He's finally here!!!!

Luke Daniel Tatum
Born April 29, 2009
9 lbs, 9 oz.
21.5 inches long

So after 41 weeks of gestation and about 8 hours of labor, Luke decided to come out and meet us! It was a long wait and labor was really intense for the last few hours, but it was really worth it. I was able to deliver without an epidural, which was my goal, so I was very happy with that once it was all over. Luke's big head came out fine, but his shoulder got stuck and his heart rate started to drop, so the doctor had to use the vacuum to suction him out. Poor little Luke had a big bruise on his head and nose as a result, and the doctors think that these bruises have been what has caused Luke to have jaundice. His little immune system wasn't ready to break down the excess red blood cells that the bruises produced, so his bilirubin levels spiked, causing the jaundice. Luke has been in the NICU now for 3 days under the lights, and we are praying that he will be able to go home tomorrow (Sunday). Please keep him in your prayers, that he may be healthy enough to go home and stay home!