Hello 3rd Trimester

Where to begin? This last month has been filled with lots of appointments, classes, and more appointments. We’ve been to a follow up echo, OB appointments, Hospitalization of your Newborn classes, and a 28 week growth scan. Few updates since the last blog:

• Heart – All things considering, the follow up echo went fairly well. The fluid around the heart has remained the same (hasn’t increased) which is great news. Lily’s activity was also at what appeared to be a normal level which eased the cardiologist’s concerns about her “hyperactive” movement. We went back through the defects making up the Complete AVSD – there are 4 to 5 moderate to large defects which unfortunately makes the risk of pulmonary hypertension increase. This could cause some issues pre and post-surgery but hard to tell for now. We will have one more echo October 5^th but otherwise it’s a waiting game to see how baby girl does when she gets here. Our cardiologist continued to be amazing and her compassion and understanding definitely made me feel like we were in the best hands possible.
• Classes – We spent the last two Thursday evenings at a class called “Hospitalization of your Newborn”. Didn’t give me the warm and fuzzies like Basic baby 101 training did with Case but it was informative and helped ease some of the unknowns – which I still find is one the scariest parts of all of this. Besides learning the ins and out of the NICU/CVICU, we were able to also meet with other parents that have been in our shoes. While their road to this point wasn’t easy (to say the least), it was encouraging to see their outcomes and positivity when talking about the future. There were also others in the class that moved to Houston specifically to be at TCH – a husband traveling back and forth from Louisiana for work, a military family that had to uproot their other 2 children, a family from Japan with zero family here, another couple expecting twins with one having a pretty serious CHD while the other is perfectly healthy – my heart hurt for each of these families and definitely increased my appreciation for being so close to TCH and having the support system we have here so close. The long NICU stay still terrifies me, especially with Case at home, having a c-section and waiting to see my baby girl for possibly 24 hrs., not being able to nurse, and so much more but knowing she is under the best care of doctors in the world eases some of those fears. I know she will have the best care and outcome right here in H-town.
• Growth Scan – We had a 28 week growth scan yesterday. Growth scans are usually done for babies w/ DS as the placenta also carries the extra chromosome and is known to fail earlier and cord flow can decline not allowing baby to get everything it needs to grow properly. Lily was in the 16^th percentile which isn’t ideal (although babies with Ds do tend to measure on the smaller side). The doctor didn’t seem too concerned as long as she keeps projecting at this rate so I’ll be returning at 32 weeks. Please say a prayer this # doesn’t decline – we need her as big and strong as possible for when it comes time for surgery. We will also start NSTs (non-stress tests) @ 32 weeks which will watch her a little more closely as my pregnancy progresses. Praying Lily (and my placenta) can hang in there until 39 weeks which is when I’m scheduled for my C-section.

With all that said, these last few weeks have been a little easier – more good days than bad and I have finally been able to find some excitement again. After the diagnosis, I couldn’t even look at a bow, girl outfit, or think of planning the nursery without crying or feeling angry. And then I was angry for being angry and it was a vicious cycle. Going from being absolutely thrilled about having a girl to not being able to look at a pink outfit was heartbreaking and frustrating. BUT my registry is now full of bows (too many to count) and my Pinterest board is now on its way to designing a perfect nursery for my baby girl. If we can’t pick out newborn outfits due to NICU stay, you better believe she is going to have a cute new bow/hat every day! And the nursery – it’s ready to be painted in a peachy/pink color which Trevor actually encouraged (it’s literally his least favorite job in the world (next to moving) which just shows how much he’s been pushing me to find this excitement again – gotta love him). And then there is my mom and sisters who are amazing and off to planning a perfect baby shower for our girl!

I know I say it every time but I continue to thank God for still carrying me through the hard days and helping me find joy on the good days. I don’t know how people go through these type of situations without him – he’s definitely been my saving grace! One thing that has helped me tremendously has been listening to music on KSBJ and Amazon music that reminds me where to put my trust and faith when I start feeling overwhelmed. I can hear one song and my anxiety and fear seems to be lifted instantly. So rather than verses and quotes, I leave you with my top playlist lately. If anything, I personally want to be able to look back at these songs a year, 10, 20 years from now and remember how much they helped me through this time.

• Even If – Mercy Me
• Hills and Valleys – Tauren Wells
• It Is Well – Bethal Music
• Different – Micah Tyler
• Confidence – Sanctus Real
• Glimmer in the Dust – Hillsong United
• Gracefully Broken – Matt Redman
• The Breakup Song – Francesca Battistelli
• Do it Again – Elevation Worship

Thanks again for all the encouraging words and prayers. The outpour of love has been insane and the random texts I receive weekly from friends and family mean more than you know. They always seem to come at the most difficult times and I know there is no coincidence in that. Love you all!