Ultrasound visit - a BIT better news

July 21st, 2008 - This was our next ultrasound with the perinatal specialist. Below is a letter I wrote to Bailey just a few days after (on July 24th, 2008) which outlines what we found out during that visit.


Hi my little Bailey.
Mommy (with you in my tummy) is on an airplane right now on my way home from Washington, DC. I havent been able to travel much since I have been pregnant with you because the Drs thought it wouldnt be a good idea for me or you. As a matter of fact, I think this is only the 2nd trip and the first one was right after I found out I was pregnant. Everyone took such good care of me and was so excited to hear that you are almost here. I just couldnt bring up the fact that there is a chance that we may never really get to bring you home from the Hospital. Daddy and I are so hopeful that the Drs are wrong. I know how strong you are. Every time I feel you move inside my tummy I know that you have a will to live. Your oldest brother, Parker, says to me "Mommy, she either has long legs or is just SUPER strong" every time he sees you kick my tummy. Maybe he knows something we dont since all tests, etc show exactly the opposite.
To give a little update on your development ..... We went for our most recent ultrasound on Monday, July 21, 2008. Your long bones (arms and legs) are showing even further behind than last time. They are approximately 7 - 8 weeks behind in development age. This most likely means you have had more breaks but they couldn't tell for sure. Your head is about 2 weeks ahead development size-wise but the skull is solid, there is no fluid, etc, so there is no worry there. Your heart is healthy, your brain is healthy, stomach/kidneys/etc are all healthy. We were able to see tissue development next to your heart so it appears your lungs are starting to develop but there will be no way to know about their functionality until you are born. Your little chest cavity and ribs are still so tiny - only in the 5th percentile - but the specialist we met with this time says that it is still possible for you to have enough room in there to have healthy lungs. She said that at this point it could go either way. A 50/50 chance that we can take you home with us and love you is a million times better than when they told us there was no chance last time we had an ultrasound. That is about all of your development update from this ultrasound.
We love you so much and are all so happy and excited to get you here. You have so many people praying for your safe arrival. We know, however, that our Heavenly Father is the only one who really knows what the plan for you is and we also know that, no matter how much of a challenge, He knows what is best for you. It is so hard for me to wait for you to arrive. I just want to get you here so I can hold you, snuggle you, kiss you, and take care of you. I feel so helpless with you inside where I dont know how you truly are. However, I also know how very important it is that you stay inside my tummy until you have grown bigger and stronger. At least you are somewhat safe in there.
Well, my sweet Bailey, I am going to end for now. I love you so much. Be well.
Mommy