October 11th and a visit to the neurologist

We had an appointment with Dr. Stein, the neurologist, yesterday and she checked his reflexes. She scheduled an EEG for 10/22 and was happy with her findings and believes the seizures were cased by a temporary, benign condition of blood thickening due to dehydration in newborns called central venous thrombosis.

Later, we stopped at the pediatrician's office for a weigh-in. He gained 6 ounces over the weekend and now weighs 6 pounds and 2 ounces. This is a good finding as he gained six ounces over the weekend.

On a sidenote, I took this photo on my iPhone using a program called Hipstamatic that recreated the effects, or lack of effects, of a Polaroid Instamatic photo. This is my favorite photo of little Tobin.

-Scott

October 8th Pediatrician's Visit

Today, Tobin went to see the pediatrician and was able to have his Phenobarbital dosage cut in half. This is a great step and yields a much happier and more energetic little man.

-Scott

October 6th is a good day..no longer institutionalized

Today, we were able to take our baby boy home for the first time. We are optimistic, even though our little guy will remain tethered to an apnea monitor for a month or so. We are so grateful for each step. God has a plan and we continue to praise Him for his blessings each day.

-Scott

October 5th in the NICU...MRI Day

God is good. The NICU doctor reported to us that Tobin's MRI appeared normal. It still needs to be reviewed by the specialist in the morning, but we feel this is an answered prayer. We hope to take him home tomorrow.

-Scott

October 4th...One Week Old Today

Today, Tobin is on week old and God is Great.

He is feeding better than expected, gaining weight and scheduled for an MRI at 7:30 in the morning. His IV was removed, yet he is still receiving his Phenobarbital, the anti-seizure medicine, by mouth.

He is due to be released on Wednesday and we are overjoyed to have some light at the end of this tunnel and excited about the opportunity to bring our youngest son home for the first time.

-Scott

October 3rd in the NICU

Tobin is 6 days old today and he is truly a blessing.

He is eating like a champ and gaining weight. He has no idea and may never truly appreciate the dozens and dozens of wonderful people praying for him. We hope to bring him home in a couple days. As we visit him a in the NICU, we remind Tobin he is missing out on great experiences as long as he is in the hospital.

When Tiffany and I went to church this morning, we received more hugs and comfort than we could ever have imagined. Thank you to the Kingsfield Church congregation, the members of our small group, Pastor Chris, Pastor Aaron, Brook and Colton. Aaron, you are truly a prayer warrior. Chris, your message spoke directly to me today. And Brook and Colton, your music brought me to tears and humbled my soul.

-Scott Stephens

October 2nd in the NICU

Today, Tobin is 5 days old and God is Great.

No seizure activity for 24 hours since he started drinking breast milk. Amen.

No more IV nutrition. Amen.

Good initial evaluation from the neurologist today. Amen.

More tests in the next couple of days.

Tomorrow the big brothers get to visit him in the NICU.

October 1st in the NICU

Tobin is 4 days old today.
His hypoxia and hypoglycemia stabilized. He started having small seizures and was given an EEG and phenobarbital. The activity stopped. The neurologist will be in this morning to interpret the EEG. However, he was taken off of the O2 and IV nutrition. We are optimistic, but won't be able to ...take him home until Monday at the earliest.

-Scott Stephens

Sept. 30th..Heading to the NICU...Prayers Needed

I find myself humbly in need of your prayers as my son, Tobin Christopher, who was born Monday Night has been admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

He developed shallow respirations early today and he was determined to have low blood sugar and low blood oxygen levels. After his admission to the NICU, I was sitting and talking to him about his bright future. In the middle of our talk, he had a seizure. This was one of many in the late afternoon and early evening tonight. He went through a battery of tests and was given Phenobarbital to control the seizure activity.

He will stay in the NICU for at least 3-5 days.

I am asking you to please pray for my son and my family as we endure this difficult time as we find ourselves humbled daily.

-Scott Stephens

Baby Bliss

Tuesday September 28, all of the Stephens were together. The big brothers all got to take turns holding and loving on their little brother. Both of the boys were so excited to hold him that they would argue about who was going to hold him and how long they got to hold him. All of the family got to come in and see our new bundle of joy. It is one of the happiest times in our lives.