter she stands a really good chance of making it.

Lots of prayers and a big hug from me to you.

jamie