Friday, October 12, 2007

30 Week Update


I wanted to give you a quick update on my 30 week doctor's appointment yesterday. I hadn't been in five weeks, and so I had quite a few things that I wanted to bring up for discussion with my doctor. First, let me say that I feel like I am so blessed to have my doctor! I had actually never met him until the day Marianna was born, but I can't describe to you how amazing he was for us on that day. He understood what was going on with our family with Papa being in the hospital down the street, and the decisions he made I feel like were God ordained. By the time he had delivered her via c-section, I felt like I had known him forever. I have seen no one else since that time, and I am so glad to have him to help us walk through this.

At yesterday's appointment, the first thing he discovered is that I am now measuring exactly on target at 30 weeks! This was very exciting news, because up to this point I have looked and felt quite a bit smaller than I should have been. But just over the past few weeks I have really felt Poppy growing, and his measuring tape confirmed my suspicion. He wanted me to have an ultrasound just to make sure that the growth was actually Poppy and not excess fluid, and upon doing the ultrasound, they found that my fluid levels are right in the normal range. Definitely a huge relief for me! They were also able to tell us that while she is still measuring behind by two weeks in her limbs and stomach, she has maintained steady growth since the 20 week ultrasound, since she was two weeks behind at that point as well. This growth was also a big encouragement! The only thing that wasn't good as far as growth is concerned is her head. Because of the excess fluid in her brain, her head is actually measuring at 37 weeks! We would appreciate prayers that this growth would slow down over the time remaining while the other growth would remain sustained. All in all, she weighs 2 pounds 15 ounces at this point, which is a good size, except for the fact that some we have to take into consideration that some of the weight is from the fluid.

While we were in there, I asked the technician to confirm whether some other very normal markers for trisomy 18 were present in Poppy. She could tell that in edition to the fluid in her brain, her heart still had a hole and she could still only find one kidney. However, there were no new problems with her organs, as we were already aware of these from our initial visit. She also said that Poppy's hands to appear to be clenched, and that each of her feet looks to be slightly clubbed. From what she could tell, her face and profile appeared to be completely normal, without any evidence of a cleft palate, small chin, or any other of the common facial markers of trisomy 18. I know I will love absolutely everything about her because each of these things will make her distinctly "her."

Nathan was able to make it for the ultrasound, and it was so wonderful to be able to see all of her little features on the screen once again. I was reminded that she is a beautiful baby, not a weird medical phenomenon, and we will love her just as we love Marianna. She is such a gift! Today I am praying from Psalm 13:5-6 "But I have trusted in Your lovingkindness; My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, because He has dealt bountifully with me."

24 comments:

Anonymous said...

I am so thankful Poppy is growing and you are without all the extra fluid. I will pray specifically as you have asked. What a blessing to see her and how beautiful she is. I remember how perfect Madeline was and even though I prayed for a miracle, I would not have changed her for anything. She was Madeline, just the way God designed her and we loved each tiny part of her perfect little body, as you do Poppy. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Mandy
GA
www.madelinegracehopkins.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

psalm 13 is one of my favorites. i went through cancer at 31, and my sister is facing a possibility of her baby having trisomy18or13. i've always clung to that psalm and i even put it to music
http://www.dpaulo.com/songs/ps13.mp3
bless you all.
-dp.

Anonymous said...

Hey Angie,
I am still lifting your sweet family up in my prayers. I went through a tough time with my son during my 1st pregnancy a year or so ago. This is my son's life verse, and I wanted to share it with you. Psalm 139:14 "I will praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made..." I chose this verse because he may not be "perfect" according to the world's standards, but he is "perfect" according to God's (and mine) standards, and that is what matters most. I hope the rest of your pregnancy goes smoothly, and I am glad you had a good ultrasound report. I will continue to keep you and your family in my prayers.
Love,
Nicole Wilkes Eaton

Laurin said...

Nathan and Angie, she is beautiful! I loved reading this update and look so forward to meeting this sweet little gift from heaven!

Laurie in Ca. said...

Hi Angie and Nathan,

I sure love these pictures while they are still growing safe inside. She is beautiful and it sounds like God is growing her real good! I will be praying for what you requested and praying that you have joy in your hearts as you wait to meet her Dec. 10th. Yes, she is fearfully and wonderfully made by our Father. He does not make mistakes. Poppy Joy is one of a kind and such a little gift in the making. It is really good to "hear" the joy and hope in your post. Praying for you to have complete peace and no fear for the future. It is in Gods hands and He has Big hands. Love you guys, and have a wonderful weekend with Marianne. She is so adorable!
Love, Laurie in Ca.

The Gipsons said...

Yall are still in our thoughts and prayers. What an encouragement you have been! It really makes me stop and think to count my blessings.

Love,
Ashley Gipson

PeaceLoveHappiness said...

Bless you and your beautiful family on this journey. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Your girls are beautiful! Thank you for sharing your story with us.

Jen

Adam & Amy Wilson said...

she looks beautiful in the ultrasound picture!

Anonymous said...

what an amazing picture! She looks great!

julie

Anonymous said...

Angie,
Awww, she looks so sweet! Thank you for the update. I did notice that you looked bigger last night. You look great!

DandelionSeeds said...

Praying...

Anonymous said...

Dear Nathan and Angie,

We've never met, but your brother[-in-law] Greg is a good friend of mine from Peabody, and he asked me to pray for you guys from the beginning. Since then I've really had a burden on my heart to keep praying for you. Thank you for your openness on this blog; besides being a great way to inform prayer, your lives are an awesome testimony to Christ's power, and it has really blessed me personally to see your faith and love. I'm praying for you and your totally adorable girls.

Blessings,

Bobby Nicholson

Jenn said...

Ohhh!!! Angie, She is Beautiful!!
You are right, God doesn't make mistakes. Your baby is "fearfully and wonderfully made", and not just that, "She is made in the image of God" She may be a little closer to glory than we are, but God has already used her for his glory,and will continue. I believe God has a plan for every child. There is comfort in knowing God will not take her before he has finished His ultimate plan. I am so glad to hear your good ultrasound report,I will continue to keep you and your family in my prayers. I will pray specifically for Poppy just as you have requested. God is all-powerful and God is eternal.His glory is eternal. I believe people are saved today listening to your Papa on the radio and TV. God receives that glory even though Papa is no longer with us. God will continue to be glorified through Poppy even after she is in Glory with him. For our God is eternal, We can not put limits on our God. And He chose you to bring his "Glorious Blessing" Poppy Joy into the world.

"Blessed is the name of the Lord"
God Bless you Angie, Nathan, Marianna and Poppy Joy.
You are a Blessing to many!!

Love
Jennifer Carraway

Adrienne said...

Dear Nathan and Angie,
I have just learned of your sweet Poppy, and her sweet friend, Copeland. My husband and I were faced with an Abraham situation earlier this year on January 12th with our son, Noah. Yes, you are right that it will be the most difficult thing in your life, but you are also right that God is true, in Him we have hope, and graciously we have peace that truly does surpass our comprehension. We are praying for your family and for the time you are now enjoying with Poppy and for the day you lay eyes on her. What a beautiful day that will be!

Rebecca (Ramblings by Reba) said...

Angie,

Poppy is beautiful! Thank you for sharing the picture.

Lori said...

Nathan & Angie,
This is Lori Tudor, now Walker from our Bellevue Youth days. I think Nathan will remember me, but I didn't know Angie as well. Jessica Babb gave me the link to y'alls blog and I'm now checking it daily. I would love to add you to my list of links on my blog. I'll be praying for you guys. I'm so encouraged by the joy in your writing.
Lori

vim+dash said...

sweet angie-
how my heart soars to know you got to watch poppy again on that screen, and that nathan got to share in that moment! she is here, she is alive, she is with you TODAY. soak every single thing up!!

there are no words for how you will love this precious girl. you will be astounded at your own ability to cherish another human being, especially when you already so love marianna. every detail of poppy's body will be precious to you... THIS IS GOING TO BE SO WONDERFUL!! i can't wait for you both to get to meet your girlie!!

we love you...

b.

Anonymous said...

I know your story through Jana. Thank you for sharing your journey with us. Your faith is helping to strengthen my own. You and Poppy are in my thoughts and prayers. May God continue to bless you each with strength and wisdom during these difficult decisions. And may His Almighty hand continue to rest over Poppy.

GA

Millicent said...

that is wonderful that your fluid levels are normal and that her growth is right on track! I will be praying for the fluid and head issue.

Jared, Kristin, Deanna, Avery, and Adam Edwards said...

I am so sorry to hear about your little daughter. It has been a blessing to share in this grief with brothers and sisters going through the same thing. Our little boy around Poppy's age has T18. My wife is at 33 weeks and due Dec 2. We will be praying for you all and will be checking up on you. God is good and there to comfort us. His grace is abounding.

Your brother and sister in Christ,
Jared and Kristin Edwards
www.jonathanjarededwards.blogspot.com

Elizabeth S said...

What a beautiful baby!

Anonymous said...

http://jonathanjarededwards.blogspot.com/

Kim said...

She has such a sweet little face! I am praying for your sweet family...

and 2 became 5 said...

I am one of those people who found you through a friend's blog & have been brought to my knees & to tears just reading where you are & the walk you have chosen. Amazing faith. When i saw the ultrasound picture the 1st thing i noticed were what looks like a hand beneath her head. Like a picture of God holding her - right now.
THank you for sharing your journey.