For those of you inclined to prayer:

Mrs. Sheik, quite far along with Mary Catherine (the Sheiks' third), will either go into labor today or will be induced tomorrow. Prayers are coveted; so far, so good.

"Though the Lord is on high,
yet He regards the humble;
but the proud man He knows from
afar."

Ziggy wishes the best to you and to Mrs. Sheik, and to all the little Sheiks- both born and to be born.

You have my prayers Mike for a healthy, happy bouncing baby girl with 10 and 10 and for her mommy as well. May your saucer be full.

Best wishes, Michael. I'll keep you all in my thoughts. I can't wait to hear all about the newest little Sheik!

Nothing yet--we do have a full-burka ready for her. No doubt she'd tear it apart like a good little girl:)

And thanks all!

I'm anxiously awaiting a Sheik family update!!!!

Hi again,

Prayers needed. Mary Catherine was born yesterday but she has a collapsed lung so she is being transported downstate today. Mrs Sheik is still in the hospital, although she feels fine physically, so please pray that the hospital releases her today so that we can all go down to Peoria (which is where Mary Catherine is being sent to).

Ack!

Big hugs, Michael. Please let us know how things are going. You're family is in my thoughts.

Prayers needed. Mary Catherine was born yesterday but she has a collapsed lung so she is being transported downstate today. Mrs Sheik is still in the hospital, although she feels fine physically, so please pray that the hospital releases her today so that we can all go down to Peoria (which is where Mary Catherine is being sent to).

My boy had the same problem. They can easily reinflate it but the newborn must be in NICU and take antibiotics because of the risk of meconium in the lungs and the resulting infection.

Al wil be welle.

Thanks Terry!

Apparently the local doctors were off (collapsed lung) and the problem has to do with Mary Catherine's blood pressure. I guess (if I have this right) that the fetus uses the placenta (ew!) to breathe, and then when the child is born, the transition with blood pressure over to breathing on her own is made. My daughter apparently did not care for that transition, and whenever she goes off of oxygen, she first pitches a fit and then needs that much more oxygen.

The doctors say that this should resolve itself within a few days, so we are left to wait. The struggle now is keeping two high energy kids occupied. Since the hospital is 90 miles away (and my family 90 miles in the opposite direction), Papa Sheik is about to find out just how "kid friendly" Peoria, Illinois is:)

I'm sure Mary Catherine is going to be A-OK in a very short time. Poor Papa Sheik may take a while to recover from this trauma, not to mention contending with the entertainment and appeasement of two little ones in Peoria.

I just wish I could help you!

How is Mary Catherine doing Mike?

Much better, thanks! She is still using a ventilator but the oxygen level is almost to room level. They are trying to wean her off of it.

The trick now is getting back and forth, and getting the girl breastfeeding (which, unsurprisingly, involves my wife being there).

It's about a 90 miles trip each way, so the Saudis are getting me even with my efficient vehicle. The "energy crisis" hits home! We may just stay there, which is a viable option.

Wow! Sounds like little M-C just wanted some extra attention to announce her way into the world.

How are things going now? everyone home now?

Yes thanks! She is home and all signs are positive.

It would seem that she wanted to make a "grander" entrance than usual. Well, she succeeded! We shall not soon forget it! All the same, I should like that my family's and friend's (and even my enemies') children be born with the capacity to breathe well. I'd rather have my girl be the "elitist" that she ought to be!