Thursday, August 20, 2009

Good News

Thanks for all your kind words and prayers for Caleb and our family! I was so blessed reading your comments from my last post.

What a week so far! I don't know if it's pregnancy or stress, but I've been absolutely exhausted this week. Thankfully I'm sleeping soundly at night other than bizarre dreams (definitely pregnancy related!) and multiple trips to the bathroom.

After a few days of processing what may lie ahead for us, Paul heard back from the genetics counselor that Caleb's chromosomal study came back normal! Praise God!

Paul was able to talk to her and ask some questions we were hoping to have answered on the 28th. He found out that if Caleb does need a blood transfusion before birth, it would be scheduled within a week, rather than having to go to the hospital immediately. It would also only take about 2-3 hours, though the actual transfusion only last 15 minutes or so. That was a relief to hear!

My mom also found a group online of moms dealing with similar antibody issues that I was able to join. I learned a lot while reading their entries last night and sending messages to them. Most everything I learned was positive. Only one mom had lost a baby, but that was due to an undiagnosed antibody issue. Many of the moms had had multiple transfusions but never any major concerns. The biggest issue seemed to be care for baby after birth. The anemia can cause severe jaundice (which if not treated can go to baby's brain), so many of the babies were in NICUs or under bilirubin lights for multiple days.

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On a lighter note, I have to share some funny sayings from my almost three year old (where has the time gone?!)

Ever since Elijah was a nursling, he has been very attached to a mole on my arm. He used to touch it while he was nursing and since he's been weaned, he's been even more attached to it. He always wants to sit on "da mole side" of me and throughout the day will come over to me to cuddle and touch the mole. It's weird, I know, but Ethan did it too! The other night I was in bed already (did I mentioned I've been exhausted?) while Paul was getting the boys ready for bed. Elijah came into the room and crawled up on the bed to say goodnight to me. He smiled at me and said, "Daddy likes to sleep right next to you, he can reach out and touch the mole!" (And for the record, Paul is not attached to the mole!)

Yesterday we went to a friend's house to play. She has two boys - a 3.5 year old and a 1.5 year old. Her littlest is sooo cute and just a "little peanut," which is what I kept calling him. Later when we were home and eating lunch, Elijah was talking about playing with the two boys. He said, "I know where dat (that) big boy's bed is, but I don't know where dat little peanut beeps (sleeps)."

Out of the mouth of babes!

Blessings,

6 comments:

Carolina said...

So glad to hear there are many positive stories from other moms about this antigen- very encouraging! I will continue to pray for sweet little Caleb and your family.

Anonymous said...

Glad to hear the good news about the chromosomal study. You and your family are in my thoughts often.

Sharleen said...

Good news about the chromosomes coming back normal and glad you found a group to connect with.

You had me laughing about the mole and how attached your kids are to it. Too funny!

Heidi said...

Glad to hear the great news!

Caleb is obsessed with how I style my hair. He likes a long ponytail, but not bumpy (braided).

Whatcha doing next Saturday afternoon (29th)? Wanna come to a pirate birthday party at my moms? Its a whole family kind of shindig.

Ebe said...

Oh, Rachel. I really do pray for you all every night and hope that you are feeling comfort from the Lord.
What a wonderful blessing to get to know other mommies with the same struggles and worries.

love,
ebe

Anonymous said...

Great News Rachel!!!! I was so excited to read this!! I am also glad that you have found support in others who have or are going through this. Hopefully you are able to relax knowing more and the good news from the chromosomal study.

Love and Prayers,
Amanda