Monday

Today was a good day.  We got up and started the day by getting Thomas off to school, and then I was down at UAB by 8:15 for my first appointment with the Maternal Fetal Medicine specialist this week.  I really liked the doctor, all the nurses were great, and it sort of made being there a very long time a little more tolerable.  After meeting with the doctor, I had the obligatory lab work, followed by a biophysical profile for Kathryn.  This included an ultrasound to check my amniotic fluid levels and her "breathing."  Good news is she's practicing breathing quite well;  bad news is: my fluid is as high as its been so far since we discovered all this mess.  Today my fluid measured at 56 cm on the AFI (Amniotic Fluid Index).  They gave me a picture of sweet Kathryn in 4d and she's cute as ever, albeit pretty swollen in the face from all the fluid buildup.  I still think she's beautiful. 

That test was then followed by a non-stress test, where they found that I'm still contracting every four minutes.  But I also hadn't taken my medicine yet that morning.  Luckily, we know the contractions aren't doing anything, so that's good, and Kathryn's heart is handling them really well.  So these are all good signs.  As for the high levels of amniotic fluid for me, there's a chance they may drain some out on Wednesday, and even though I hate the thought of another needle in my stomach, I also LOVE the thought of getting some relief.  So if they decide to do it, I just won't be too upset. 

After that appointment, BT and my aunt Darlene met me for us to have an initial consult wtih Dr. Carlo, Sr., the head of Neonatology.  He was great and helped us sort of understand how everything will play out at Kathryn's delivery from the neonatology perspective.  Then after that he wanted to show us the NICU again and walk us through it.  You can tell how proud he is of his facility, and he should be.

So, at about 11:30, I was finally done with the doctors and finished my day with lunch with Darlene followed by a little time at work, followed by a nap.  I'd say I earned it. 

Tomorrow we'll see Dr. Carlo, Jr., the pediatric cardiologist, who will do a full scan of Kathryn's heart to make absolutely sure everything is working properly.

Please continue to pray that Kathryn grows and stays safe and sound where she is, and please pray to give the doctors the proper discernment to determine when it will be best to deliver.  As for me, please pray that I can use this experience to become a better person.

Love and Hugs to all.