Thursday, December 8, 2011

Big Sister

Carly has been having a mix of  good days and bad days over the last week. Her new shunt is not flowing as well as it should due to her high CSF protein and we can tell that her internal cranial pressure is getting higher. The most recent shunt has a large reservoir that is a silicone half sphere under her skin. By depressing the reservoir we can force flow through the shunt and help keep things flowing. This seemed to be helping, but over the last few days she has become more and more tired. We had neurosurgery tap the shunt this afternoon to remove a decent volume of fluid to help with the elevated pressure. Our hope is that this, along with pumping the shunt more frequently, will help get some more longevity out of this shunt. We will see how she does over the next few days and we are hoping for some good flow.

The big news is that Carly is now a big sister. Her new little brother was born at 5:37am, weighing in at 9 lbs 15 oz. Kempton Tyler Nelson gets his first name from Christa's grandfather Kempton "Mac" McCarthy and his middle name from our dearly missed friend Tyler Palmer. Christa said she wanted the names to come from truly good men, and both of these men definitely fit that description. Kemp and Christa are both doing well and we are expecting to head home tomorrow. We are very thankful for our families who are taking care of Carly at home while we are up here at the hospital. 

Love, Brad

15 comments:

bridget keenan mcelroy said...

congratulations to the whole family. Kempton is one very lucky boy. we have all witnessed the love in your family ... now you can share it with Carly's little brother. Carly is always in our thoughts and prayers.
I am so happy for you.

Meredith said...

Congratulations on your new bundle of joy!! I love his name and the stories behind Kempton and Tyler. I hope that sweet Carly's shunt does all right over the weekend. She is such an amazing little girl. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers!

Michelle said...

So excited to meet Carly's little bro! :) glad everyone is feeling healthy and happy.
much love

Anonymous said...

This is just so exciting news !!!!
Congratulations, I could not agree more, there is so much love and strengh around your family, it is amazing.... Huge kisses to everybody, including the loving grandparents at home... Cécile Cornillon.

Paige said...

Congrats to big sister, mama, and daddy, and welcome to baby Kempton Tyler! Hoping that the shunt keeps flowing and that soon the whole family is home together. Much love to you all!

Mindy, Drew, Layla and Chloe said...

Big sister! What an honorable title! It's wonderful that all of the love and positiveness of your family and friends can spread over to this lucky little guy! Have a blast with him and best of luck with the new shunt draining process.
Much love to you all!
Congrats!
(And I love the name!)

Anonymous said...

Congratulations to your family! How exciting for everyone!
Sending prayers your way for Carly's shunt.

Tammy

sheila and keith said...

congratulations! we are so happy for you. Kemp has entered into an extraordinary family. Sending love to you all and hoping that Carly's shunt keeps flowing and that she enjoys her time with her grandparents.

Anonymous said...

Welcome baby Kempton! Looking forward to meeting him soon.

xoxo
Jen L.

Jeri said...

So exciting! I love the picture of Carly looking at Kemp! What a wonderful way to start the holidays.
Jeri

Laurel said...

Congratulations to all of you!! Way to go, Christa! Kemp is one handsome boy. I'm hoping Carly's shunt can get some good flow so you can enjoy these first precious weeks together.
Love,
Laurel

Gal said...

Been thinking so much of you guys since I got the big news! So thrilled, and sending extra heaps of love. Carly and Kempton look SO alike!

Jersey Girl said...

Congratulations! Carly is going to be an amazing big sister and Kemp is a lucky baby to be born into such an incredible family surrounded by so much love. Continuing to send "no clog" vibes Carly's way....always thinking of her. Hoping Kemp brings the whole family lots of smiles! ((HUGS))

Heather Miksch said...

9 lbs 5 ounces s no "little" brother! Congratulations to the entire family!

Becca Lipski said...

Congratulations! Wonderful news!