We got a call today from St. Louis that we are scheduled to check in at Barnes-Jewish Hospital on Wednesday, May 7 to begin inducing me for labor. I'm kinda nervous. I just remember when Steffan was born, my water broke and I was not progressing as fast as they wanted me to so they gave me that pitocin (sp?) to help things a long and... OUCH!!! That stuff hurts like a mow mow!! But, whatever will get this baby here and in my arms SAFTELY... I'll do it! I'm so anxious for that little boy to get here I can hardly stand it.

Something I didn't write about yesterday is that Danny's mom, JoAnn and sister, Sheriann came up to St. Louis yesterday. JoAnn came bearing gifts! :) A couple of her co-workers had given us a handmade blanket and lots of clothes! And JoAnn made the baby a blanket that is ADORABLE!!! It's all cross-stitched! She started on this as soon as she found out we were pregnant. I will take a picture and send post it soon!

Big things are happening today.

I found out my dad and his wife, Melody will be coming up to St. Louis. I'm so excited about the fact that my dad will be there for his grandson's birth. He wasn't able to be there for Steffan's because we lived in Houston.

And, we had our weekly monitoring and doctor's appointment. Everything looks good. And I am dilated 1.5 centimeters. So things are in the works already!

Second, a woman in my mom's church placed our baby on a huge prayers list. And she brought over a quilt that was made from a church in Kansas that they had overnighted to me today. Y'all... this is the coolest thing you'd ever see. I'll take photos when I can. But it's adorable looking.... but the amazing part is what is on the back of the quilt. Healing scriptures! And there are little knots on the top of the quilt that indicate that somebody prayed for our son. We will be taking this quilt to St. Louis and wrapping our little one inside this quilt. So much love has gone into this blanket it is overwhelming.

In fact, Danny and I are overwhelmed at how God is working around us to let us know He is still in charge and loves us. OVERWHELMED!! And I know this is going to sound nuts but... my sorrow over this entire situation has turned to joy because of what he has done. So I have no doubt whatsoever that our son will be fine whether he has to have the surgery or not. I'm no longer worried. God has him covered. To see what God has been doing around us now... just makes me anxious to see what He is yet to do.

The big day!! I don't know where to start on this one. After all the inducing methods they tried last night (or early this morning). I was already dilated 1.5 cm's, and that's where I stayed. But I was in a lot of pain, due to the contraction meds they gave me, so I got an epidural. What was so great is that he didn't get it in the right spot the first time, so he had to do it again. That was pretty horrid!! Then they tried something called a fooler ball. Which is a balloon thingy that goes passed the cervix, and is supposed to fool your cervix into thinking that the baby's head is hitting the cervix, making you dilated. PLUS they gave me oxytocin to give me contractions. Well, after hours of this my water finally broke and I was at 4 cm. YEAH! But this is when things started to get weird. My epidural wasn't working. No matter how much extra meds they gave me my contractions were felt and mostly on the left side. Then finally they did something with the needle in my back and it worked! Then things got scary & weird.

We were so tired and we were trying to get some shut eye and I was really groggy. Then I started to get those hard contractions again. And I was feeling them. The nurse came in and checked on me and rolled me to another side. Soon after, 2 nurses came in and then things got scary,

The baby's heart rate was not right and then they had me get on all fours and I thought we were both dying, seriously!! Then they said we were going to have to have a C-section and NOW! I won't go into all the details but Danny and I both thought that we were goners. They had to put me out because I could feel too much sharp pains while they were doing the C-section.

But, the baby was born and he is gorgeous! He weighed 9 lbs and 8 1/2 oz. and 20 1/2" long. And is healthy as can be... except for his tiny heart.

We didn't get to see the baby except while in the OR. I was pretty much out of it after all the drugs they gave me. And so I couldn't go to the NICU to see him. That about killed me!!!

We finally got to see the baby!!! And he is the most gorgeous baby! I'm seriously!! He is such a good baby too. And we have him laying on the prayer blanket. :) I'll put some pictures online of the little sweetie tomorrow.

We also found out today that he will be having his heart surgery on Monday. So everyone continue to pray for him.

Our sweetie had his surgery today and I got checked out of the hospital. This was an extremely emotional, stressful and even happy day. Today was the first day they allowed the family to actually hold him. This was so wonderful I can't even begin to tell you!!!!!

He went in for his surgery at about 1:30pm. He came out of the surgery with flying colors!!!! And they usually keep the babies on a breathing machine afterwards, but he didn't need it. He's so strong! All the nurses in the OR would take a look at him (before surgery) and say, "Oh my! He's a big boy!" They are used to seeing 5 lbs and under. :) But we're sure that's why he did so good thru the surgery.

The CICU unit (Cardiac intensive care unit) is kind of an intense place. That is where he will be staying for a couple days. The nurses really don't like you in there with them so much. But guess what... TOUGH!!! :) We're not allowed to really talk to him and definitely not allowed to touch him right now. So the doctor came in last night (the one who did his surgery and also does heart transplants at the hospital) and says, "Are you 2 just going to stand around looking at him all night?" I said, "YES!" They don't make it comfy for you either. There is a foot stool and a chair... in separate corners. So we can't even sit together, But it's only for 2 more days. Then he goes to the Step Down which I'm still unclear what that is. I think he will still be heavily monitored, but that is his last stop before he hopefully comes home ON SATURDAY!!!

One other thing you may want to know is that he has not eaten but one time since being born. They didn't want him to until surgery, but they said I could nurse him on Saturday. Well, on Sunday he thru it all up. :( So they didn't allow him to eat again. Danny said my cooking has the same affect on him! Nice. :) But they said he can eat a little tomorrow and see how he does.

I apologize for the late updates and not giving out his name yet. Danny's dad doesn't know the name until we see him on Saturday so... until then! :) And it's been very stressful and hard to get online right now with everything going on.

It was very hard last night leaving that hospital without my baby, Can't even describe the emptiness. Can't stop crying either. ugh. Well. i need to go so I can get ready to go see my baby!!

I apologize for not being able to come in and update the site lately. But wanted to jump in quickly to let you all know that BENJAMIN PETER DANIEL is doing fine and is already home!! His surgery (on Monday) was a success and his recovery time has been amazingly fast. We were able to bring him home from St. Louis on Thursday!!! He had so many prayers going up for him and God gave him the very best doctors and had him in the very best facility... and of course... he's a Pfeiffer! So of course he did so great. We will be meeting with the Springfield Cardiologist each week, beginning tomorrow (5/20).

I will enter more details later. This is the first time on my pc for a week so, I've got about 100 emails I need to go thru. But saw that so many of you wanted an update and so we wanted to let everyone know Benjamin is doing great and is ADORABLE! I will pull some photos of my camera today and post them. He's too cute not to show off!! :)

Just so you know, Benjamin is named after Danny's dad, and Danny's brother-in law and best friend, Peter and of course, Danny himself. :)

Thank you all SO MUCH for your prayers. We have no doubt that is what saved our little one and helped him recovery so quickly. We just really can't thank you all enough. We also appreciate all the words of encouragement we have rec'd from you. You all are just wonderful!!!

Benjamin had his cardiologist follow up appointment today and all is well!! He has gained weight since leaving the hospital (where he only lost 6 oz). Now he weighs 9 lbs 10 oz and he has grown to 21" long. "Hims" a big boy! And have I mentioned what a sweet natured baby he is too? He fell asleep during his ultrasound today and he didn't fuss when they put all the stickers on his little chest for the echo. He's just so good!!

We go see his primary physician on Thursday and I'll let you all know how that goes.

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