Most people know that this pregnancy has had many ups and downs. I told Matthew the other day that we haven't had any major anything wrong, but we have had lots of little things along the way. God keeps peace in our hearts as Matthew and I try to roll with each punch. I thought I would list out the complications we've had with this pregnancy and end it with good news I got today!!!
1. Week 6 -- bleeding, thought we were having a miscarriage
2. Week 7 -- found out at one point there were two babies, but one not did not develop and remained an empty amniotic sac. This was what caused the bleeding. Because of the empty sac, my body could at any point decide to dump the whole pregnancy all together, this is a concern until Lexi is strong enough to resist the dump. Also, because of the bleeding, my body is open to infection which could kill or hurt Lexi.
3. Week 11 -- Doctor does an ultrasound and Lexi has no nose bone. This is a red flag for a chromosome disorder; Down's, Trisomy 13 or Trisomy some other number. I forget. Dr. recommends amnio, but we refuse because you can't really fix a chromosome problem.
4. Week 13 -- Blood levels are off; another red flag for chromosome problems. But levels could be off because the 2nd amniotic sac is in there messing up my hormones.
5. Diagnosed as high-risk pregnancy in week 11, referred for further testing.
6. Week 16 -- More bleeding. But Lexi is now strong enough to stay in my body even if I dump the other sac.
7. Week 20ish?? -- Lexi's heart checked by pediatric cardiologist, heart looks perfect!!!
8. Nov. 15 -- Week 22ish -- Lexi has level 2 ultrasound and all her measurements look perfect! She looks like a healthy little girl.
8A. Hospitalized with stomach virus. So sick Matthew took me to emergency room at 12:30 am and was sick for several days.
9. Week 34 -- Too much amniotic fluid and Lexi is now measuring to be too big of a baby. I am placed on a diabetic diet to try to slow down her rate or growth and to bring down the amniotic fluid. Now seeing the Perinatologist every week to check Lexi and her levels until birth.
10 Week 35 -- Today we saw that the amniotic fluids are back to normal though Lexi still measures big. How great that the fluids are normal this week! Great news for today!!!!!
Reasons to praise God during this pregnancy:
One of the best things is that we have military insurance which has covered the cost of all the expenses! Praise God for fabulous insurance. Praise God for all the Doctors who have been working with us during this pregnancy! They have been mostly warm, considerate and provide with time for us to discuss our concerns. So far we have had 9 different Doctors working to make sure that Lexi gets the best care possible. Only one doctor had the "social skills of a goat," (quoted by my step-mom Rebecca). The other 8 doctors have been wonderful! Praise God that we have not had any major problems so far! Praise God for supportive and concerned family and friends who pray for Lexi. My mom calls several times per week to check on us, my mother-in-law -- Michelle is a prayer warrior for the baby, our friends are in constant prayer, my dad and Rebecca help figure out the medical details, Aunt Jeanne went to the a appointment with me when Matthew was away for training, Aunt Brenda talked about amnioticentisis with me, our Mahoney family (Matthew's mother and family) have sent emails and threw a shower for the baby girl, and people are so positive about how Matthew and I have decided to deal with the stressers of this pregnancy! For example, we didn't really need to grieve when we found out about the second amniotic sac, we were concerned for Lexi and that she was going to be okay. So each time that there has been a problem, God has brought Matthew and I closer together and has provided peace to not get overwhelmed. What good would stress do for Lexi!?!? God has kept me mostly calm with this baby with only two nights of crying; when we thought we were miscarrying and when were waiting to find out about the chromosome problem! So praise GOD!!! We only have about 4 weeks until we get to meet our baby girl and touch/hold her for the first time! Thank you for your support, love and prayers.
Now, I finally found my lost camera today so I get to show you pictures of Lexi's nursery. Have fun and Aloha!
Crib bedding and accessories provided by Grandma Michelle, Grandpa Gerry and Godmother Rebecca.
The little couch was built by Grandpa Dan and Great Grandpa Larry.
Crib, Changing table/dresser provided by Aunt Jeanne (Matthew's Godmother).
