Skyler was born on December 2, 1994 at 11:08 P.M. in Wenatchee, WA. He was in extreme distress due to a cerebral hematoma and hypovolemia we believe was caused by the vacuum extractor. Just last month 20/20 aired a segment on the abuse and misuse of vacuum extractors and I cried as I saw these babies that were even worse off than my son. Their babies died or had to have brain surgery.

Skyler, one hour after birth.

At the age of 4 hours, Skyler was Air-vac'd in Critical condition to Seattle Children's hospital infant Intensive Care. He had been born with an Apgar of 2 at one minute, upgraded to 3 at 5 minutes of age and required repeated CPR. Travis was able to go with him and have a room rented at Children's Village where we would stay for 10 days.

Me with Skyler in Seattle, WA.

Skyler was able to wean off the respirator within 24 hours and had a head CT which showed he had a subarachnoid hemorrhage. I had also tested Group B Strep positive so he was given a 7-day course of antibiotics. Finally, on December 10, he was well enough to come home.

Travis with Skyler in Seattle, WA.

We are still unsure of how much Skyler's rough beginning will affect him. He is developmentally delayed and has been diagnosed with Developmental Verbal Dyspraxia (also known as Apraxia). Right now, we are taking it day by day and placing him in God's hands. To learn more about Apraxic Kids, please see our links page.

Skyler at Home, 12 days old.

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