The Monroe Family

*Update 06-20-23: Xan has been growing so fast and I can't believe that he is the same 5lb baby who was in the NICU. He loves to smile and loves meeting new people. This program has helped us so much. We are super grateful to those who donated. THANK YOU!

* Update 01-11-23: We were super lucky to get an early Christmas present. Baby Xan was able to come home a day before Christmas! We have been keeping him home and limiting visitors. With RSV, influenza and COVID still hanging about. We are doing our best to keep him healthy. 

He has been doing awesome since he's been home. And he is developing much quicker now. Strange to think that today was his original due date and he came a month and a half early.

Baby Monroe is in NICU

HE IS HERE! Way earlier then planned but baby is here. I / We LOVE him so so much. It sucks not being able to bring him home. He is super cute and has so many facial expressions already! Announcing a baby is supposed to be an exciting time. He came with the blizzard and it's been a storm for us emotionally, physically and mentally. Baby Xan is going to be in NICU awhile longer. No official timeline has been given. Developmentally he isn't ready to come home. He's having trouble with his oxygen/apnea and stats. That's not something we are able to monitor closely at home. 

At 35 weeks pregnant I contracted covid. Which affected my gestational hypertension and diabetes. At a risk to me and baby he was delivered early. I was in quarantine for 3 days, and couldn't go visit or see him. Being in a big hospital room without a baby.  Not getting to see him was so difficult. We have amazing healthcare people who took care of him, when I couldn't and I'm unable to be with him. They even took photos for me on day 2, just so I could see him. I call everyday just in case I can't get to the hospital, and they update me. My C-section and medication make it difficult for me just to get there. I can't drive because of the medication.

Our older kids don't quite understand why he is in the hospital and I can tell it bothers them. They have seen him through video calls but that's it. Ty and I have taken turns seeing him.

People have been asking how they can help. Currently we have asked for prayers of comfort and we feel them. We asked meals for dinner because it helps lighten the mental load. I may need a ride to the hospital in the coming weeks if anyone is able. We only have one car. We have had so many divinely inspired individuals helping us and it's been such a blessing. From the meal, to crafts and even gifts for the big kids. Emotional support has been given by even just checking in on us. Thank you!

I couldn't have planned on getting sick and baby being born early. This experience is not easy for us. Please, keep checking in on us. NICU is an expense we hadn't planned for so in the coming weeks and months. I will share our help me bounce campaign. Its a social worker/nurse certified type of go fund me. Which we are applying for to help ease some of the financial burden. 

As we  look forward to the prospect of bringing our baby home we are hopeful. We will keep you in the loop as things progress.

With love,

LaRae and Family ❤️