Another week has come and gone and we are now past the 22 week mark. We had another appointment in Sioux Falls today and we are thankful to have positive information to share with you. When we go to Sioux Falls we basically have a very long ultrasound - I think today's lasted about 40 minutes. They try to check every part of anatomy from the heart down to little things like the nose and lip. Baby continues to grow - it now weighs 1lb 3 oz. We are thankful that our fluid level is higher yet again. We now have 3.7 cm of fluid compared to 2.7 measured three weeks ago and zero six weeks ago. This is a great thing. Dr. Boyle is very impressed we have that amount and said the more we can get the more chances the baby's lungs have to develop. Another item of praise is that the kidneys which looked inflamed last appointment haven't changed. Our ultrasound tech said they are at the high end of the normal range of size now and therefore most likely working properly. We also can see fluid in the stomach which means the baby is swallowing some fluid at least....we just won't know if it is enough until baby has to take its first breath outside of the womb.
Things for which we ask your prayers....
1. We couldn't get a clear picture but our baby may have one club foot. This just means that one of his/her feet are turned inward. The baby is sitting on one of its legs so it is pushed up against the outside of the womb. Normally a baby "floats" in the fluid and therefore everything can develop. Since the baby is pushed up against the membrane, it does not have enough strength to push away in order to grow. Instead everything just continues to grow where it is - or make adjustments and therefore the club foot. The doctor said this is fixable. If this is due to low fluid then it could most likely be fixed in the first few months with just a cast. If it is something genetic it takes a little more time and usually surgery but still fixable. Otherwise all of the baby's fingers & toes seem to be developed.
2. Time - we are praying that we make it to 24 weeks when they say the baby is viable outside the womb. This would be awesome! Originally we were going to be admitted at that time to Sanford and I would be on bed rest until delivery. At this point, if things continue to go well, we are considering staying home until 26 or 27 weeks. The doctor said it is our call but we must understand we are taking a risk in doing so because we would not be in the hospital for constant monitoring. We asked what they would do at the hospital that I wouldn't be doing at home. They would put me on a stress monitor three times a day for an hour each time, take vitals, and just be close in an emergency situation. Even in that scenario he said we are only watching the baby for 3 hours out of the day so we wouldn't be guaranteed anything either. If we were home I would go to Orange City two times a week to be placed on the stress monitor and take my own temp as I am doing now. So as of right now we are thinking that we will benefit more from staying home, being comfortable, and sleeping well for an extra two or three weeks rather than be sitting in the hospital for the same thing. These are our thoughts now but we ask for prayers as we make this decision and have to be aware of the risks that can occur.
3. Lastly, we were reminded of reality today. We have made it six weeks further than any doctor, nurse, or medical person would have thought. This baby is already a miracle. When things are going great it is easy to think everything is okay. When we left the hospital six weeks ago we were given a 5 - 10% chance that this baby would survive. If we keep the amount of fluid or gain a little more we are back to the 50% chance of survival. 50% is still a hard number to hear. We always want the truth but at the same time it reminds us we may make it to a viable stage and still lose this baby. God is good though and we continue to rely on Him for peace and endurance throughout this process.
What next - we continue to wait. We have another appointment scheduled in Sioux Falls in two weeks. At that point we could admit ourselves if we choose. Otherwise we can take it week by week. Thank you for all of your prayers, cards, and packages. We truly our blessed with great friends and family. We hope that you enjoy your weekend since it is actually nice out! (FYI - this is the first Friday in 6 weeks that it has not been hazy or raining. Every other appointment we have had we drove in rain.)
(To Makinley) Great work baby girl! You are hanging in there and we are so proud of you! Don't be disappointed about your club foot. We love you however God has made you. You are still special and we will overcome this as well. Your mommy & daddy love you lots little one!!!
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