So our genetic testing results came back earlier this week, and all looks good with the things I was worried about relating to Samantha's problems. Yeah!
But.....I was informed that my AFP (alpha fetal protein) was positive which is a red flag that this baby could have a spinal cord abnormality called 'open NDT' (neural-tube defect) which means a hole in the spinal cord. This is not the most accurate test and 80% of the time it is a false positive, so it is only a 20% chance that this is even an issue. (Still, scary though.)
I went in to my OB yesterday and she scheduled me for another high-risk ultrasound (this morning) at Utah Vally where they will check the baby again but more specifically for spinal cord problems/holes. Unfortunately you cannot see this in an ultrasound every time, so even if it is there, we will not know for sure until he is born.
We can do another sure-fire test to see if he has it or not called an amniocentesis where they stick a needle in my belly and remove and test some of the babies fluid, but this is very risky (could cause miscarriage or labor) so they really don't recommend it.
If he does have this problem he will be paralyzed or have limited mobility from the point of the hole down. This is a very scary thing to hear and learn about, but hopefully we will go with the odds on this one and he will be fine.
Remembering back to the days of Samantha where we had no idea there was a problem with her until we almost lost her and were completely blindsided by it all. Comparing that to this where we have a chance of having another child with a serious problem and know about it ahead of time. I don't know that I like the knowing, worrying and wondering. I would almost rather assume that this one is perfect until we know otherwise. ??? Modern technology is wonderful most of the time, but at times can cause more worry than needed. :)
Like I said, this is only a 20% chance that the test was accurate, so all involved are very hopeful, but I am preparing and learning what I can about this as best I can just in case.
Samantha has been going through this phase lately where she wants to take all of toys with her everywhere we go: in the car, on walks, and to bed, ect.
And she fills her stroller up and loads up the handles and has toys in her hands too. This isn't the best example, but you get the idea. She is so funny.
So, I should have polled you all 6 months ago and wouldn't have had to go through to waiting. It is a BOY! The first thing Ben said after the ultrasound was "Good, now we'll have one of each and can be done. I don't think I can handle another pregnancy." I just laughed.
I have another ultrasound this week that will be much more extensive looking for any problems; and Ben, Samantha, and I will be getting genetic testing done at the same time. I am both excited and nervous for the results.
I'm going in for an ultrasound on Thursday and get to take a sneak peek of this little baby! I will be 18 weeks and should be able to find out the gender of our baby! I am so excited, we would love either a boy or a girl! I would like a boy just because 2 boys have been born in our families in the past month and that would be fun. But, I would like a girl because I'm used to doing girl stuff and have everything for girls, not to mention a little scared of the unknown boy stuff (like surprise pee-pee attacks during diaper changes).
My big ultrasound will be Nov. 20 when I am actually 20 weeks. That will be an extensive/high-risk one to check for problems like the ones Mantha had. We also will be getting genetic testing that day to see the percentage of her problems being repeated. (Since what she had is so rare, they could not determine if it was a genetic problem or just a fluke pregnancy problem, during genetic testing they may be able to give us a better idea.) They are being very watchful of this little one just in case, which is good, but makes me nervous that something is going to go wrong.
Vote for your pick boy/girl on the left side. :)
We went to a cute pumpkin patch this year to pick out our pumpkins and Samantha loved it!
Mantha being silly at my Dr. appointment, and playing in the leaves.
We went to a Halloween party last night with some of my friends from High School, it was fun to see everyone and catch up.
Note: Non Wes Anderson fans may have no idea who we are and that's OK.
Went to Farmington this weekend and swam at the new pool, it had kiddie areas and a big slide. Grant took Mantha down the big slide and she loved it-even though you get dunked at the end. She did not want to leave, she LOVES the water no matter how tired, hungry, or cold she gets-she never wants to get out! Then we went to my parents and had tinfoil dinners in the oven and hot chocolate, so good.
We were going to take the Motorhome up to Crystal hot springs and eat and swim up there, but the Motorhome broke down. So this was plan B, my Dad said at the end of the night 'this was way better than camping! ' It was, we had so much fun and it was so relaxing and simple. Thanks fam, your the best!
