Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Update on Brooklyn

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We had another ultrasound yesterday. As if getting another peak at our peanut wasn't enough, we also got lots of new information.

First, the good news! Miss Brooklyn is kicking around in there!!! Yes, her legs are moving! This is the first time we have been able to see that. Up until now, they were not detecting any leg movement. We still don’t know if this indicates specific movement from the knee down, but it is encouraging. God is so good!

Also, she is no longer breech and has moved herself into "position," which is making a normal delivery (not a C-section) a very real possibility. We are waiting to see if our neurologist agrees with our OB that this is a safe option for Brooklyn’s condition, but our OB seems very confident that this will be more than fine based on the defect’s lower location and its size. Yesterday’s ultrasound showed that defect is measuring “small,” which is another yahoo!

Either way, Brooklyn’s birthday is scheduled for July 27. BUT if she's anything like her sisters, she may decide to show up a little sooner, which would be fine with us. We can't wait to meet her!

She is also growing just fine and all of her organs look great, so we are more than overjoyed!

Unfortunately, we did get a bit of discouraging news. The fluid in Brooklyn’s brain has increased and has been upgraded from “mild” to “severe.” This increases the chance of her needing a shunt once she is born, could make breathing a little difficult at first, and also increases the chances of cognitive challenges later on in life. We remain hopeful that the fluid will level off at this point, but our next ultrasound in 2 weeks will give us a better idea if this is progressive or not.

Our OB is hopeful that the fluid will not increase, and so far, it is not causing her head to swell, which is very good. Still, we are concerned and asking for prayers on this very specific item.

And, by the way, your prayers are working more than you know! All of our anxiety about our appointments and switching doctors has clearly been bathed in prayer, and God is showing His presence in very real ways.

As you already know, we are very confident in our neurologist, but I haven't had a chance to share that my OB nurse actually prayed for me at my first appointment (yes, PRAYED!), and yesterday’s ultrasound was performed by a gentle woman who had lost her own child to a more severe form of Spina Bifida. (More on those stories later...) We KNOW that these were not mere coincidences.

"For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."

Matthew 18:20 NIV



Jeff and I are so thankful for all of the prayers and support we have gotten up until this point, and we feel very confident that your prayers -- and God's awesome power -- will help the fluid in her brain subside. We continue to trust and hope in His plan!


"Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven."

Matthew 6:9-10 NIV

8 comments:

M VanDahm said...

Thanks for sharing so beautifully. We'll pray specificlly as you requested for your precious little Brooklyn.

Auntie stefie said...

I LOVE your blog...and I LOVE our Brooklyn...and I LOVE you! :-)

saw your Twitter

Mommy Brain said...

Hi! Don't always comment but I do always read your updates. Wanted to encourage you in your writing...which you are doing beautifully lately. You are writing from your soul and it shines through every word. Also wanted you to know that I am praying for you and Brooklyn and the rest of your family. Much love~ Christine

kelli said...

Wow, I have chills! God is so good! You are a witness to that. I will continue to pray for Brooklyn and your family Lisa!

Cara said...

I'm here reading every word Lisa! I love the updates, the wonderful good news and will continue to pray for you guys.

I was thinking the other day, we watched a random episode of Extreme Home Makeover, haven't watched in years. The little boy of the family has Spina Bifida and he was so beautiful. He actually reminded me of your little girls (and you) a bit spit fire-y :) and nothing slowed that boy down. He was just loving life!

Anyway this made me realize just how God's plan is playing out, in even the smallest ways. Not long ago you guys lived in a 3 story town home, a ton of stairs! And you went on to build your home, able to pick any style home and you chose a beautifully open floor plan, one level home. How perfect. Can't wait to see how the rest unfolds.

Oh, I couldn't believe when you said her due date is July 27th! That date is so very special (and prominent) in my life now, this little girl of yours is already showing me some things I needed.

I love you guys!

(Sorry for the long comment, we really need a phone call!)

Stephanie said...

Your post just gave me goosebumps (your writing so often does).

You continue to inspire me with your hope and faith. I can't wait to "meet" sweet, beautiful Brooklyn.

{just prayed for you}

stephanie@metropolitanmama.net

Katie said...

Thank you for sharing so openly about your story and your beautiful Brooklyn. You are an encouragement to me and I think of and pray for Brooklyn with the same breaths I pray for our little guy. Do you have weekly/bi-weekly ultrasounds? I'm wondering what to expect there.

Jennie said...

Congratulations on daughter number three.

I'm praying for precious Brooklyn and your family.