Last trip to Birmingham

I had my last ultrasound done in Birmingham (I've been going every month to monitor the baby). Things are looking great. There is a slight chance her right fibula is actually there, but the bones are really thin and the leg is short, so it's hard to tell. And he actually saw part of the bladder! That was the first time there was any evidence that it existed (albeit split in half, most likely).

Other than that, things are the same. He thinks he sees part of the liver in the omphalocele, but it's not a significant amount, so the size of the O probably won't hinder my ability to deliver vaginally. He may see a slight gap (or opening) in the sacral region of the spinal column, but it's too hard to tell. The fact that there are no abnormalities in her brain size or structure is a good indication that it's probably not open spina bifida. There is definitely scoliosis of the spine in the lumbar and sacral regions, as well as some hemivertebrae. Again, we can't know for sure the significance of that in terms of paralysis and innervation of the bowel and urinary tract. We'll find out soon enough.

So, in a week, we are off to Baltimore. I don't feel any contractions or anything, so I'm hopeful that we'll make it up there with no problems. We'll keep you posted!

Thank you!

I just wanted to say a quick thank you to all who have so willingly offered to help us. It really is overwhelming. For those who are boarding Jack and I while we await our baby's arrival, who have offered to babysit Jack while I go to my doctor's appointments, who have offered frequent flyer miles, meals, winter clothes for Jack...I can't put into words how much we appreciate your generosity, hospitality, and Christian charity. It is certainly humbling to accept your gifts, knowing that there is no way we could ever repay you. Just know that you are in our constant prayers!

Michele, John Mark, Jack, and Baby

It's official!

We're going to Hopkins. :) It finally hit me when the perinatologist's assistant called today to list off the numerous appointments I have the 2nd week in October. That's after driving John Mark to the airport and saying goodbye, with the expectation of not seeing him for possibly 3 weeks. It's going to be a long month.

The good news is that our friends who live outside of B'more have offered to house Jack and I until we deliver the baby! Wow, what an answered prayer! (Particularly after seeing the prices of extended-stay hotels in the area.) It will also allay my fear of bringing Jack with me to the hospital while I'm in active labor. To know that someone can watch him until John Mark and/or my folks arrive, brings infinite comfort! It's hard to accept such generosity, but I know that it's time to humbly say "yes" when others offer their help. I only wish I could repay them in some way.

I'm going to miss my home...I honestly don't really know how I'm going to handle being away for so long (probably 3 months or more, I suppose?). I wasn't too impressed with Johns Hopkins in the way of hospitality - there is no place for Jack to run around (which he needs to do on an hourly basis in order to stay sane), the food stinks, and there are a gazillion people going in every direction at all times. I hear that parents even have to pay for coffee on the pediatric floor. At many hospitals, I've heard of parents receiving free meals while their kid is receiving treatment. Looks like I'll be packing a lot of peanut butter sandwiches! I also really don't like that the hospital is surrounded by sketchy neighborhoods. Hopefully, we'll be able to find a trusty public library or playground to allow Jack to spread out a bit. :)

So, I'm in the process of getting my life in order...figuring out a winter wardrobe for Jack and I (winter is coming much earlier for us this year!), stocking our freezer with meals for John Mark, transferring files to the lap top, buying plane tickets for John Mark and planning our drive north. Making sure I pack everything I need w/o having to rent a Uhaul. ;-) This is so not a small task, considering how tiny our car is. Jack's stroller takes up half of the trunk! lol.

So, please continue praying for our family. We are so excited to have the opportunity to receive treatment from Dr. Gearhart and his crew. We pray that our little one stays warm and cozy in my womb until we are safely in B'more.

I'll keep you posted!
Michele