We are trying to stay afloat the many demands of life- working full time, being pregnant, and getting ready to be parents, our schedule has picked up Bradley Classes on Monday night, graduate studies on Tuesday, and squeezing in water aerobics/exercise to keep up with our health. There hasn't been much time to sit down and keep the blogging world updated, but my husband is out with a friend this afternoon having a beer, which gives me a minute to check this outstanding task off my list:).
How am I feeling? GREAT!!! Honestly, this has been a wonderful pregnancy. I LOVE the second trimester. Sure, there are days that I am discouraged that I have gone up a pant size, but it is apart of this beautiful season/journey... Right?! The best feeling in the world these days is feeling this little one move in my belly. Today, the movement is a little higher in the abdomen meaning the baby is growing and so is my belly.
We are now 23 weeks into the pregnancy, with the sex of our baby remaining a surprise. We had our first ultrasound about a month ago measuring all the beautiful organs of our little one. At this time, they had two concerns- the stomach was absent/small and the kidneys were dilated- finding these abnormalities we were referred to a specialist. It was a long two weeks of waiting for this appointment- I wanted to know what was occurring with this little baby.
The appointment finally came, and I received the greatest blessing of watching our little baby for an hour or so as they got ever measurement possible to make their final diagnosis. In every ultrasound, I have yet to leave with a dry eye- not because of bad news, but just amazed that I have this life growing inside of me. I cannot wait to meet this little one!!!!
Now the results: the stomach measured normal, the kidneys however are still dilated. This could be one of two reasons: 1. The blood flow from the placenta and/or estrogen level from me is creating this dilation to occur. 2. It could be a small marker for Downs Syndrome a "1/2000 chance". The news at first was a lot to digest, but the more we processed and thought through the small chances of having a child with Downs, the more excited we became. I cannot tell you the peace that has reigned over us the past weeks. For those of you who have known and prayed for us, we have definitely felt the Lord's presence in our lives- so thank you.
So now what? We have more doctor's appointments and ultrasounds to continue to monitor the kidneys. If they continue to dilate while in the womb, surgical intervention will be needed after birth. If this occurs, we will cross that bridge when it comes with strength and grace that only comes from the Lord.
In the meantime, we are continuing to work on ideas for the nursery, reading books, house projects, and preparing my heart as a mother. I am going to be a mom... that word strikes a million different cords as I think about it.... sigh. Can I do it? Can I give this child everything it needs? We are beginning a new heritage... can I really be old enough? Am I ready? ... I believe our baby is giving us a thumbs up :).
