Sweet Baby Raylenn

Raylenn Brighten Hall was born at 26 weeks gestational age on September 5, 2014 weighing a whopping 1.8 lbs. Mom went for an ultrasound in Mt. Home and discovered he was suffering from Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR). Little Raylenn's growth was 2 wks behind and we were was asked to admit ourselves to UAMS in Little Rock (3 hrs from home) for monitoring. Shortly after our arrival, my blood pressure hit 270/130 and I was diagnosed with pre eclampsia. This was also causing Raylenns heart rate to be unsteady. The idea was to have an emergency c section, however this wasn't an option because I was considered unstable. After spending a night in ICU, my blood pressure was somewhat under control and we were whisked away to the O.R; after being told that Baby Raylenn wouldnt make it. After birth, Raylenn was diagnosed with a level 4 brain bleed which is the worst. We were recommended by the doctors to discontinue care (take him off of all machines and let him pass away naturally) all because they don't think he will be normal, may have brain damage, and/or will possibly be wheelchair bound. We as a family unit were adament that we cannot do that, we are not God nor will we play that role. We will fight as long as he does knowing that we did everything possible. I've only went home once, and we received a call on the second day stating that his heart rate stopped 3 times and dropped on two other occassions. After returning, we were also told he had Pulmonary interstitial emphysema (PIE), along with pneumonia, which has cleared. Due to the brain bleed, he also has water on his head (hydrocephalis) and a spinal tap was done to release the fluid. We are currently at Ark Childrens Hospital waiting to see if he will have a shunt put in his head or if they will release the fluid by inserting a needle in his head. He currently weighs 2.12 lbs and is getting stronger by the minute!!! This has been a very strenuous time for our entire family. I have been staying with Raylenn, unable to work, leaving us with only one income to pay for bills, transportation, and food. We continue to take each moment as it is given to us and simply be thankful for the ups and downs. Thank you for all of your prayers and help!