I've decided if i wasn't on maternity leave already, this would be one stressful time. We've had 3 doctors appointments this week and have 3 already on the books for next week. I can not imagine trying to get a sub for so many days. Or trying to work these appointments for after school. So, I'm thankful for these days off for allowing me the freedom to attend all these appointments.
People are so sweet and kind. They have been courteous and checking on us constantly. I got the sweetest card today and it just melted my heart.
I have noticed that my mid-section is growing at an alarming rate these days. A sweet lady at church asked me if I was having twins. I was not offended but I have seen my sweet Ruthie on the screens enough to know there is only one. So, I told her nope.. just the one. She, then, looking at my belly, says "Are you sure???" Still not offended, I did let her know that we've seen this girl and she's the only one in there. But my growing tummy is definitely larger in the last couple of weeks. I haven't been gaining a ton of weight... just moving it around mostly. We went to the doctor on Monday and found that Ruthie has way more than the average fluid around her. She's swimming in an ocean and that's why my belly is a little more swollen than the average 29 weeker. It is uncomfortable. I feel like someone has a water balloon in my belly and is slowly increasing the pressure. They told me they could drain it but that would mean another giant needle which also carries a tiny risk of premature labor. But, the extra fluid also carries a risk of premature labor. SO, for now, I'm toughing it out until I can't bare it. I may end up having the procedure done to reduce the fluid at one of my many appointments next week.
Other than the excess fluid, Ruthie is still stable. The solid mass is still growing but she seems to be handling the extra pressure okay. We are currently in a holding pattern. We'll be playing it week by week to see whether or not we need to induce. As the mass grows, it will hinder her but we want her to get as big as she can until we get her into the world. We are hoping to get past 34 weeks. But we'll have to wait and see.
Thank you to everyone for your prayers and support. Keep em' coming. We love you!
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Putting away the "What if's"
This week Jimmy and I went to Erlanger to meet with some pretty great people. We met several doctors, nurses, and specialists. We also got to tour the NICU and children's hospital where Ruthie will most likely be staying. Totally awesome! I was so impressed with the NICU (intensive care unit for infants) They had 50 babies in there! It was amazing to see! These little ones were taken care of so well! If Ruthie's in there, it is nice to know there are so many dedicated nurses and staff taking such care of the sweet ones. (also, jimmy and i can visit any time of day. I like that.)
The first doctor we met is a surgeon. He and his team will be the ones to assess Ruthie after she is born to determine whether or not she needs surgery right away, what kind of surgery, and what exactly we are dealing with. There's only so much you can see on an ultrasound. So, when she comes out they will be looking to see if the mass is ON her lung, intermingled with the lung tissue, or completely overtaken it. This will let him know how to remove it. If it's on her lung, he may be able to save it and she may have both of her little lungs to work with. Another scenario would be it is totally intermingled with the right lung and part or the whole lung would have to be removed. So, if you didn't know, a person can live with only one lung. He said she could run, play, jump, etc. This would become her normal. She could still play sports and do most things with no long term care or meds. She could probably never be a smoker. But let's be honest, I don't really want her to pick up that habit. Now, he wasn't blindly optimistic. Things could go wrong. Her left lung may have problems, as well. She may need something called ECHMO which is only done at Vanderbilt and she would then be transferred. There are lots of things that could go wrong, but overall, she's got a good shot.
We, also, went to see our hi-risk OB. (the one who put in the shunt-referred to as Yoda in previous blogs) He said the shunt is still in place. It's still doing it's job. She is stable and looks pretty good. He was very happy with the results of the procedure and is hopeful for her. Her mass has a blood supply so is most likely not going to shrink or go away. As she grows, it may grow with her, but will likely not cause any more problems. Jimmy asked.... "Is our cup half full here? or half empty?" The Doc replied.. Mostly full. So, that was enough for us. We are feeling pretty good about all this. I'm just trying not to go into labor.
We discussed what would happen if I should go into labor here (in cookeville). They said "oh. that should be okay. Depending on how far along (in labor) you are, we'll either stop your contractions and airlift you here (to erlanger) or if you are about to deliver, we'll airlift our NICU team to Cookeville and stabilize Ruthie then bring her here." WOW! I was just like... okay. Feeling like a VIP again. Part of that makes me nervous, but also comforts me. Hopefully, we never have to do this. If I make it to 37-38 weeks, we'll schedule an induction or c-section depending on Ruthie's needs. I'm 28 weeks today.... so 9-10 more weeks.
So, as you can see, the list of "What if's" is super long.... She could be born breathing fine, come home with us, and we'll schedule a surgery for later... or she could be born not breathing and neither of her lungs functioning and not make it. Obviously our doctor's are telling us both ends of the spectrum but betting on somewhere in the middle. They are optimistic and i think that's a good sign. But to know all these scenarios and running through them all.... not fun. So, I'm putting away all the "what if's" and not worrying. Let's be honest. Worrying will do absolutely nothing for me or for Ruthie. BUT if i can relax, give God these worries/what if's...that actually might do some good. So, my little mustard seed of faith is in the Lord and choosing every day to hope for the best and be ready for a little one at home. Sounds fine and dandy but put into practice is a daily thing. People keep saying they admire my strength or faith or whatever...Truth is... Here's the secret... I'm not keeping this. God has this. I'm just living it.
The first doctor we met is a surgeon. He and his team will be the ones to assess Ruthie after she is born to determine whether or not she needs surgery right away, what kind of surgery, and what exactly we are dealing with. There's only so much you can see on an ultrasound. So, when she comes out they will be looking to see if the mass is ON her lung, intermingled with the lung tissue, or completely overtaken it. This will let him know how to remove it. If it's on her lung, he may be able to save it and she may have both of her little lungs to work with. Another scenario would be it is totally intermingled with the right lung and part or the whole lung would have to be removed. So, if you didn't know, a person can live with only one lung. He said she could run, play, jump, etc. This would become her normal. She could still play sports and do most things with no long term care or meds. She could probably never be a smoker. But let's be honest, I don't really want her to pick up that habit. Now, he wasn't blindly optimistic. Things could go wrong. Her left lung may have problems, as well. She may need something called ECHMO which is only done at Vanderbilt and she would then be transferred. There are lots of things that could go wrong, but overall, she's got a good shot.
We, also, went to see our hi-risk OB. (the one who put in the shunt-referred to as Yoda in previous blogs) He said the shunt is still in place. It's still doing it's job. She is stable and looks pretty good. He was very happy with the results of the procedure and is hopeful for her. Her mass has a blood supply so is most likely not going to shrink or go away. As she grows, it may grow with her, but will likely not cause any more problems. Jimmy asked.... "Is our cup half full here? or half empty?" The Doc replied.. Mostly full. So, that was enough for us. We are feeling pretty good about all this. I'm just trying not to go into labor.
We discussed what would happen if I should go into labor here (in cookeville). They said "oh. that should be okay. Depending on how far along (in labor) you are, we'll either stop your contractions and airlift you here (to erlanger) or if you are about to deliver, we'll airlift our NICU team to Cookeville and stabilize Ruthie then bring her here." WOW! I was just like... okay. Feeling like a VIP again. Part of that makes me nervous, but also comforts me. Hopefully, we never have to do this. If I make it to 37-38 weeks, we'll schedule an induction or c-section depending on Ruthie's needs. I'm 28 weeks today.... so 9-10 more weeks.
So, as you can see, the list of "What if's" is super long.... She could be born breathing fine, come home with us, and we'll schedule a surgery for later... or she could be born not breathing and neither of her lungs functioning and not make it. Obviously our doctor's are telling us both ends of the spectrum but betting on somewhere in the middle. They are optimistic and i think that's a good sign. But to know all these scenarios and running through them all.... not fun. So, I'm putting away all the "what if's" and not worrying. Let's be honest. Worrying will do absolutely nothing for me or for Ruthie. BUT if i can relax, give God these worries/what if's...that actually might do some good. So, my little mustard seed of faith is in the Lord and choosing every day to hope for the best and be ready for a little one at home. Sounds fine and dandy but put into practice is a daily thing. People keep saying they admire my strength or faith or whatever...Truth is... Here's the secret... I'm not keeping this. God has this. I'm just living it.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Ruthie's Nursery
I have so many friends who are so creative and talented when it comes to decorating and painting (like on a canvas). I've always wanted to be crafty like these wonderful friends. I've tried painting before but disaster ensued. Only after a trip to the Art Mill in Cookeville did I get another boost of confidence. I really wanted Jimmy and I to do the art for Ruthie's room. Here's our progress.....
Here's a "R" that I did. It's small but hope to find a place for it. 
Jimmy drew the picture for me. I'm not super at drawing...but my hubby is!!
Fresh coat of Green...
Here's our finished product. Jimmy drawing... Me painting... seems to be working. I must say I'm pretty proud of our first attempt. I've got one more canvas to finish.
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Holding Pattern
I've decided if i wasn't on maternity leave already, this would be one stressful time. We've had 3 doctors appointments this week and have 3 already on the books for next week. I can not imagine trying to get a sub for so many days. Or trying to work these appointments for after school. So, I'm thankful for these days off for allowing me the freedom to attend all these appointments.
People are so sweet and kind. They have been courteous and checking on us constantly. I got the sweetest card today and it just melted my heart.
I have noticed that my mid-section is growing at an alarming rate these days. A sweet lady at church asked me if I was having twins. I was not offended but I have seen my sweet Ruthie on the screens enough to know there is only one. So, I told her nope.. just the one. She, then, looking at my belly, says "Are you sure???" Still not offended, I did let her know that we've seen this girl and she's the only one in there. But my growing tummy is definitely larger in the last couple of weeks. I haven't been gaining a ton of weight... just moving it around mostly. We went to the doctor on Monday and found that Ruthie has way more than the average fluid around her. She's swimming in an ocean and that's why my belly is a little more swollen than the average 29 weeker. It is uncomfortable. I feel like someone has a water balloon in my belly and is slowly increasing the pressure. They told me they could drain it but that would mean another giant needle which also carries a tiny risk of premature labor. But, the extra fluid also carries a risk of premature labor. SO, for now, I'm toughing it out until I can't bare it. I may end up having the procedure done to reduce the fluid at one of my many appointments next week.
Other than the excess fluid, Ruthie is still stable. The solid mass is still growing but she seems to be handling the extra pressure okay. We are currently in a holding pattern. We'll be playing it week by week to see whether or not we need to induce. As the mass grows, it will hinder her but we want her to get as big as she can until we get her into the world. We are hoping to get past 34 weeks. But we'll have to wait and see.
Thank you to everyone for your prayers and support. Keep em' coming. We love you!
People are so sweet and kind. They have been courteous and checking on us constantly. I got the sweetest card today and it just melted my heart.
I have noticed that my mid-section is growing at an alarming rate these days. A sweet lady at church asked me if I was having twins. I was not offended but I have seen my sweet Ruthie on the screens enough to know there is only one. So, I told her nope.. just the one. She, then, looking at my belly, says "Are you sure???" Still not offended, I did let her know that we've seen this girl and she's the only one in there. But my growing tummy is definitely larger in the last couple of weeks. I haven't been gaining a ton of weight... just moving it around mostly. We went to the doctor on Monday and found that Ruthie has way more than the average fluid around her. She's swimming in an ocean and that's why my belly is a little more swollen than the average 29 weeker. It is uncomfortable. I feel like someone has a water balloon in my belly and is slowly increasing the pressure. They told me they could drain it but that would mean another giant needle which also carries a tiny risk of premature labor. But, the extra fluid also carries a risk of premature labor. SO, for now, I'm toughing it out until I can't bare it. I may end up having the procedure done to reduce the fluid at one of my many appointments next week.
Other than the excess fluid, Ruthie is still stable. The solid mass is still growing but she seems to be handling the extra pressure okay. We are currently in a holding pattern. We'll be playing it week by week to see whether or not we need to induce. As the mass grows, it will hinder her but we want her to get as big as she can until we get her into the world. We are hoping to get past 34 weeks. But we'll have to wait and see.
Thank you to everyone for your prayers and support. Keep em' coming. We love you!
Putting away the "What if's"
This week Jimmy and I went to Erlanger to meet with some pretty great people. We met several doctors, nurses, and specialists. We also got to tour the NICU and children's hospital where Ruthie will most likely be staying. Totally awesome! I was so impressed with the NICU (intensive care unit for infants) They had 50 babies in there! It was amazing to see! These little ones were taken care of so well! If Ruthie's in there, it is nice to know there are so many dedicated nurses and staff taking such care of the sweet ones. (also, jimmy and i can visit any time of day. I like that.)
The first doctor we met is a surgeon. He and his team will be the ones to assess Ruthie after she is born to determine whether or not she needs surgery right away, what kind of surgery, and what exactly we are dealing with. There's only so much you can see on an ultrasound. So, when she comes out they will be looking to see if the mass is ON her lung, intermingled with the lung tissue, or completely overtaken it. This will let him know how to remove it. If it's on her lung, he may be able to save it and she may have both of her little lungs to work with. Another scenario would be it is totally intermingled with the right lung and part or the whole lung would have to be removed. So, if you didn't know, a person can live with only one lung. He said she could run, play, jump, etc. This would become her normal. She could still play sports and do most things with no long term care or meds. She could probably never be a smoker. But let's be honest, I don't really want her to pick up that habit. Now, he wasn't blindly optimistic. Things could go wrong. Her left lung may have problems, as well. She may need something called ECHMO which is only done at Vanderbilt and she would then be transferred. There are lots of things that could go wrong, but overall, she's got a good shot.
We, also, went to see our hi-risk OB. (the one who put in the shunt-referred to as Yoda in previous blogs) He said the shunt is still in place. It's still doing it's job. She is stable and looks pretty good. He was very happy with the results of the procedure and is hopeful for her. Her mass has a blood supply so is most likely not going to shrink or go away. As she grows, it may grow with her, but will likely not cause any more problems. Jimmy asked.... "Is our cup half full here? or half empty?" The Doc replied.. Mostly full. So, that was enough for us. We are feeling pretty good about all this. I'm just trying not to go into labor.
We discussed what would happen if I should go into labor here (in cookeville). They said "oh. that should be okay. Depending on how far along (in labor) you are, we'll either stop your contractions and airlift you here (to erlanger) or if you are about to deliver, we'll airlift our NICU team to Cookeville and stabilize Ruthie then bring her here." WOW! I was just like... okay. Feeling like a VIP again. Part of that makes me nervous, but also comforts me. Hopefully, we never have to do this. If I make it to 37-38 weeks, we'll schedule an induction or c-section depending on Ruthie's needs. I'm 28 weeks today.... so 9-10 more weeks.
So, as you can see, the list of "What if's" is super long.... She could be born breathing fine, come home with us, and we'll schedule a surgery for later... or she could be born not breathing and neither of her lungs functioning and not make it. Obviously our doctor's are telling us both ends of the spectrum but betting on somewhere in the middle. They are optimistic and i think that's a good sign. But to know all these scenarios and running through them all.... not fun. So, I'm putting away all the "what if's" and not worrying. Let's be honest. Worrying will do absolutely nothing for me or for Ruthie. BUT if i can relax, give God these worries/what if's...that actually might do some good. So, my little mustard seed of faith is in the Lord and choosing every day to hope for the best and be ready for a little one at home. Sounds fine and dandy but put into practice is a daily thing. People keep saying they admire my strength or faith or whatever...Truth is... Here's the secret... I'm not keeping this. God has this. I'm just living it.
The first doctor we met is a surgeon. He and his team will be the ones to assess Ruthie after she is born to determine whether or not she needs surgery right away, what kind of surgery, and what exactly we are dealing with. There's only so much you can see on an ultrasound. So, when she comes out they will be looking to see if the mass is ON her lung, intermingled with the lung tissue, or completely overtaken it. This will let him know how to remove it. If it's on her lung, he may be able to save it and she may have both of her little lungs to work with. Another scenario would be it is totally intermingled with the right lung and part or the whole lung would have to be removed. So, if you didn't know, a person can live with only one lung. He said she could run, play, jump, etc. This would become her normal. She could still play sports and do most things with no long term care or meds. She could probably never be a smoker. But let's be honest, I don't really want her to pick up that habit. Now, he wasn't blindly optimistic. Things could go wrong. Her left lung may have problems, as well. She may need something called ECHMO which is only done at Vanderbilt and she would then be transferred. There are lots of things that could go wrong, but overall, she's got a good shot.
We, also, went to see our hi-risk OB. (the one who put in the shunt-referred to as Yoda in previous blogs) He said the shunt is still in place. It's still doing it's job. She is stable and looks pretty good. He was very happy with the results of the procedure and is hopeful for her. Her mass has a blood supply so is most likely not going to shrink or go away. As she grows, it may grow with her, but will likely not cause any more problems. Jimmy asked.... "Is our cup half full here? or half empty?" The Doc replied.. Mostly full. So, that was enough for us. We are feeling pretty good about all this. I'm just trying not to go into labor.
We discussed what would happen if I should go into labor here (in cookeville). They said "oh. that should be okay. Depending on how far along (in labor) you are, we'll either stop your contractions and airlift you here (to erlanger) or if you are about to deliver, we'll airlift our NICU team to Cookeville and stabilize Ruthie then bring her here." WOW! I was just like... okay. Feeling like a VIP again. Part of that makes me nervous, but also comforts me. Hopefully, we never have to do this. If I make it to 37-38 weeks, we'll schedule an induction or c-section depending on Ruthie's needs. I'm 28 weeks today.... so 9-10 more weeks.
So, as you can see, the list of "What if's" is super long.... She could be born breathing fine, come home with us, and we'll schedule a surgery for later... or she could be born not breathing and neither of her lungs functioning and not make it. Obviously our doctor's are telling us both ends of the spectrum but betting on somewhere in the middle. They are optimistic and i think that's a good sign. But to know all these scenarios and running through them all.... not fun. So, I'm putting away all the "what if's" and not worrying. Let's be honest. Worrying will do absolutely nothing for me or for Ruthie. BUT if i can relax, give God these worries/what if's...that actually might do some good. So, my little mustard seed of faith is in the Lord and choosing every day to hope for the best and be ready for a little one at home. Sounds fine and dandy but put into practice is a daily thing. People keep saying they admire my strength or faith or whatever...Truth is... Here's the secret... I'm not keeping this. God has this. I'm just living it.
Ruthie's Nursery
I have so many friends who are so creative and talented when it comes to decorating and painting (like on a canvas). I've always wanted to be crafty like these wonderful friends. I've tried painting before but disaster ensued. Only after a trip to the Art Mill in Cookeville did I get another boost of confidence. I really wanted Jimmy and I to do the art for Ruthie's room. Here's our progress.....
Here's a "R" that I did. It's small but hope to find a place for it. Jimmy drew the picture for me. I'm not super at drawing...but my hubby is!!Fresh coat of Green...Here's our finished product. Jimmy drawing... Me painting... seems to be working. I must say I'm pretty proud of our first attempt. I've got one more canvas to finish.
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