Our New Bundle and His Dramatic Story

“Mrs. Flake, this is Dr. …, I hate doing this over the phone, but I need to tell you that your baby is very sick and there is a chance he is not going to make it.” Those are the words I had to hear from a Dr. the day after Paxton was born. I was in complete shock then went into a massive breakdown as you could imagine.

Let me take you back 4 weeks ago. On Sunday September 2nd, Cullen and I put the boys to bed then watched a movie together. I joked saying, wouldn’t it be fun to have the baby on Labor Day?! Well, that is exactly what happened. We went to the hospital at 5am, early Monday morning. I had contractions all night long and sure enough I was indeed in labor. The nurse took my blood pressure a couple times and it was much higher than it usually was so they decided I could have Pre-eclampsia which meant I needed to be on a horrible medication called magnesium sulfate to prevent going into seizures. Yikes. Great start, huh?

I thought, how bad could this medication really be…..well, it sucked….big time. Has anyone else had to be on it? Let’s just say, you feel like you have the flu and you have double vision, which was a total nightmare. I’ll never forget trying to see what time it was throughout the day and I kept seeing 2 clocks on the wall. You can’t focus on anything. So…I had to be on that before delivery and 24 hours after. Fun stuff 🙂

I immediately requested the epidural. I don’t know what has changed in the last 7 years, but I could still feel my legs and thought, this can’t be good. I am going to feel everything. Sure enough, the epidural did not work that great. I still felt the contractions most of the time. Nightmare. Ok, fast forward a few hours and Paxton was finally born at 4:22pm. He was beautiful. The pain I felt was gone as soon as he came.

They laid sweet Paxton on my chest for about 20 minutes. He had the pulse ox on his hand so they could watch his oxygen level. At first all was well, but the nurse was a little concerned that his oxygen level was a little low so she took him to the Dr. to get checked out further. That was the last I saw Paxton at the hospital I delivered him at. I had no idea what was ahead.

Within a couple hours I was told that Paxton needed to be transferred to another hospital that was more equipped to help his lungs. I thought, ok this is just like what my 7 year old had when he was born. Since they were both 3 weeks early, they needed help developing their lungs for a few days. Boy was I wrong.

A few hours after they transferred Paxton, I got the dreaded phone call from the Dr. telling me how sick Paxton was and that there was a chance he wasn’t going to make it. He needed to be transferred to Children’s LA Hospital immediately. I could not even believe what I was hearing. Could I really lose this sweet baby boy that was just laying perfectly on my chest the day before? Needless to say I was a train wreck in my hospital room. I was all by myself left with those horrible words going over and over in my head from the Dr. and I couldn’t stop crying. It was uncontrollable. I have honestly never felt so much heartache in my life.

Fast forward to the next morning. My mom, dad and sister came in from AZ when they heard the news. Thank goodness they came. I desperately needed them. My mom stayed at the hospital with me and I got released Wednesday morning. At this point Paxton was at Children’s LA Hospital, one of the best hospitals in the country that specializes in helping the sickest babies.

There is no one who could have prepared me for how I was about to see my sweet baby boy.

I will never forget walking through the cold NICCU doors for the first time seeing my sweet Paxton laying lifeless in his plastic little bed with tubes and wires over his entire body. He was on a high frequency ventillator which shook his whole chest with air. I had never seen anything like it. It was horrible. Paxton had what was called Persistent Pulminary Hypertension that they believe he got from an infection while he was being delivered. Possibly from swallowing his meconium. I was so confused and scared.

To make a long story short, Paxton was at Children’s LA for 2 weeks. It seemed like an eternity. I drove every single day for an hour and a half each way to sit with my little boy. The nurses and Dr.’s were wonderful. They taught me so much about the condition Paxton had and told me once he is better there will be no long term effects. I was so grateful to hear this.

Cullen and I spent long days and nights in that NICCU room watching, waiting and sometimes sleeping. I won’t miss this one bit. After 2 weeks, the Dr.’s at Children’s LA decided Paxton was well enough to be transferred back to our hospital. He had more healing to do, but was no longer in danger.

Once Paxton was transferred back to our hospital, his progress was better and better. He quickly got off of his medication and we even got to hold him for the first time in 2 weeks.

 Can you imagine not holding your new baby for 2 weeks?! It was so hard, but talk about a sweet moment when I got to hold him again.

On September 25th we got to take him home! I have never been so grateful. We could finally start our life with our new baby boy. Mason and Brady were so anxious to have their baby brother in our home. It was without a doubt the longest 3 weeks of our lives.

We’ve had Paxton home for 5 days and he is the sweetest little boy we could have ever asked for. I am grateful everyday for him. Through this whole experience, I received so many emails, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram comments from all of you praying for Paxton. I am so thankful and grateful he had prayers coming from all over the country. What a lucky little boy 🙂

Every time he falls asleep he smiles. I can’t help but think he’s still in touch with the angels. It melts my heart. Thanks again for all of your support, we love you all!

Love,

The Flake Family

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181 Responses
  1. Pam Cherry

    Congratulations on your beautiful baby! A long journey for all of you but well worth it!

  2. hailey

    Oh my Jenny, I could not imagine what you and your family went through while waiting for beautiful little Paxton to heal. I am so happy to hear that he is happy and healthy, and so is the rest of your family. What a beautiful little miracle!

  3. SarahSmile

    So happy and relieved to hear that your precious little man is doing better!! What a scary experience! Hopefully mommy is doing well too! Thanks for thinking of us and posting an update!

  4. Thesha

    I am so glad that your little Paxton pulled through, what a horrible thing to have to go through. I know what it is like to lose a little one…wondering every moment if this is going to be the last breath/heart beat. I am so grateful that your story had a happier ending and that you are being allowed more time with your little one in this life. Paxton is absolutely precious, congratulations to you and your family.

  5. Carol

    Paxton is a beautiful baby-I’m so happy to read that he’s home and doing well. I have been thinking of and praying for you and your family since learning about his birth and needing to be in the hospital in the NICCU.

    My oldest grandson was born 2 weeks overdue and had some serious lung problems that put him in the NICCU also-the photo of sweet Paxton with wires and tubes brought that image back. My daughter and her husband weren’t allowed to hold him for a week so I know that she’d know what you went through in part.

    He’s now 12-a 7th grader and a healthy young man.

    Your Paxton will be too.

    God bless you all……….

  6. Patty@homemakersdaily.com

    So very sorry but glad all is well now. I went through something similar with my daughter 27 years ago. She was 10 weeks early and weighed 2 pounds 2 ounces. She was in the hospital 2 months. I remember going to the NICU and seeing her in much the same condition as your little boy. It was awful seeing her that way.

    So I know how difficult these last several weeks were for you. I’m glad your son is home and healthy.

  7. Deone Croff

    Jenny ….Thanks for the history of baby Paxton. It was so good to hear the whole story and to know what happened. We have been wondering. You know how much info we get out of Reed -0-. He is the sweetest looking little guy and I love that last picture with his sleeping smile…..to cute. What a blessing to have a great hospital so close. I can’t imagine going through the trauma you had to go through. Guess sometimes we are tougher than we think we are. We are so happy all is well. Sending our love and best wishes to you all…….love deone and ken

  8. Rachel Cooks

    Oh my goodness–I’m bawling. What a terrible nightmare to go through. I’m so glad God listened to all the prayers and Paxton is at home where he should be! xox

  9. linda

    you are in my thoughts & prayers. thank goodness all is good after such a nightmarish beginning. may paxton be blessed with all the good & magic that life offers.

  10. Amanda

    Paxton is such a handsome little guy!! So glad he is home with his sweet family. What a lucky little guy!

  11. JulieD

    I can’t imagine what you all went through, Jenny! So glad he’s home where he belongs. Been thinking of you and your family throughout this ordeal and am so happy for you now. A heartfelt congratulations and tons of hugs from Florida!

  12. Stephanie

    He is so precious, Jenny! So sorry you had to go through such trauma, but thankful your boy is happy at home now.
    I had to be on mag several times in my pregnancies due to pre term labor. Ugh, it’s awful!
    My twins were in the NICU for 3 weeks, and you’re right, it’s crazy hard! So glad he is home now!
    Now go enjoy some baby snuggles 🙂

  13. Sophia

    Thanks for sharing your story. I’m so happy that little Paxton made it through and is finally home. Much grace and blessing to you and your family. Love your recipes, btw!

  14. Linda @ My Foodgasm Journal

    Wow Jenny – this is a very touching story. I’m so glad that He still performs His miracles to date and to your family’s life. So happy to see Paxton’s cute smiles.

  15. Ashley @ Wishes and Dishes

    I am so sorry you had to go through that!! Thank GOD he is OK and healthy. Prayer is powerful 🙂

  16. Chrissi

    thanks for sharing your amazing journey. he is precious! i too have had to be on that nasty medicine, a cross between the worst hangover and the worse cast of flu! I did not expereince such a roller coaster but the first of my kiddos had to spend time in the NICU as well…didnt hold or see her until she was about 8 hours old. didnt matter in the least that I was a nurse, as a new mother you feel totally helpless and every worse case scenario enters your mind.
    I am glad to hear you are home and everyone can bond!

  17. Ashlee @ A Step in the Right Direction

    Your story is almost heartbreaking. I am so glad that Paxton is doing great now. I just had my son at the end of July and I could not imagine going through what you went through. You are a strong person!

  18. Heather

    Hi Jenny! I have been following your blog for quite some time now but never commented. I am wife, mommy (of one sweet little redhead who tried to come at 32 weeks which I was also on Mag for :-(), photographer, and NICU nurse :-). Just a few sentences into this post I thought to myself…”I wonder if it was PPHN?”. Although the NICU is a second home for me I still got tears in my eyes reading your story. So thankful your sweet boy is doing better! Thank you for sharing your story with others as most people have no idea that this can even happen to a term newborn. Hope all is well now that you are home and that you are getting some rest ;-).

  19. Lori @ RecipeGirl

    OH JENNY!!! My heart breaks for what you went through and I’m totally full of tears. Oh dear. I’m so so so happy that your little guy is with you and well and smiling 🙂 Thank goodness for the Doctors and nurses and what they were able to do for him. You have been through so much. Enjoy your little guy and I can’t wait to meet him!! XOXO

  20. Lori

    thank you for sharing your story… It brings tears to my eyes and makes me so grateful for the power of prayer. It also makes me realize how lucky I am to have 2 healthy boys and to never take that for granted. So glad you are all home and healthy!

  21. Emily

    Beautiful words, I have tears just reading about your journey! So happy that he is home where he belongs 🙂

  22. Meagan

    I’m so incredibly happy that your beautiful son has turned that incredibly challenging corner – challenging for your whole family! And what a sweet, sweet smile – you all are blessed!!

  23. garysgirl

    I can’t imagine going through all of that, Jenny. Sounds so awful! But I am SO very happy that he’s doing so well now! Thanks be to God! 🙂 I’ve had 2 home births myself so I’ve never had any experiences with the drugs they give you at the hospital for a delivery but you’re not the first person I’ve heard of that’s had a bad time with those drugs. I’m so sorry you had such a bad time with them. What a nightmare! So glad everything’s ok now. Blessings to you and your sweet family!

  24. Deborah

    What a little miracle!! I am so happy for you and your family, Jenny, and wish you all the best now that this sweet angel is home with you!

  25. Laura A.

    Jenny — First, I love your blog. Second – thank you so much for sharing Paxton’s amazing story! You and your husband had to be so brave to deal with all of that! I am so happy that Paxton is home with you — and I bet his big brothers love him so very much already! I wish you and your family all the best!!

  26. Sarah E.

    You are one tough momma! That is so much to go through – can’t imagine how scared you (and your hubs and boys) felt. I’m so happy to hear that he is home, safe and sound and doing well 🙂 He’s so sweet!

  27. Bev @ Bev Cooks

    I have no words, Jenny. None at all. You are amazing and your baby is perfect. I love you.

  28. Jen

    Jenny, I love your blog and following the stories of your adorable family along with the delicious food. I was so happy to hear that you were expecting another baby and couldn’t wait to hear about his arrival. I was so sorry to hear about the ordeal you all went through and can’t imagine how hard it was for your family and dear Paxton. I am so relieved and happy to hear Paxton is home and doing fine. He is so sweet and the picture of him smiling when he goes to sleep is precious. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.

  29. Jennifer @My Family.My Friends.My Life

    First off, Paxton is ADORABLE!I have been a follower for some time now but have never commented. As a Mom of two boys, I can’t imagine what you went through! So glad to see him home and your family together 🙂

  30. lindsay

    Jenny,

    I went through a similar experience and know what it’s like to have your baby in the NICU. I’m so happy he is well and you have him home. Best wishes to your family!

  31. Maria

    Wow Jenny,

    I am feeling so emotional after reading that. I can’t imagine the emotions you have gone through in the last month, especially the day you got that call from the Dr. and were all alone in your hostpital room. What a Miracle that your sweet Paxton is healed and home with you now. I am so happy for your family and pray you will never have to know such anguish agian. God Bless.

    Maria

  32. Amy @MoMomma

    I’m so happy your little guy is doing well. We too have been on that same roller coaster, and it is not easy. Baby #1 was not going to make it and I had emergency c-section at 30wks, he was 1 lb 3 oz and not doing well. He coded at 1 wk old and they were able to revive him. I was finally able to hold him when he was about 1 month old and getting over a horrible infection. The NICU is not a place you want to learn to be a mother but I’m so grateful for the amazing nurses & doctors. After three months we were able to take our tiny miracle home. Baby #2 came just like yours at 34 weeks, emergency c-section due to moms pre-e. Mag Sulfate made me just about flip out and my BP was through the roof. I was not able to leave the hospital for 10 days, luckily the NICU was just down the hall so I could see my little guy anytime. HUGS to you for going through such a challenging time in your life. Our miracles our worth it all 🙂

  33. Connie

    What a beautiful baby! I am sitting here in front of my computer on my lunch hour with tears in my eyes. Thank God he is OK, now Mom and Dad need to heal from the experience. Congratulations on the birth of your new son.

  34. Amber

    I don’t even know you but I am crying just seeing that picture of your little boy hooked up to all the tubes and wires. How heartbreaking! I’m so glad he is well, and home with your family now. 🙂

  35. Glory/ Glorious Treats

    I’m so sorry you had to endure such a stressful month! I’m so happy for you and your sweet little boy to be home together now! Hugs to you both!!

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