Baby 2's Progress

The day I've been not-so-patiently waiting for was finally here today - getting to hear the update from the perinatal physicians on the growth and progress of our baby's heart! I MAY or may not have had a few stress dreams about this day, particularly last night, about forgetting to drop Spencer off at Stephanie's, being too late for the appointment and having to wade through water to get to the office! But I digress... :) The day went according to plan and we arrived within plenty of time... so we could wait in the office for what seemed like an eternity. After an extra 20 minutes of waiting, we were finally ushered in to the ultrasound room and began to look at what is becoming a familiar sight to us - a broken heart. 

Baby Poorman decided he wanted to sleep almost through the entire procedure, with one hand in front of his face and the other holding on to his toes. :) When he sleeps that cute, it's hard to wish he would move! But it did make for some difficult photos and we never did see his whole body (or face, which is what I wanted to see!) the way they would've liked. Thankfully however, he did let the cardiologist see what she needed to see, at least well enough to give us an update!  

The hole in his heart is still significant. There's still blackness where there shouldn't be. We have made the decision to deliver downtown right next to Children's Hospital because of the high likelihood that his oxygen sats will not be where a regular nursery and staff would be comfortable with and they would transfer him to the NICU to be cared for. Since there is such a high likelihood, I am most comfortable with being downtown so that if he is transferred to Children's, we are right there next to him. 

That being said, we received the news that thankfully, since his last visit, nothing has changed or deteriorated with his condition and the surrounding parts that they were concerned about! And his heart function, what IS working, is working very well, pumping and working hard to grow him well (and by grow him well, I mean that he is ALREADY 4 1/2 pounds -- at 31 weeks!! Yikes!) The cardiologist told us that things were looking so good, considering, that we would not have to return for another check before he's born! They will do their tests and run the echo after he's born, but until then, he looks good enough to receive his regular prenatal care and not have to do anything until after he arrives. What a HUGE blessing! 

I cannot tell you how thankful I am for all the prayers offered up on our child's behalf. And I know you have made a difference; I know God doesn't owe us good news or positive answers, but I am so incredibly humbled and truly, truly grateful that He has sent some grace to us in this process. Thank you all again!

Psalm 103 Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. 2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: 3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; 4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies.