Update on Lillian

Well, I went to the doctor today hoping to only be on procardia and bedrest for one more week, but instead got two more weeks. It's all good. I know God has a plan and a purpose for this...if nothing else to slow me down in preparation for the arrival of our precious little one. I am not going to question why this is happening...I am simply going to accept it and make the best use of my time on the couch and in the bed. One of my goals this week is to pick the wedding pictures for our wedding album - yes, I realize that we got married almost 3 years ago, but it's been a busy three years with nursing school and starting a new job and all. I am also going to write some thank you notes and watch lots and lots and lots of tv, movies, etc. While I am doing this, I am most especially working on growing a healthy, full-term little girl. That is the main goal.

So back to the doctor's visit. While we were there, the doctor checked me to make sure nothing has progressed any further, and I am thankful to report that there has been NO CHANGE since my hospitalization last week...it was the same doctor who discharged me on the 4th so I trust that there has truly been no change! The procardia and bedrest are doing their job. Over the past week I have had a few episodes of approximately 3 contractions in an hour, but as long as I don't get to 4, I don't have to call them and report it. I have noticed that the contractions come when it is getting close to time to take my medication, but that is neither here nor there...the main thing is I am not having consistent, regular contractions that are causing changes because if that happens, they will not do anything to prevent it at this point, and I really want to keep her in a little bit longer.

The doctor did my tummy check and the heart rate was good and strong on the doppler (150's). He measured my tummy and then the fun began. She, of course, has now decided to measure small again. This happened before (in November) and the ultrasound proved that she was fine and in the 50th percentile for growth...just laying low. Well, they went ahead and did an ultrasound while we were there, and Lillian is in the 17th percentile for her weight/growth. This is a bit concerning because at the 10th percentile, that is when they diagnose you with intrauterine growth restriction(which in layman's terms means the baby is small). If she doesn't start growing like she should, and we get to this diagnosis, then they may go ahead and deliver because it can be better for the baby to go ahead and be on the outside at that point. So...what we learned from the ultrasound is that Lillian is small...but she still looks good (and she is still a girl - yes, I had her check again just to be sure since the nursery has been painted in various shades of lilac and lavender to match her bedding). She was moving good, stretching, and her heart was beating strong. Other reassuring factors were that her placenta still looked good, the amniotic fluid levels looked good, and the bloodflow to the cord looked good. So...there is nothing wrong structurally that would be causing her to have growth problems. They have scheduled me for a non-stress test this Thursday morning so we will be able to see Lillian's activity level and her heart rate associated with it. If her heart beats faster when she moves (lasting at least 15 seconds) at least two times during a 20 minute period, then everything will be considered normal. If this doesn't happen, then the test will be considered abnormal, and they may do some further testing. After this test on Thursday, I will be going back to the doctor for the next two Tuesday mornings for both an ultrasound and another non-stress test to monitor Lillian's growth, activity, and ability to thrive.

So that is it in a nutshell. We now have some other things to be concerned about besides preterm labor, but I am trusting God that Lillian is just going to be a petite little girl like I was when I was born. Please continue to remember all of us in your prayers as we face the uncertainties that lie ahead. God is good and I know that He is going to take care of us every step of the way. He has provided for us so far and I know that He will continue to do so. I talk a good talk, but please also pray specifically for me that I won't worry - I am such a worrier - it is one of the hardest areas I have to work through in my life. I am definitely more prone to worrying while I am on the couch or in the bed and not being able to keep myself busy doing other stuff...please pray that worry does not consume me and that I can be a strong woman of faith!

Thank you all for everything that you have done so far and continue to do for us.

Here are some pictures from the ultrasound....


Lillian's ear


Lillian was pouting in this one and her fingers are on her forehead


The white stuff is hair on her head.


Lillian's face


She may be small, but she has really big feet


Her second toe is half an inch long