Update

OK, so the baby definitely has a diaphragmatic hernia. We are going to Vanderbilt later this month to meet doctors. We still need prayers.

This is one roller coaster I wish I could get off of but I know that all things work together for good for those who love the Lord and are called according to his purpose.

Liver and Manna

Today I found out that I failed my blood glucose test (for gestational diabetes.) I go back tomorrow for a more in depth test. This in not a huge deal, just a pain. I've bigger fish to fry than diabetes, but any prayer sent up about that would be appreciated.

We also saw the high-risk OB today. Keatley is growing well, she is in the 56th percentile and all of her measurements look good. Her heart is still pushed to the side but looks to be developed appropriately and functioning properly. The doctor said he could see liver below the diaphragm and what looks like liver in her chest cavity as well. The blood flow to the "mass" in her chest looks like liver and he said that his best guess is a diaphragmatic hernia, which is what he thought before. He said he would be able to give us a definite diagnosis after the MRI on May 21st (it'll be a few days after that when we get the results.) Everything else seemed to be in the right place and he was able to see lung tissue which I was thrilled about because lung development is a big deal in babies with diaphragmatic hernias. Please pray with us that God will heal her body and that her lungs would develop well.

As a side note, my husband and I were going to be (more than) strapped for cash until his next paycheck. We received a surprise rebate check in the mail today from our 2007 taxes. Not a lot of money but the perfect amount to get us through until the next paycheck. Manna from heaven. This may not amaze some people but I know that this truly is manna from Jehovah-Jirah. I am amazed by Him. He is so good.

Liver and Manna... Is that an inappropriate joke? I just keep imagining Hannibal Lector and thinking of fava beans, yuck.

Keatley Hope

Last week my husband and I went for our 20 week ultrasound. We learned that we were having a girl, Keatley Hope, but we also learned that she had complications. The ultrasound technician could not see Keatley's heart clearly and my OB immediately sent us to a high-risk OB. The ultrasound technician and two specialists as well as a genetic counselor concluded that Keatley's heart was being pushed very far to her left side by her liver. They said that this was caused by either a herniated diaphragm or a chromosomal disorder. A herniated diaphragm means that she will be born at Vanderbilt and have surgery with an 80% chance of survival. A chromosomal disorder would be fatal. They did an amniocentesis and we waited 8 days to get the results.

We spent this week in prayer, constantly seeking the Lord. We have been surrounded by family and friends that have gone before the throne on our behalf. We are blessed beyond measure to be in a community of saints.

This morning the genetic counselor called and said that our baby girl does not have a chromosomal disorder. We are so thankful that the Lord's plan for Keatley is life. Please pray with us that He will begin to heal her while she is still being knit in my womb. We have peace that our little girl is going to be ok. We do not serve an 80% God. He is mighty.

Expect updates on Keatley Hope's progress.

"For you created Keatley's inmost being; you knit her together in her mother's womb. We praise you because she is fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Keatley's frame was not hidden from you when she was made in the secret place. When she was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw her unformed body. All the days ordained for Keatley were written in your book before one of them came to be." Psalm 139: 13-16

Hakuna Matata

So I've been super whiney and I'm trying to be more positive, so here are a few Yays.

I knew my husband was amazing but words cannot describe how wonderful he has been while I've been sick. He has been cleaning, taking care of our son, cooking, bringing me water and wet wash cloths while I puke, and running around like a crazy person to get me crackers, gatorade, popsicles, or whatever else strikes my fancy. (all with a sympathetic smile on his face)

My in-laws have been staying at my house on the days that my husband works to help take care of my son. That's right ladies, I am SO thankful for my mother-in-law. Let me write that again people, thankful for my mother-in-law.

So far my tachycardia is under control and I am not having any problems.

Boo #2 is healthy.

Boo #1 is doing really well adjusting to mommy being in bed all day. And he is no longer in the 5th-10th percentile for growth. He is now in the 20th! Yay!

I had a good evening tonight, maybe this is the beginning of the end.

Day 76

Finally beginning to have more good days. This is the beginning of the end. Please, forgive my whining.

Day 70

Will it ever end...

Day 66

I didn't make it through Day 65 without throwing up. Today has been a little better. Still nauseated. It helps to look up pictures on the internet of in utero babies that are the same age as my "nub". It reminds me why I decided to do this again...however, the sickness reminds me of why this will be the last time!