In an out skirts of Phoenix, Arizona is where our story starts. On May 13th, 2017 our grandson was born. When we should of been happy and excited, we all had mixed feelings about this pregnancy and baby that was due to be born. The mother was not taking care of herself mentally or physically which led to the issues we are having now. The father was in legal trouble. Both parents were unfit and the state had to step in. Towards the end of the pregnancy, we allowed her to live with us so we knew she had good prenatal care. After all, it was not the baby's fault, right? We took her and the baby into our home in December 2016.
Within the next few months while she was pregnant we took her to her doctor appointments, fed her and made sure her needs were met. This was a far cry from being pregnant and homeless. It was getting closer to her due date and I was getting more nervous as the days went by. I wasn't sure what to expect or how to handle this situation. My out was to go get the things this baby needed because my daughter was not working then and there was no income coming in.
As we packed the house with baby items it was about a month left and still had a lot of things to do to get ready for the baby. Her final month of her pregnancy was very stressful. Her pregnancy was not the healthiest or the safest one so from the beginning it was a horrible situation. My husband and I bought what we could to help not knowing that one day it would end up in a permanent residency with her son. Two weeks left and we were at the point of beyond nervous. We have passed her due date and not nothing planned for her to be induced or going into the hospital anytime soon. A couple days later, my daughter came out of the bathroom and explained that she had some bleeding but it was just like a clump of blood, most likely her plug. She did not know what it was and I did not see it. I explained to her to call the doctor so she did. The doctor told her to sit down and put her legs up and rest. Assuming the worst of course until different results came.
Through this pregnancy my daughter had multiple issues. The doctor had called her back to schedule a induction Friday May 12, 2017. Boy, were we happy to finally get it over and done with. May 12, 2017 we ended up heading to our local hospital labor and delivery unit around 8pm. We have told her that she will not be able to eat or drink anything until the baby was born so it would be a good idea to eat something before you head in. We stopped at Taco Bell that night prior to getting in the hospital.
We arrived at the hospital, checked in and waited until they confirmed her admittance from the doctor. We walked back into the triage department, they hooked her up with the equipment, took her vitals and had her change into a gown. Twenty six hours later we have made it to actual labor. When the baby was born we knew something was not right. The baby was not breathing and blue. The docotr grabbed the baby and gave it to the nurse ot get it to breathe. He was not moving, crying, breathing, screaming.....nothing. This was the most scariest moments of our life. The nurse called in other nurses to help clean the baby, bring the baby to breathig and making sure he was going to be alright. I looked over at he table from the bed and noticed that therewere about ten nurses and a couple of doctors working on him. My heart stopped and I just prayed to God. The most heart felt prayers I have ever said. Funny how circumstances bring you to a point that you realize that God is all you have and prayer is the only thing that saves.
I finished saying my prayers and as I finished the prayer, I looked over to see that he was ok, not to mention the faint cry coming from that direction. Right then I know he was going to be ok. I walked over to the table and the nurse was finished cleaning him up and handed the baby to me. She named him Elijah. He was twenty one inches long and eight pounds seven ounces. Big boy. About two hours after Elijah was born, they transported her up to the floor where she would spend the next week in a room with Elijah. We arrived up on the floor about two in the morning, got her situated and tried to sleep. With the baby in the room, it was difficult. Later that morning, the nurse came in and told her congratulations and explained that her baby was showing signs of jaundice and that they would have to test him before going home.
Monday came and the tests cames back negative or showing little signs. Not even a week old and this baby has been through hell. We finally went home on Wednesday and boy was it good to be home. We came in the door and Bailey, our golden went right for the carrier. It was so sweet to see even more not knowing what it was or who he was. Bailey became VERY protective over Elijah and they became best buddies. Enjoying our first week at home with Elijah was so peaceful and relaxing. A new adventure and a new experience.
As the first week comes to a close, we find ourselves at Elijah's pediatrician on May 17, 2017.. There were some concerns but at that time, he was jsut born so our suspicions had to wait a little bit longer. We saw the pediatrician and explained to her that he isn't sleeping well and he isn't eating. She told us to watch for his symptoms and if they get worse call and they would be glad to see him. So we kept an eye on him. Things were getting worse for this little guy as the months went on.
On May 24, 2017 Elijah was back at the pediatrician for abnormal weight loss. At this point, we have not yet seen signs of why he wasn't eating or drinking. We were still advised to watch him. On June 2, 2017 again back at the pediatrician's office for diaper rash. Elijah had severe diaper rash that it would make him bleed and blister. We received a prescription for daiper rash cream, stronger than the one we use. We're hoping that this works. On June 13, 2017 it was his well child check up. Everything was going ok as we also updated his diaper rash situation. which was come and go. June 22nd, 2017 another trip to the pediatrician's office for Elijah's gas, belly pain and was sick. On July 27, 2017 one more trip to the pediatrician with concerns of his formula. Since May 24th, 2017 he wasn't eating or drinking right so we thought it was his formula. It gave him severe gas and belly aches which prevented him from sleeping or even playing. September 14, 2017 we had a well child visit. Results are the same but now we noticed Elijah's eyes crossing. His pediatrician referred him out to an ophthalmologist. October 23rd, 2017 a visit with pediatrician once more for diaper rash, sick child. November 7th, 2017 the pediatrician diagnosed Elijah with bronchiolitis. due to his breathing issues and coughing. it was November 14th, 2017 for his well child check up. Ok this trip. February 13, 2018 another well child check up and everything looks good.
While we were taking care of his regular doctor appointments, we had to see a dentist. Elijah was not grasping his bottle and so he was fussy from not eating. One afternoon we had went to his pediatrician's office and on the way down stairs we saw a pediatric dentist office so we stopped in. We made an appointment November 14th, 2017 . Elijah's appointment was for December 18th, 2017. As w walked into the office, so far so good. We went back for his appointment for the next two check ups. The end of this year we found that the problem to why he couldn't grasp his bottle to eat or drink. December 22nd, 2017 was a follow up to make sure that what he suggested to us prior was still an option and it was. On November 11th, 2018 Eli had his tongue and lip surgery. It wasn't as bad as we thought. The dentist gave us directions and we followed them as best as we could. The follow up was November 29th, 2018. Everything went well, Elijah healed perfectly and everything was looking up from here. We finally got a little break.
Since Elijah was 3 weeks old state services were in place because of our circumstances with Elijah. Due to both parents not being able to care for this little boy, my husband and I adopted him and took him in like he was our own. The local juvenile court took on our case and it lasted two years. Through all the back and forth we made in final on March 13, 2019. As the parents severed their rights as parents, it was a bitter sweet moment. You never want a parent to have to give up their child but in this case, it was the best thing for Elijah.
