Hudson Ronald Morton
Little Man's middle name is after Neil's Daddy, Ronnie. We told him last night on his 63rd Birthday that his Grandson would have his name. His reaction was priceless.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Monday, October 12, 2009
My morning project
This morning, I painted the art for the baby's room (well, some of it). Here it is...
Friday, October 9, 2009
Stability
We had an OB appointment this morning. The amniotic fluid was still normal. Praise God! His right kidney remains dilated. The left is still only slightly dilated. The bladder is pretty much normal...which decreases the likelihood that it is the original diagnosis of posterior urethral valves. So, we wait. We have another US in 2 weeks w/ my regular OB and then a week later with UAB. After that, we will see the pediatric urologist again. From there, it will be officially decided where I will deliver this baby! So, prayers that everything remains stable, and that the urologist feels like delivery at my previously planned hospital will be acceptable/ safe. Also, the baby is breech right now...which is not uncommon for 28 weeks. But, I am also praying that he scoots his little bottom where it needs to be in the weeks to come. All i need is to have a c-section!
On the subject of names...we are about 99% decided on a name. We aren't going to tell anyone for now. Probably in a couple of weeks so that we can say with confidence "his name is..." That way, hopefully some of the unwanted opinions will be avoided. I know, some people will say things no matter what! But, if you say this is it vs. we are thinking about..., we're thinking it will help.
until next time...
On the subject of names...we are about 99% decided on a name. We aren't going to tell anyone for now. Probably in a couple of weeks so that we can say with confidence "his name is..." That way, hopefully some of the unwanted opinions will be avoided. I know, some people will say things no matter what! But, if you say this is it vs. we are thinking about..., we're thinking it will help.
until next time...
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
27 weeks!
I'm feeling a little stressed that I have only 13 weeks to get Baby Boy's room ready and all of my Christmas Shopping done. 13 weeks sounds like it's a long time....but, my goodness it's already been 27. Gotta get busy!
We are still having a hard time deciding on a name. I've given Neil like 50 to choose from, he's given me like 4...none of which we BOTH like. Oh well, maybe soon.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Change in suspected diagnosis
We had our targeted ultrasound today at UAB...
Both the ultrasound tech and the OB did a head to toe scan of little boy Morton and everything looked o.k. The right kidney was still dilated (hydronephrosis), but, the left was only slightly dilated. The bladder appeared empty. The past 2 US have shown a large/full bladder. The OB said that we could have just caught him at a "full state" on the others. But, today, it looked fine. With this change, the OB said that she suspects an obstruction of the ureter (between the bladder and the kidney), which is causing urine to back up into the kidney. This is called a UPJ (ureteropelvic junction) obstruction. She said that with the left kidney being only mildly dilated, it is most likely because it is in an overcompensating hypertrophic (large) state b/c it's working extra hard for the right.
So, what does this change mean? I really don't know. I read that UPJ obstruction is the most common type of obstruction of the urinary tract. The OB kept saying, "this is not an emergency." She also said, "don't worry, he can live a perfectly normal life with one kidney." UM, THANKS, WHEW, I GUESS?? I didn't get much reassurance from that statement. Of course, I know things could be worse. But, the thought of my baby losing a kidney within the first couple of years of life makes me sad. I know he can live with one. But, what if he wants to play football one day and he gets a knee to the other kidney?? As much as I see, I honestly feel ridiculous and almost selfish for being upset about this. I know things are going to be o.k. But, I will continue to pray for a miracle and that everything turns out normal. I know that God will not give us more than we can handle. I guess anyone who is a parent can understand that feeling of wanting things to be normal. I don't even like when LM has a fever for pete's sake! I know that I will be o.k. with whatever happens. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Phil 4:13)
She said that we will be followed with routine prenatal care and will follow up with her and have another targeted US at 32 weeks. After that, we will meet with the pediatric urologist once more to discuss an updated plan. She said she feels like we could deliver at Shelby. However, she said this would ultimately be up to the urologist. She said that most people deliver at full term and vaginally with this prenatal diagnosis. So, I will hope I fall into the "most" category.
So, I guess you could say I was slightly encouraged by this visit. There were a few inconsistencies from the previous ultrasounds. But, I am going to chalk that up to more high tech equipment, and experienced staff. The baby measured about 2 1/2 lbs. He was playing with his little feet during the ultrasound (so sweet!) The amniotic fluid was completely normal. We could see the 4 chamber heart pumping away! We saw his little brain and brain stem. With each ultrasound, I am amazed at how God forms this incredible baby inside of me. One good thing about this is that I have been able to see him grow from a little butter bean to a 2 1/2 lb baby boy who wiggles and waves!
My prayer is for me to truly accept that God is in control and that I won't know anything for sure until the baby gets here. I will continue to pray that if it's God's will that this problem corrects itself in utero.
i'll keep posting as i know things...
Both the ultrasound tech and the OB did a head to toe scan of little boy Morton and everything looked o.k. The right kidney was still dilated (hydronephrosis), but, the left was only slightly dilated. The bladder appeared empty. The past 2 US have shown a large/full bladder. The OB said that we could have just caught him at a "full state" on the others. But, today, it looked fine. With this change, the OB said that she suspects an obstruction of the ureter (between the bladder and the kidney), which is causing urine to back up into the kidney. This is called a UPJ (ureteropelvic junction) obstruction. She said that with the left kidney being only mildly dilated, it is most likely because it is in an overcompensating hypertrophic (large) state b/c it's working extra hard for the right.
So, what does this change mean? I really don't know. I read that UPJ obstruction is the most common type of obstruction of the urinary tract. The OB kept saying, "this is not an emergency." She also said, "don't worry, he can live a perfectly normal life with one kidney." UM, THANKS, WHEW, I GUESS?? I didn't get much reassurance from that statement. Of course, I know things could be worse. But, the thought of my baby losing a kidney within the first couple of years of life makes me sad. I know he can live with one. But, what if he wants to play football one day and he gets a knee to the other kidney?? As much as I see, I honestly feel ridiculous and almost selfish for being upset about this. I know things are going to be o.k. But, I will continue to pray for a miracle and that everything turns out normal. I know that God will not give us more than we can handle. I guess anyone who is a parent can understand that feeling of wanting things to be normal. I don't even like when LM has a fever for pete's sake! I know that I will be o.k. with whatever happens. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Phil 4:13)
She said that we will be followed with routine prenatal care and will follow up with her and have another targeted US at 32 weeks. After that, we will meet with the pediatric urologist once more to discuss an updated plan. She said she feels like we could deliver at Shelby. However, she said this would ultimately be up to the urologist. She said that most people deliver at full term and vaginally with this prenatal diagnosis. So, I will hope I fall into the "most" category.
So, I guess you could say I was slightly encouraged by this visit. There were a few inconsistencies from the previous ultrasounds. But, I am going to chalk that up to more high tech equipment, and experienced staff. The baby measured about 2 1/2 lbs. He was playing with his little feet during the ultrasound (so sweet!) The amniotic fluid was completely normal. We could see the 4 chamber heart pumping away! We saw his little brain and brain stem. With each ultrasound, I am amazed at how God forms this incredible baby inside of me. One good thing about this is that I have been able to see him grow from a little butter bean to a 2 1/2 lb baby boy who wiggles and waves!
My prayer is for me to truly accept that God is in control and that I won't know anything for sure until the baby gets here. I will continue to pray that if it's God's will that this problem corrects itself in utero.
i'll keep posting as i know things...
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Good News and Honor
Well, Friday morning we went to my regular OB (who, i think is wonderful!). They did an US of little man & he was surrounded by 18 cm of amniotic fluid! (normal is about 6-20). So, I felt relief for the first time in 4 weeks. So, this means, stability for now. No 26 week delivery or fetal intervention for now. We will go back in 2 weeks. But, in the meantime, I will see the UAB doctors on Monday for my targeted ultrasound. So, my new prayer is that the targeted ultrasound will reveal a less severe situation than previously thought. Ultrasounds are somewhat subjective diagnostic tests...so, maybe with a more specific test the increased accuracy will give us good news. Even though my prayer is specific, I always begin and end with "if it's your will". Oh, and the glucose results will not be back until Monday.
On Friday afternoon, we laid Neil's Grandmother to rest. Neil and his brothers did an incredible job honoring his Grandmother. We laughed, cried and praised the Lord. It was a very emotional day. But, I feel sure that Maw Maw Morton was thrilled to see such a sweet sight (her 5 boys surrounded by friends and family, her 3 best friends on the front row in honor of their friendship, her new bodily resting place right beside the love of her life that has been gone from her for almost 30 years)...To hear her precious boys talk about what a wonderful influence she had on their lives. I'm FOR SURE she was happy to hear laughter. She would not want people to cry for her. So, to honor her once more, I will tell her favorite joke. "have you heard about the haunted hankerchief?..........................it had a booger in it!"
Well, I'm looking forward to another week. I'm hopeful it will be a good one.
On Friday afternoon, we laid Neil's Grandmother to rest. Neil and his brothers did an incredible job honoring his Grandmother. We laughed, cried and praised the Lord. It was a very emotional day. But, I feel sure that Maw Maw Morton was thrilled to see such a sweet sight (her 5 boys surrounded by friends and family, her 3 best friends on the front row in honor of their friendship, her new bodily resting place right beside the love of her life that has been gone from her for almost 30 years)...To hear her precious boys talk about what a wonderful influence she had on their lives. I'm FOR SURE she was happy to hear laughter. She would not want people to cry for her. So, to honor her once more, I will tell her favorite joke. "have you heard about the haunted hankerchief?..........................it had a booger in it!"
Well, I'm looking forward to another week. I'm hopeful it will be a good one.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Wow, what a week!
Well, we had our appointment at UAB Maternal Fetal Medicine. Once again, I was hoping for answers. No such luck. Apparently I needed a targeted (more specific) ultrasound before seeing this particular group of OB's. Well, that wasn't done. Therefore, I am scheduled for a targeted ultrasound on Monday.
After leaving the appointment, feeling both frustrated and anxious, we found out they had called in the family for Neil's Grandmother. Maw Maw had been in Hospice care for a couple of months. However, she was doing pretty well. She became confused Tuesday morning and was unresponsive by 10 a.m. She passed away at 7:30 p.m. with all of her family gathered at her house. We were so glad that God spared her from going days on end in this condition.
She was such a wonderfully unique lady. She was sophisticated and genuine. She was independent and loving. Her favorite thing in the world was to GIVE!!! She will be missed by all of us, especially by her "BOYS" (Alex, Neil, Joel, Casey and, of course, Ronnie). Her funeral is tomorrow and Neil is speaking, per Maw Maw's request. She wrote him a letter several months back and asked him to do this. She didn't want him to tell anyone. So, he didn't. Not even me. She told Neil's step-mom it was b/c he was "right with the man upstairs". Neil is honored, but, this will be very difficult for him. So, if you read this, please say a prayer for him. He loved his Maw Maw SO much and I can't imagine the emotions that he will have as he tries to speak of this love and of God's love for this wonderful lady.
Lastly, I have a doctor's appt in the morning. I am supposed to have an US and my glucose test. I am hoping that my amniotic fluid is stable and my glucose is normal.
Well, I hope everyone has a great weekend.
LOVE TO MAW MAW MORTON. Heaven is a better place as of 7:30 p.m. Tuesday night!
After leaving the appointment, feeling both frustrated and anxious, we found out they had called in the family for Neil's Grandmother. Maw Maw had been in Hospice care for a couple of months. However, she was doing pretty well. She became confused Tuesday morning and was unresponsive by 10 a.m. She passed away at 7:30 p.m. with all of her family gathered at her house. We were so glad that God spared her from going days on end in this condition.
She was such a wonderfully unique lady. She was sophisticated and genuine. She was independent and loving. Her favorite thing in the world was to GIVE!!! She will be missed by all of us, especially by her "BOYS" (Alex, Neil, Joel, Casey and, of course, Ronnie). Her funeral is tomorrow and Neil is speaking, per Maw Maw's request. She wrote him a letter several months back and asked him to do this. She didn't want him to tell anyone. So, he didn't. Not even me. She told Neil's step-mom it was b/c he was "right with the man upstairs". Neil is honored, but, this will be very difficult for him. So, if you read this, please say a prayer for him. He loved his Maw Maw SO much and I can't imagine the emotions that he will have as he tries to speak of this love and of God's love for this wonderful lady.
Lastly, I have a doctor's appt in the morning. I am supposed to have an US and my glucose test. I am hoping that my amniotic fluid is stable and my glucose is normal.
Well, I hope everyone has a great weekend.
LOVE TO MAW MAW MORTON. Heaven is a better place as of 7:30 p.m. Tuesday night!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)