This IS the beastie you are looking for!

A perfect six weeks early, the beastie has arrived!

Name announcement, made day-of by a fabulous friend

Beastie and his mama, right after birth

Oberon Christopher was born November 24, 2014, at 4:55 a.m., weighing in at 6 lbs, 2.6 oz and measuring 19 inches.  He only waited through 34 weeks of gestation, the little early bird!  He's had a busy first couple days of life, and we'll provide more detailed updates on his health and progress later.

Both Chris and Elizabeth have had a chance to hold the little guy, and there was even a quick opportunity for skin-to-skin!  Every visit to the NICU is a little different depending on how Oberon is doing, so we take what we can get.

Elizabeth was discharged today, so now we embark on the challenge of trotting between the house and the NICU.  Oberon had the omphalocele surgery already, but he's having some trouble with stable breathing.  He's currently hooked up to a ventilator to allow him to rest and let him grow a little bit without having to work so hard to get air.  In a few days, the doctors will figure out a more permanent solution to the breathing as needed.

Oberon taking a break (and a nap)

11/26/14

Here are a couple more pictures of our little family!

Getting weighed, with the "turkey diaper" protecting his umbilical cord and omphalocele

Morning, 11/24/14

Oberon after successful omphalocele surgery (see the heart bandage?)

Afternoon, 11/24/14

First family photo, getting a chance to hold the beastie!

Evening, 11/24/14