Waiting - 31 weeks

Sorry it has been so long since my last update.  Since the fluid has resolved, we have had weekly appointments with not many updates, the fluid has stayed away.  As my doctor says, I'm getting to be one of his boring patients.  Thank heavens!  Every week we have a general ultrasound to assess the lungs, other organ development, and blood flow through the placenta and umbilical cord.  Along with this we have also started getting weekly biophysical profiles (BPPs) which assess a baby's risk of stillbirth.  It is a ten-point scoring system, getting two points for each measure; a score of eight is passing.  The things measured by ultrasound are amniotic fluid levels, fetal tone, fetal movement, and fetal breathing.  The fifth component is a non-stress test where they look at the variability of the baby's heartbeat for 15-30 minutes.  However, if all the ultrasound measures are seen, you already have a score of eight and don't have to do the non-stress test.  So far, Caleb has been passing his BPPs without having to do the non-stress test.  His breathing movements take longer to get but my doctor said this is normal at this stage.  Once I get to 36 weeks, they will get more concerned if it takes too long to see the breathing movements.

We are hanging in there and overall doing much better.  The days still drag on slowly, though.  As my doctor says, we should be very happy the fluid is gone right now but we still don't have a good answer for "why" this happened in the first place.  We may not know until he is born and the doctors can take a closer look at him, or maybe we will never know!  Oddly, right now that is the least of my worries.  I just want to get through this pregnancy as close to term as possible.  Jonah prays every night that baby Caleb is "safe and keeps growing".  I don't think the growing is a problem, Caleb is 3 lbs 14 oz at 31 weeks (65th percentile)... much different than his big brother!  I have also been generally more fatigued and uncomfortable this pregnancy than with Jonah, and earlier.  I'm sure having a two year old to keep up with doesn't help either.  The most stressful part is my doctor told me to call him immediately if I don't feel ten movements in EVERY two hour period.  As a working mom, this is overwhelming as I am often busy and don't think about how many movements I've felt.  I'm lucky that Caleb remains very active so I haven't had any moments yet where I felt I needed to go in.   Once I get concerned, I usually will sit down and he goes nuts.

We also have done almost nothing to get ready for Caleb.  I'm not sure if its because we're more laid back this time or the worry of his health prevents us from preparing.  I have been singing and reading to Caleb and feel more attached as the days go on.  I'm sure we will start pulling out all of Jonah's baby clothes in the coming weeks.  We had thought about moving Jonah from his crib to a toddler bed but just aren't sure if we are ready to deal with him exploring at all hours of the night, yet anyway :)

Cindy just spent a week with us as Ryan was gone on business to help around the house and help with Jonah.  It was so nice to have her company around and have home cooked meals everyday!  This week Jonah is spending time with my family up in MN.  Ryan and I miss him dearly, but know it is really good for him to have this time.  It has also given us some time to get things done around the house that have been sitting for a while.

Love,
Ryan and Raquel

Prayer requests:
1)  The fluid remains to stay away and Caleb continues to thrive and grow
2)  Jonah has a wonderful time in MN and makes it home safe
3)  Ryan and I continue to grow in our relationship with each other and our role as parents during an uncertain time

Such a cute little face!

Family picture we took for Jonah's 2 year pics, I was 19 weeks here.  I will post a baby bump picture next time, we have not been good about this!  THANK YOU THANK YOU Sarah Maxey for taking such amazing photos for us!

Love him!

Caleb relaxing!