Ultrasound 4-26-10

The technician was able to get a great picture of Hope's little fingertips. You can see her cheek by her thumb.

The kids love this picture of her foot. We all can't wait to smooch her little toes.

There's our sweet girl's profile. Just sleeping away. Always a joy to be able to see her so much.

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. " James 1:2-3

Just the day before our ultrasound our pastor started a sermon series from the book of James. God's timing for James 1:1-8 to be taught just the day before Hope's ultrasound was well....perfect. Isn't His timing always that way? Andy and I got up Monday morning with just a complete joy and peace knowing that God is in total control of all things and our daughter is in the best hands ever, her maker and creator!!!

On the way to the visit we had a great time of talking and preparing. Our technician for the day was very sweet and helpful. Hope was sleeping and just casually moving around and stretching here and there. It was so sweet to watch her stretch her little hand and see all five fingers spread out and then quickly go back to a fist on top of her forehead. We are so blessed to be able to see baby Hopie as much as we do. (that is her nickname given by the two littles) Here is what the latest is..... The hygroma was 1.8 this time, last apt it was 1.7. Her heart still looks wonderful and we rejoiced that her kidney has gone down in dialation! The fluid in her brain measured at 11.1 and last visit it was 12.2. So that went down a little, but the doctor said it can go either way and will keep a close eye on the measurements. Today was the first time they measured the amniotic fluid. I measured at 22.9 and 25 is the concern level. So they will be watching that very closely as well. We are not sure what that means, but we have learned to not ask questions and "worry" about things that we do not need too. We just continue to pray for our doctors that the Lord pours out His wisdom on them, please pray this with us!!!

As for contractions.... I am doing well with the two medications. We only have about 2 or 3 contractions an hour now. That is SO much better. Each week we see as a huge milestone and are so very thankful. We are half way through week 28 and when we really think about it long enough we are blown away by God's goodness and love for us. We know that we are still going to be facing trials in the up and coming weeks, but we also know that God is in total control. He has proven Himself faithful time and time again. I am thankful for the journey that He has our family on. We are learning to really trust in Him and give over all control, like we had any to begin with. :) We love you all and are so thankful for your encouragement and love through this.

Quick Update

I went to the OB today for a "quick" check to see if the new med is working. I told the doctor that I still contract on the medicine. So she did an exam to see if anything had changed. Good news is that I am still only 1cm dialated but now I am 40% effaced. Just a little change. I was thankful it wasn't more. So now I am to take motrin with the medicine for the contractions. They are hoping that the two together will help settle things down. We will see. :) Andy and I have Hope's ultrasound this next Monday. We have a nice list of questions to ask the doctor about the latest witht the fluid on her brain. Happy Monday to him!!! :) I am so very thankful that God has provided us with these wonderful doctors. Please pray for God to give them wisdom as they take care of Hope and make plans for the near future.

update

Since our OB appointment last Thursday, things have been a ride! My poor family. :) On Thursday the doctor checked me and I have started to dialate from the contractions that I have been having. When she checked me that morning I was 1cm and everything else was ok. She told me to take Procardia every 4 hours no matter what and then come back in one week. Well... I had an allergic reaction to that med and was still contracting about 5-6 contractions in an hour. So... back to the labor and delivery triage we go. (I brought my own belts with me this time, the nurse was very thankful!) After watching the contractions on the monitor they gave me a shot of another medication and waited. The doctor checked me again and now I was a "solid" 1cm and now 20% effaced. They sent me home with a RX of the new med and I am to take it every 4 hours. I am still contracting here and there. When I get to the 5-6 contractions in an hour I lay down and wait it out. I will be going back to the doctor this Thursday. We are praying that this new medication will help keep Hope in mommy's tummy for a little longer.

Ultrasound 4-12-10

Today was our 26 week ultrasound, yes 26 weeks!!! We are so thankful that God has brought us this far. Today's appointment wasn't as full of good news like the past apts have been. But we are choosing to praise God in the good news and praise Him in the "bad" news. A lot easier said than done though I have to admit. Let's start filling you in on the good news. She is growing very well and is already 2 pounds and 4 ounces. A little side note, her feet are huge!! The tech just got her two feet in view and we both couldn't believe how big they are. They are very long and skinny. Her heart is looking great and everything is looking proportioned. The doctor was encouraged by her growth and said that so far her umbilical cord does not seem to be hindering her growth. Now with the prayer requests. Her kidney is still dilated, but we will just keep watching. Nothing in a horrible range just yet. They did focus a lot on her brain today and said that she does have a level of fluid in the Left Ventricle that he is concerned about. They do not like to see anything over 10 and her levels were measuring at 12.5. As far as what this means, we just don't know yet. Instead of going back in a month he will do another ultrasound in two weeks to measure the fluid. From there we will either wait and watch or possibly order a fetal MRI to take a closer look at things. I know I don't need to ask, but please pray for Hope. Pray that she is not in any pain from the pressure that the fluid could be causing and that this will not cause permanent damage. We would also ask that you pray for wisdom for the doctors. We know that none of this is a surprise to God and He has it all under control. I go in for an appointment to the regular OB on Thursday and I will hopefully be able to ask her some questions about this newest situation. Dr. Sorenson is very helpful and I am looking forward to talking with her. A side note: I am contracting a lot. So today the doctor gave me a prescription to help calm them down. I was so thankful that they are able to help us with that.

Resting in God's Mighty and capable Hands,

Andy and Jenn