I just got done wrapping up another appointment with Dr. Levine. It was a pretty standard appointment this week. They did not check the baby's size this week, so no update on that. We've decided that each day God has given us many things to be positive about, even when some don't always seem that way. My post is pretty quick for today.
Ways God Continues to Bless us this week:
1) Baby H is still inside and growing- which is the best place right now.
2) I passed my Group B Strep Test!
3) We have lots of high-tech equipment available to us to monitor every single thing you can imagine, making sure Baby H is doing good!
Prayer Requests for this week:
1) The umbilical cord and brain blood flow improve during this next week.
2) The genetic and chromosome testing done immediately following birth all come back negative.
3) The coronary arteries are forming in such a way that ideal heart surgery is possible after birth.
Special thanks to our wonderful friends in Oakland for hosting and attending such a fun shower on Friday night. We feel so much love and support from you all!
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Spring Growth
Baby Hartwell is growing! Our thanks are being sent to God again this week, for continuing to show us His greatness! I love how we can feel his presence through each step of this process so far! Our appointment with Dr. Levine on Tuesday morning went as good as we could hope. In the two weeks since Baby H's weight was estimated, it had gained a pound! So, at just over 36 weeks, baby weighed in at an estimated 5 lbs 10 oz. We still have a ways to go to reach "optimal" size for surgery in the first week, but so glad that a significant growth did occur. This now puts Baby H in the 20%. The other area of concern from the previous week was the umbilical cord flow, which also looked good on Tuesday.
My instructions were to keep up on the protein! Baby H also appears to be staying put for the time being! How lucky we feel to get to experience the blessings God shows each day! We are so excited to meet this little miracle!
My instructions were to keep up on the protein! Baby H also appears to be staying put for the time being! How lucky we feel to get to experience the blessings God shows each day! We are so excited to meet this little miracle!
Saturday, March 17, 2012
One Month & Counting
We've officially hit the one-month left mark! The warm weather makes it seem like the date is coming even faster! We are reminded daily of God's blessings & miracles- especially when Baby H get's active! We know this feeling will only multiply when Baby H actually gets here.
We are now done seeing all heart specialists until the baby actually arrives. We pray daily that God continues his healing ways, and provides the baby with the best possible option for heart repair, and long-term health.
The baby and I are now being watched around the clock. I have weekly appointments with a high-risk doctor. At my Tuesday appointment he did not estimate that baby's size, but is very persistent on keeping me on a high protein diet. I've been eating lots of eggs, meat, protein bars, protein shakes, peanut butter, milk, cheese, etc. He indicated my goal should be 100 grams a day. He also mentioned that the umbilical cord has an "increased flow", which he will now monitor very close. He said it was not too much of a concern at this point, but he will keep an eye on that. I had my regular OB appointment on Thursday, and it sounds like Dr. De Vries will still be the main delivery doctor, with Dr. Levine (high risk) assisting.
Last Saturday my sister and mom threw a very adorable baby shower for me and Baby H. It was so much fun, and we continue to be overwhelmed with the kindness, support and prayers coming from so many. My Aunt Terri from Minneapolis even made the trip down for it!
God has continued to provide us peace during the last few weeks, and we have totally put our faith and understanding in his Hands. He holds Baby H's heart is His hands, and we know He will provide all we need!
We are now done seeing all heart specialists until the baby actually arrives. We pray daily that God continues his healing ways, and provides the baby with the best possible option for heart repair, and long-term health.
The baby and I are now being watched around the clock. I have weekly appointments with a high-risk doctor. At my Tuesday appointment he did not estimate that baby's size, but is very persistent on keeping me on a high protein diet. I've been eating lots of eggs, meat, protein bars, protein shakes, peanut butter, milk, cheese, etc. He indicated my goal should be 100 grams a day. He also mentioned that the umbilical cord has an "increased flow", which he will now monitor very close. He said it was not too much of a concern at this point, but he will keep an eye on that. I had my regular OB appointment on Thursday, and it sounds like Dr. De Vries will still be the main delivery doctor, with Dr. Levine (high risk) assisting.
Last Saturday my sister and mom threw a very adorable baby shower for me and Baby H. It was so much fun, and we continue to be overwhelmed with the kindness, support and prayers coming from so many. My Aunt Terri from Minneapolis even made the trip down for it!
God has continued to provide us peace during the last few weeks, and we have totally put our faith and understanding in his Hands. He holds Baby H's heart is His hands, and we know He will provide all we need!
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Trusting God's plan & keeping the Faith
Today was a busy day of appointments. It started out with our first appointment with Dr. Levine our perinatologist high risk obgyn. It sounds like he will be taking over for the rest of the pregnancy and delivery. He was very nice. We had an ultrasound and learned that the baby looks good. It weighs 4 lbs 10 ounces at 34 weeks. He was kind of concerned about it's small size since heart babies sometimes have problems with growth. I am supposed to eat several small high protein meals throughout the day. I will have appointments once a week with him. They mentioned they could tell in the ultrasound that the baby has hair!! Just like it's daddy did when born!
This afternoon we got a tour of the Childrens NICU and met Dr. Hammel the surgeon. He is a wonderful surgeon who has performed miracles on his patients! We learned much of the same stuff as Friday's appointment, however he was less optimistic about the chances of Baby H getting to have surgery Option A. This is due to built up muscle around the right ventricle amongst other things.
We believe God's plan for Baby H and will continue to pray daily that after Baby H arrives and they can look closer at the heart Option A will still work out. We ask that you join us in these prayers. God is ever loving and we trust in him completely.
This afternoon we got a tour of the Childrens NICU and met Dr. Hammel the surgeon. He is a wonderful surgeon who has performed miracles on his patients! We learned much of the same stuff as Friday's appointment, however he was less optimistic about the chances of Baby H getting to have surgery Option A. This is due to built up muscle around the right ventricle amongst other things.
We believe God's plan for Baby H and will continue to pray daily that after Baby H arrives and they can look closer at the heart Option A will still work out. We ask that you join us in these prayers. God is ever loving and we trust in him completely.
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Cardiologist Appointment #2
Your ways, O God, are holy
What god is so great as our God?
You are the God who performs miracles…”
-Psalms 77:13-14
On Friday we had our follow up appointment with Dr. Danford the pediatric cardiologist at Children's Hospital. We had quite the crew with us as both Mike's parents Stew & Peg, and Erin's parents Craig & Donna came with.Baby H sure has an awesome support system already!
The appointment started out with an ECHO of Baby H's heart. This is basically like an ultrasound, where they are able to get incredibly close pictures of the baby's heart including valves, arteries & ventricles and can color it to see how the blood is flowing. This process takes about 45 minutes. Both the tech and Dr. Danford were able to get all of the pictures they needed- Baby H did great at cooperating!We continue to be amazed by the technology that is available to help us heal Baby H's heart!
From there, Dr. Danford met with all of us to explain the findings from the ECHO. Again, we can't say enough about the Doctors and nurses we have met so far. The talents and skills God has provided them with are remarkable!He explained that no additional defects were found from the previous ECHO we had- Praise the Lord- we are so blessed by this news!
He then continued by telling us that there was one change from the previous ECHO, which was that they were able to look at a valve in the right ventricle which appears to be allowing blood to flow through. Because of this new development, he provided us with a a preferred Option A for surgery. This option is much better long-term.This process begins with a heart cath, which is performed right after birth. This allows the surgeon to go in and look directly at the heart to confirm the original finding, as well as look closely at the coronary arteries. These coronary arteries must look strong enough to continue with this process. If so, they will go in and open the valve in the Pulmonary artery which is not functioning. This will allow blood to flow through the heart in the normal manner. They will also place a shunt, which will optimize all blood flow. Once blood starts flowing through the right ventricle, the hopes are it will start to grow. This entire process is obviously the most ideal, as the heart will function in a much more normal process in the end. We feel God's amazing blessings being sent down and are so thankful for all He's provided us.
If the surgeon goes in and see's things during the cath which do not allow us to proceed with Option A, than Option B- the original three step open heart surgery process will be done.This is the process which re-directs the blood flow around the defective areas and to the lungs. In the end with this process Baby H will function only on a one ventricle heart.
>We walked away from this appointment feeling extremely blessed with the additional option for surgery. We are uplifted by this news, but know that God has a definite plan, and we continue to follow this whether Baby H is able to go through Option A, or Option B.
A few other things we learned: I am now seeing a high-risk doctor to assist with delivery at Methodist Women's Hospital, and have an appointment Tuesday morning with him. We go back Tuesday afternoon to meet with the surgeon who will be operating on Baby H, and also get a tour of the NICU. I go to my regular OB on Wednesday for my weekly appointments.
Oh, and a few updates from the last post- I did in fact past the three hour glucose test!! We also ask for prayers for our good friends the Johnson family from Oakland, who welcomed baby Landon into the world this week. He also has some heart defects and will soon be undergoing surgery.
We thank you for your continued prayers! We are so grateful for them, and know that God is hearing them!
What god is so great as our God?
You are the God who performs miracles…”
-Psalms 77:13-14
On Friday we had our follow up appointment with Dr. Danford the pediatric cardiologist at Children's Hospital. We had quite the crew with us as both Mike's parents Stew & Peg, and Erin's parents Craig & Donna came with.Baby H sure has an awesome support system already!
The appointment started out with an ECHO of Baby H's heart. This is basically like an ultrasound, where they are able to get incredibly close pictures of the baby's heart including valves, arteries & ventricles and can color it to see how the blood is flowing. This process takes about 45 minutes. Both the tech and Dr. Danford were able to get all of the pictures they needed- Baby H did great at cooperating!We continue to be amazed by the technology that is available to help us heal Baby H's heart!
From there, Dr. Danford met with all of us to explain the findings from the ECHO. Again, we can't say enough about the Doctors and nurses we have met so far. The talents and skills God has provided them with are remarkable!He explained that no additional defects were found from the previous ECHO we had- Praise the Lord- we are so blessed by this news!
He then continued by telling us that there was one change from the previous ECHO, which was that they were able to look at a valve in the right ventricle which appears to be allowing blood to flow through. Because of this new development, he provided us with a a preferred Option A for surgery. This option is much better long-term.This process begins with a heart cath, which is performed right after birth. This allows the surgeon to go in and look directly at the heart to confirm the original finding, as well as look closely at the coronary arteries. These coronary arteries must look strong enough to continue with this process. If so, they will go in and open the valve in the Pulmonary artery which is not functioning. This will allow blood to flow through the heart in the normal manner. They will also place a shunt, which will optimize all blood flow. Once blood starts flowing through the right ventricle, the hopes are it will start to grow. This entire process is obviously the most ideal, as the heart will function in a much more normal process in the end. We feel God's amazing blessings being sent down and are so thankful for all He's provided us.
If the surgeon goes in and see's things during the cath which do not allow us to proceed with Option A, than Option B- the original three step open heart surgery process will be done.This is the process which re-directs the blood flow around the defective areas and to the lungs. In the end with this process Baby H will function only on a one ventricle heart.
>We walked away from this appointment feeling extremely blessed with the additional option for surgery. We are uplifted by this news, but know that God has a definite plan, and we continue to follow this whether Baby H is able to go through Option A, or Option B.
A few other things we learned: I am now seeing a high-risk doctor to assist with delivery at Methodist Women's Hospital, and have an appointment Tuesday morning with him. We go back Tuesday afternoon to meet with the surgeon who will be operating on Baby H, and also get a tour of the NICU. I go to my regular OB on Wednesday for my weekly appointments.
Oh, and a few updates from the last post- I did in fact past the three hour glucose test!! We also ask for prayers for our good friends the Johnson family from Oakland, who welcomed baby Landon into the world this week. He also has some heart defects and will soon be undergoing surgery.
We thank you for your continued prayers! We are so grateful for them, and know that God is hearing them!
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Calving Class, Sugar High & Peek-a-Boo
It's definitely time for an update! There has been a lot happening with the Hartwell's this past week!
Michael and I attended a baby class at Methodist Hospital called "Baby Bump to Bassinet" or "Calving Class" as Mike so effectionaly called it. He was a good trooper though, and didn't complain when we had to be up by 5:30 a.m., or when he had to act out a labor scene with me. Overall the class was pretty good. Quite a bit of stuff we somewhat knew, but it was great to have it reinforced- and to get a tour of the hospital where Baby H will be born. Methodist Women's Hospital is only a few years old, and the labor & delivery rooms are practically as nice as a hotel room. I'm not sure if I would call our stay there a vacation however! :) Most importanatly, Michael now knows which doors to check in at, depending on what time of day or night we may arrive!
My day off work on Monday was no vacation either! Again, I was up and at 'em by 5:30 to be in trek to Omaha for my 3 hour glucose test (that I had to take after failing the 1 hour). I was told to fast after midnight, which was no easy task being a hungry pregnant lady! I started the test about 8 a.m., when the drew my blood. I then drank the super sugary substance, 3 times the amount of the 1 hour, and waited an hour. They drew blood at 1 hour, 2 hours, and 3 hours then sent me on my way. I met my mom for lunch, and after waiting about 20 minutes for a table it was a little after noon and I was HUNGRY! I made the mistake of ordering a lemonade and drinking it while we waited for our food. As soon as the sugar from the drank hit me I started getting hot and sweating. We quickly asked the waiter for some bread and adverted a possible scene of me passing out!
Wednesday was a big obgyn appointment for us, as we finally got the chance to check out Baby H by ultrasound!! This was the first time since our December appointment, so we were a little anxious beforehand. Both the ultrasound tech and doctor looked over the baby very carefully, and all else seems very well! All organs looked good, amniotic fluid was good, baby was practicing breathing. We were able to see a good picture of the heart, and were able to see very clearly that the right ventricle was underdeveloped. The baby's measurements all looked okay, and at 32 weeks baby weights about 3 pounds 13 ounces. They said this was very normal. The leg bone measured a bit small, so we are wondering if it might take after it's Grandma Donna & Aunt Jenna and be on the shorter side?! The baby also takes after it's daddy and did NOT want a photo of it's face taken. It had it's hands in front the entire time!
I'm now scheduled for weekly doctors appointments, and our "BIG" appointment with Children's, the cardiologist and surgeon is scheduled for March 2nd. We ask for continued prayers for this appointment, that the doctors and surgeons do not find any additional problems, and that their confidence in the plan for surgery and outcome is very positive! As always prayers for complete healing are always said! :)
Michael and I attended a baby class at Methodist Hospital called "Baby Bump to Bassinet" or "Calving Class" as Mike so effectionaly called it. He was a good trooper though, and didn't complain when we had to be up by 5:30 a.m., or when he had to act out a labor scene with me. Overall the class was pretty good. Quite a bit of stuff we somewhat knew, but it was great to have it reinforced- and to get a tour of the hospital where Baby H will be born. Methodist Women's Hospital is only a few years old, and the labor & delivery rooms are practically as nice as a hotel room. I'm not sure if I would call our stay there a vacation however! :) Most importanatly, Michael now knows which doors to check in at, depending on what time of day or night we may arrive!
My day off work on Monday was no vacation either! Again, I was up and at 'em by 5:30 to be in trek to Omaha for my 3 hour glucose test (that I had to take after failing the 1 hour). I was told to fast after midnight, which was no easy task being a hungry pregnant lady! I started the test about 8 a.m., when the drew my blood. I then drank the super sugary substance, 3 times the amount of the 1 hour, and waited an hour. They drew blood at 1 hour, 2 hours, and 3 hours then sent me on my way. I met my mom for lunch, and after waiting about 20 minutes for a table it was a little after noon and I was HUNGRY! I made the mistake of ordering a lemonade and drinking it while we waited for our food. As soon as the sugar from the drank hit me I started getting hot and sweating. We quickly asked the waiter for some bread and adverted a possible scene of me passing out!
Wednesday was a big obgyn appointment for us, as we finally got the chance to check out Baby H by ultrasound!! This was the first time since our December appointment, so we were a little anxious beforehand. Both the ultrasound tech and doctor looked over the baby very carefully, and all else seems very well! All organs looked good, amniotic fluid was good, baby was practicing breathing. We were able to see a good picture of the heart, and were able to see very clearly that the right ventricle was underdeveloped. The baby's measurements all looked okay, and at 32 weeks baby weights about 3 pounds 13 ounces. They said this was very normal. The leg bone measured a bit small, so we are wondering if it might take after it's Grandma Donna & Aunt Jenna and be on the shorter side?! The baby also takes after it's daddy and did NOT want a photo of it's face taken. It had it's hands in front the entire time!
I'm now scheduled for weekly doctors appointments, and our "BIG" appointment with Children's, the cardiologist and surgeon is scheduled for March 2nd. We ask for continued prayers for this appointment, that the doctors and surgeons do not find any additional problems, and that their confidence in the plan for surgery and outcome is very positive! As always prayers for complete healing are always said! :)
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Heart Day!
Happy Valentines Day! This year has an additional meaning for us since it is also congenital heart disease awareness week! We have a very special valentine with a special heart that we are sending lots of love to!
I had a regular appointment with my ob last wednesday and heard the baby's heartbeat. I also did my glucose test. Dr. De Vries called today to say I failed the one hour, so back I go on Monday for the three hour. He also told me I didn't pass the hemoglobin one meaning I'm low in iron. He started me on an iron pill. For those of you who have known me forever, I have never been able to swallow pills! Needless to say these look like horse pills to me, but I've gotten much better at taking all sorts of pills the last fee months!
I also started having ob appointments every two weeks now. Can't wait until next Wednesday when we have an ultrasound. We will let you know how it goes!! We have our all day "baby class' on Saturday at Methodist. I'm sure Michael will be more than entertained.
Thanks again for all your prayers! We are so grateful!
Do not be afraid of tomorrow for God is already there!
A few weeks ago, but about 29 weeks!
I had a regular appointment with my ob last wednesday and heard the baby's heartbeat. I also did my glucose test. Dr. De Vries called today to say I failed the one hour, so back I go on Monday for the three hour. He also told me I didn't pass the hemoglobin one meaning I'm low in iron. He started me on an iron pill. For those of you who have known me forever, I have never been able to swallow pills! Needless to say these look like horse pills to me, but I've gotten much better at taking all sorts of pills the last fee months!
I also started having ob appointments every two weeks now. Can't wait until next Wednesday when we have an ultrasound. We will let you know how it goes!! We have our all day "baby class' on Saturday at Methodist. I'm sure Michael will be more than entertained.
Thanks again for all your prayers! We are so grateful!
Do not be afraid of tomorrow for God is already there!
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