Our "little" girl is big!

We had our appointment yesteday with Dr. L, our perinatologist. He did a growth estimate since he had 4 full weeks of measurements to go off of. Liviana is in the 79th percentile and already weighs approximately 4lbs. 2oz. She is doing great on her growth. I will be 31 weeks tomorrow. Of course, U/S estimates of weight and growth at this point in pregnancy are just that, estimates but it is certainly a great sign. My fluid still looks great and he said it is not even in the above average of the normal range. This is a great sign.

I mentioned in our last message that Dr. L. wanted me to get a steroid shot at this last appointment. I did alot of research on the subject, talked with other CDH moms and talked with our pediatric surgeon and neonatologist about the issue. The general consensus from all was that it was not necessary since we are not in a premature labor imminent situation. There is no reason to think I would have Liviana early and her CDH alone is not a reason to plan through inducement to have her early. She is better off inside of me.

We met with the neonatologist again after our appointment with Dr. L. He was again very optimistic and reassuring. He said that the fact that her heart is so far off to the right, although it seems like it should be, is no reason for concern. He said these little ones are amazing at how they adapt and do fine even with their heart in the wrong place. He mentioned that when it was discussed and looked up they have had about 15 CDH in the last 3 years (which is great) and that they have about an 80-85% success rate with those babies they lose having other anomolies which we don't believe Livvy has.

I also wanted to update you on our meeting last week with the Pediatric Surgeon, another Dr. A. He was great and he is the only one of the three in the group who does the repair surgery laparoscopically which is less invasive and leaves much less scarring than the open surgery. They will not do it laparoscopically if the hernia is too large but it is an option with Dr. A. which is great.

Thanksgiving was great. Mom, Brad's parents and Tony and Crissi all visited (not all at the same time though). It is nice how everyone comes to see us since we can't travel :). Other than that things are progressing fine although we are stressed with medical bills, not having someone to watch the kids when this all happens and other miscellaneous stuff. We are joined a church near by and hope that through that and other avenues we can meet some more people here in Omaha since we will need the support in the coming months.

I hope everyone enjoyed their Thanksgiving holiday. I can't believe how quickly this year has gone and how quickly this last few weeks of pregnancy are going. I'll update again soon.