33 weeks

So, it's been a busy couple of weeks! On Friday I was able to meet baby Carter who is a CDH survivor. Brad and Kellie (Carter's parents) were really helpful and had some great tips for surviving the NICU and this whole process in general! Thank you so much you guys for taking the time to meet with me and for allowing me to meet Carter and see how absolutely fantastic he is doing! That visit did so much for my spirits! Gene was disappointed he wasn't able to get out of work to meet you, but maybe next time it will work out!

I had a great birthday yesterday! Andrew was kicking up a storm during church! He absolutely loves the music and reminded me by kicking me in the ribs and lungs for about a solid 45 minutes! I guess it will be too early to start music lessons in the NICU though! Gene and I really felt like the message was directed completely at us. I may never understand why God has chosen this path for us and for Andrew, but I was reminded yesterday that in the midst of uncertain times, God is still in control. I pray that ultimately in the end, his plan is to allow Andrew to have a long, healthy and productive life.

So, today we had a growth and development ultrasound again. The big boy is measuring at 5 lbs and 1 oz already! He is in the 64% for size according to one chart they used and 71% according to a different chart- bottom line- we think he's going to be a big boy! Head circumference was measuring at 37 weeks 5 days (>99%)- I'm thinking we are seeing a c-section in our future, but the doctors haven't committed to either way at this point other than to say everything looks structurally normal and they do not think he has any sort of syndrome or hydrocephalus. My amniotic fluid levels are starting to rise some- up to 22cm, but Duke does not consider it polyhydramnios (too much fluid) until it reaches at least 30 cm. So hopefully Andrew will still be able to swallow and digest the fluid and it won't get any higher! Other good news- his liver, gall bladder, kidneys and spleen were all pretty clearly visible and are down in his abdomen where they should be. His stomach and some intestines were still up in his chest. He was taking lots of practice breaths- which is always encouraging for a mom to see! Way to go Andrew!

My blood pressure was borderline high and I was given instructions to check it at work and that I would have to come in and be seen if it gets any higher. Still having a ton a braxton hicks contractions and some real contractions, but they checked my cervix and said it still looks good and we are waiting on the fetal fibronectin results (if these results are negative, it is very likely that I will not deliver in the next two weeks). We are still hoping to make it to 39 weeks! We couldn't be any happier with the care we are receiving at Duke- they are truly a fantastic group of people! Thank you for keeping our family in all of your prayers- it means so much to us to have all of your support going through this! To those of you who left comments, thank you! Gene and I really found them so encouraging! Hope you all have a great week and I'll keep you posted if anything changes!