To bring everyone current

As some of you know, Eli Robert Cortinas was born Thursday, December 15 at 5:34 p.m. weighing 6lb, 2oz, 19 inches long. He was born via c-section. Doctors informed us that at birth he made an attempt to breath, but was unsuccessful. The Memorial Hospital of Los Banos did what they were equipped to do to help him, and called the NICU at Childrens Hospital in Madera for a transfer. Upon arrival, the NICU team were able to intubate Eli and bring his blood oxygen levels up. They also determined that his heart was not pumping with enough force. Ted was able to be with Eli during most of this time, and Lys also was able to be put in a wheel chair following surgery and spend a few minutes with her son before they transferred him to Madera. The nurses in Los Banos all agreed that Eli looked just like his mom, but the nurses in Madera say that he has his dad's nose.

The Childrens Hospital immediately began various tests to determine why Eli is not able to breath on his own, and are continuing to examine his heart, and brain. They have lowered his body temperature, which is supposed to help his brain. Yesterday, they were able to reduce his ventilator oxygen from 100% to 50% due to a new breathing treatment, which is a good thing. We are waiting to hear results of many tests, some of them take 72 hours for report. His status is critical, but they do not expect much change until Sunday/Monday when they bring his body temperature back up.

Today, Lys is being released from the Los Banos Hospital, and she and Ted will be going to Madera to see Eli. They are hoping to be accommodated in a Ronald Mcdonald housing facility for the length of Eli's stay, which is unknown at this time. Lys is recovering as expected after surgery, and needs to be very careful to heal correctly for 4 weeks.

We know there have been many thoughts, prayers, and concern for this baby boy. We appreciate every single one of them, and will continue to update you as things progress. We also know that some of you want to help, and will keep you informed of any needs/ practical things that can be done.
Much love,
Auntie Jess