Quick Update

I was scheduled to go to Duke yesterday at 3:00 for another biophysical profile. (That's what we do on Tuesdays). The BPP checks her movements, amniotic fluid level, blood flow through the umbilical cord and other stuff I'm not really sure about. It's an extra precaution because of her small size. Due to the "epic snowstorm" that was supposed to start yesterday afternoon, they let us come early. Everything still looked ok except her heart rate was lower, around 47. Dr. Boyd (fetal medicine) was a little concerned and felt like she needed to contact the cardiologists. They conferred and determined that it was ok since there was no evidence of hydrops or that the baby was in distress. As of now, her heart appears to be tolerating the even lower rate. Dr. Boyd, like the cardiologists, commented on the strength of her heart and said she was surprised about how this has gone. Little rogue bullies floating around in my body attacked the electrical component of her heart. But, before that, He wove her together with this perfect, super strong little heart that has carried her through. God is so big.

Her heart rate was similar last Friday at the cardiologist and they were not concerned since everything else was stable. So, what it means is that we are getting very close to showtime and they could make the determination any time that the risk of leaving her in there outweighs the risk of getting her out small and pacing her heart. Dr. Boyd said that if anything looks like its changing (fluid collection, decreased movement, further drop in heart rate, etc.), they would probably make the decision to deliver. We go back Friday. Tomorrow I am packing my suitcase and having everything ready. I would guess that she will be born within the next two weeks. We really want two more weeks.  The scary part now is that they just don't know how she will react when she comes out. Please pray with us for her heart to continue to tolerate the low rate for a little longer, wisdom for the doctors, peace in our hearts, her heart to tolerate being born, and for her to respond well to the medical intervention.

Much love,
Drew & Anna