and we wait!

So yesterday while at work I got a call about a reminder appt. for today. (we hadn't scheduled one so I was thoroughly confused). We obediently and very quickly scheduled our child care to make our 930am, 11am and 2pm appointments. (Thank you to a flexible work schedule and one AMAZING AUNTIE who just happened to be laid off right before we found out about Bennett and has been at our house for pretty much EVERY appointment to watch our girls! Who knows what we would do without her!)

We arrived this AM for an ultrasound, fetal monitoring and a meeting with Dr. Shaffer.

During the US we got to see our sweet Bennett moving around AND most importantly PRACTICE BREATHING! :) We were happy to see this as you can see! The tech mentioned that he did all the things that they wanted him to do at this appointment which essentially meant that his heart rate was great, he was breathing, he was wiggling everywhere, fluid was better, AND his Doppler's remained great.

We then went to fetal monitoring, got all hooked up and sat and listened to Bennett's heart beat accelerate (which is GREAT) and then slow again, we heard him moving all over which is another plus. (This was suppose to be a 30 min session but were only hooked up for 10 or less) Then Dr. Shaffer and his right hand woman came to meet with us while in monitoring. He said that everything was looking MUCH better today. Bennett got an A+. Thank you Jesus!!  I asked him why we were being monitored every few days and he explained that our case is rare, and with that, he wants to make sure hes taking all pre cautions to prepare if/when we need to plan an intervention. He mentioned his low weight gain is really concerning so they want to ensure that nothing happens to him (possible death) in a few days time. We agreed! I have another monitoring on Friday, another appt. on Monday and then continuous monitoring to follow. If at any point in the monitoring Bennett shows distress, Dr. Shaffer will have me admitted and they will start discussing delivery and ill be given steroids. Right now he is also only 650grams which is not good "statistically" for survival with his complications. So we continue to wait to see what Bennett is going to do. :)

Chari and I agree that this pregnancy is so much more difficult because with any "normal" pregnancy, like with our two children before, you see your Dr. monthly and for the most part are well aware of when you will deliver. Our pregnancy doesn't give us those comforts with his state at this time so we take it one day at a time and are thankful for every sec, min and day that Bennett is still with us! God has a plan for our lives like we have said so many times before. God is good and as always we will CONTINUALLY thank him even during our many 45 min trips to OHSU and the unknown of what will happen when we walk in the door! Its amazing what God will do for you when you turn your life over to him, knowing that he alone has laid out the path for your life and knowing that he thinks of us and cares what we are going through! Thank you God for the peace and strength you have given me and my husband! You amaze me!

Blessing to you all!!!