Amazing

Today was pretty amazing. We had a nuchal translucency appointment and first trimester screening. This isn't something that everyone does (usually if you're at risk due to age or other factors), though I think it's become common practice to offer it. Since we had a demised twin (presumably due to chromosomal issues), it was recommended that we do this screening, although I would have asked for it anyway. :) They take a really good look at the baby, look for the nasal bone, and measure the fluid in the "nuchal fold" (at the base of the neck). This combined with some blood tests can give an indication of the level of risk that the baby has Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21), Trisomy 13, and Trisomy 18. It will be several days before we get the results of the blood test, but the ultrasound tech and doctor both said everything looked perfectly healthy and that they had no concerns in that regard.


The ultrasound was about 20ish minutes total of scanning (the u/s tech does one and then the dr comes in and does a quicker one just to confirm the tech's finding). It was nothing short of amazing. We got to see Baby O in detail - head, brain, heart, arms, legs, blood flow in the heart, liver and umbilical cord, placenta, etc. Baby was wiggling around, and I just really could not even believe it. I can't wait until I can feel those movements. I will cherish them, even the kicks to the bladder (remind me of that in 20ish weeks). :) Heartrate was more normalized at 160 (which is the high end of normal, last time it was in the 180s), baby measured right on target at 12w2d, and everything just looked good. We were laughing because s(he) was chilling in there with his/her arm up over his/her head, which is how I often find Matt sleeping (think top of the forearm over the forehead). That made me feel good that the embryology lab didn't mix up any embryos. ;) He/she also had his/her legs crossed at the ankles, which was just cute.

I almost forgot to ask the u/s tech if she saw any signs of Baby B.  She said she would have never known there was a demised twin if I hadn't said anything, which is good.  Still a little sad, but good... no bleeds or anything like that.  We are just so overjoyed that everything looked good today.  I am still up in the clouds.

I go back to the OB at 16 weeks and get my next ultrasound (anatomy scan) around 19 weeks. Praying for continuing health until then. Matt and I are in awe of God's amazing work (and of course modern medicine) and just so, so, so thankful. Still a ways to go, but this was a huge hurdle to clear given our DNA concerns with fertilization. I think we both feel like we can embrace this a little (lot) more and really start thinking about the fact that we're going to be parents. Thankful to have a God who works all things together for our good... it may not be how we expect or what we want when we want it, but His love never fails.

Thank you for all your prayers. Please keep them coming, and please pray for all those who are waiting for their own miracles. Our journey certainly hasn't been without heartache, but it's definitely been worth the wait.