Tuesday, February 19, 2008

So many questions and one answered prayer...

Hi Everyone!

I would like to begin by explaining what happened yesterday and then will give you all the updates! Thank you to my dear friend Julie for giving the update last night.

I went in yesterday at 12:30 as scheduled and had the NST. This took FOREVER because Happy was so active he kept moving and it wasn't always picking up his heartrate! But about an hour or so later we met with the doctor who thought things looked fine. Then we headed to ultrasound. She was not able to get a clear view of his head because it was in my ribs. He was breech. We got a few cute pictures of his face though I will post them later. She went on to do all of the measurements and assessments needed and asked us to sit in the waiting room, she needed to talk to the doctor...WE HAVE HEARD THAT BEFORE! We knew something was up. She came back and all she said was to head across the road to labor and delivery and the doctor would be waiting for us there.

So, like a nightmare that was reocurring we walked across the street. (this is exactly what happened with Isaac) When we got up there the doctor was on the phone so the nurses got me into a room and I got into a gown and they began monitoring the baby. The doctor came in and explained that the sonogram showed fluid on the baby's lungs and that the umbilical cord was not allowing the blood to flow as easily as it should. He was concerned about Happy's well being. So he said we would do IV fluids and repeat the scan in an hour and go from there.

An hour later they repeated the scan and found much of the same. So the OB came back in and explained that it didn't look good and that we would be staying overnight. He said that the baby could be in danger and that we would repeat the scan in the morning. If the results were worse we would deliver the baby right then. If they were the same we could stay in the hospital to be monitored for a week and then deliver or we could just deliver in the morning.

This gave us much to think about. We really want to maximize any time we have with Happy and I don't want to see him under stress in the womb. Yet they thought by giving him another week, his lungs may at least be mature. I was totally not ready for any of this. I figured he would come early but not this early.

Then the neonatologist came in to ask the tough questions. He needed to know if when Happy was born we wanted a chest tube inserted to drain the fluid on his lungs. This is what they would do for a normal healthy baby, but he explained that it is a painful procedure and he did not think it would change the outcome in Happy's case. He was very kind and compassionate but also told us if it were his child he would not go to extreme measures. He also was concerned that with the prematurity coming into play that a respirator may be needed. This was another thing to consider because about half of babies born at this point need one. However, if we chose to put him on the respirator, it would likely keep him alive, though his lack of brain development would probably cause him to be brain dead. If we did the chest tube or the ventilator, we would not be able to hold him and the doctors are quite certain his microcephaly is severe enough that he will not survive anyhow.

WHOA! I know...decisions no parent should ever have to contemplate. After discussing it with the doctors and nurses we decided that when Happy comes, we will provide comfort care to be sure he doesn't suffer, but we will not use heroic measures. If God is going to heal him, he doesn't need a chest tube to do it. We want to hold him and love him for the time we have him. This is also what we chose for Isaac and we are pretty much at peace with those decisions. We are not giving up, but we are also not going to try to fight God if his plan is to take him.

We prayed for God to help us to know what to do.

An answered prayer!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We tried to rest for the evening mostly unsuccessfully and this morning at 7 I had another Ultrasound. This ultrasound actually went well! At about 8 the doctor came in and said that we could go home! We were stunned! This was never even an option prior to this. She said that the ultrasound went well and that the cord looked better! We could go home and we would schedule a c section for Monday, February 25, this would give his lungs a chance to develop a little more and in her words at least give him a "fighting chance" She said that he appears to be doing well and we will monitor him again on Thursday, but this was good news. She said that these extra days could mean more time with him, and who knows?? "doctors are not God" those were her exact words!

So our decision was made. Monday it is. I am still not nearly ready for this and am struggling immensely with all of it, but this was an answered prayer and we know that God's timing is perfect so he WILL work all of this out for our good.

I have nothing more profound to say right now as it all still seems a little surreal and I am having difficulty wrapping my mind around it. Those are the facts and we will continue to pray and trust God with the life He perfectly created.

Thank you all so much for your continued support and prayer. I will keep you updated as we process all of this and begin to prepare for Monday!

31 comments:

MARGARETE said...

Thanks for the update. We have been praying and thinking of you all morning. We will keep checking your posts.
Margarete

Anonymous said...

I am praying for your and your families needs this week. I am praying that you continue to experience God's presence and direction in the coming days. He is so good and merciful and loving!

Laralyn Simons (Suffolk, VA)

My Busy Boys said...

Thanks for the update. I also having been praying for you and your family. God does have perfect timing. He is so faithful to us. I am praying for peace and most of all miracle healing for Happy. May God continue to Bless you and hold you!

Kim (from Wi)

Anonymous said...

I found your blog from another site. I have actually been following you and your family for about a month but have not signed. Sorry it seems that everytime I try my little boy needs me. I also have a child with extreme medical needs and my pregnancy was very rocky. Please know we are praying for your little one. Enjoy your extra time with him this week and I agree with the doctor they aren't God!!!!

You can see my little fellow at www.caringbridge.org/ky/isaiah

Have a wonderful week.

Nicki Buchanon
Bowling Green, KY

Anonymous said...

Praying for peace for your family! God's timing is always perfect! Glad you were able to go home again and that Happy will be with you longer and able to grow stronger in you! God Bless you!

Alicia said...

Thanks for the update...you have been in my thoughts and prayers....

Continuing to pray for peace.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the update, Kristy! You and Happy were on our minds today at our MOPS table. Thank God for the good report this morning... we'll still be praying!
danita

Dawn Camp said...

You prob. don't know who we are, but my cousin (Nikki (Harayda) Alexander) passed on some info. We just want you to know that we are thinking and praying for you all.
The Camp Family ~ W. Springfield
Patrick, Dawn, Nathan, Abby & Maddy

Anonymous said...

One less decision that YOU and Howard have to make. Thank God for directing your path! We will continue to pray for strength and direction in the coming days. If there is anything that you need, even if it is just someone to sit and be still with you, let me know. I would be happy to help in any way I can. We were definitely thinking of you this morning at MOPS.

Rebecca (Ramblings by Reba) said...

I found your Web site a few days ago. (I can't remember how now.)

I'll be praying.

Anonymous said...

I have been and will continue to pray, especially on Monday.

Anon. in GA

Anonymous said...

Thank you for the updates, I check several times a day to see how you guys are doing! Hope this next week goes well, that Happy's lungs grow stronger. We are thinking about you and your family, praying that everyone will be okay.

Kim (marygracesummons.blogspot.com) said...

Kristy,
I am praying. For all your and Happy's needs especially peace. Savior this week - I miss being pregnant!
Love you,
Kim

Anonymous said...

Kristy,
You are a strong woman, I will continue to pray for you and Happy. I will be thinking of you all week. thanks for the update!

Suzie

mrsrubly said...

thanks for updating us! i am so sorry that you & hubby are having to go throuh this troubling period. i pray for nothing BUT the very best for the 3 of all @ the time of delivery and that there will be peace in your delivery room and that his lungs will be pure and all the fluid will be lifted! that the docs will have the wisdom to know how to handle this fragile life before them! i will also pray for the other kiddos as well! god bless you

Anonymous said...

Oh BEST of luck to you all. I have been watching your site for quite some time, though have never commented. I think you are one tough family to be going through all you have and really wish you peace, comfort, and joy with everything. Can't wait to hear Happy's real name!!!

Anonymous said...

Thank God for setting your path today. You and Happy and Howard and the kids will still be in my prayers this week. We were all thinking of you today at MOPS. Thank you for keeping us posted!

Kendra B.

Anonymous said...

Kristy,
I am so happy that you were able to go home. God knew he wasn't ready and he needs a little more time. He is keeping Happy a fighter. Of course, like always I am thinking about you and praying for you. The prayers are working. One by one they are working.

love,
Claire

Laurie in Ca. said...

Continued prayers here for you and Happy to grow strong this week. I am still asking God to heal Him if it is His will. I am so thankful for you to get the answers you needed from God this morning. And I am praying for your peace in the week ahead as you wait to meet Happy. Praying that it draws your family closer together than ever before in Gods love for you.

Love, Laurie in Ca.

Devin said...

I am so glad that you have a few more days to be able to 'wrap your head around' all of this. God's timing is always perfect....Praise the Lord that nothing happened yesterday that was out of His control! I will continue praying for you and your entire family.

Prayers from Illinois,
Devin

Lisa said...

Kristy,
so relieved for you that Happy is staying safe and warm where he belongs. He and your family are never alone. Happy is a blessed baby - wonderful parents, caring doctors, and prayers across the world for his health.

Love,
Lisa

The Adoption Of William said...

Praying for your family. I continue to pray for little Happy and comfort for your heart and the hearts of your family.

With Love,

Jen-William's Mom

Anonymous said...

So glad to hear that you were able to come home today and be with your two boys; plus still have Happy in his little "oven" to "bake" a little longer, too. Every day counts and I just pray that he will come out and be the little miracle we're all hoping & praying for. Take good care and continue to know that you have many praying for you all.

God Bless, Nicole

Anonymous said...

Good news! My thoughts and prayers are with you. How many weeks will you be on the 25th? I'm just curious since I've only been following your story for a few weeks.

With love,
UNC NICU RN

Anonymous said...

Kristy,
I am glad you are resting at home. Happy is so blessed to have you and Howard as parents. God has a plan...I can't wait to meet Happy. We are still continuously praying for you, Howard, Luke, Ben and for God to give you the much needed support and strength. Keep leaning on Him. I am praying that all the prayers for your family are answered. We love ya!
Lannea, Eric & Norah

Jenny said...

Your WHOLE family is in my thoughts and prayers. I'm glad Happy is safe and sound for now.

Please keep us updated as you can..

Anonymous said...

Thanks so much for the update and I am so happy to hear that this prayer was answered for you! I will be praying for you on Monday and for little Happy! May the strength of God be with you!!

Anonymous said...

wow! God is definitely in control! I'm so glad you got to come home--and i'm praying for a miracle next monday!

Kenzie said...

Kristy-

Oh, I am praying for you and for Happy and your boys (Howard included :)) during this time. I know that you are anxious and Monday seems so close, yet so far away! We will be praying for God's mighty hand upon you during this time and that you will feel His peace about the path that has laid out before you and what He has planned. Know that you are being lifted up and He has a wonderful plan for baby Happy :) I'm so thankful you have this week to enjoy this sweet time before meeting him.

Praying and much love,
Kenzie

AK Angel said...

From the last frontier of Alaska ~ His peace which passes all understaning is within you all ~ and His angels are surrounding your, guiding you, guarding you, comforting you, loving you as you continue your journey with Happy! Sending angel hugs...J.Douglass

Anonymous said...

Hello,
Connie shared an update yesterday at MOPS. We prayed for all the babies in our group. You are lifted up in God's hands. I will be praying. Amy K.