2 Appointments a Week for BPP

     Whew!  This week I've started going to the high risk OB doctor two times a week.  Blessings that I'm able to go the Franklin office for these appointments until we get closer to the due date.  It makes a big difference to not have to drive into Nashville that often.  It is challenging enough to squeeze in these appointments with the rest of "life" that goes on with four other kiddos!  As soon as I got finished on Tuesday, the wonderful school nurse called and said that Jake had a terrible headache.  He had no fever or other symptoms (to which Daddy said, "Send him back to class.  He's not sick!")  I completely agreed with him recalling that I never missed a day of school!  However, a little snuggle time was just what we needed that afternoon.  :o)  Of course, that didn't last long, as he was out the door playing the entire afternoon!
    I'm going twice a week now for a BPP (Biophysical Profile).  Basically this is an ultrasound that looks for 4 criteria.  One thing in particular that they look for that could make the test take longer each time is for "practice breathing".  Our little one has done it successfully both days.  She said sleepy babies tend to not show this as easily.   Baby is definitely NOT sleepy.  It is super active!  Prayers that these tests continue to show what they are looking for.
   I met with our Priest, Father Bala on Thursday, after my doctor appointment.  He was very comforting and shared with me a bible verse that I'm holding close to my heart now.  It is from Sirach 38: 1-12.  Hold the physician in honor, for he is essential to you, and God it was who established his profession.  From God the doctor has his wisdom, and the king provides for his sustenance.....
     I encourage you to look up the complete verse and pray it for the doctors and surgeons that are preparing for our baby.
     I am 33 weeks along today... so 7 more weeks to due date!

CHD Awareness Week

This week is Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week.  It is so appropriate that the week we all celebrate love is correlated to these sweet, precious little ones.  We attended a luncheon at Vanderbilt today to spread awareness as well as to hear a proclamation from the Governor of Tennessee on CHD's.  Jake got to miss a bit of school to attend this and was so concerned during the whole event with the time and what he was missing.  We have learned firsthand how important for research on CHDs is to be encouraged and funded as well as for pregnant mothers to know questions about the heart that they need to ask during their ultrasounds and have a pulse oximetry screening when the baby is born.  It is so scary to think that 1 out of 100 children will be born with a form of a CHD.  We had no idea when Jake was born a "healthy" baby that he actually had a CHD that sent his little body into shock and almost toxic at 9 days old.  We are so blessed to celebrate his special heart, loving spirit, strong mind, athletic body, and truly incredible life.

Ob measurement update

I had my appointment this morning with the high risk OB doctor.  They do an ultrasound every appointment to measure anything and everything about the baby, but mainly they are looking to ensure that he/ she is growing.  With the two vessel umbilical cord that this baby has (instead of the typical 3 vessel cord), sometimes, babies don't get the nutrients they need to continue growth, which would be very dangerous.  So far, our little baby has grown great and is perfectly average.  It measured 3 pounds 12 ounces today and was in the 53 percentile.  Yea!  Praying for continued growth.