Nov 28, Ali called in between contractions to tell me she was in labor. I got very little information until later in the evening when Blake told me she tested positive for covid. She had been coughing a lot. Ironically she had posted something on facebook about being to the point in her pregnancy when she wished the baby could come. We don't know the exact reason for the early labor, she recently was diagnosed with gestational diabetes too. Little Titus was born at 6:20 in the morning Nov 29th, weighing 6 lbs 12 oz. Just hours later, he was strapped in and transferred to Blank Hospital in Des Moines. It was later discovered that he had a bacterial infection that may have caused the early labor. He also had a little trouble breathing the first day.
Ali was excited to share the news and sent a group message to all her Muench cousins stating that his name was Tofu! I think that is so funny and wonder if that will stick for his nickname.
Mid morning Ali told me that the hospital was checking on the policy to see if she would be able to visit her baby once he was transported to Des Moines since she tested positive with covid. She told me that if she could not, that I as Grandma could go in her place and see and hold the baby. I was filled with excitement and reminiscing the days when Jayden was born early. My mind was racing with plans and ideas. I needed to pack a bag just in case I would stay in Des Moines. I needed to find out more information about a rapid covid test so I would be ready. I made a couple phone calls to the hospitals to find out more details. I was patiently waiting to hear back from Ali anticipating going to see baby Titus. I was most hopeful that the hospital would allow Ali to be there and stay with her baby. Her and Blake need to be there with him more than me. However, I was more than happy to go be with him if needed. Mid afternoon Ali called and told me they changed their minds, she wanted her and Blake to be the first to hold him. I was crushed, sad more for Titus than for myself. It made me so sad to think this new little baby would be in the hospital for 11 days with only nurses to feed and change him. Preemies thrive when they have human contact. They need interaction, to be held, to be talked to, to see you, to have skin on skin contact. I am sad that he will miss that. Sometimes that happens when the baby is transported to another hospital, but typically the father is with the baby or a family member. It also made me very sad to even think about. I was willing to go daily if needed and hold, rock, feed, and change the little guy. I was preparing to buy a couple outfits and go down. I would facetime, video message and take photos all day long. I am sad for Titus, for Blake and Ali, and I am sad. I know they are exhausted, tired, and having their baby whisked away hasn't really affected them yet. I would be devastated and think it will be so hard. I am hopeful that they will change their minds. If I test negative to covid, I am no different than the nurse who is caring for him if they suit me up in the same gear they would have for masks and gown. This whole covid thing has got to stop. The precautions are more harmful than the virus itself. I am thankful that baby Titus is here and that he is doing well. I will praise God for this new life and pray for the days ahead.
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