Tough Stuff

As many of you know, we have had a rough few weeks. On March 31st, we went in for our routine sonogram, only to find out that there is no fluid around our baby (called oligohydramnios). This was cause for great alarm because without fluid, our baby's lungs cannot develop properly, and without lungs, our baby will not be able to survive outside the womb.

I was immediately hospitalized, and since my release (I only had to stay one night, so it wasn't anything too dramatic), we have been back and forth to a local perinatologist who has been tracking our progress. We had our final "check" last week....I was 22 weeks pregnant....and were told that there was nothing that they could do....there is still no fluid. They have done genetic testing, viral testing....all with no answers as to why my body isn't producing the fluid the baby needs.

We did find out that our baby is a boy. He has a strong heartbeat and is moving each and every day. It is for this reason that we have chosen to continue our pregnancy, despite being told that typically, patients in our situation choose to terminate. We have decided that we don't want to make that decision for our baby....we believe God has created Him and will call Him back home in His perfect time (although, please make no mistake, we respect and understand why another family in the same situation would choose the other route). We understand this means several more weeks of waiting, only to have a very sick baby who may not even survive delivery, but we feel this is the right decision for us.

Typically, women with this condition will go into preterm labor, and then deliver a stillborn or a baby who only lives for a short while due to lack of lung development (Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia). So, we will be waiting and praying...I am no longer on bedrest, so we are trying to get back into our regular schedule as much as possible, for our sanity's sake, as well as the sake of Connor and Kylee.

We thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers. It is your prayers that have kept us afloat during this incredibly stressful time of uncertainty....we ask for your continued prayers; for wisdom, strength, and grace to accept whatever lies ahead for us and for our youngest son.