Welcome to Mack's website. We've created this site to keep friends and family updated on the progress of our little boy as he grows in the St. Luke's NICU over the next few months.
Mack's updated photos can be found here:
http://mightymack.shutterfly.com/Visit often to read the latest journal entries, visit the photo gallery, and write us a note in our guestbook.
All thoughts and prayers are appreciated!
Despite advances in obstetrics, pre-term labor remains a mystery that is largely unsolved. On Saturday, March 19, 2011, I (Annie) went into early labor while visiting my parents in West Plains, MO.
Although my symptoms were very strange and did not indicate labor initially -- much like the old adage about falling in love, "I just knew." On Sunday I rushed back to Kansas City, and was admitted to St. Luke's Hospital on Monday, dilated to 6 and with contractions 7 minutes apart.
Our first blessing: My OBGYN team truly thought I would have to have an emergency c-section Monday night (the baby was breech). By the grace of God, my body responded to a 48 hour round of magnesium drip which slowed my contractions down and let the baby receive two critical doses of steroids which helped his lungs develop before birth.
By the end of the 48 hour window, however, my contractions kicked back up and it was clear we were going to have a baby soon. On Wednesday, March 23, 2011, at 8:30pm, Morrison "Mack" Lewis Smith was born. By the way, whoever said c-sections are easier than natural birth was lying!
Since his birth one week ago, Mack has passed expectations for any kiddo who only cooked for 28 weeks in gestation. His doctors are amazed with him, and call him a "fantasy baby." Still, it is going to be a long road for our little guy and we very much appreciate every prayer for his continued growth and health.
In the last week, Mack has graduated quickly through breathing treatments but is moving slower in getting his blood levels balanced. And, infection is an ever-looming threat for our precious boy. These are specific things to consider as you think of our family.
Time to talk more about our great blessings: Mack is in an outstanding NICU. Antwaun and I have both been incredibly humbled and impressed by the level of love and care our baby is receiving. Being away from him is indescribably hard, but we are filled with gratitude for his care and have total confidence in his medical team.
Still more to be thankful for: the love and support of our parents, and especially my mother, who has been taking care of us in KC over the past week. Antwaun and I don't know what we would do without her right now. This is an understatement.
The rest of our families, who call round the clock -- and pick up the phone every time I call them in the midst of a meltdown. My older brother, Chris, who despite being the middle of his surgery rotation has spent hours with us at the hospital. And, of course, our incredible friends, who have cleaned our house, walked our dog, and stacked our freezer with weeks' worth of food. And who continue to pray! Thank you.
And finally, a mention of my greatest blessing, my husband -- Antwaun has been a hero and a rock through the last week, taking early morning (2am!) rotations at the NICU so I can try to sleep. The only easy thing about coming home from the hospital was coming home with you. I love you.
