Stuart & Me, Christmas Photo

Here is a picture of my hubby, Stuart, and I at a recent church Christmas Party. Notice the big belly! It's sweet Kara's huge swimming pool. :)

33.5 Week OB Visit

I went in to see my OB on Tuesday. After all I went through with the amnio drain on Monday, I felt I didn't gain too much. He measured me (fundal height) at 43 and I was 33 weeks pregnant. It has been more tolerable since then and my contractions have slowed. I received meds for contractions when I need to take them, but so far I haven't needed to--praise the Lord! I was very disappointed that we didn't take a good look at Kara and do a biophysical profile to check her approximate weight. It has been over 5 weeks since that was done and I felt they would be following me more closely... I have no idea what her growth rate is at this point. I can only pray that she is doing well in that area--I have spent much time crying and worrying over this, but have had to take it to the Lord. The doctor wanted to see me back in 2 weeks. He will be out of town for Christmas next week. I don't know what my polyhydramios issue will look like next week, so I requested to be seen by someone to touch base next week. I'm supposed to go in on Wednesday, but don't have a time yet. Dr. Duff would like Kara to stay in there until at least 36 weeks. We don't want immature lung issues to complicate her already challenged state. Please pray that I would not be discouraged during these last few weeks. It is very difficult for me to get around and take care of my little children (and it's Christmas!). My church family has been wonderful with meals and coming over to help at times. That has been a blessing! I have a hard time not being totally self-sufficient.

Fluid Drained Off Today

Due to several hours of middle of the night contractions Sunday night, Dr. Duff instructed us to go to L&D at Shands and have fluid drained off to increase my comfort and prevent baby Kara from coming early. We were greeted by a lovely nurse, Vikki, who is a personal friend of the Walters family at AGCC. She said she knew of us and had been praying for our baby. WOW! Late afternoon they drained 1.325 LITERS of fluid off. It was horribly painful and Dr. Duff wanted 1.5 L, but I couldn't go any further as it took 35 MINUTES to do it. We are now home, but I am still having cramping from the procedure and contractions every 5-10 minutes. We are hoping NOT to go back in tonight. I see Dr. Duff tomorrow afternoon at 4:15 to check on Kara's weight, etc. They say they can do the procedure again on me when it becomes necessary. (I'd rather not!) By the way, I was measuring at 46 weeks pregnant and I'm 33.5! But we'll just take it day by day. I am supposed to be doing nothing, for now, which is hard with such a busy household. Thank you SO much to our generous friends at church for helping out with our children and to all our prayer warrior friends from far and wide. We appreciate ALL of your help and every one's prayers!

Our God is big enough...

They say that I am crazy for letting you be born,

But one look at your angel face makes crazy all the scorn.

They say we can’t afford you–that you’ll need a lot of stuff,

But your pudgy cheeks remind us that our God is big enough.

They say it’s strange–seven kids so far–and ask what’s wrong with us,

How could we know that proof of married love would cause this fuss?

God’s Word tells me He made us, so when they look at you,

I’ll tell them not to ask me why, because He made you too!

Kelly Crawford @ Generation Cedar

Prayer Request

Evidently, I don't do things half way... I went today for a check-up with Dr. Duff and I had gained a significant amount of weight. Over the past several days I have just been feeling HUGE in the belly and was afraid that the amniotic fluid had increased. Well, I was correct. I am currently measuring 39 weeks (fundal height) and I am 31.5 weeks pregnant. This is an issue because it could cause me to go into premature labor due to my body "thinking" it's time. Just to let you know how much I grew recently: I measured 32 at my last visit 12 days ago and now I'm 39. That's a 7 week hop in the matter of 12 days!!! At this rate, I am afraid of what may happen. I think the biggest I've ever been is 44.

Dr. Duff said if I get too uncomfortable, have contractions, or trouble breathing that they can do an amnio and drain off probably about 1 Liter of fluid. This might buy me another week or so at the point that we do it. I don't know if we would do it more than once. I've never had an amnio and I have heard they hurt! I'm a bit overwhelmed by it all. We want Kara Faith to stay in there as LONG as possible. Dr. Duff says there is nothing I can do, but I am still going to tighten up my diet so that my sugars are even better and don't fluctuate as much. Maybe this will help.

Please, please be in prayer that this doesn't continue at the rate it is and Kara can stay in there until at least 36-37 weeks. Thank you!!!

Thankful!

I am extremely thankful for little miss Kara Faith. She is doing so well! I am 31 weeks today. Here's a picture of me on Thanksgiving. I'm getting so big that I don't know how I'll make it another 8+ weeks. Pray that God blesses the rest of this pregnancy abundantly.

Loved by Littles...

Taken by Max (age 8)

I am 30 weeks, 4 days and these are Eden & Tommy's hands.

Our Beautiful Baby Girl's 3D/4D

Caught with her hand to her mouth--so cute!

Kara's foot pressing against Mommy.
Her hands are so perfect!

Here is Kara's face. No cleft lip! Fingers curled around her cord.

She looks concerned here. She likes to keep her hands over her face.

We were so excited to get a 3D/4D ultrasound of Kara Faith on Monday! She looked so beautiful! We were all surprised at how wonderful all of her features appear. The doctors kept saying her eyes were small, but on ultrasound they look proportionate even though she kept them closed (which is normal). Kara has no cleft lip and a cute little chin! We did confirm that she has one nostril--I'm just happy for that! The opening appears to be large enough for an airway, but we won't know until she is born. She is doing a great job of "practice breathing" which we saw on this ultrasound, too! Pray for no airway difficulties at the time of her birth. We are so very thankful to God that Kara looks so good! (I am thinking she looks like her big brother, Dan, but we'll see in January!)

The tech was a little nervous because we brought Celeste, Dan, & Max with us to the appointment. She asked if they were prepared. She had only seen pictures in journals of HPE babies. You could tell she was quite surprised and happy to see Kara looking so wonderful!

"For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them." Psalm 139:13-16

28 Week Check-Up

I went to see Dr. Duff at Shands yesterday. Kara Faith looks great on ultrasound! Dr. Duff said, "Look, there's some hair." Sure enough you could see an edge of fuzz on her head. I got a quick glimpse of one of her ears, too. Her weight has come up. They are estimating her at 2 pounds, 9 ounces which puts her in the 47%. She was moving all round and had her legs crossed. She looked just beautiful!!


Our only concern currently is that I am carrying extra amniotic fluid (already). The report did say I do have polyhydramnios. I am measuring 31 weeks and I am 28. It's just over the normal limit right now, but prayer would be appreciated for this particular issue. I feel bigger in the last few days and my belly has been hurting some, so this must be why. I have measured as much as 6 weeks ahead in a couple past pregnancies, but that evened out later. I am currently taking insulin in 3 injections a day and testing blood sugars 4 times per day. My sugars have been very good. I think the hardest part for me right now is to eat when I'm not hungry or to drink when I have heartburn. All in all, I'm just happy that Kara looks great and I am almost recovered from my bout with the flu! We have a 3D/4D ultrasound scheduled for this Monday, November 16th--can't wait! I'll put pics up from that. We didn't get any this time.

A little update

Just a little update:

~I am sick with a coughing, achy virus. I am hoping I don't develop a fever or ear infection to go with it... Please pray for quick healing.
~I see Dr. Duff November 10th for a check-up which includes an u/s to check Kara's growth and my amniotic fluid levels. I will be in my 28th week then.
~We have a 3D/4D ultrasound scheduled on November 16th thanks to Dr. Marichal!!!

I am enjoying the cooler days. This is the "boring" part of pregnancy and I love it! Kara moves a lot and I am enjoying the baby belly, too. I hope to get some pictures done in the next few weeks. Thank you for your prayers! They keep me calm and comforted.

A Place for Kara...

"In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also."

John 14: 2-3

Alone with my thoughts at 6 o'clock in the morning is not always a good thing... I started thinking about the fear I have. Yes, I am afraid. I have never come home from the hospital without a baby. Not only this, but I will probably never come home with Kara. I am trying to treasure the moments I have with Kara and focus on the good gifts from my Father above. I am afraid. Afraid that when I get home my arms will be empty and aching for my little girl. My heart will be at a loss. Will this crush me? I pray not. I fear the hormonal changes and the demands of my large family. I want to be a good mother to my children... Who will care for me during my recovery from major surgery? Who will help me care for my children? I have been told not to "borrow trouble" from the future. I am praying that God would order things in His way and that these concerns would be answered perfectly. Of this I am confident, that God is preparing a place for Kara and that in His timing she will be with Him. I will see her again some glorious day.

I contacted a photographer from Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep foundation. I am hoping they can come do photos of me pregnant soon. Then maybe we can do another session closer to her birth, but sometimes these babies come early and I want to be prepared for that. Pray that Kara Faith would stay healthy in her secret place and that fluid levels would remain normal. Your prayers are what is holding me together. I know it!

Things New

Here Kara is showing off her profile. Her hand up there cast a shadow across the bottom of her little face.

Yes, we are sure she's a GIRL!

We met with our new OB, Dr. Duff, this past Tuesday. God has blessed us with a very kind man for a doctor. We went over our diagnosis and what we were want to do for Kara. Dr. Duff is going to take very good care of me and Kara Faith. I am sure. He will be seeing me every 2-3 weeks and then we'll go to every week near the end of December. We have a C Section tentatively scheduled for January 25th. It's a Monday... I am hoping maybe we can move it up a few days because it's easier to get someone to help with our 7 other children over a weekend. I'm trying not to borrow "trouble" from the future, but we are going to need a lot of help. I am praying that God will provide all the answers. I am thankful He has arranged everything perfectly so far!

I major concern I am having is my blood sugars. Dr. Duff added regular insulin to my regimen, but I am having a little trouble with that. I "crashed" yesterday morning, so we are going to have to play with the doses and times, most likely. Also, my fastings have not come down significantly. Please pray for this to all stabilize. I am taking the dose I took at the END of my last pregnancy.

Please pray for Kara Faith's health. She is looking good on ultrasound and her growth is right on for how far along I am. We got the best profile picture yet! I am at a point of peace in my pregnancy and enjoying it.

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." Jeremiah 29:11 KJV

Seeing our new OB today

We are going in this afternoon to meet our new OB, Dr. Duff. Please pray for a good report and that things will go well with him. I am nervous because everything is new now. I think he is going to do another ultrasound, so I hope to have a picture or two to share. I have really been wanting a profile shot, but we haven't been able to get a good one. I'll be reporting back in...

He Answers Prayer: A Praise Report

This week has been a turning point. On Wednesday, Dr. Morse (a neonatologist with Shands) called me personally and spoke with me about Kara's care and my pregnancy. He agrees that it would be in her/our best interest to transfer my care to Shands where there is a NICU. The exciting news?!? Dr. Morse will be the Doctor who is attending/on call when Kara's delivery is planned in January!! Also, I was referred over to Dr. Duff who was highly recommended by my OB, my pediatrician, and several friends. Evidently, it is very difficult to get in to see him. My OB had to make a personal call. I have an appointment with him on October 13th!! God has seen fit to arrange my prenatal care with the best (Christian) doctors. I am so thankful! I have no doubt that the prayers lifted up for Kara and I are being heard by my Heavenly Father.

Kara is becoming more active and you can see little "kicks" from the outside now. I have been having lots of headaches (some are migraines) lately and have been very tired at times.

Pray for:
~my health--gestational diabetes stays in check and my insulin needs don't increase much more
that my headaches go away
that I would not let the enemy discourage me in ANY way
~Kara--that she would continue to grow
that she would be able to be delivered at full term (38-39 weeks)
that amniotic fluid levels would remain normal
Her life, that she would be with us at least several days...
~Our family--that they would be able to walk through this and see evidence of God's grace and
and feel his comfort. I pray this draws us closer to one another in His Name.

Psalm 86:1-7

"Incline your ear, O Lord, and answer me, for I am poor and needy.

Preserve my life, for I am godly;

save your servant, who trusts in you—you are my God.

Be gracious to me, O Lord, for to you do I cry all the day.

Gladden the soul of your servant, for to you, O Lord, do I lift up my soul.

For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving,

abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you.

Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer; listen to my plea for grace.

In the day of my trouble I call upon you, for you answer me."

Appointment Tomorrow

Psalm 121 has encouraged me lately. Especially this part, "From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth." I'm concentrating on that right now!

We have another appointment with my favorite OB, Dr. Marichal, tomorrow. After meeting with the neonatologist at Shands last week, we are probably moving my care over to Shands. They told us that Shands is better suited to care for Kara's needs and to help us afterwards. It makes me sad in a lot of ways. I'm trusting in God to direct my steps and will be giving updates. Kara is moving a lot inside me lately and soon, hopefully, Stuart will be able to feel those kicks from the outside.

Also, I am needing increasing insulin and we need to adjust my levels. I will be talking about that with Dr. Marichal tomorrow. I have never been on it this early in pregnancy and I even lost 20 pounds before I conceived Kara, so please pray that things would level out and this would not present/create any problems for myself or our sweet baby. Thank you!

Kara's 22 week Ultrasound Report

Top--all curled up in a ball. Bottom--sweet hand and forearm.

This is copied from a note I posted on Facebook because this momma to 7 is tired and battled headaches for the past 4 days, so forgive me...

In response to were we able to see Kara's face...

Yes, her eyes are very small. (I don't know what that means, but she does have them.) She does have a nose, but we couldn't see if there were two nostrils. We saw one for sure. He also said he didn't see a cleft lip, but the actual palate is harder to see. Her head is very flat at the forehead. Her heart looks great and he mentioned he thought one of her kidneys was a little large, but later retracted the statement. So everything else looks good. Amniotic fluid was right on and she was measuring 21 weeks 3 days and I'm 21 weeks 5 days. She is right on. Dr. Richards wants to see me again in 6 weeks because he wants to watch the fluid levels. He says we can see him or Dr. Duff at the Magnolia Park offices and he recommend that we come over to Shands b/c NFL cannot handle what we want to do for her. He called it "more aggressive" treatment. What he considers comfort care is the baby is born and they give her to you and you feed her if she's hungry--otherwise I guess you just let her go. We want a little more intervention than that. He said the babies that he had delivered with this condition didn't live long. I said, "Days?," and he nodded in agreement. Maybe Kara will be the one that will WOW him. Yes, our Father in Heaven has numbered her days and they will be what they will be. I have peace today, but am feeling some sadness... I was also told that even though Shands typically have semi-private rooms, there are some private ones and we would be in a private room. That was reassuring. So I suppose things are falling into place. Dr. Richards was just fine with us today and I was not offended with anything he said. They got us in to see a neonatalogist at the NICU this Friday. The only problem is that Stu has a cold, so I don't know that he can go up there... The appt. is at 1 on Friday.

Also, I am so very thankful that Donnie and Chris Tuttle came and prayed over our baby yesterday. We take great encouragement and I am feeling peace from the prayers that are offered over Kara and for her.

My Little Star

I just had this thought, sweet Kara. You are my little star... One day you will be perfect in the Heavenlies.
I chose lavender as your color because your big sissie, Eden, is a pink girl. And now a little star I keep close to my heart... Click on the Twinkle, Twinkle music at the bottom of the page... I'm going to bed now.

So lift your eyes

To the things as yet unseen,

That will remain now

For all eternity.

Though trouble's hard,

It's only momentary

And it's achieving

Our future glory.

(There is a Day by Phatfish)

Precious Pictures

Kara's heart rate was 157 bpm. Here she is curled up.
Kara's hand giving us the "thumbs up." (It's okay in here, Mom and Dad!)
Kara was upside down, so we didn't get to see her face. Next time!

Kara (and mommy) had a pretty good check-up today with Dr. M. First of all, I'm on insulin now once a day. I was having issues after lunch and dinner and my fasting sugars were slowly creeping upward. I only gained 2 pounds this month, too. On ultrasound Kara looked good and appears to be growing appropriately--Praise the Lord! To me, her head looked the same as before, but God is moving and answered some specific prayers that we have been praying. Dr. M. is setting up a consult with a neonatologist, Dr. Morse, for us. We are hoping to have this coincide with our next ultrasound appointment at Shands on the 23rd. (It's okay if it doesn't.) Then Dr. Morse will make a recommendation on where we should deliver Kara to best serve her--N FL or Shands. Also, we have been told there is a wonderful high risk OB at Shands (Dr. Duff ) that could take over my care if we go there. On my way home I dropped by the grocery and ran into my awesome pediatrician. She uses this doctor and loves him, too. By the way, he's a Christian. God is SO good! Dr. M. was so wonderful and there was a lot of prayer answered today for us. I was not discouraged at all by anything that was said. We are so thankful! I still feel the covering in prayer from everyone regarding Kara.

"Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." Mark 11:24

Faithful Friend

My good friend, Chris Tuttle, has felt moved by God to pray over Kara Faith. She specifically wants to pray before our doctor visits that involve ultrasound. I am so thankful she came over this evening to lay hands on me and pray for Kara's healing, myself, Stuart, and our family. Chris said this, "Thank you.... for allowing me to come over and be a part of this special time. I love you guys very much and the Lord loves you very much and this is one way to express His love to you and little Kara Faith!! Excited to see how God is going to move!! :) He is awesome!!"

Chris shared Acts 3:1-10 with me tonight. Now we are believing for healing for Kara, but ultimately desire God to be glorified in her life just like the man who was lame from birth.

Please visit Chris' blog @ Joyful Mother.

I made this for you today, Kara...