Daisy is the official flower of spina bifida.
The second week in June a photographer in Red Deer took some amazing photos of Kev and I. It was such a celebration of this baby. After everything we've been going through it was fun to stop and enjoy the excitement of expecting.
So like usual Kev and I have been gallivanting around the world. He surprised me this weekend with a trip to L.A. for a last get-a-way as non parents. It was great. We did much of nothing, and I introduced our little guy to life on the beach (which he informed me with much kicking isn't his favourite activity).
I have to praise God for the continued movement of our baby. He is such a fighter already, I never thought that something so little could cause so much discomfort. But I am grateful and Kev teases me that I love it (every minute). I wouldn't change it for the world. We are faithful that God will continue to answer our prayers. Last week we had an ultrasound and he weighted in at a health 4lbs 12oz.
Nate and Julissa (Kev's brother and wife) had there newborn via c-section on June 4th @710pm. Matson Dean Hilman is a healthy 7lbs 10oz and 20in long. He is so precious and beautiful, a perfect fusion on Nate and Julissa. I've been over lots to help with house work and meals. Even managing to sneak in a few cuddles. It's been a bitter sweet (but more sweet) experience for me. My heart envies them getting to spend the first weeks of his life at home, struggling through the things first time parents do. Exciting in the newness of a baby. Our experience will be shaped so different...
Some have been wondering what they can expect in the first few weeks with us. I've asked Dr's and they give a description of all extremes, telling you we'll be somewhere between that. Trying my best to break it down here's what were expecting.
I will be relocating to Edmonton prior to my due date to sit and wait for him to come. Can everyone repeat with me "BORING"!!!
After labouring as naturally as possible, hopefully with a vaginal delivery, we will get to spend a few moments with our newborn. "Don't worry, you'll get 15mins with him" one Dr said. I sat in shock. Don't worry? I've been carrying this child for 9 months. I love him so much. I dream about cuddling him and hold him. Smelling him and bonding. Your going to take him away after I've gone through the pain of birthing him.
15 beautiful, precious minutes.
The baby will then be transferred to a different hospital in Edmonton. The high risk obstetrics group works out of one hospital, the Stollery (children's hospital) another. Baby goes and mommy stays and goes crazy..... or at least is expecting to go crazy. Mom will discharge herself if the Dr's don't let me leave, trust me I am not spending a moment more than absolutely necessary away from the baby.
Little guy will go for surgery in the first 48 hours, but most likely first 24 hours. He then will be carefully monitored with ultrasounds of his ventricles (that's the fluid on the brain) for a week to see if a shunt (tube from brain fluid to abdomen) is needed. Something for everyone to be aware of- leg movement will be unknown for the first week. So please don't ask. The trauma of surgery to the spinal cord shocks the nerves so they need at lease a week before we will actually know the extent of nerve damage. During this time please pray with us that God will be mending his little nerves so he can have as much mobility as possible. Pray, fast, whatever you feel lead to do....
After that first week we'll have a better idea of where were going, what complications we may face and how long our stay in Edmonton will be. The Dr's have asked us to prepare for about a month.
We would love visitors, not campers. And how soon is unknown. I'll do my best to update all our faithful prayer warriors daily on his (and our) progress. Everyone is so excited to welcome this life into our family, after all we've been going through we feel like we already know him.
We meet with our new ObGyn next week, so keep your eyes open for a post then.
