May 22 appointment in Edmonton

So we had another check up in Edmonton on May 22nd, with our bazillionth ultrasound. Baby is doing great 3 lbs 8oz! Right in the middle of the age/weight charts. The ultrasound tech asked me if my husband is tall because baby's legs are very long! Tall and skinny like his father. For some more specifics: the baby's ventricles (the fluid on the brain) has remained stable since diagnosis. Dr. D was very happy with the minimal changes with the fluid. While there is conflicting evidence to support inutero leg movement being positive, Dr. Aronyk (the neurosurgeon) says it is positive, our baby is still kicking me unceasingly, and unmercifully.

I have to smile with the greatness of God's creation when he's wiggling inside me. What an amazing thing to carry life so precious. After all we've been through I keep telling baby "you kick me all you want, show me your a fighter, and show the world God is great".

So we continue to wait with the utmost peace in our hearts. God has given us a perfect gift, all ten fingers and toes. I'm convinced that his nose is just like Kevin's. Only about 8 weeks and we'll know.

God Bless,

Melody

Time is flying by...

Hi All,

My apologies to those that have been checking our blog regularly. We have been busy with spring which seems to bring much work and play. I'll not be posting much over the next couple of months until I am in Edmonton after the 9th of July. We have lots coming up and there hasn't been any change in the status of our precious little baby. Your prayers and love are always felt, please continue to keep us in your thoughts over the next few weeks.

The happenings of the Hilman's:

• Kev and I decided to put our home up for sale this month in a step towards moving to a 2 acre lot outside of Fort Mac, although this home won't be finished until next year. In the meantime we are moving across town to a new home of the company's. It's exciting but also added work. Cleaning, showing, packing, moving, etc. Luckily I was raised in this fashion (having lived in many homes growing up) so my mom is coming to help show me the exact method.
• I'm back at work 2- 12hour days a week at the hospital. They have been good to me, but I'm still finding the days very long being on my feet. They are starting to swell, the joys of pregnancy. Who new growing a baby is so much work.
• Julissa (Kevin's brother's wife) is getting close to her due date (June 10th) so we've been spending time together talking about the exciting and nervous parts of what's to come. I'll be busy in June helping them, something we're all so excited for.
• Candace (Kev's sister) has just finished her nursing practicum in Fort Mac and last week was hired on the same unit I work on. It's been such a joy having her around. Also she is getting married on July 9th (a small, intimate, immediate family event by Canmore) planing and preparing are another busy event in our lives.
• Dirk biking, golf, work, flying, baseball, mud-bogging, jogging, and other events are just a few of the past times of Kev this last few months. Like always nothing can slow those boys down.

An update from our last visit to the perinatoligist in Edmonton (April 22).

No news is good news. Baby is doing well, still kicking and moving around. No increase in swelling on the brain, which means as of this point there is no hydrocephalus... but that can change. He weighed in at a big, 2lbs 1oz and growing.

We have our next appointment on May 22nd in Edmonton and then May 30th with our OB in Fort Mac. I'll try to find time to give everyone a quick note of any changes.

Kev and I spent the long weekend at the Lake in BC with family. The weather's been beautiful. Kev and my brother are golfing outside of Vernon.

Love and prayers,

Melody