We are now 5 weeks away and after yesterday I am feeling a bit more stressed about Whitney's upcoming arrival. My doctor appointment went well. She is no longer in the breach position which I suspected as she kept me wake the other night. This allowed us to get a great look at her spine which we have been unable to do through ultrasound. I have to admit that it was hard for me to see the reality of her spina bifida lesion. However, it does remind me how grateful I am that I am able to process this now before her arrival. She is now 4 lbs and 15 oz which places her in the 56th percentile. She has grown quite a bit in the last few weeks. Her hydrocephalus is now measuring 27 and 17. The ventricles are usually symmetrical so we are not sure what this means as of yet. The positive thing is that her head circumference is measuring normal. We were unable to see her feet so I pray that they are still not clubbed.
Matt met me for a tour of the NICU after my appointment and we were amazed at how large it was. There are currently 82 babies. We saw the first room and then the second and I thought, "wow they have 2 rooms". I think we saw around 16 different rooms with babies in them. Many of the babies are so tiny and have so many difficulties that it made me very grateful that Whitney will enter this world full term. I was encouraged to see 3 people I knew that I did not expect to see. It is always uplifting to see a familiar face. We did find out that Whitney's stay will be closer to 2 weeks not 1. We are a little disappointed as it will be very hard to leave her there for that long and more difficult as I am going to nurse her and will not be able to drive for a few weeks after surgery. The details will all iron out, right?
This week we also have a tour of the rehabilitation hospital in town and Fiona's toddler bed is scheduled to arrive. Next week we will begin our search of a school in the area that integrates special needs children. My next doctor appointment is on the 17th and it looks like it may be my last one before January 7th and 8th. The time is flying by.
4 comments:
Matt and Susan, We will continue to pray daily for you. Now especially for peace as you count down to your delivery date. I am so glad that you can process some of this before Whitney is born. There will be plenty to process after the birth but at least the spina bifida won't be a surprise. God is still in control even when it feels like your world is spinning out of control. All things for the good of those who love Him.
Love and prayers,
The Vsnder Boons
Oops, I can't even spell our name right. The last one was really from the Vander Boons. :-)
Hi Susan,
Thanks so much for this posting. It really helps me to know how to pray for you, Matt and your preparations for Whitney's arrival. I was hoping to e-mail you, but I guess I don't have your address. Would you mind sending that my way? You are a true gem and I know God smiles to see the way you and Matt are weathering this experience. I admire you. Have a wonderful day.
Much love,
Sarah Rozema
Hey Matt and Susan (and Fiona!)
Hang in there! We are praying for you all. It is good to hear the updates. I am so glad the Lord gave you this time to process things before Whitney's arrival. May He bless you with a calming peace as the time draws near! Try not to figure out everything at once! I always forge ahead like that and it never pays off for me. Just stresses me out. I will be praying for you daily and look forward to more updates soon. How excited Fiona will be for her new bed:)
Love in Christ,
Chuck and Laura
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