Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Baby Drake Update


Kiel and I are so overwhelming grateful to live where we do. Not only do we have one incredible facility that offers treatment for our little man's condition, but we have two... One of which is the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. 

A close friend encouraged me to check out CHOP's website, and to also consider touring the facility. Being the computer junkie that I am, I immediately hopped online and gave the website a look. It offered SO much information, and I figured it couldn't hurt to shoot them an e-mail. To my surprise, one of their nursing coordinators called me back within 24 hours. She offered me an immense amount of information and guidance, and within one phone conversation I felt solid in my decision to meet with the CHOP team. 

We headed north today with high hopes. We had a repeat fetal echocardiogram, and then met with a cardiologist, nursing coordinator, and social worker all at once. The diagnosis remains the same, baby boy has tricuspid valve atresia. The cardiologist went over the course of fetal monitoring, delivery, and surgical procedures. I don't know if it was the physician, or the fact that we already had some knowledge under our belts, but things all made a little more sense this second time around. Next, the social worker offered us emotional support, and explained the transition process to us in detail. Finally, the nursing coordinator took us on a tour of the special delivery unit (where I can actually deliver my son and stay just 20 ft away from him after his birth... a miracle, honestly), the CICU, and the cardiac step-down unit. Let me tell you, this facility is no joke. 

So how is baby boy? Despite his little heart, he is doing pretty darn great in there. He is about one pound already, and all his other organs seem to be growing well. His latest echocardiogram shows that he may not need the first surgery after all... he actually may not even need to be on prostaglandins. Kiel and I were both so relieved to hear this news. It was so wonderful to finally be given some positive information. With that being said, things are still apt to change, and we are taking everything one day at a time. 

If I've learned anything, it is that worrying will not change the outcome. We will not let this one thing take away from the joyous experience of parenthood. I realize how important it is to remain positive, trust in our medical team, and to focus on my health so that I can carry my little guy to term. 

We will continue to reach out to all of our wonderful support system. And of course, we will continue to pray. Our little man could use all the prayers he can get... so if you don't mind, send some prayers our way! 


Thursday, April 25, 2013

Grateful

20 weeks, 2 days

I am feeling incredibly grateful these days...
Grateful for the unconditional love from my husband and family,
Grateful for my amazingly supportive friends and co-workers,
And most of all, I am forever grateful for this little boy that I already love so damn much. <3

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

An Island Adventure

Kiel and I returned from vacation late last night. Our little island adventure was just what we needed during this stressful time. We went down to Anna Maria Island, with no plans and no expectations. We spent most of our time laying on the beach or by the pool, reading and sipping on pina coladas (mine were rum-free, of course). I couldn't be more grateful to have had the chance to get away one last time with my honey before our little man arrives. Now that we are home, I am busy scheduling consultations and tests, trying to catch up on all that we missed while away. Regardless, I am feeling refreshed as ever and ready to tackle whatever is to come our way head-on. 

Just a few of my favorite vacations moments captured on my iPhone.
A sunset beach walk on our first night.
 Sunset smooch.
 A walk along the City Pier.
Waking up slow on a cloudy morning.
A belly bump shot and a bike ride to Rod Reel Pier.
Crystal blue water and bright white sand.
 Pool lounging... five month bump.
Killing some time in Hyde Park Village before our flight.

Monday, April 22, 2013


A little something to get you through the next nine months or so...
1. Gap Maternity Denim is honestly a life-saver. Jeans that are not only affordable, but fit well and don't make you feel like you're wearing 'mom' jeans. Gap and Old Navy both offer a wide variety of fits and colors. I've purchased three pairs so far and I couldn't be happier. It also helps that they often have great sales.
2. Mama Mio Tummy Rub was given to me as a gift from a friend... my mommy mentor. She recently had a little on of her own and she swears by this belly balm. It smells absolutely amazing, fresh and clean, and doesn't stain my sheets or clothes like some other oils tend to do.
3. Vitafusion Prenatal Gummy Vitamins are a blessing. When I first started taking prenatals, it seemed like the end of the world. I could not find a single brand...iron or no-iron.. fish-based or plant-based.. that did not make me want to hurl. That is until... I came across these. Yes, I do feel like a five year-old as I chew my sugar-coated gummy vitamin each morning, but I honestly couldn't care less, just as long as they don't make me sicker than I already feel.
4. Belly Laughs is hysterical book written by the comedian, Jenny McCarthy. She approaches the subject of pregnancy, head-on, in a way that almost any woman can relate to.
5. The Boppy Body Pillow really does make a difference. For all those late nights that I awoke  to pee.. then lay restlessly, unable to get comfortable in the wee hours of the morning. This was my solution. It has three detachable parts that velcro into one. Before buying a body pillow, I can assure you, I was a skeptic. But after reading the many positive reviews, I made the purchase. I'm really glad I did, because I am now a believer. I have even caught my husband snuggling with it after I get out of bed. 

Thursday, April 18, 2013

Off to Florida!

Anna Maria Island... or shall I say. Paradise.
This vacation could not have come at a better time. Kiel and I are in desperate need of a little getaway to clear our heads. I am so looking forward to some sun, sand, and a good book in hand. I am hoping that maybe, just for a moment, I cannot forget about the doctors, and appointments and just focus on the pure joys of pregnancy and my sweet, little man growing inside me.

Monday, April 15, 2013

We will get through this storm. There are so many happy days to come. 

Sunday, April 14, 2013

A Letter to my Family & Friends


Last week was full of overwhelming moments... some being quite possibly the best and others being most definitely the worst moments of my life. I'll start from the beginning.

On Monday morning, Kiel and I had our 2nd trimester screen. This screening is basically an ultrasound that evaluates the baby's organs, growth, and also identifies the baby's sex. Everything about our ultrasound seemed very routine. Towards the end, we discovered that little Baby Drake was a boy. I cannot describe the overwhelming high that consumed the two of us at that moment. Secretly, I knew it was a little man from the moment I peed on that stick. We finished the ultrasound, hugged and kissed, and sat patiently for the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Doc to come and speak with us, as they usually do.

Dr. Merriman was our doctor. She was absolutely fantastic. She was very direct, and explained right away that she was concerned about our little one's heart. From what she could tell, he had a defect. She then explained that often heart defects are associated with chromosomal abnormalities. She offered us options for further testing, to rule out chromosomal issues; such as Down's Syndrome etc. I talked to my OB/GYN and she encouraged me to move forward with an amniocentesis (A risky procedure where they insert a long needle into your abdomen and withdrawal amniotic fluid. They use the fluid to evaluate the babies chromosomes close up). I was absolutely scared to death to have the procedure, but any answers as to why this was happening would be comforting. I had the amnio that Monday afternoon.

On Wednesday, Kiel and I received a call from our genetics counselor claiming that the baby was negative for trisomy 13, 18, and 21. We were relieved to have ruled out these abnormalities, and it was comforting to know that if he had a heart condition, it was most likely isolated. Only one battle to fight. We get further results from the amnio on the 17th. We are very hopeful that everything comes back negative, and many of our physicians were optimistic that they would. 

On Friday, we went to AI to meet with a pediatric cardiologist. We had a 2D Echo done. The doctor was in the room during the entire study. Afterward, he took us into a private room and explained the results. Our little boy has a condition called Tricuspid Atresia. Basically, when his little heart was forming, at only 4 weeks of gestation, he never developed a tricuspid valve. It is nothing that Kiel or I could have prevented. One of those rare things, that just .. sometimes happens. The doctor explained, that he would most likely do completely fine in utero, and that my pregnancy, bearing no other problems, should go well. So far, he is growing just as he should.

 It is when he takes his very first breath, and his little heart has to stand on it's own, that he will need a lot of help. No matter what, he will be brought to AI immediately after birth. They will start him on medications, called prostaglandins, right away. He is facing up to three surgeries within the first 2-3 years of life. If all goes well, he won't need an operation directly after birth, but there is a possibility that he will. The second two surgeries are necessary. 

Kiel and I are beyond overwhelmed. To think, that just a week ago, I was concerned about breast feeding, nursery color, and baby clothes....and now look where we are. This condition is rare, 5 in every 100,000. I've thought over and over... why us, why him? But deep down, I truly believe that he will survive this. That we were chosen to be his parents, because we are strong enough to support him through it. It is going to be a long road. Our lives will be changed forever, and these next few years, will most likely be hell... but we are hopeful.

There is so much to say, so much to talk about... but I am honestly exhausted. I've gone over it all 100 times in my head. It's important for us to get back to a normal routine, to keep busy. We are going to need a lot of support. I feel very lucky to have family and friends like you all that I can share this with, and who I know will be there to help us get through these difficult times.

xoxo - L

Thursday, April 4, 2013

Over the past few weeks, I have been struggling with this mop of mine. These prenatal vitamins are no joke. My hair is growing like an absolute weed and I just can't keep up! I presented several hair styles to my man yesterday... needless to say, he prefers my locks long. As much as I am craving a drastic hair change, I think keeping my hair long is the best choice... mostly because I regret cutting it short every single time. (Even though a long bob is super tempting!) So instead of a radical cut, I am going to go for a fun color change. A blended ombre style with a heavier side bang. Fingers crossed that my hair turns out even half as good as style number four.

Wednesday, April 3, 2013


FIVE DAYS! 
(I've been counting down for weeks)

On Monday April 8th, Kiel and I have our second trimester screening. It has been 6 weeks since we last saw the baby via ultrasound. I am so excited to catch another glimpse of our little one and to ensure that all is healthy and well. Not to mention... if all goes well, and the baby cooperates, we will possibly get to find out the sex! I'm dying to know.

From day one, I have felt that our little one is a boy. I have no idea why, in fact, I am probably 100% wrong... but for some reason that's my feeling. Many have been guessing and we've got very mixed reviews. I was never super nauseous, and I have been carrying most of my weight in my tummy. My skin is not cooperating, and my hair is feeling a bit drab. Are any of these signs telling me, boy or girl?... Not really.  I guess only time will tell! Monday can't come soon enough!