Sofia's birth

I just wanted to update everyone on everything with our new baby girl, Sofia. It has been a rough couple of days so far. Carissa gave birth late Saturday night (10/9/10) at 11:03 pm and Sofia measured at 7 lbs, 10.5 oz. and was 20" long. Everything was great that night, but we were exhausted. The next day, Sofia never passed her meconium (the baby's first stool that is black and tarry). We had to have Sofia transferred to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Kaiser Downey where they have specialized doctors there for babies. After monitoring the baby and extensive tests, we found out that the baby need major surgery so that she can pass the meconium. There was a blockage in her intestines that prevented things to move down there which is called Meconium Ileus. The surgery was successful where the surgeon had to cut her small intestine and allow it to protrude outside of her lower belly. She has to wear this small bag that covers the protruding intestine that catches the rest of the meconium and her poop for about 2 months. After about 2 months, the doctor needs to then do surgery to stitch the intestine back together, and hopefully her intestines will be functional and be able to pass her stools normally.

We had to stay overnight again at the hospital in Downey. Carissa is totally fine, but a little sore still which is normal. Sofia is feeling a little better now, but the doctor said that they have to keep her for another 2 weeks or so until she fully recovers and can breastfeed again. So it has been pretty challenging for Carissa and I, but we make daily trips to the hospital to see Sofia and how she is doing. Today I got to hold her skin-to-skin for the first time. It was an amazing experience and I can't wait for her to be home with us.

Please inform any family or friends and let them know, so I don't have to repeat all of this to everyone. So far Sofia is progressing, but I will try to keep you updated with her recovery. Please keep her in your prayers.