Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Baby Update




We went to the doctor today for our second ultrasound since finding out that our baby has Anencephaly. Two weeks ago it was the same and the doctor could not tell the sex of the baby because of the position.

This week the baby was still being very modest and had its legs crossed with its knees tightly together. Unfortunately the baby is still an it until next week when hopefully we will find out. The doctor was not there this morning because he was in surgery. His nurse was apprehencive at first because she did not want to be the one to tell me if there was no heart beat. I told her I had felt the baby moving earlier, so she was relieved and went ahead and did the ultrasound herself. We asked her to print out a few pictures and she did more than that; she actually did the 3D pictures as well. As you might be able to make out in the top left picture it is the face with a hand resting on its left side of the forehead. It is hard for me to make out, but the nurse explained that on the top of the head where it gets fuzzy is actually the brain matter. This is how they can tell it has Anencephaly.

The 2nd picture is another of the head and face, although this one looks a bit more alien like you can see its mouth is opened.

Of Course the one below is of the baby's leg and foot. It is quite cute and fun that they are able to do this now.
Our doctor and nurse have been so supportive through all of this, and have scheduled me before the office even opens so that Philip is able to go to all of the appointments. This is really nice because then I don't have to be there and find out bad news when my husband is not with me. Like I said, I will go back next Wednesday for another check up because my doctor was not there and he wants check everything himself again.
We are all handling everything very well considering the hard times ahead of us, but we are optimistic. I think now the most difficult thing is planning a funeral, and thinking about a birth plan etc. I will be keeping updates here on my blog, and any other random thoughts I have so check as often as you would like. If there are any questions, don't be scared to ask.

8 comments:

Ryan, Sheena, and Riley said...

You seem so optimistic, thank goodness for the gospel!Your in our prayers!!!

Anonymous said...

You are in my prayers too. I'm so glad you're going to Dr. P - he's so kind and understanding. It's so nice they are letting you come early.

Jami said...

Hello Melissa, it's Jami, your long lost BYU roomate. I found your blog through Jana's. I just wanted you to know I'm thinking about you and praying for you both. It is clear you are such an amazing, faithful mother.

Also, a couple in my old ward had a baby with anencephaly and the baby lived for over 2 hours after her birth. They got some really beautiful pictures with her, and spent some sweet moments.

Oh, and Summer is just gorgeous.

~Ali said...

You are an amazing woman and mother. You and your family are continuously in our prayers.

Jill and Ryan said...

Love you Melissa. If there is anything Ryan and I could do for you and Phil let us know. See you soon.

mo mcd said...

I actually knew a woman on my mission whose second child with anacephaly lived for at least three months (Then I was transferred). Her mother-in-law discovered that the nurses were feeding her baby less than the others and about half as often. The two women took over ALL the feedings and it had great results. Just a random association, but maybe it could help.

Monique said...

Thanks for sharing these ultrasounds pics. It's interesting to see and learn more about what's going on. You guys sure are amazing. You have a great attitude. Things will go they way they're supposed to. I'll be keeping you and your family in my prayers. Take care :)

Aspen Inn said...

Hello Melissa, Thanks for leaving a comment. We are doing well. You and your family are in our prayers daily. Please keep us informed on what is going on and if you find out what you are having. Karissa