Post Doctor (8/23)

Just got back from the doctor a little bit ago... we heard her heartbeat and it was music to our ears. Although she is not moving very much, she is still with us. I had my blood pressure checked and weight to make sure I am not preeclamptic or anything. Everything checked out okay.. except for the fact that I gained 4 lbs in 3 days! This medicine is making me retain water at an insane rate! Hopefully after I stop it everything goes away.. including the weight. 

To make things short, thanks for the prayers. So far things are still good! Hopefully we will not be seeing Addy for 6 more weeks (since I am 34 weeks today). 

Another Update (8/23)

This is just a short update, asking for more prayers. Most of you have read my last update on Monday, and are aware of our situation. I started taking the steroids on Monday and now I have not felt Addy moving much these past few days. I am going to the doctor for a non-stress test today at 2:00 and we are very worried. We ask for prayers that my medical problems and medicine have not affected our little girl and that she is okay.

Below are just a few things I wanted share with you guys: some things that we have been doing as a family to enjoy all these precious times we are getting together. We pray that we get some more of these..

We bought the above book for Mark to read to Adalyn. Given his career and his love of construction we thought it would be perfect for him to read to her. The first night he read it she actually started kicking like crazy! It was precious! She is definitely a daddy's girl..

Last night Mark and I had tickets to the Red Sox game. It was Addy's 3rd game but we finally got pictures of us! Even though they lost (like usual) it was still a blast!

I will post an update as soon as we know anything from the appointment. Of course, we have accepted God's plan and know that whatever happens is part of it, but we are praying for some more time with our precious girl. Hopefully I will be able to post good news later, and that Addy may be able to go full term. Thank you again for your prayers and support.

Another Bump in the Road

We have come across another hill on this roller coaster journey of ours these past few days. One week ago I was bragging about how "healthy" I am, especially for a pregnant person. My doctor told me that my iron levels are through the roof, which is abnormal for a pregnant lady. My platelets were also in the normal range, at 160,000 (normal is 150,000 to 400,000). Unfortunately I spoke to soon.. last Friday I got a phone call after my prenatal appointment informing me that my levels have now dropped to 64,000. We scheduled an appointment to get them checked again Saturday in case we needed immediate treatment. They were down to 55,000. So.... after seeing my hematologist yesterday he decided to put me on a very aggressive form of steroid. I only take it for 4 days, because it is about 40 times stronger than prednisone. The side affects should wear off after day 5, so we are hoping they are not too drastic. 

I thought for sure that things could not get much worse, but Mark put it in good terms: we have just come across another bump in the road. Of course I am terrified, for Adalyn's sake. We are asking for prayers that this treatment will not affect her in any negative way, and that the Decadron medicine will bring my platelets up for when I go into labor. We are very thankful for our faith, because if not for it, I would be a horrible mess right now. He is teaching me to trust in Him and to be patient. These things are happening for a reason, and when we come out of all this, we will be stronger than ever. A stronger couple, and a stronger relationship with Christ. 

On a good note, I am almost 34 weeks, so we still have our little fighter. Last week we met with the neonatologist, nurses, and a social worker. We gave them our birth plan and finalized what to expect when I go into labor. They were very sincere and we feel like we are in great hands. When it comes time, they are going to make our experience as good as it can possibly be and as comfortable as possible. These next several weeks are going to need lots of prayers and patience. Again, we are thankful for everyone's prayers and support. Without them, we would not be where we are today.