Lots of Updates

Zach Update
As you can see by the header, we had our last ultrasound at 26 weeks. Zach is measuring 2lb 8oz and as if he were 27 weeks gestation. It is hard to imagine he is that much bigger only 2 weeks from when Bella was born. But considering how large my belly is, it isn't quite surprising. As a side note, I have excess amniotic fluid. The perinatalogist checked Zach's bladder, kidneys and esophagus to make sure that he was taking in and releasing the correct amount of fluid. Everything with him looked sound, so both doctors seem to think that it is simply a variant in my body to have excess amniotic fluid. The catch to the excess fluid is that it can spark preterm labor...like we needed another risk factor right!?! So the doctors have just stressed "stay off my feet as much as possible". Fortunately I'm still getting progesterone each week and we've completed our round of steroids. The steroids will help little man's lungs in case he does come early. Progesterone will stop at 36 weeks and my cerclage will be removed at the same time.



Bella Update
Big Sister started her summer school program Tuesday. I'm excited to get her around other children again. Her first day of school was cut short because she also saw her pediatric surgeon that afternoon. GREAT NEWS, her hernia surgery has been delayed once again. We went into the appointment under the impression that she would be having surgery as soon as next week. The surgeon had told us back in April that she wanted to repair the hernias this summer for sure. But after observing her yesterday and us updating her on Isabella's bowel patterns, the doctor is comfortable with delaying the surgery. Bella has grown almost 2 inches since Dr. G observed her in the hospital in April. With the elongation of Bella's body, the doctor seems to think the bowel is not in danger from the hernia and that by feel and appearance the hernias have smoothed out somewhat. Even though they will need to be repaired at some point, we can push it back for at least another 4 months. Chris and I are glad for this for her developmental purposes. Having the surgery next week would limit her mobility and ability to attend school, which would potentially delay any development by a couple of months. She's starting to walk very well and her little imagination is growing each day. Monday night she started playing peek-a-boo with her Fischer Price Little People (she carries them around everywhere).

We also did her 18 month check up last week. Isabella is 26lbs and 31.75 in, even with her prematurity she is in the 50th percentile for height...we are super pleased with that. Dr. J is very pleased with how she looks, her growth and how she is progressing through all of her therapy. Speaking of therapy, we also had our first therapy session out of the house with Isabella making her first trip to a playground. There is a really cool park here in Midland developed especially for children with disabilities. There are special ramps, slides and walking beams designed with special needs children in mind. Obviously Isabella only has minor special needs that she will eventually outgrow, but the therapist felt this would be a good place to test Isabella's range. She used the ramps to observe how Isabella reacts to walking up inclines and down declining surfaces. Then she had Bella walk on a gradually narrowing beam to see how she reacted to the narrowing width. Overall she was pleased with this initial visit to these obstacles.

A huge THANK YOU goes out to my mommy (Granmommy) for making a special trip out to Midland last week. Chris had to be in Houston for work, so mom came out to take care of Isabella and me for a few days. She was a huge help and we loved having her around. LOVE YOU MOM!!!

Finally passing out!..........................Trip to the Park!

Playing at Surgeons Office..............Being silly at mattress store!


Unfortunately I was not able to pamper Chris for Father's Day the same way he did for me on mother's day. We spent the entire day at home watching sports and whatever else on TV he wanted to. I will surely have to make it up to him after Zach is born. But I must tell you what an amazing father he is to his daughter and unborn son. He is so dedicated to Isabella's development and Zach's safety. I cannot tell you how thankful I am when we do make it out of the house and see how some fathers either aren't around or aren't active with their kids. I almost feel like the awkward one with the husband who is so committed to his family. Chris always plays, teaches, and loves unconditionally with Isabella. Watching the two of them interact is such a joy. I feel blessed every day to have this man as the father of my children. On top of father's day, tomorrow is the Big Guy's birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY HONEY!!! We promise to spoil you a little more tomorrow than we were able to over the weekend :)

We hope all of you are having a blessed summer so far and we wish safe travels for anyone traveling during the vacation season. Peace and Love to you all!

Phillipians 1:2-5
2 Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, 4 Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, 5 For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now.