Future Kickboxer

I had my 24week doctors appointment today. Just a normal check up but we heard his quick little heartbeat again. The doctor had to stay on her toes to keep up with the heartbeat because he was moving around so much. He kicked the little microphone (or whatever it's called) 3 times while we were listening. :) The doctor laughed and said he was "an active one." I knew that (he's always bumpin' around inside) but it was nice to hear. He's measuring right on and I go back in 4 weeks. Yay! 

To our family and friends, thanks again for all your love and support. We wouldn't be where we are without you.

Growing Strong!

We went back Feb. 4th for a check up with our perinatologist. He took this picture for us. Baby was measuring right on track at a healthy 1lb 3oz. :) He was moving around so much the ultrasound tech could hardly get a good picture. We were thrilled to hear that everything is looking very good so far. We keep praying everyday for our little miracle baby.

The Power of Prayer

We went to meet with a neuro surgeon on Jan. 19th to find out more about SB (spina bifida) and what we could expect. We sent this email out following the appointment. :)

We are happy to say that our doctors appointment with the neuro surgeon today went well. Dr. Hudgins was able to tell us more about how a "typical" case like ours would go regarding the surgery and recovery of our baby. He was willing to answer any questions we had but made it clear that much of the diagnosis would depend on how things go after the operation. At this time we know that the spina bifida is in a good place (the lower on the spine the better) and that any area of concern would likely be limited to the feet/ankles (weak areas that may take time to develop) and bladder (which is commonly affected by all forms of spina bifida). The doctor says that typically children with this case of spina bifida will walk and run (Praise God!) just maybe a little later than normal. For example, it may not 11months...but more like 18 months before he starts to walk) and possibly with some help from ankle braces at some point depending on what they see as he develops. David and I agree we can easily wait a few more months before our little boy starts running away from us. :) Most likely he will be in the hospital for about 2 weeks in recovery after he is born and the surgery is done. At this point it is also likely that a shunt will have to be put in to drain any fluid off the brain that will likely occur following the spinal surgery. After they release him to come home the doctor said that home life will likely be "just like having any other newborn." (So good to hear!) The doctor also seemed positive about the bladder control issues stating that either medication or sometimes surgery will help with any problems when the time comes. We are so thankful for the prayers and encouraging words that have been offered and that we know we will continue to receive. Even after the surgery, we will be meeting with doctors very frequently for the first year of his life and then at least once a year through his childhood. There are many other possible worries of course. Having a healthy baby is always a miracle -so many things have to go right even without the risks we are aware of. Prayers of patience until the baby's birth and surgery as well as an "uneventful" pregnancy in the months to follow are appreciated. We want to keep everything else normal and healthy for the next 4.5 months -- no more complications. :) Prayers of healing in the weeks and months to follow his birth are still greatly needed as well. Thank you so much for this great comfort -- the power of prayer. 

Fear and Faith

It was right before these 20 week pictures that David and I had some difficult news. Here is an email we send out to our church family and friends from that time. January 8, 2009.

"David and I are so grateful for the prayers that have been offered up for us and our baby yesterday and today. It has been a great comfort to us. We received very troubling and upsetting news at a doctor's appointment yesterday afternoon. My blood work from a routine appointment a few weeks ago showed cause for some concern. The blood test results were a possible sign of spina bifida (an opening in the baby's spine) so our doctor wanted us to see a specialist who would perform an ultrasound to make sure everything was okay. We had heard that this was often a misdiagnosis and therefore everything was probably fine. However, at the ultrasound yesterday the doctor was very concerned at what he saw. The ultrasound showed what looked like an opening at the top of the spine at the base of the brain. This location of spina bifida was very problematic and very rare. The doctor himself had never seen a case like this before and thought this to be very grim news for the baby. Based on this prognosis the doctor thought the baby would likely be severely handicapped or even unable to live outside the womb. He wanted us to see his colleague for a second opinion. Needless to say we were heartbroken and didn't know what to think or do. 

Today we went to see the recommended doctor for a second opinion. We were prepared to hear the same horrible news and were stunned when the ultrasound showed the neck/upper spine of the baby was fine and intact. The spina bifida is still present, but at a much lower point on the spine. In these cases the lower the opening the better. While the spina bifida still poses certain risks, (mostly to the lower extremities like the legs, feet, and bladder) it can and will be treated. We will be meeting with a neurosurgeon who will tell us about the surgery that will be done to fix the opening upon birth of the baby. During all this we wondered how this change of events could have happened. The doctors reasoned that the machine yesterday was not as accurate or that maybe the baby's position caused them to mistake the location of the opening. We feel God's hand in this new development and we will not cease to pray for the health and development of our baby as we continue to meet with the doctors.

We cannot begin to thank you all enough for the thoughts and prayers - our families have both felt an unexplainable peace and now a new hope for our future that we can only attribute to God's hand resting on us. We need your love and prayers more than ever now and ask specifically for you to pray:

* For the baby's health and continued development (especially that of the legs and bladder)

* That the opening will not widen or leak fluid to the brain (which is a common risk with spina bifida)

* That God will steady the minds and hands of the doctors throughout the pregnancy and surgery.

* That God will continue to give David and I the strength, peace and faith we need during the uncertainty and worry that lies ahead.

Baby Bump - 20 weeks

My pregnancy book said "at this point, there's no hiding your pregnant." You think?! :)

Baby Bump - 17 weeks pregnant

My friends made me do this. :)

It's a BOY!

The Night before Christmas Eve - Seeing our baby was the best present ever.

16 weeks pregnant

Smiling for Mommy and Daddy

Wave to the camera!

Yep. It's a boy.