Christmas 2008

Just thought I'd share a few (OK, more than a few) Christmas pictures from the Hafeman family!

We had a truly blessed Christmas filled with family and joy! Hope you all had the same!

Off to Church...

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

Had my appointment yesterday, and things went pretty well.  Baby girl still looks great... we even got to take a peek at her with a 3-D ultrasound!  It was amazing- she looks a lot like Lydia already!  Doctor said that the fluid looks great, and since it has been a week and a half since I've had any leaking of amniotic fluid, she feels pretty confident that the leak has HEALED!  Prayers have been answered!

Over one hurdle, on to another...

I spent the afternoon/evening in the hospital on Saturday because I started bleeding and cramping early that morning.  They couldn't find an obvious reason for the bleeding, but gave me a shot of something to stop the cramping.  The doctor yesterday said that because of the continued, sporadic bleeding I've experienced through this pregnancy, that she really couldn't let me off of bedrest at this point.  BUT, I asked her if I could please go to church with my family today to celebrate Christmas Eve, and she said YES!  I am also able to go shopping for small amounts of time IF someone will push me in a wheelchair.  Any takers?? :)

I will continue with weekly appointments for the next month to make sure that all continues to be well with our little one.  I'll keep you all posted.

Take Care, and I hope you all enjoy this holiday season!

Insignificant...

Someone pointed something out to me last night.  She pointed out the fact that never in this blog have I talked about the results of the amniocentesis.  I really didn't believe her, so I went back and re-read every post I've made so far.  She was right... not one single mention of it!  

Funny how things that once seemed so important seem so very insignificant as of late.  Six weeks ago, the focus of our worry shifted almost instantly from wondering whether or not this baby of ours had Down syndrome or any other chromosomal issues, to wondering whether or not this baby would SURVIVE.  The Lord has a way of shifting our focus to the things that are truly important in life, I guess.

So, for those who don't know already, the results of the amnio are that this baby girl of ours does NOT have Down syndrome or Trisomy 18.  As far as anybody can tell, she is a healthy baby in every way.  The increased nuchal fold, which started all of this worry back in September, has completely resolved.  The cyst that was present on her brain at our 19 week ultrasound has disappeared.  All is well.

Not Free Yet...

The good news... baby girl continues to look great and has plenty of amniotic fluid!  She had both of her little hands up by her mouth again and was sucking on her fingers... I'm thinking we may have a little thumb-sucker on our hands.  The doctor was encouraged when I told her that I am pretty sure that I haven't leaked any amniotic fluid for a good four days... she said that she is very hopeful that this leak has already healed or is well on its way to doing so.

However, she said that because it has been a relatively short amount of time that I've been feeling better, she would like me to remain on strict bedrest for another week.  UGH!  I was honestly thinking that she would "set me free" today, at least to resume a minimum amount of activity.   But, I will gladly rest on this couch for another seven days if it means our little girl will stay happy and safe inside my belly. :)

We have another appointment next Tuesday.  If at that point all continues to look well with baby and me, then she will allow me to begin adding small amounts of activity into my day.  Just thinking about being able to go to church with my family on Christmas Eve warms my heart beyond words.

So we wait and pray for another good appointment next week... 

Six Weeks Down...

Its hard to believe that it has been six weeks already since our amnio and the beginning of this ever-so exciting journey of bedrest.  I  just wanted to thank all of you for your prayers for our family and for this baby girl... I fully believe that they are working!  I have had a great few days, and am totally anticipating some good news from tomorrow morning's appointment.  Things seem to be really good, and I have a strong feeling that this leak may have healed itself over the last week.  

So, if you think of it, we would really appreciate you keeping us all in your prayers through tomorrow morning.  If all continues to look good with the baby, I am thinking they will allow me to start adding small amounts of activity throughout my day.  I'll update tomorrow!!

Hope you are all enjoying your holiday season!

More of the Same...

Thought I would post another update, although its really just been a lot more of the same around the Hafeman household!  The big news is that I am now 24 weeks and 4 days into this crazy pregnancy, and every week she stays "cooking" inside this oven is a true blessing!!  I have officially spent FIVE weeks laying on this couch... it seems unreal that it has been that long.  My family has been so instrumental in us making it through all of this... they have each been sacrificing so very much in order to care for Lydia and Will when Steve is at work.  God has surrounded us with such amazing people who love and support us, and who will do whatever they can to help us out in this difficult time.

We did have a bit of excitement yesterday morning.  I had a long night with a lot of aches and cramping, and woke around 5:00 am to find that I had started bleeding a bit.  The doctors had me come in right away that morning, as they feared that I may have been in early stages of labor.  Steve scrambled to arrange a sub for his classroom, and we got to the clinic by 9:30 or so.  They did an ultrasound, and we got GREAT news!  Our baby girl still looks wonderful... she has plenty of amniotic fluid and was sucking on her little hand throughout the scan.  She is growing just as she should be, and now weighs in at about 1 lb, 7 oz.   I've had so many ultrasounds during this pregnancy that I feel like I really "know" this little one without having ever actually laid my eyes upon her!  

Anyways, turns out I was NOT in early labor (thank God), and there were NO signs of uterine infection.  Not sure where the bleeding is coming from, though, so we will keep an eye on that. Continued bedrest and another appointment next Tuesday!  Thank you to all who check in on us and who offer prayers and words of encouragement... we appreciate it more than you know!

Appointment Update...

I had my follow-up appointment with the high-risk OB this morning, and I'm NOT writing this update from the hospital!! YAY!  :)  Here's the update:

- Still having some leaking of amniotic fluid.  Doctor is hopeful that the leak is slowing/healing itself.  Baby looked really good again today, and she was moving and kicking throughout the ultrasound session.  

- The major risk at this point is infection, which is a very serious complication of having premature rupture of membranes.  If I were to develop any kind of uterine infection, it would be very dangerous for me, and because of that they would have to take the baby right away.  

- Because of this chance, they gave me a shot of betamethasome (my butt is still aching from it).  This is basically a steroid given to increase the baby's lung development and improve her chances of survival if she needed to be delivered early due to infection.  I go back tomorrow morning for a second shot.

- The doctor told us that in most cases, she would recommend hospitalization at this point for close monitoring of me and of the baby.  However, she gave my primary OB a call, and after talking for awhile, they decided that they would let me continue my bedrest at home for now.  I will need to monitor myself very closely and take my temperature every three hours around the clock, as a fever is often the first (and sometimes only) sign of infection.  I go back in a week from today for another ultrasound and appointment, and if in two weeks the leak is still present, then I will for sure be admitted to the hospital for the duration of the pregnancy... no question.

So, there it is in a nutshell.  I am relieved to be at HOME right now, and praying that this will all resolve so that I can continue being HOME for the rest of this pregnancy!  Thank you to all of you who have been checking in on me... it means so much to us to know that we have so many people who care about what's been going on!!

Thanks, Mom...

Tonight I was treated to something really special.  My mom arranged for a massage therapist to come over to my house and give me a full body massage.  Let me tell you how wonderful it was!  Laying on the couch for three weeks straight has really taken a toll on my body, and tonight's gift was exactly what I needed.

So thanks, Mom, for spoiling me tonight.  I am so very blessed to have you!

 

Three Years Ago Today...

... we welcomed our second-born child into the world. What a day it was. Hard to believe its been three years alrady. Today I look at my son and I am in awe of how far he's come... how far we've all come, really...


Three years ago today, we were scared of the future. We looked at our brand new baby and saw the struggles that he woud face... the hurdles that he would have to overcome. We looked at his differences, his medical "conditions", his "clinical features"... we saw a baby that would face a lifetime trials.



Three years ago today, we failed to see the true beauty in our son. We looked past his potential, the sparkle in his eyes, and the little dimple on his right cheek. We assumed that because he held an extra 21st chromosome, that he would be more different than his family than like us.

Three years ago today... we could not have been more wrong...

As I type this, Will and Lydia are holding hands, dancing together in the living room. They are the best of friends in every way, although Will loves to give her a run for her money. Will takes a bus to preschool three days a week where he is learning new things each and every day. He is a light to so many people who love him (and even to perfect strangers in the grocery store). Our lives are so much richer because he's who he is... exactly who God intended him to be.

Happy 3rd Birthday Will!! We love you!!

Never a Dull Moment...

...around the Hafeman household, that's for sure. Last night at around midnight, Steve and I awoke to Will making the all too familiar "stridor" sound from his bed. He was struggling to breath, and we knew right away that it was croup. We immediately started a hot shower and let the bathroom fill with steam, letting Will breath in the warm moist air for about 15 minutes. No improvement. We moved on to at-home-trick number two... Steve threw a coat on the both of them, and he took Will outside into the cold air for 15 minutes. Most of the time, one of the two "treatments" does the trick, but not last night. Will's breathing was getting worse. Called the doc on call who after hearing his breathing said, "ma'am, that sounds like a little man who needs to be on his way out the door to the Emergency Department."

Great. I quickly tried to ramble off everything to Steve that he would need to make the medical staff aware of... allergies, medications, past medical history, etc. I have always been the one who makes the late-night trips to the ER, and I was not at all thrilled about the idea of me staying home. I called Steve about three times from the couch while he was driving down to the hospital, checking in on my little man and reminding Steve of all that he needed to remember.

Well, it turns out that m husband is, indeed, perfectly capable of handling situations like this. I never doubted him, really, but... I guess the medical "stuff" has always just been my domain, and last night I had to allow someone else to take over that role.

Will got a breathing treatment and an oral steroid, and his breathing improved almost immediately. The two boys were home and back in bed by 4:30 am- a record trip to the Emergency Room, that's for sure. Thank you to Steve, for being such a wonderful and competent husband and father. We are blessed to have you. :)

Highlights

Not too much to update today as far as the baby goes, but I thought I'd share a couple of highlights from my day on the couch...

1) I actually read a whole 500 page book in three days!!! For those who know me and my love for literature (wink, wink), you know that this is quite an accomplishment for me. Thanks to my friend Erin for bringing me the first book in the "Twilight" series... I can't wait to read the next three books in the series. I would highly recommend it!

2) As I sat on my couch this morning, I noticed that Steve had left his change of clothes for coaching hanging on the closet door in the hallway. Poor Steve... in addition to getting himself showered and ready each morning, he's been having to get both kids fed, dressed and out the door all by himself. I could imagine how frustrated he would be when he realized what he'd forgotten. Poor Steve.

Suddenly, my feelings of pity for him were suppressed as I felt a surge of excitement from within... I realized that the fact that he had made this mistake meant that Steve would have to stop at home on his way to practice to pick up his clothes. Which meant that I would get to see him for FIVE WHOLE MINUTES today!! The thought of this brief adult interaction was enough to launch me into a semi-cheerful mood for the whole day. I even got out of my PJ's and put a little makeup on. It was great.

Thanks to Auntie Katie for watching Will tonight while Dad and Lydia are at gymnastics! :)

Until the next exciting update...

Welcome to Life on the Sidelines

So I've been confined to the sidelines. Literally. I have been forced to sit life out for awhile, watching the world go by from the comfort of my living room couch. Definitely not a place that this Momma likes to be. One week of strict bedrest down, and at least two more to go. We are so blessed to have so many friends and family members who care so much about us, and I thought this blog might be a good way to keep you all informed and updated. So, for those who don't know, here's a recap of our story up until now... get comfy, its a long one...

Late July... Steve and I are so excited to find out that in nine months from now, we will become a family of five. Things go well for the first couple of weeks, then cramping and bleeding start. By late August, I have been to the ER twice out of fear that I am loosing the baby. Each time, our sweet baby looks great, but am told that I have a 50% chance of miscarrying. I am told that I am not able to work for the next month, and I am to be on modified bedrest until the end of September.

Mid-September... We decide to go ahead and do the first trimester screening, which screens for chromosomal "issues" such as Down syndrome and Trisomy 18. Baby had an increased nuchal fold measurement, and that, combined with our bloodwork, shoots our risk factor for Down syndrome from 1:700 to 1:20. Big jump. A little scary.

Three weeks later... we go for a 16 week ultrasound to monitor growth. Baby looks GREAT! Still having some bleeding, so I need to remain on modified bedrest for awhile longer. Oh, and the ultrasound tech tells us that she "thinks" this little baby is a GIRL! We'll have to wait and see.

November 3rd... Time for our big level 2 ultrasound. They take a really close look at baby, paying close attention to the heart and looking for other structural markers for Down syndrome or other Trisomies. Again, the baby is growing very well and all major organs look great. Relief!! We get confirmation that indeed, this little life inside of me is a GIRL!! Lydia is beside herself with excitement! The perinatologist comes in after the ultrasound and tells us that they did see one marker for Down syndrome, a small cyst on the baby's brain, which increased or risk ratio from 1:20 to 1:10. Very scary for us. We are given the option of going forward with an amniocentesis in which baby's cells will be collected and analyzed in order to give us definite answers. Risk of miscarriage with the procedure is as low as .5%.

We pray for guidance, and ultimately make the decision to go ahead with the amnio. Doctor said it was a textbook procedure, and we stop for lunch at Big Bowl before heading home to take it easy for the rest of the day. Later that evening, I notice that when I stand up I seem to be leaking amniotic fluid (a complication of the procedure). Call the doctor, who advises me to "lay low" for the next couple of days. Worried out of my mind, I do just that for the following day and night. The next morning, I awake to find that I am bleeding and very crampy. The doctor wants to see me right away. I head downtown , and wait for what seems like forever in the waiting room. Finally they call me back, take a quick look at baby via ultrasound, and all looks good. Thank God! However, the cramping is still present, and the doctor sees that I am having small contractions. She sends me home for a good week of strict bedrest. Doctor tells me that I am at a real risk for loosing our little girl.

Guilt quickly sets in. We have put our little girl's life on the line because of our own selfishness... our need to know. If only we had trusted in God that no matter what the outcome, we would have the strength to get through. Regret.

Week two of bedrest... 21 weeks gestation...still a small leak, but the baby is still looking good! Thank God. We have our next appointment with the perinatologist on Dec. 2nd, when we will learn more about what the rest of this pregnancy might look like. My doctor tells us that if the leak in the amniotic sac is not healed, then chances are I will be admitted to the hospital at 23-24 weeks gestation for the remainder of the pregnancy. I tell her through the tears, "well, that just won't work for me." She smiles at me, knowing all too well that I will do whatever is needed- and then some- to protect this precious life inside of me.