Hope for Baby Bennett: Quick update on us - and Nathaniel and Townes!

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Quick update on us - and Nathaniel and Townes!

I had my 36 week appointment with my OB yesterday, where they did a non-stress-test and baby seemed to do fine with that. I had some contractions during the test, but nothing regular, which was good. Then, I had my last appointment with the cardiologist today and, while baby hasn't grown a functioning left ventricle yet (or, well, a left ventricle at all for that matter), baby is stable and growing well. Heart function looks good and the aorta has grown and is now 3.8! That was great news - the cardiologist was happy about that - it generally makes the surgery a bit easier. They also checked my fluid levels and those look good. The nurse who checked my fluid levels has been doing this forever and I asked her estimate on baby's size. She says if I go all the way to my c-section date, she thinks baby will be just under 8lbs. Probably around 7lb10 or 12oz or so. Sierra was 8lb2oz, so it'll be interesting to see if the nurse is right this time around!

As for Nathaniel and Townes, thank you much for all of your prayers on both of their accounts! Townes's cath ended up being rescheduled at the last minute, so won't be until Feb 11th now. So, he'll need your prayers then! And Nathaniel's surgery went great! It took only 2 hours and there were no complications. He's in the PCICU, but they're hopeful he'll be released to the general pediatriac floor by tomorrow night or Saturday morning, which would be absolutely wonderful! Please continue to pray for no complications - thankfully, he's doing well so far, but you just never know with these heart kiddos.

Thanks for your continued prayers!

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The Chosen Mothers by Erma Bombeck

Most women become mothers by accident, some by choice, a few by social pressures, and a couple by habit. Did you ever wonder how mothers of children with life threatening illnesses are chosen?

Somehow, I visualize God hovering over Earth selecting His instruments for propagation with great care and deliberation. As He observes, He instructs His angels to make notes in a giant ledger. "Armstrong, Beth, son, patron saint Matthew. Forrest, Marjorie, daughter, patron saint Cecilia. Rutledge, Carrie, twins, patron saint Gerard."

Finally, He passes a name to an angel and says, "Give her a child with cancer." The angel is curious. "Why this one God? She's so happy." "Exactly" smiles God, "Could I give a child with cancer a mother who does not know laughter? That would be cruel."

"But, does she have patience?" asks the angel. "I don't want her to have too much patience or she will drown in a sea of self-pity and despair. Once the shock and resentment wears off, she will handle it." "I watched her today. She has that feeling of self and independence that is so rare and so necessary in a mother. You see, the child I'm going to give her has it's own world. She has to make it live in her world and that's not going to be easy."

"But, Lord, I don't think she believes in you." No matter, I can fix that. This one is perfect. She has just enough selfishness." The angel gasps -"Selfishness? is that a virtue?"

God nods. "If she can't separate herself from the child occasionally, she'll never survive. Yes, here is a woman whom I will bless with a child less than perfect. She doesn't realize it yet, but she is to be envied. She will never take anything her child does for granted. She will never consider a single step ordinary. I will permit her to see clearly the things I see...ignorance, cruelty, prejudice...and allow her to rise above them." She will never be alone. I will be at her side every minute of every day of her life, because she is doing My work as surely as if she is here by My side." "And what about her patron Saint?" asks the angel. His pen poised in mid-air. God smiles, "A mirror will suffice."