31 weeks and counting

This is week 31 of the pregnancy. My how the time has flown by!! It seems as though we have reached a plateau with the doctors and baby, who is now affectionately referred to as wiggle worm by the doctors and nurses :) At this point it appears as though most of what we have been trying to identify through prenatal screening has reached the point where we are in a wait and see when the baby is born mode. We will be continuing the appts, but more to monitor rather than to probe. It will be much easier to evaluate "wiggle worm" once he is born and more conclusive findings will be made.

We met with the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) doctors on Tues. They sat down with us and answered questions we had as well as explained how everything would transpire from delivery until it is time to go home. We got a tour of the NICU and were able to see some of the equipment and bedding that "wiggle worm" will be in after delivery.

Since there are so many specialist that will be and are involved with the baby the NICU team acts as the point to ensure he gets the tests and evaluations appropriately and also to be the ones that give us the information. This will keep what will become a very fast moving three ring circus some civility and consistent information and updates. Once the baby is born he will begin some of the test that are critical to ensure his life sustaining functions are fine. Once that is determined the next day or so will involve several different evaluations and screenings to determine how quickly any surgery or treatments will need to occur. The good news is we were told that family will be able to visit the baby in the hospital even while in the NICU. There are some limitations, but at least we know that it is OK, so get your plans ready :) At this point the only real major concern the doctors have is preterm labor. We have been instructed to come in and be evaluated at the first sign of any potential labor. The hope with this measure is to stabilize and prevent preterm delivery.

As for us, we are doing OK. We are taking care of each other and making sure that we do not forget ourselves during all this. We are both very tired as sleeping at night is becoming more difficult especially for poor Katharine who is experiencing the typical "uncomfortable" feelings. I wonder if that is natures way of preparing you for those late night/early morning feedings and changing ;) Thank you all again for your continued prayers, thoughts, cards, and phone calls. It really has helped a lot in getting through this difficult period. We hope everyone is well and hope to hear from you soon!!