33 Weeks

I had my 33 week scan today.  Lady Hawk is looking as cute as ever.  Her head is measuring about 7 weeks ahead.  The rest of her body is right on target and working great.  My perinatologist decided she wants to be certain that her lungs are developed before we deliver.  We'll have another scan in three weeks (with two ob/gyn appointments in between), an amniocentesis right when I hit 37 weeks, and delivery via c-section around August 16th.  After she's born, she will probably have her shunt placed within the first few days to begin relieving the pressure on her head.  I don't know what happens after that.  But I'm alright with that for now.  I've realized that I'm more comfortable with a vague prognosis at this point, which is good because that's all we can do at this point.

Here are just a few little snapshots of what is going on inside my head and heart:

-Joey comes home on Monday.  I'm a day away from counting down the hours.

-My doctors have all been wonderful.  I feel so blessed and fortunate to have these wonderful men and women advocating and caring for my family. 

-I can't wait to meet our baby girl.  She is going to be loved to pieces.  We feel so fortunate to have this little gift coming our way.  Our prayer has always been that she would be exactly the person God created her to be.  We are so excited to see what that looks like in real time!

-Yes, a lot of this is difficult.  My eyes well up with tears often.  But I don't feel defeated.  I don't feel lost.  I feel very hopeful.  I take comfort in the knowledge that God knows the outcome of this situation. 

-We have an amazing support network.  So many people are praying for little Lady Hawk and hoping for the best possible outcome.  She is smothered in prayer. 

-Having a baby in 4 weeks is a little daunting.  I don't feel prepared and need to make many trips to Babies R Us between now and then. 

-They've done a few 3D ultrasounds at my appointments.  Baby Hawk looks a lot like Papa Pandiani's baby pictures.  She might just carry on Sarah's nickname of "Little Bill." 

I've had several people ask me questions about hydrocephalus, shunts, procedures, etc.  I'm going to try and address some of that here.  But for any anxious readers, I've put some informational links on the right hand side of the blog.