June 10th - 28 wks

Today was my 28 week apppointment with the MFM. I think I forgot to mention in my last update that it was going to be 2 weeks until my next appointment so that's why there was no update last week. Everything continues to look really well. My cervix measures over 4 cm still and the blood flow in the baby's brain is right on target and he is not showing any signs of anemia. I had my titer drawn today and have the results already and it is still at 1:16! This is all great news! We discussed what I can expect for the rest of the pregnancy and to what extent I should be on bedrest. I can pretty much do whatever I feel like, but with the sense that I know how much is too much. Being that I am 28 wks now, we are at a MUCH safer place for the baby to be delivered without any long-term side effects. We have had a babysitter to help with the kids since my surgery 10 wks ago and my doctor recommended that I wait until I am at least 32 wks before taking back on the job of full-time mom. I can expect my cerclage (stitch) to be taken out between 36 and 37 weeks and this can be done at my local doctor's office. I will still be going to the MFM weekly for ultrasounds because we need to make sure the the baby is not becoming anemic from the antibody issue. With as well as things are going I am beginning to think he may be negative for the antigen and thus there is not an incompatibility between mine and his blood, but it doesn't hurt to check and make sure he is as healthy as he should be. :-) I am so thankful my doctor is so thorough - I love that! Thank you SO MUCH for your continued support. I am getting so excited about getting to meet this little miracle! I thought I would share some pictures of "us."
Today's ultrasound

11 wks to go!

A Day at the Zoo

Thursday we went to the Louisville Zoo with my mom and two sisters and their kids. It was hot, but none of us minded a bit - we all love being out in the sunshine! I rented a wheelchair for the day, and I had plenty of help with the kids. It was such a nice, enjoyable day! The kids had a blast and were so good for such a long, hot day. I am so thankful that I am not having to miss out on events like these!

Starting out


The Zoo has a "splash park," a water play area. I think this may have been the kids favorite part!

Clayton was all over the place!


Grant couldn't stop giggling!


Evan finally warmed up to the idea and really enjoyed himself!

Updated Pics

Just wanted to share the boys' latest picture together. I've also updated their individual pictures in the sidebar. :-)

May 27th - 26 wks

Today was my 26-week appointment with the MFM. Cervical length and MCA measurements both look great!! (Cervical length was 4.28 cm and MCA was a PSV of 34 and an MoM of 1.08). I had my blood drawn and I was able to get those results this evening! :-) My titer is still holding steady at 1:16, which is good! I am so thankful that things are going so smoothly. It looks as if my abnormal pregnancy is turning into a normal one! :-) We still have 13 wks to go so your continued prayers are greatly appreciated - they have no doubt pulled us through so far!

Happy 7th Anniversary!

Yesterday was mine and Andy's 7-year anniversary. Here we are 3.5 kids later, and I love him more and more each day. He has exceeded my expectations as a husband and father and I am constantly amazed that God saw fit to bless me with him as my lifelong companion. We are growing up together and we will grow old together. I look forward to many more years of memories!

Then


Now

May 21st - 25 wks

Yesterday was my weekly visit with the MFM. Not really much to report other than everything continues to stay stable. Cervical length is still over 4 cm. Blood flow through baby's brain (MCA) looks good with a PSV of 22 and an MoM of .72. Next week will be my next titer check and again, depending on those results, I could be getting an amnio later in the week. I get these titer checks every 2 weeks now since they can change more rapidly the further along in the pregnancy we get.

A Growing Heart and Graduation

Today was an eventful day!! Evan had his yearly heart checkup with the pediatric cardiologist and he is doing SUPER! Not that I worry about him too much any more, but it is always exciting to go in and hear that everything is functioning as if he was never born with a heart defect. :-) His doctor said that the reduction in the size of the hole from birth until now is quite remarkable. Definitely not something you see every day! But we will take it, lol! Evan was so well-behaved during his appointment - he amazes me. He sat very still during the echo and just grinned at his doctor while she listened to his heart. I couldn't have asked for a better experience. We are so blessed to have such a wonderful group of pediatric cardiologists and the doctor we saw today is my favorite. She is always so thorough and is more than happy to answer all of my questions. Evan will continue to get yearly heart checkups. Because of the location of the hole being so close to another valve, there is a minute chance that it could cause pulling and leakage in that adjacent valve, so we just have to check on that every once in a while, but should in all likelihood never be a concern. Here is a picture of my smiley little guy. He brings so much joy to our lives. And Mommy finally got one that looks just like me!! :-)


Clayton had his last day of preschool and graduation today! This was his second year of preschool and he will still have one more year of it before starting kindergarten in the fall of 2009. His school and teacher are so wonderful and always manage to exceed my expectations. We are so fortunate to have the opportunity to take advantage of such an excellent preschool program!

Our graduate: