Friday, April 11, 2014

Primary Children's Part 3

Life is Crazy. We are beginning to realize how close we are to having Brenna--It is insane to think that she could be here in less than 7 weeks! We are trying to get things done around the house, but between work and everything else going on it has been hard to find the time (or energy) to get what needs to be done, done.


I'll be honest. I have had a couple of rough days this last week. Emotions have been running high, anxiety has kicked in, and working 8+ hours a day on my feet has about worn me out. But, between the swollen ankles, tears, stress, and anxiety, life is still good! I really shouldn't complain because I know how blessed we really are. Thank heavens for a good Mom, Dad, and Husband! They have been so much help to me-and are some of my biggest blessings.


Today we got to spend the better part of the day at Primary Children's and U of U Hospital. Overall, it was a very good visit, and I am so glad my Mom and Dad were able to go with Tyler and I. It was nice to have my Dad with us, since he hadn't been able to go to an appointment with us. He got to see and experience the "behind the scenes" stuff, instead of just hearing bits and pieces (of what we can remember and retain, it is SO  MUCH information--and a wee bit overwhelming.) of it from us. To start the morning off, Brenna had her Echo-Cardiogram. She was not behaving. She even gave the tech a couple of REALLY good strong kicks, and decided it would be funny to wiggle and squirm almost the entire time! (It was really funny and entertaining to watch the tech jump out of her chair every time Brenna would kick her!) It finally got to the point that the actual Cardiologist had to come in and finish the Echo-Cardiogram. Even though she didn't cooperate, and it took a while, I am so glad to know that she is strong, and likes to wiggle (she definitely likes to make her presence known)! It makes me feel so much better, and I LOVE when I can feel her move and kick! After we finished, we met with our team of doctors, and went over what they saw today--nothing really new, no major changes or worries, (which is GREAT!) and they even said they saw some good signs! They saw some blood flow in her Right Ventricle (the part of her heart that is REALLY underdeveloped, that they didn't think would even work) which gives them some hope that it could possibly keep developing and be able to function! We don't know that it will be able to for sure, but it is always good to hear something positive! (PLEASE, keep praying for the right side of her heart!)


I have a hard time going up to Primary Children's, in fact, I dread it. I am always terrified that they will find something else wrong, or something will have changed for the worse. Today I felt more comfortable than ever, and was so glad that the appointment went so well! I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders-I am so glad we are in such good hands! We do not have to go back up to Primary's until she is born, which is bitter-sweet. We have already formed friendships with the doctors, and our social workers--they are incredible! I know that we will for sure see them (soon), but it is hard when they already feel like our family.


We were able to tour the CICU (Cardiac Intensive Care Unit) and also the NICU, where Brenna will be spending some time before, during, and after surgeries.  I was so nervous to do it, but am so glad I did it. It is kind of scary to see all of the different machines and things, but such a blessing to know that all of that technology is ready and available. It was a lot to take in, but it was a good experience.


I had a regular ultrasound at the U of U and met with my OB. Everything still looks great! Brenna is growing perfectly. She still has lots of hair, chubby cheeks, and apparently has rather large feet! She was weighing at about 4 1/2 pounds which is a little bit bigger than average, but is a good thing! At my next appointment, we will be scheduling Brenna's arrival! We can't quite wrap our minds around that, but we are excited!


I am so grateful to my Heavenly Father for blessing our family with such a sweet miracle. Even though she hasn't made her appearance yet, she has definitely had a huge impact on us and our families. The love we feel for her already amazes me. I can't wait to meet this special little girl.


We would like to invite all of you to fast with us, this upcoming fast Sunday (May 4th) in Brenna's behalf. It will be the last fast we will hold before she is born. For those of you who have been praying for us, THANK YOU. Please continue to remember our family in your prayers--we have felt a difference! We truly feel the love and support that all of you have given and shown. We love you all!


-McKensie


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