Sept 14th - 
So Much to be thankful for! 

This has definitely been a theme this year...choosing thankfulness even in the face of challenge, disappointment and often confusion (facing the unknown). This coming Friday will be 1 year since we moved to Spokane (with a 5 mo transition in Seattle). And my goodness what a year. It has been so tough, but we've grown and learned so much thru it.

That's how we felt when we left our dr appt on Friday. Of coarse we were so grateful for all the good news we received about Noa's healthy development~ but our hearts were still very aware of all the challenges and heartache ahead (and of coarse...the unknowns).

Picture we saw of Dr Barber in elevator!

We were very glad to meet with Dr Barber again (from Maternal Fetal Medicine). He has a wonderful laid-back yet professional disposition. After looking over the ultrasound images and numbers, he was very positive about how the pregnancy was progressing. Noa is 'head down' now (which was a relief to us since Emmaus didn't turn till the very end of my pregnancy!) Other awesome news is that she is in the 44th percentile for growth and measurements (and this is the 'normal' baby scale!). They estimate she weighs a little over 5lbs and her heart is looking good as well. No real concerns apart from her stomach and intestines being in her chest.

We were also pleased to hear that Dr Barber was able to talk with Dr Georgeson (Noa's surgeon) about our case and come to the decision that I could give birth naturally with no need for a Cesarean. So, we are planning on natural childbirth in my 39th week, unless I go into labor early. He said, "the bigger baby we can give NICU and the bigger baby that goes into surgery, the better!" So, please pray I go into labor in my 38th-39th week naturally (both Ruby and Emmaus were born after their due dates, so they will induce me if it doesn't look like I'll have her by Oct 27th). We will know more this Friday, the 21st, when we have an appt with Dr Hilton my OB.  We expect him to set a birthday!!! 

Wow! in 6 weeks we will have another wonderful, beautiful amazing baby. I never knew being a mom and having a family would be such a joy and gift in my life. Thank You God for this gift.

During this visit we were able to get some clarity on a few questions we've had. One was about the percentage of lung she has on either lung. The dr told us that they can't see the left lung clearly because its covered by the stomach and intestines- so they focus on the right lung (which is sharing the space with her heart). They use the size of the right lung to determine the seriousness of her condition (the HLR-head/lung ratio- which I've mentioned in other posts was a very good number). We also were able to get a mini tour of the birthing unit and recovery rooms (once you have the baby, they move you to a different room). I did start to cry a little when we walked out of the elevator onto the birthing floor, there is so much joy but apprehension and heart break too. We know it will be good...but a serious time as well.  Sigh. As far as the rooms go, they were large and very, very nice! Each room even had a tub with jets! My own mini-spa! 

We learned that we could expect around 8 medical staff to be at the birth to care for me and Noa, and we also decided that Justin will stay with Noa when she goes up to NICU after they intubate and stabilizer her (what is intubation? click here) . It will give me some peace to know that he is with her and can report back with photos and info.

And other than that...life marches on! Justin's mom was here to visit..and it was a wonderful time! Ruby is still enjoying pre-school (which is evident by how tired she is after). I was very happy to start going to a moms group that meets a short distance from our house this last week- I felt so supported and encouraged thru it. And lastly, I had a dear friend visit (with her 3 kiddos) from Bellingham this weekend. God is providing much support and love for us. Thank you!