Baby Ellison

(This is Lindsey posting for for Matthew and Nicole so that you can be updated on Baby Ellison):

Baby Ellison is here!! He was born via c-section on Thursday, May 7th at 8:17pm. He is 9lb 9 oz, and 21 3/4 in long. Nicole did awesome and we are so glad he finally made his appearance.

Ellison was born with some unexpected issues- he has imperforate anus, which means there is no anal opening present. Because of this, both Nicole and Ellison were transferred to Greenville Memorial so that Ellison could receive surgery. Saturday Ellison had a colostomy placed, so now he has a way to pass stool. He will have this until he is about 6 months old, then he will have some reconstructive surgery and then later have the colostomy closed. He is in the NICU, and now that he has a colostomy, Nicole was able to feed him today! The family was able to hold him today as well.

Ellison also has hypospadias, which means that the urethral opening is lower than it should be. This will also require surgery, but is not urgent so it will wait until he is a little older.

Nicole and Matthew are doing well. Please call before you drop in so that they can get some much needed rest after an overwhelming few days. Be praying specifically for the two tests Ellison will receive tomorrow- a VCUG to check for renal involvement and also a spinal cord ultrasound to check for any other issues. They are so thankful for your support and prayers- they will hopefully bring their sweet baby boy home in 3 to 5 days!! I will update here whenever I know something new.