baby – Page 6 – I only have 5 minutes

Uncategorized / April 4, 2020

4/4/20 – A new Shecklet

Back in December, we found out that we are expecting another Shecklet – due late August. Physically, this pregnancy has been rough. I’m tired, battling nausea and pregnancy sickness, and my patience is not what I would like for it to be. I wish I could turn a corner and start to feel better.

At my 10 week appointment, I had a dating ultrasound and it showed something of concern. Baby’s nuchal translucency was thicker than they expected to see at this time.

I had follow-up appointment (Jake was able to accompany me) with a perinatologist at 13 weeks along that showed that our baby has a cystic hygroma that grew substantially since my 10 week appointment. The doctor said the baby’s lymphatic system isn’t draining fluid like it should, so it’s building up around the back of the head and down the back. The most likely causes are a chromosome abnormality or heart defect. We did not opt to have any further testing to determine the cause at this time, largely because there isn’t anything that can be done medically. Also, for me, having more information right now would likely just lead to increased anxiety.

The prognosis we were given is not good. I was told I could see my midwife weekly for heartbeat checks and if the baby is still fighting at 20 weeks, I would then have a Level II ultrasound and fetal echo. We would also revisit prognosis and potential blood tests for further information.

We told the kids about their new sibling (and how the baby is sick) when I reached about 16 weeks along. Jake also shared with his family and we have gradually been telling our friends. I am praying that this baby would be physically healed of all issues – if that is God’s will for him/her. I am also really trying hard to just be present in the moment and be thankful for each day we are given with this new life.

I will be 20 weeks along this weekend. I don’t want to say I wasn’t expecting to make it this far, but from what the doctor told me back at week 13, it does seem a bit surprising. I continue to treasure each day we have with this baby and am grateful for the opportunity to feel him/her move. It’s heart has been beating strong at every weekly check. Now we wait to see what the ultrasound and echo tell us on 4/10. I know that making it to 20 weeks is not some magical milestone. I know that God’s plan for this baby may not be for us to bring him/her home to live with us. But I do know that His plan is good, this child exists(!) He loves this child, and we have been given the opportunity to love them too.

Uncategorized / October 15, 2010

Surprise visit!

I looked out the front window this morning and saw a strange truck & trailer parked on the opposite side of the street from our driveway. I strained my eyes to see who was driving and got confused when a man stepped out. He pulled out a baby gift bag and instantly it came to me…my Uncle Ron!

I couldn’t believe my eyes. He was driving home from doing a kitchen installation (he’s a woodworker) and stopped to surprise us on his way by. He spent 5 hours at our house – holding Ingrid, talking to the boys. It was great! I don’t often get a chance to talk one-on-one with him in such a relaxed setting. Our conversations generally take place at holiday gatherings, so we don’t get to really catch up. I was so thankful for his visit today – he made my week!

Uncategorized / October 2, 2010

She’s here!

I thought for sure I’d have a 10/01/10 baby, but she held out for one more day. That’s right, SHE! We had a little girl today and she is absolutely beautiful! I’m thrilled she’s finally here. The last days, weeks, months, ok most of the pregnancy was pretty rough on me. But as with the boys, it was totally worth it.

We went to the hospital about 4:30 this morning (our fantastic neighbor came over to sit in the house with the boys sleeping upstairs until my mom could drive over.) They decided to keep me after monitoring me for a couple of hours. Once in the delivery room, (the largest corner room they have in the place with a great view of a creek,) I managed to endure the contractions for another hour or so and then decided to have my nurse call in the anesthesiologist to provide me with some relief in the form of an epidural. I’m not one to endure pain for the sake of pain; I know my limits. So once the kind man gave me my numbing drip, I was able to rest/doze off and get ready to meet our new baby. My water broke on its own, shortly after, I pushed once, and at 12:19 P.M., little Miss Ingrid Anmarene was out!

When they announced to us that we had a girl to add to our family, I was in disbelief. Prior to her arrival, I had come around to the notion of having 3 boys. I just assumed that is what we’d have. But no, clearly God has other things in store for us – and we are so thankful for the newest gift He has given us.

My second moment of disbelief came when I heard how much my “little” girl weighed. I thought for sure they were a pound off, but no, she weighed in at 9 pounds, 12 ounces. That’s bigger than both of her brothers. All 3 kids were the same length: 22 inches. My little Sheck babies…they’re long ones! No “newborn” clothes are worn in our house. We skip right to the 3 month clothes.

Ingrid is the first granddaughter on both sides of the family and the first great-granddaughter of the 7 great-grandkids on Jake’s side of the family. Let the inundation of pink begin!