Most of you are probably wondering why I haven't updated after our 20 week ultrasound last Wednesday. Well, we received news that our sweet baby GIRL (yes, it was confirmed we are having a baby girl!) may have some health issues. Bascially, when we met with the doctor after our ultrasound we were told 2 things: 1) They couldn't confirm she had all 4 chambers of her heart and 2) One of her kidneys was hydronephrosis. Seriously, why didn't anyone warn me about the 20 week ultrasound. I thought we were just going to confirm that I could start buying pink stuff. Needless to say, Robert and I were stunned. It was definitely not what we expected to hear, and we had no idea how to react. Dr. Washburne made us an appointment the following Monday to see a Fetal-Maternal Medicine Specialist, Dr. Kenneth Perry, in Jackson. This past weekend was tough. We were on an emotional rollercoaster that I wish no one ever had to experience. Today was our appointment in Jackson. To say we were a little nervous is an understatement. Let me tell you, Dr. Perry is amazing. He stayed in the room with us for over 1.5 hours looking at Layla on the ultrasound machine. What an answer to our prayers - Dr. Perry found her heart to be normal! He confirmed she has hydronephrosis of the left kidney. From the size of it, he doesn't think it will correct itself. However, the right kidney is fine and producing enough urine to keep her amniotic fluid up. Layla will have to see a pediatric urologist after she is born and most likely have a procedure done to correct the blockage. It could be as simple as putting a stint in your ureter or it could be something more complicated. We will have an ultrasound every month to make sure she has enough amniotic fluid, that her right kidney is still working, and that her left kidney is not getting worse. We still need prayers for our little girl - and for mom and dad as we sit through each of those ultrasounds.
I want to say thank you to each and every one of our friends and family that have been praying for us over the last 5 days. We didn't tell many people, but those that knew have been amazing. Prayer works, y'all! I don't usually get emotional on here, but I have to tell you what an amazing husband I have. He didn't leave my side the past 5 days, he prayed with me, and he held it together for me even though he was just as upset inside. He is going to be the best dad in the world - hands down. Robert says Layla is already getting a spanking when she gets here after all the stress she has caused us - we'll see if that happens once he sees his little girl! I have a feeling we are in for a lifetime full of worry as parents. Sorry mom and dad for all the nights I came home past curfew!
Since we found out we were expecting, I been amazed at the miracle of life. All of the things that form in such a short time. There is no way you can believe a baby is made except by the hand of God. Over the past few days, I realize how much I already love something that has only been a part of me for 21 weeks. My mom has always said that I will never know how strong love can be until I have a child. I believe her. We haven't even met Layla, and Robert and I are both totally in love. I have also realized how many parents don't leave the doctors office with good news like we did. My heart breaks for those parents and I believe I will always say a silent prayer for those when I see my healthy girl.
So that is the story of the scariest day of my life - I don't know if that day was last Wednesday or today but it was all pretty scary. Please continue to pray for little Layla. We cannot wait to meet our little girl once she is fully grown and ready for the world!
