Sunday afternoon my parents were able to meet Lucy. Only one of them is allowed in the NICU with one parent at a time, so it was a little bittersweet that Mike and I couldn't be with them all at the same time. We stayed after they left to spend a little more time with Lucy. Never thought I could just sit and stare at her, but it's so easy and the hours seem to go by so fast. Sunday night was a little different story, I was emotional with little bouts of tears here and there. This whole process has really changed Mike and my relationship. The way I know this is, two years ago he would have asked me what was wrong, but Sunday, he just gave me a hug and said "I don't have to go to work tomorrow, if you don't want me to".
He just knew that I was sad about being alone. I know struggles like these can sometimes put a wedge between couples, but it has only done us good.
This week has been a little harder being alone during the week, but I've managed to keep myself busy. Monday evening my dad dropped me off at the hospital (Mike was coming straight from work). Lucy was getting her check up and after I sat with her and read her a book. She kept her eyes open the entire time. It was pretty amazing. After I was done, she fell asleep. Mike was able to spend an hour with her as well.
Tuesday, Mike's mom came with me to meet Lucy. She was in awe just as we are. I'm sure she could have spent a couple more just staring, I'm telling you it's so easy. After Mike showed up, we paged cardiology as they had some news for us. Cardiology did another echo and the whole in her heart has decreased, so they want to discuss her case again at the Wednesday meeting. If you recall, the team had decided to split the hybrid into two procedures. First the band's around the pulmonary artery and then the stent into the aorta. The first part was supposed to happen at the end of this week. Due to the narrowing of the PDA, they are now considering doing the entire hybrid at once, but moving the procedure to early next week. We are supposed to get a call tonight after the weekly meeting with the decision for a plan for Lucy. Although we know that could change any day. We're just hoping a final decision can be made soon as the waiting is starting to wear on us. Prayers for patience during this process are much needed!
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Sunday, February 23, 2014
prayer answered
It amazes me the number of people we have praying for our family. Mostly it's the friends of friends that we don't know or have not even met. What doesn't amaze me is what the power of prayer can do. Since we left the hospital last Sunday so many people have been praying that a room at the Ronald McDonald house opens up so we can be close to Lucy. If you don't know about Ronald McDonald house, it's a dorm-like living establishment where you have a private bedroom and bathroom and shared kitchen and living room. It's for families that have children in the hospital and live more then 10 miles away. When this specific prayer was answered, I didn't imagine that we would actually get more than we asked for. Through friends of friends of friends, (shout out to John and Marcie Curran for helping to hook us up) we found a family that has an attached separate living area. with private entrance. It's a one bedroom with bathroom, kitchen and living room and is five minutes from the hospital. This space is really perfect for us because it allows us to stay close to Lucy while she has surgery until she's stable and then go back home until the next procedure. The owners told us all we need to do is call when the next procedure is scheduled and we can come to pick up the keys. We just can't thank everyone enough for the prayers and praise God for answering this prayer before her first procedure.
After we went to see the apartment, we stopped in for a visit with Lucy. She is now up to 3 pounds and 15 ounces. Yes, she is growing like crazy and we hope it continues. The bigger she grows the sooner she can have her procedures which means the sooner she can come home with us. As for all her other vitals, they remain stable and unchanged. No news with her vitals is good news! The best part of yesterday's visit was we finally got to hold our baby! Of course I cried, tears of joy though.
She was wrapped in about 3 blankets to hold all her tubes in place but it was so worth it. Even better, in my opinion, was watching Daddy hold his baby girl.
After we went to see the apartment, we stopped in for a visit with Lucy. She is now up to 3 pounds and 15 ounces. Yes, she is growing like crazy and we hope it continues. The bigger she grows the sooner she can have her procedures which means the sooner she can come home with us. As for all her other vitals, they remain stable and unchanged. No news with her vitals is good news! The best part of yesterday's visit was we finally got to hold our baby! Of course I cried, tears of joy though.
She was wrapped in about 3 blankets to hold all her tubes in place but it was so worth it. Even better, in my opinion, was watching Daddy hold his baby girl.
The last piece of good news was the NICU lifted the visitor restriction, so both our parents can finally meet their first grandchild. We cannot wait for them to meet her!
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Number two
What a huge difference a day makes. There was so much less commotion in the NICU today and you could tell by Lucy's calm demeanor. She was really peaceful today. We again got to take part in her check-up although this time Mike got to change her diaper. Yes you guessed right, she left him a little surprise. He did a fabulous job changing his first diaper, a total natural. I got to clean her eye lids and then we both put lotion on her dry skin. However, the biggest part of the day was that she gained 6 ounces overnight and is up to 3 pounds and 14 ounces. Two of those ounces may be in her swollen feet, but we are taking any ounce we can get.
The team of doctors met last night to discus Lucy's case and decided on a new plan. Due to her size, they are splitting the hybrid procedure into two steps. First they will place the bands around her pulmonary arteries to limit blood flow to the lungs. The second step will be to place a stent in the PDA (Patent Ductus Arteriosus) to keep it open. The stent they use is only so small, so to place this in her heart right now at her size can impact the Aorta. We are not sure at this time what size she needs to be for the second step. We will find out Monday when they will schedule the first part of the hybrid (fingers crossed it's next week). After the procedure she will most likely be moved to the surgical heart unit in the children's hospital. At that time, we're hoping she can have some visitors.
The team of doctors met last night to discus Lucy's case and decided on a new plan. Due to her size, they are splitting the hybrid procedure into two steps. First they will place the bands around her pulmonary arteries to limit blood flow to the lungs. The second step will be to place a stent in the PDA (Patent Ductus Arteriosus) to keep it open. The stent they use is only so small, so to place this in her heart right now at her size can impact the Aorta. We are not sure at this time what size she needs to be for the second step. We will find out Monday when they will schedule the first part of the hybrid (fingers crossed it's next week). After the procedure she will most likely be moved to the surgical heart unit in the children's hospital. At that time, we're hoping she can have some visitors.
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
good days and bad days
We both realize there will be good days and bad days through this process and as the bad days happen we'll learn to really cherish the good days. Right now, we're just trying to handle a day at a time waking up not knowing which type of day it will be.
Yesterday was a good day. We found out during our morning visit that Lucy gained 3 ounces, which brings her up to 3 pounds and 8 ounces. She is really packing on the weight. It will probably be the only time she'll hear this with such excitement. The neonatalogists and cardiologist did their rounds while we were there and both said Lucy is very stable. It looks like the hybrid procedure will happen in a week or so, but like everything else we don't have a specific date.
At our night appointment, wait for it........I got to change her diaper! Yes, you read that right!
Those are my hands below.
While everything in the picture looks calm, it got a little crazy about 30 seconds later. Lucy for sure likes to be left alone and boy does she have some strong legs. Mike had to hold her left leg because I couldn't get the diaper up with one hand as I was using part of my other to hold her right leg. Then add all the bells and whistles she's has attached to her and it gets a little complicated. I did finally get the diaper on and in place. Mike will get to do it next time. All in all a fabulous day for us.
Today was a different story, we were planning to do another extended visit where we do an hour then run some errands and get lunch and come back for another hour before we head home. The hospital drop off was a nightmare, I guess with free valet you have to expect that. We get up to the NICU and are all scrubbed in and just said hi to Lucy when our nurse comes over to tell us that they just had twins sent in and will be doing a sterile procedure and we would need to leave for at least 1/2 hour. So we turned around and waded through the hospital drop off to go get lunch. By the time we got to lunch we had wasted an hour. We finally got back there Lucy seemed over stimulated due to all the commotion with the other babies, so we decided to stay for an hour and then let her get some peace and quiet.
Add to this, I spoke with the social worker about the Ronald McDonald house and we found out that a room is not first come first serve. Rooms are assigned not only based on how long you have been on the waiting list but how far away you live from the hospital. So it's possible we don't get a room if another family lives farther away. As of now there are four families on the waiting list and no rooms to become availble in the next week or so. If surgery is scheduled we will have to book a hotel to be close. What a bummer! We'll just have to keep praying and leave it all in the hands of the man above.
Yesterday was a good day. We found out during our morning visit that Lucy gained 3 ounces, which brings her up to 3 pounds and 8 ounces. She is really packing on the weight. It will probably be the only time she'll hear this with such excitement. The neonatalogists and cardiologist did their rounds while we were there and both said Lucy is very stable. It looks like the hybrid procedure will happen in a week or so, but like everything else we don't have a specific date.
At our night appointment, wait for it........I got to change her diaper! Yes, you read that right!
Those are my hands below.
While everything in the picture looks calm, it got a little crazy about 30 seconds later. Lucy for sure likes to be left alone and boy does she have some strong legs. Mike had to hold her left leg because I couldn't get the diaper up with one hand as I was using part of my other to hold her right leg. Then add all the bells and whistles she's has attached to her and it gets a little complicated. I did finally get the diaper on and in place. Mike will get to do it next time. All in all a fabulous day for us.
Today was a different story, we were planning to do another extended visit where we do an hour then run some errands and get lunch and come back for another hour before we head home. The hospital drop off was a nightmare, I guess with free valet you have to expect that. We get up to the NICU and are all scrubbed in and just said hi to Lucy when our nurse comes over to tell us that they just had twins sent in and will be doing a sterile procedure and we would need to leave for at least 1/2 hour. So we turned around and waded through the hospital drop off to go get lunch. By the time we got to lunch we had wasted an hour. We finally got back there Lucy seemed over stimulated due to all the commotion with the other babies, so we decided to stay for an hour and then let her get some peace and quiet.
Add to this, I spoke with the social worker about the Ronald McDonald house and we found out that a room is not first come first serve. Rooms are assigned not only based on how long you have been on the waiting list but how far away you live from the hospital. So it's possible we don't get a room if another family lives farther away. As of now there are four families on the waiting list and no rooms to become availble in the next week or so. If surgery is scheduled we will have to book a hotel to be close. What a bummer! We'll just have to keep praying and leave it all in the hands of the man above.
Monday, February 17, 2014
Best day ever
Our first trip to see Lucy from the condo turned out to be a great one despite the weather. Originally we were going to arrive at the hospital at 7:30 am so that we could leave and come back in the afternoon, but due to the snow we decided an extended visit late morning would work better.
When we got to the NICU, Lucy's nurse Wendy was just about to do her check-up. The check-up included taking her temperature and blood pressure, changing her diaper, emptying her lungs, flipping her to her other side and swabbing her mouth with breast milk. The nurse said I could change Lucy's diaper, but I was too nervous with all the tubes she is hooked up to. I decided to watch the first time and next time I would do the changing. She really does not like to be messed with because as Wendy started undoing the bedding she was immediately kicking and crying. The minute her hands were free she grabbed straight for her breathing tube. Mike held her hands as the Wendy completed the check-up and then wrapped her back up. Almost instantly she was calm again. Then she got two swabs of breast milk, one on the inside of her mouth and one on her lips. She seemed to really like it! I think the weirdest part was watching her cry, but not hearing a sound due to the breathing tube.
Next the cardiologists stopped by for their rounds and discussed the plan for Lucy. The doctors decided that she will get the Hybrid procedure first. This is where they use a catheter to place a stint to keep the PDA open and bands are placed around the pulmonary arteries to control flow to lungs. The procedure has not been scheduled but should happen within the next two weeks. Depending on how she does after the surgery she will get to come home with us!! Then she will be monitored through appointments and when she is strong enough the next step would be the Norwood.
We will get to hold her before she goes into to surgery and we are both so excited about that!
Here's Lucy fist pumping with the news that surgery is just around the corner.
When we got to the NICU, Lucy's nurse Wendy was just about to do her check-up. The check-up included taking her temperature and blood pressure, changing her diaper, emptying her lungs, flipping her to her other side and swabbing her mouth with breast milk. The nurse said I could change Lucy's diaper, but I was too nervous with all the tubes she is hooked up to. I decided to watch the first time and next time I would do the changing. She really does not like to be messed with because as Wendy started undoing the bedding she was immediately kicking and crying. The minute her hands were free she grabbed straight for her breathing tube. Mike held her hands as the Wendy completed the check-up and then wrapped her back up. Almost instantly she was calm again. Then she got two swabs of breast milk, one on the inside of her mouth and one on her lips. She seemed to really like it! I think the weirdest part was watching her cry, but not hearing a sound due to the breathing tube.
Next the cardiologists stopped by for their rounds and discussed the plan for Lucy. The doctors decided that she will get the Hybrid procedure first. This is where they use a catheter to place a stint to keep the PDA open and bands are placed around the pulmonary arteries to control flow to lungs. The procedure has not been scheduled but should happen within the next two weeks. Depending on how she does after the surgery she will get to come home with us!! Then she will be monitored through appointments and when she is strong enough the next step would be the Norwood.
We will get to hold her before she goes into to surgery and we are both so excited about that!
Here's Lucy fist pumping with the news that surgery is just around the corner.
Discharged
When you are getting married, so many people tell you to take some time on the day of your wedding to breathe it all in because it goes by so quickly. I think they should tell you the same thing when you deliver a baby. We were in the hospital for four days and it felt like the blink of an eye. As I reflect back on the weekend from my couch, I almost can't believe Lucy is 4 days old.
Our daily routine consisted of a meal, pumping, a visit to the NICU, a nap and repeat. Our room constantly had visitors: from our nurses checking my vitals, to the MFM OB's, the doctor who delivered Lucy, fetal cardiologist, pediatric cardiologist, lactation specialist, case worker, Chaplin, I could go on and on. The staff at Advocate Christ was amazing and as much as we were in a hospital, they really made me feel somewhat at home. We usually would visit Lucy about 3 or 4 times a day, but only for about ten to fifteen minutes at a time. She really is in great hands with NICU nurses. They would sit with us and answer all our questions, provide updates on her check-ups and explain all the monitors and tubes running to and from our baby (we counted 14 tubes hooked up to Lucy!). We don't do a lot when we are with her but stare as she looks so peaceful and sleeping is when she is working the hardest to get strong. Over the course of four days she has gained 4 ounces. The one thing all the nurses said was she is a really good baby unless your try to mess with her (ie. her checkup/tests), then she's feisty as no other. We are sure in for a ride when she comes home, but I'm hoping, just maybe, she'll have learned to sleep through the night (I know, wishful thinking).
This morning as we planned for discharge, we waited to hear from the Ronald McDonald house about an open room. Unfortunately there were no rooms open Sunday. I was heart broken that we would have to go home and be so far from the hospital. I thought not being able to hold Lucy would be the hardest thing, but leaving the hospital without her was much harder. I know we will be back everyday to see her, but we're just hoping she gets to come home with us soon.
We also would like to thank our friends, family and my hubby for bringing in several meals. I could have lost all my pregnancy weight if I ate only hospital meals.
We ask that you pray specifically for a room to open up at the Ronald McDonald House, for Lucy's strength and God's hand over the doctors and nurses that are treating her.
Here is a shot of her full set up! So many monitors....
Our daily routine consisted of a meal, pumping, a visit to the NICU, a nap and repeat. Our room constantly had visitors: from our nurses checking my vitals, to the MFM OB's, the doctor who delivered Lucy, fetal cardiologist, pediatric cardiologist, lactation specialist, case worker, Chaplin, I could go on and on. The staff at Advocate Christ was amazing and as much as we were in a hospital, they really made me feel somewhat at home. We usually would visit Lucy about 3 or 4 times a day, but only for about ten to fifteen minutes at a time. She really is in great hands with NICU nurses. They would sit with us and answer all our questions, provide updates on her check-ups and explain all the monitors and tubes running to and from our baby (we counted 14 tubes hooked up to Lucy!). We don't do a lot when we are with her but stare as she looks so peaceful and sleeping is when she is working the hardest to get strong. Over the course of four days she has gained 4 ounces. The one thing all the nurses said was she is a really good baby unless your try to mess with her (ie. her checkup/tests), then she's feisty as no other. We are sure in for a ride when she comes home, but I'm hoping, just maybe, she'll have learned to sleep through the night (I know, wishful thinking).
This morning as we planned for discharge, we waited to hear from the Ronald McDonald house about an open room. Unfortunately there were no rooms open Sunday. I was heart broken that we would have to go home and be so far from the hospital. I thought not being able to hold Lucy would be the hardest thing, but leaving the hospital without her was much harder. I know we will be back everyday to see her, but we're just hoping she gets to come home with us soon.
We also would like to thank our friends, family and my hubby for bringing in several meals. I could have lost all my pregnancy weight if I ate only hospital meals.
We ask that you pray specifically for a room to open up at the Ronald McDonald House, for Lucy's strength and God's hand over the doctors and nurses that are treating her.
Saturday, February 15, 2014
Lucy arrives!
Thursday morning we arrived at the hospital at 6 am. After we were admitted they took blood, did an echo on the baby to check her heart and then we were ready for delivery. It was about 7:30 am so we had a four and a half hour wait. As we watched Law and Order, we had several doctors, nurses and care partners stop in to talk to us about delivery, breast feeding and the NICU. Then at 10 am, the nurse and doctor swoop in to tell us one of the other cases was delayed and we were up. Mike changed into scrubs (he looked so cute!) and we headed to the OR. Mike had to sit outside for thirty minutes while they prepped me. They gave me anesthesia (man it sure is weird to hear everything but not feel anything) and leg compressions and we were ready to go.
Mike sat with me above the curtain. He was told by friends not to look and I don't think he wanted too. I also was watching the doctor white board. I was brought in at 11:02, incision was made at 11:22 and she was out by 11:35. Crazy how quickly it all goes. But when we heard her cry, it brought tears to both of our eyes. After everything we have been through it was almost surreal to hear that cry. The nurses wrapped her up, put a hat on her and brought her over for a peek. Man, she was little, but oh so adorable. They whisked her away to the NICU to check her vitals and do an echo on her heart and we moved onto recovery. I felt pretty good, just a little pain. But the worst was the itching, all over non-stop. They allowed us to go see her before we settled in our room. When we arrived in the NICU we found out that the hospital was no longer allowing anyone but parents due to the flu outbreak. We were very sad that our family was not going to be able to meet her (probably for awhile).
I was placed on bed rest for the next twelve hours. Our family kept us company for a while and then Mike and I got some rest. As soon as bed rest was lifted we headed down to see Lucy. By 1 am, she was hooked up on all her machines. They have a feeding and saline line through her umbilical cord, oxygen through her nose and she was placed on a breathing tube to relieve stress. We visit her about three to four times a day. We can't hold her, but we are able to touch her head and hands.
As of now, she is stable and doing well. The cardiologists have not decided what path we will take. They are giving her a few days to settle and stabilize. All the nurses say she is doing so well. We are hoping to know more by Monday.
I'm to be discharged on Sunday and we are hoping a room opens up at Ronald McDonald house so we can stay close by to visit and talk to her as much as possible.
We want to thank everyone for the prayers, emails, posts and text messages. We really have no words that can express how grateful we are for the support you have shown us through this emotional process. We are praising God for our precious little girl
As of now, she is stable and doing well. The cardiologists have not decided what path we will take. They are giving her a few days to settle and stabilize. All the nurses say she is doing so well. We are hoping to know more by Monday.
I'm to be discharged on Sunday and we are hoping a room opens up at Ronald McDonald house so we can stay close by to visit and talk to her as much as possible.
We want to thank everyone for the prayers, emails, posts and text messages. We really have no words that can express how grateful we are for the support you have shown us through this emotional process. We are praising God for our precious little girl
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
par for the course
According to my last update we were set to deliver on February 18th, with two check ups this week on Tuesday and Friday. The one thing we thought might actually be a constant in this whole process was the delivery date. Man, God's plan sure doesn't line up with our plan, but we've been able to trust that everything is happening as he planned.
The appointment on Tuesday was pretty standard, NST was reactive. The Doppler's showed mostly the same thing. We met with a new MFM OB after and she explained she was seeing absence of flow in the umbilical cord. We talked through the stages and we were not at the worst and still had some time. She knew we would be coming in Friday morning for another follow-up, but was really concerned about sending me home over the weekend. She recommended that we probably be admitted on Friday and monitor the baby through Tuesday delivery. The doctor's have their weekly meeting to discuss cases and Dr. Rai said she would call me after the meeting to let me know what the delivery plan they decided. We received a call from the nurse around 10 am, and when I returned her call she greeted me and then said, "you're going to have the baby tomorrow, okay." I think I was speechless for a moment because she said hello again. Then she said the doctor wanted to talk with me. Most of the conversation was blur, but really what it came down to was from Thursday to next Tuesday the baby was not going to grow significantly and the doctors thought better to deliver early. So tomorrow we will arrive at the hospital around 6 am for labs, ultrasound and pre-op and by early afternoon we will have a new addition to our family.
If you'd like to send a personal message you can email at b3shannon@gmail.com, otherwise we welcome comments to the blog.
The appointment on Tuesday was pretty standard, NST was reactive. The Doppler's showed mostly the same thing. We met with a new MFM OB after and she explained she was seeing absence of flow in the umbilical cord. We talked through the stages and we were not at the worst and still had some time. She knew we would be coming in Friday morning for another follow-up, but was really concerned about sending me home over the weekend. She recommended that we probably be admitted on Friday and monitor the baby through Tuesday delivery. The doctor's have their weekly meeting to discuss cases and Dr. Rai said she would call me after the meeting to let me know what the delivery plan they decided. We received a call from the nurse around 10 am, and when I returned her call she greeted me and then said, "you're going to have the baby tomorrow, okay." I think I was speechless for a moment because she said hello again. Then she said the doctor wanted to talk with me. Most of the conversation was blur, but really what it came down to was from Thursday to next Tuesday the baby was not going to grow significantly and the doctors thought better to deliver early. So tomorrow we will arrive at the hospital around 6 am for labs, ultrasound and pre-op and by early afternoon we will have a new addition to our family.
If you'd like to send a personal message you can email at b3shannon@gmail.com, otherwise we welcome comments to the blog.
Saturday, February 8, 2014
the date
The next set of appointments went well. We saw no changes at this time. Both NST's were reactive and the Doppler's showed blood flow was the same as well. We also had another echo and the cardiologists said her heart looked stable. We also got to meet with the pediatric cardiologist. He will be in charge of all her care from birth through all three surgeries and appointments in between. We learned that a doctor is with the babies twenty four hours a day and that the team meets weekly to discuss each case so every doctor is up to date on each patient. He gave us one task to take home and that was to start looking for a pediatrician. So any Lombard/Elmhurst residents, we're taking recommendations.
On to the good stuff.....after the appointments, we met with one of the MFM OB's to discuss our plan for delivery. We talked about the two issues that we're facing:
1. resistance from the placenta/blood flow from umbilical, which is stunting her growth
2. the underdeveloped heart
Deciding when the best time to deliver can be tricky because the OB would want to deliver around 37 weeks to ensure they can provide the nutrients she need to grow, however the cardiologists would prefer to deliver close to term to allow her to get a big as possible so she is strong enough for surgery. When we talked to the surgeon, he gave us a lot of comfort in knowing that they could perform the hybrid procedure if she was too small for surgery. Ultimately we decided the the issues stunting her growth should be considered first (especially because if blood flow were to get worse, it's possible she could be stillborn) so we set the delivery date for February 18th. Yikes, that's 10 days. It's finally starting to settle in...10 days from now everything changes. Brigid, Erin and John become aunts and uncles, our parents become grandparents and we will be parents! Whoa. Prior to delivery we will have two more appointments where they monitor me and the baby. The doctor said to bring our bag to both appointments, because if they see anything change we would be admitted and delivery would be moved up.
Hopefully, we can make it to the 18th so we have time to get everything we need in order. We don't have a lot to get in order because we won't be bringing her home right away and will have time after delivery to do anything we missed.
Again, we thank all of you for your prayers and support. We ask that you continue to pray for her stability and as much peace of mind for Mike and I as possible.
On to the good stuff.....after the appointments, we met with one of the MFM OB's to discuss our plan for delivery. We talked about the two issues that we're facing:
1. resistance from the placenta/blood flow from umbilical, which is stunting her growth
2. the underdeveloped heart
Deciding when the best time to deliver can be tricky because the OB would want to deliver around 37 weeks to ensure they can provide the nutrients she need to grow, however the cardiologists would prefer to deliver close to term to allow her to get a big as possible so she is strong enough for surgery. When we talked to the surgeon, he gave us a lot of comfort in knowing that they could perform the hybrid procedure if she was too small for surgery. Ultimately we decided the the issues stunting her growth should be considered first (especially because if blood flow were to get worse, it's possible she could be stillborn) so we set the delivery date for February 18th. Yikes, that's 10 days. It's finally starting to settle in...10 days from now everything changes. Brigid, Erin and John become aunts and uncles, our parents become grandparents and we will be parents! Whoa. Prior to delivery we will have two more appointments where they monitor me and the baby. The doctor said to bring our bag to both appointments, because if they see anything change we would be admitted and delivery would be moved up.
Hopefully, we can make it to the 18th so we have time to get everything we need in order. We don't have a lot to get in order because we won't be bringing her home right away and will have time after delivery to do anything we missed.
Again, we thank all of you for your prayers and support. We ask that you continue to pray for her stability and as much peace of mind for Mike and I as possible.
Saturday, February 1, 2014
and in this corner
weighing in at 3 pounds 4 ounces.....yes, that is her current weight. Mike and I were both hoping she would reach 4 pounds, but when we met with the doctor she seemed very happy with the 8 ounce weight gain.
All appointments this week were good with no changes. Her movement through both NST were fantastic and she continues to be very active. The growth ultrasound looked good and there were no major issues, aside from her slow growth (but we knew that going in). The Doppler's continue to show blood flow has not changed. My blood pressure was down and my weight has remained the same as well. I think last week was just a fluke as I was nervous about the blood flow and how that would impact the pregnancy. Since the results from the previous week were good, I think I was way more relaxed at this appointment.
We met with Dr. Kay and she stated the doctors will be meeting Wednesday to discuss our case and the best options for us. With the slow growth, we will likely deliver around 37 weeks and because she is so little they do not think she will be able to handle natural birth so we'll be scheduled for a c-section. We will continue the Doppler's to ensure blood flow does not get worse. February 16th is 37 weeks, so we think we'll be scheduled within that week.
We really hope in the next two weeks she can add a pound, we just want her to be as strong as possible. Prayers for growth and strength for our girl would be very appreciated.
When we met with Dr. Ilbawi we asked what would happen if we delivered early. Since she will be too small and most likely too weak, he would perform a Hybrid procedure. This procedure involves stenting of the patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) and banding the blood vessels to the lungs (pulmonary arteries). This would stay in place until she is strong enough to have the Norwood.
All appointments this week were good with no changes. Her movement through both NST were fantastic and she continues to be very active. The growth ultrasound looked good and there were no major issues, aside from her slow growth (but we knew that going in). The Doppler's continue to show blood flow has not changed. My blood pressure was down and my weight has remained the same as well. I think last week was just a fluke as I was nervous about the blood flow and how that would impact the pregnancy. Since the results from the previous week were good, I think I was way more relaxed at this appointment.
We met with Dr. Kay and she stated the doctors will be meeting Wednesday to discuss our case and the best options for us. With the slow growth, we will likely deliver around 37 weeks and because she is so little they do not think she will be able to handle natural birth so we'll be scheduled for a c-section. We will continue the Doppler's to ensure blood flow does not get worse. February 16th is 37 weeks, so we think we'll be scheduled within that week.
We really hope in the next two weeks she can add a pound, we just want her to be as strong as possible. Prayers for growth and strength for our girl would be very appreciated.
When we met with Dr. Ilbawi we asked what would happen if we delivered early. Since she will be too small and most likely too weak, he would perform a Hybrid procedure. This procedure involves stenting of the patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) and banding the blood vessels to the lungs (pulmonary arteries). This would stay in place until she is strong enough to have the Norwood.
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