Mr. Smiles at 30 weeks....

We had a pretty good visit at the high risk OB today. Due to a problem with scheduling (2nd week in a row!) we didn't see Dr. Kramer. I was lucky I called to confirm the appt b/c they told me it was today and not tomorrow. They worked me into their schedule and I saw Dr. Broth again. He's also very nice. My mom said not to worry that everything happens for a reason. I guess she was right because he spent about 30 minutes or more just talking to me. It turns out that he did his fellowship on determining lung function tests. I brought him a paper I found about determining lung function by 3D ultrasound. He showed me how this can be done but said there is a test he developed that measures the physiology and not just the size. It's only available in N.J. but he said if I want to he'll arrange for me to get the test. I would breath in oxygen from a mask and they watch to see how the baby's lungs react. It would give them an idea about how his lungs would function when he's born. I told him I would think about it but if the result wasn't good I don't think I would want to know. If it was favorable then I would feel better but either way it wouldn't change the way they treat Jack so I don't know if I want to go through all that and the long ride to N.J. At least it was great to talk to him about how the lungs work and that size isn't everything. Still gets back to what we always hear....we won't know until Jack is born.

Jack was breech position again and it looks like the liver is still down (4th week in a row!). When I went to the regular OB on Tuesday they said I am measuring almost 35 weeks but I'm only 30. I was VERY worried the fluid was continuing to build up but was THRILLED to see that we're holding at the same levels as last week. We even saw Jack sticking his tongue in and out then gulping fluid and doing practice breathing. What a good boy! They looked by 3D but the pictures aren't great (see gallery). We did see him look up at us and make a HUGE smile again. It melts my heart. I just want to give him kisses!

As for my medical issues....I saw the surgeon last Friday and they won't remove my gallbladder until 2 weeks after I deliver Jack. I'll also have to get a CT scan for the kidney stone around that time and the urologist said when we have that info we'll talk about treating the kidney stone (which looks to be about 1 cm). I also have a kidney infection but the antibiotics are finally helping and I'm starting to feel less 'sick'. The only real issue is the gallbladder. It really hurts after I eat, even though I've cut fat out of my diet. Somehow I lost 4 lbs in 2 weeks. The doctor said that the baby is growing though so it's OK and I just have to force myself to eat when I'm nauseous. We're hanging in there!!

Finally, I wanted to share a quote that another CDH mom sent me that seems to describe this journey...

“We're not necessarily doubting that God will do the best for us; we are wondering how painful the best will turn out to be.” -CS Lewis

Love,
Vic