It has been a crazy weekend. It started with an unanticipated trip to the emergency room for Rachel which resulted in a diagnosis of HELLP syndrome (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HELLP_syndrome). The only recommended coarse of action was delivery of the baby, il piu' presto possibile. We welcomed Preston David into the world this morning, 04 Nov 07, after a few difficult hours of medication and pushing. 
We had not decided on a name yet, but when Rachel suggested the name Preston, I quickly agreed since in Italian, the word “presto” means early, soon, and quickly, depending on which phrase it is used in. I found this name to be quite appropriate. Preston’s growth has been stunted by the lack of oxygen in Rachel's blood, so although he is only one month early, he is developmentally two months early, or premature. He weighs a mere 4 pounds, 3 ounces and was quickly taken to the Neonatal ICU.
Fortunately his lungs have developed sufficiently and he has been able to breath on his own with minimal oxygen supplementation. The prognosis is good, for both Rachel and Preston, so we can all sigh a sigh of relief. Thank you all for your prayers and to my family for your fast on his behalf. We are so grateful to our Heavenly Father who has allowed Preston to join our family and blessed us so very much.
