Baby Update, by: Zayle

I thought I'd be a little better about blogging with it being summer time...but I feel like I'm busier than ever! Last time I blogged, I told about our scare we received from the doctor. Well, things are looking a little more hopeful this time around, while we still don't have a 100% positive that our baby girl is ok, we did get some good news. About a week and a half ago we had an appointment with a genetic counselor and a specialist to look and talk about our baby. The genetic counselor told us that although we were first told the chances of our baby having Trisomy 18 was 90%, that it really is only a 30% chance. Which, there is still a chance, BUT I'll take 30% over 90% any day. After talking with her, we had a level 2 ultrasound done. Babies with Trisomy 18 will have certain defects that will show up on a level 2 ultrasound, such as--clenched hands, a strawberry shaped skull, a banana shaped spine, cysts on the brain, problems with the heart, rocker bottom feet, and a cleft lip, to name a few. Babies with this usually show up with severe development issues, as well. During our Level 2 ultrasound we were able to see everything but her feet and face, because she was in a ball and was not coming out, everything was perfect--she had no defects that could be seen. She also was measuring right on target. The doctor told us that she doesn't look like a baby with Trisomy 18, but that he still wants to see her face and feet, and wants to do an amniocentesis to make sure.  I go in this Tuesday for that procedure, and to say that I'm nervous is an understatement. There is a risk of miscarriage, albeit it is very small, but it is still scary. AND a big needle going in my belly...sounds awful! I'd rather not get it, because in my heart I think she is fine, and if she isn't we will cross that bridge when it comes. I truly believe in the power of prayer, and believe that with all of our family and friends who have been praying for us, that everything will be alright, regardless of the results.


In other news we have come up with a name, Vivienne Dawn Riddle, and she is quite the busy little thing. She is constantly moving all around and kicking momma, and loves to curl in a tiny ball on momma's left side. I am almost halfway through this pregnancy and getting so excited to see this sweet baby's face.