Huxley FitzSimmons

First post: Sep 13, 2017 Latest post: Aug 8, 2018
Welcome Huxley Kenneth FitzSimmons!
Born 9/5/17 - 3:37pm
2lbs 12oz
15 inches
Scott: "Mom and baby are doing well so far. He didn't want to wait any longer to meet us."
Huxley means adventurous and outdoorsman. He has definitely come into the world with quite the adventure.


We've been trying to find the time to put this site together but have been very busy. Thanks for your patience, prayers, and support. It's been an 'all hands on deck' situation and we really appreciate our friends, family, and colleagues.

It's been a week full of small victories and then big setbacks. Amber had a bacterial infection in her blood which started in her stomach. Her water broke Sunday 9/3, and she was helicoptered from Mankato to Rochester. She had gotten so sick so fast last Tuesday 9/5 that they decided to do a C-section. The infection most likely was the cause of her water breaking.

Sir Huxley's spinal tap tested positive for bacterial meningitis which was transferred from mom. Both are on IV antibiotics. Huck was doing really well last week. He was feisty and would swat at the nurses when they did his cares. He would try to grab at his diapers to help the nurses out. His CPAP was slowly getting turned down as he breathed more and more on his own. He was doing so dang well. Then Sunday 9/10 morning we got a phone call expressing that he took a turn for the worst. HIs infection markers spiked: He was lethargic and not responding like he was before. Nurses were concerned and called a neonatologist (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) doc) and infectious disease doc to take a look at him. They began testing and then Huxley started responding well to antibiotics. His doctors have remarked that he's responding way better than expected. After a couple of days on meds, he became feisty again like his mom and helpful like his dad. The NICU nurses have been fighting over who gets to take care of him. They are in love.

On Tuesday 9/12, they did a head ultrasound and put in a PICC line for antibiotics as his umbilical cord can't be used anymore for nutrients and meds. He loves lying beneath the Bilirubin lights like a beach bum. He needs minimal breathing support and has started taking mom's milk! Huxley has moved rooms (that's a good thing - progress) and will be getting another spinal tap today to check for recheck his fluids. His infection markers have seriously declined and sadly for him, he's off the Bili lights (loved the tanning). Yay!

Text from Scott 9/13: "Our boy is very alert today, he was trying to open his eyes when I was holding his hand. I had to remind him of the bright lights (Bili lights) and leave him alone for a while." 

Amber update: 

She was released Sunday 9/9 at 12:00 pm and was readmitted at 5:00 pm because she got sick again. Her infectious disease doc attributed this to her having multiple infections. They had tried to treat her with an oral antibiotic but she needed to be treated with "broad-spectrum" IV antibiotics.

Both are still in the hospital until further notice. Huxley won't be released for sure until he is closer to the original due date of November 14. We are overjoyed and extremely grateful for having the most amazing nurses and MDs. So we're in no hurry to leave because we're receiving the best care in the world - literally, Mayo is number one!

Scott has been expending all of his energy caring, worrying, and supporting Amber and Huxley. He has been at baby's bedside from the beginning with little to no breaks. In fact, Amber had to get on his case for him to get some rest and some food. He has since complied. 

Bell is a very proud big sister. Last weekend she was able to hold his hand and loved every minute of it. She initiated a door-to-door fundraiser in Mankato to "save her baby brother Huxley's life". She's missing mom and step-dad in spite of the fun she's having. Isabella has had a great care crew. Fortunately, she's coming to visit today!

The babe is not allowed visitors other than immediate family. Amber, however, loves visitors but note she is getting out soon. "Freedom!"

We promise more updates as we can and true to form There! Will! Be! Photos! Feel free to pass this site on to others.

With much love,

The F.A.M.

P.S. Thank you, Colleen and Liz, for putting a GoFundMe page together! 

https://www.gofundme.com/wcudv-help-for-huxley

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