...In loving memory of my nephew
I can hardly breathe right now I'm crying so hard.
My nephew, Cooper James, was was born last Friday in Atlanta at 27 weeks to my SIL, passed away today at 3:30 pm.
He had been on a ventilator in the NICU, and was struggling to survive because his arteries were leaking all of his proteins and nutrients. His body began to swell from the fluid, and the doctors were so perplexed as to how to help him.
Finally, yesterday the doctors did a chromosomal abnormality test to determine if this could be the reason for the fluid issue. They said the test would take 10 days to come back, and if this was ruled out, then they would recommend taking him off of life support because he is suffering and there is nothing else they can do to help him. My MIL left Atlanta this morning to beat the snowstorm in the South, thinking she would have time to drive back on Monday to wait for the results. However, the test results came back today with grim news.
Cooper was missing chromosome 17. This chromosome is responsible for carrying all of the body's proteins and nutrients. This is why Cooper's body was retaining fluid. The doctors said it is an extremely rare genetic disorder, and that he would not have been able to sustain life on his own. 
My SIL and her DH will be tested for genetic markers when they return to Cincinnati. We are praying they will be able to have children again someday.
My nephew was baptized in the hospital, and then the time came to say goodbye. (I'm very sorry to share details, but it helps me to get this out, because DH and I are just sitting here bawling.) Feel free to stop reading if you wish.
My SIL insisted on being in the room with her son to hold him. This was the FIRST time she had ever gotten to hold her firstborn child. I cannot even imagine...she is SO unbelievably strong. Cooper lived for 5 minutes then passed away in my SIL's arms... her DH held him afterwards.
I cannot believe this is happening... I have been crying for 2 hours. To make matters worse, Madelyn has a double ear infection (her first), a high fever, and a terrible cold right now. :-( I just kept rocking her before I put her to bed, saying how much we love Cooper and how he is looking down on us from Heaven, finally at peace. But we just wish we had gotten the opportunity to meet our precious nephew. Our family will hold a memorial service for Cooper next week.
Thank you so much for all your prayers throughout the last week. Please continue to pray for my SIL and her DH and our entire family, because the road ahead will be so painful and difficult to endure.
Re: ...In loving memory of my nephew
Photo by Melissa Nicole Photography
Tyler Anthony arrived on 9.21.09
The Chronicles of Justin and Tyler
Jennie
Oh sweetie...I am crying so hard reading your post, I can;t imagine the heartache your entire family is going thru. This is so unfair and my heart goes out to you and your family. Everyday is truly a gift and stories like this make that fact ring louder.
Please let us know if we can do anything besides pray for you/your family.
I am so very very sorry to hear this sad update. It makes me sick to my stomach. Makes me wonder "why" it has to be and just doesn't seem fair. Why does an innocent baby have to suffer, and a family go through this extreme pain and heartache. My heart aches for your SIL, her family, and yours. Prayers to you all.
I am just so very very sorry, I cannot imagine.
I am so sorry... you, your SIL and your family will be in my thoughts. I hope you'll find the strength to somehow make it through this awful time...
This might not be the appropriate time to discuss it but I can tell you that if they can identify a specific genetic abnormality in your SIL and/or her DH they have the option of doing IVF with PGD. Not everyone thinks its ethical or moral to pick and choose embryos but it was specifically created for situations like these. If you (or your SIL) ever want any info I'm happy to share all I know since I've done it. Again, I know this isn't the time... I just thought maybe it might be a glimmer of hope in what feels like a completely hopeless situation.. since you mentioned them wanting another child some day.
Thoughts and prayers to you and your whole family...
Hannah
I'm a lurker here, but wanted to say that I'm so so sorry for the loss of your nephew.
Photos courtesy of Jen Rose Photography
I don't even know what to say. I kept hoping for a 'good news' update. My heart is definitely breaking for your SIL, and your entire family.
I will definitely keep you all in my thoughts.
I am so, so sorry. I wish there was something more to say but just at a lost because like Klee said things like this should not happen!
continued thoughts and prayers for your entire family.
((HUGS))
I am so sorry for your loss. I am sitting here crying just trying to wrap my mind around losing your newborn child. We had a similiar situation happen in our family (not me, my cousin's baby) and we think about her everyday. Your nephew will never be forgotten.
You will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.
Married to my BFF on 8.13.05 (after dating 5 years)!
DS born 2.14.08. DD born 9.30.09.
Oh no...
Many thoughts and prayers to you and your family. It's awful...just awful!
Mom to Lily Gayle 4.25.06 Charlotte Kathleen 3.27.09 Samuel Thomas ~8.4.12~