The Latest Baby Update

Paul Coover · April 03, 2008, 09:19:12 AM

Some of you may know that my wife Michelle and I are expecting the
birth of our first child , a boy that we have named James, in July.

Yesterday we went to Bangor for the latest ultrasound to see how Baby James is doing. The photos were great as usual, but there is some not so happy news to report.

The doctors found what they believe to be a problem with a valve in his heart. He may have what is called a regurgitating valve. Not to get too complicated, but the blood collects in a chamber of the heart before being pumped into the next chamber.

The bad news: the worst case scenario is he would need a valve transplant.

The good news: This is usually only a minor problem. My stepfather has this same condition and he is fine.

We have to go to Portland to see a pediatric cardiologist and have a full check done on his heart. We have to wait 2 weeks to go, April 17.

Michelle and I are obviously a little terrified with this news, so we ask that everyone think happy thoughts about our little James.

Anyway, here are the latest photos of Baby James!

Teresa · April 03, 2008, 04:39:40 PM

I will definitely be saying some prayers and sending doxie rays your way. The best thing is finding out so early. That's is the greatest thing about medicine today because there will be no surprises when James is born and you will be prepared for whatever may need to be done, even if it is very little. Of course, the down side of knowing so much, is it also gives you a little more to worry about. I still think knowing, and having the doctors prepared is the best and you will already have a pediatric cardiologist that you are familiar with.
Don't you just love the new ultrasounds? When I wanted a break from dental hygiene, I went to school and studied medical sonography. At that time, the 4-D ultrasounds were just beginning to be talked about. I can't get over the detail and just how realistic they are. I ended up staying in dental hygiene, but I'm still fascinated by the field. I had surgery in the middle of the course and even though I finished the classes, I couldn't get in all the clinical hours. The next year, they discontinued the program here. I ended up in a great office, so I'm okay with what I'm doing now and enjoyed having the learning experience.

Kari · April 03, 2008, 05:34:45 PM

We will definitly be praying your family! Like Teresa said...at least they found it early and it is treatable, but understandably it is so scary! The pictures are amazing - crazy how many details you can see. Keep us posted!

doxielady5569128 · April 03, 2008, 06:37:05 PM

I will be sending rays also. When my friend was pregnant with her son they told her that he had major problems with his heart and would have to have surgeries throughout his entire life to repair it. We all were really scared and worried the whole time and when he was born 5 months ago, he had no problems at all. I'm hoping you can have the same happy outcome!!

Sadiesmom · April 05, 2008, 03:14:19 PM

First off Congratulations on your new baby!! I am thrilled for you both. 2ND and most importantly I will be praying for all of you. My daughter was special needs and I have lived both worlds.. Neurotypical, and Special needs. If there is anything at all I can do or add, please feel free to contact me. I will be supporting you and lifting this baby up in prayers of healing.

Carrie.

Beth · April 05, 2008, 08:15:50 PM

Rays and prayers coming for you and your baby. I had a similar situation during my pregnancy. At a very early ultrasound, they were predicting that my baby would have Down Syndrome or Turner Syndrome. After doing an amniocentesis and having all come back normal, they were worried about a possible congenital heart defect. My daughter was born happy and healthy with no problems. I am hoping and praying that the birth of your son will have the same happy outcome.

We'll be thinking of you. Please keep us posted.

Barb · April 07, 2008, 08:04:18 AM

Of course it is terrifying ! Sending doxie rays and lots of prayers.... please keep us posted -

TerriL · April 07, 2008, 02:29:13 PM

Mega Rays and prayers heading north for little James. The ultrasound pictures are amazing and I just know that everything is going to be just fine.... you and your wife are doing everything you should be doing and Portland is a fantastic hospital. (I raised my children in the Portsmouth NH area so we are quite familiar with Portland). Is the doctor affiliated with Maine Medical?
Please let us know how he is doing and try to stay as calm as you can under the circumstances. Hugs to you both...hang in there.

cheryl186 · April 13, 2008, 07:33:56 PM

Congratulations on your new baby....little James

Many prayers and comforting rays are on the way to your family and little baby James. Please keep us posted.

Doxherding Karen · April 16, 2008, 11:12:08 AM

This is James Coover, reporting in utero: :meme:

Well, first off, can anyone tell me if it's pronounced like Hoover (my carpet) or cover (my tracks)?

Since I'm already a star and I'm not even born yet, let me just say that I had a long talk with My Maker and He says that He has me in His plans and He will keep me safe, whatever happens! :thumb:

He said everyone should pray for health and healing for me and for all the world. Our Maker always listens - we just have to ask.

Signing off -

Junior James Coover/Cover/Carver/ Covert/cul-de-sac just don't call me late for dinner!!

Paul Coover · April 16, 2008, 11:47:16 AM

Quote from: Doxherding Karen on April 16, 2008, 11:12:08 AM
This is James Coover, reporting in utero: :meme:

Well, first off, can anyone tell me if it's pronounced like Hoover (my carpet) or cover (my tracks)?

Since I'm already a star and I'm not even born yet, let me just say that I had a long talk with My Maker and He says that He has me in His plans and He will keep me safe, whatever happens! :thumb:

He said everyone should pray for health and healing for me and for all the world. Our Maker always listens - we just have to ask.

Signing off -

Junior James Coover/Cover/Carver/ Covert/cul-de-sac just don't call me late for dinner!!

Now THAT is funny!!!!

Well, first of all, it's pronounced like Hoover with a C.

Tomorrow is the big day, we go down state to Portland and our visit with the pediatric cardiologist. We'll be gone for most of 2 days, so I will post an update by Friday evenin/Saturday morning.

Thank you for making me laugh today!

Teresa · April 16, 2008, 01:06:39 PM

Karen, That was great, heartfelt, and your timing couldn't be better!
Paul, I'll be thinking about you tomorrow. I hope you receive the best news possible.

Barb · April 16, 2008, 01:48:23 PM

Too funny !!! We will be waiting on a dr's report Friday morning !!! Sending rays that all goes smoothly....

doxiedoodad · April 19, 2008, 12:16:00 AM

I officially nominate Karen for "the weiner writings wascally comic relief pitcher!!"

Doxiedoodad

Paul Coover · April 19, 2008, 08:05:41 AM

We returned late last night from Portland and our visit to the pediatric cardiologist, and there is good and bad news.

GOOD NEWS: James does not have a regurgetating valve, as originally suspected.

BAD NEWS: They found 3 other issues with his heart.

1. He is having irregular atrial fibrilation, or in other words he has an irregular heartbeat.

2. The valve leading away from the heart to the aorta should have 3 valve flaps, his has only 2.

3. The valve mentioned above is too narrow, so it may need to be widened with a catheter.

So, we need to return to Portland next month for more tests, and it is looking moe likely that we will need to deliver in Portland, 240 miles away from home.

Barb · April 19, 2008, 06:54:43 PM

I am so sorry that it wasn't the best news. I will keep you in my prayers ! Better to be close to the people who are able to take care of him when he comes into this world..... hard to be so far away from home, but top notch care is #1 priority. Please keep us posted.....

cheryl186 · April 21, 2008, 08:10:15 AM

Paul, will continue to say prayers for little James and your family. Wish you would have gotten the best news ever but at least it sounds like you have the best doctors possible to help little James come into this world.

Please keep us posted on any new developments!!

doxielady5569128 · April 23, 2008, 04:45:46 PM

Sending prayers from Nebraska to your little James and your family. That would be hard to be told to be so far from home, but James will be in great hands there. I will keep him in my prayers.

Stay strong and don't lose hope. Please keep us updated. I'm hoping for some better news in the future.

Paul Coover · May 03, 2008, 08:45:34 AM

Thursday we went to Bangor to have the latest ultrasound and check-up on James' heart.

Well, the news is... no news!

Actually, all of the issues are unchanged, which is good. As long as nothing changes, then James will most likely be fine.

We have decided to deliver in Portland, just to be on the safe side. Plus, we need to start making arrangements for a place to stay in Portland. The baby is due during the holiday week in July, the busiest tourist time here in Maine.

We now need to be seen every 2 weeks by a doctor, either in Bangor or Portland, to do an ultrasound and check out the heart and valve situation.

As of Thursday, our baby weighs 4.5 pounds! He is getting big!

Here, see for yourself! Michelle is getting big too!

Teresa · May 04, 2008, 09:27:14 AM

What a great report. It is good that nothing has changed. I'm sure you are relieved. I agree with you-I think I would want to deliver where the specialist is, too. Will they consider inducing Michelle so you don't have to be in Portland while waiting for her to go in labor? Of course, first babies can take a little while to deliver and you could always drive 90 miles an hour if you needed to!
I'm sure you are getting excited and can't wait to see Baby James. We haven't had a new baby on this board since last summer (has it been a year already, since Lily was born??) so we are getting excited with you!

Kari · May 04, 2008, 10:31:37 AM

Well...that sounds like good news! Yeah! We will be keeping you in our thoughts and prayers as the pregnancy continues

Doxherding Karen · May 04, 2008, 07:28:32 PM

This is James, in utero with an update:

I decided that all these godmommies, goddaddies, and godpuppers are some really nice folks!! Now my hearing isn't that great, what with all the fluid I'm sorta floatin' around in, but I keep getting rubbed by this thing and then I hear lots of "awwh"s and "Oh, isn't he adorable!" and a bunch of other gooey things I can't quite make out!

But I'm just sittin' here in Mamma's tummy and I can feel the warmth of these rays of love and caring. I just know that whatever happens, all this love will see me through.

Got to go - time for my afternoon flip-flop. Momma just loves when I do that! Hee, hee!!

Almost James

doxielady5569128 · May 04, 2008, 08:45:35 PM

What great news!! I will still be praying for you, Michelle, and your little James.

Teresa · May 04, 2008, 08:55:33 PM

Karen, That brought tears to my eyes. I can just imagine what it does to Paul and Michelle! It was really sweet and beautiful, and showed all of your talent that we just love here.

Barb · May 05, 2008, 07:53:30 AM

No news IS good news !!!! Looks like mommy's tummy is expanding, so baby is growing !!! Keeping you in my thoughts !