Baby K ~ 36 Weeks ~ Let the countdown begin.

Today marks 36 weeks.  Just look at that belly!!  :)

  So much has happened in the last month, but now we know everything there is to know and we've met with everyone there is to meet so here it is... 

32 Weeks:

Our first meeting with the surgeon, Dr. Ciccolo.  He took the time to show us pictures of different hearts and different procedures and spelled everything out for us.  No information left out and no questions unanswered.  I was scared at first to hear everything, but then left there feeling stronger and more optimistic.  He told us that he does these procedures about once a week...  We were comforted by his confidence, but couldn't believe that there are that many precious babies going through the same thing...  

33 Weeks:

Our first meeting with the Interventionalist, Dr. Rothman.  This is the first Dr. that Baby K will see first after he's born.  They will take him to the "Cath Lab" to do an ultrasound on his heart and decide if they can intervene by using a less invasive procedure rather than having the open heart surgery.  There is a very very slim chance that it will even work, but this is the order of things and how they figure out what is best for the baby.  

Also on this day, we had our hospital tour.  They walked us through all the main areas, but most importantly the NICU and the PICU.  (Neonatal and Pediatric Intensive Care Units)  Baby K will go to the NICU first prior to any procedure and then after procedures will go upstairs to the PICU for his recovery.  While we were there we got to meet two other heart babies.  A teeny tiny little girl resting peacefully in the NICU and a very handsome little boy who they called "JJ" recovering in the PICU.  We were beyond grateful to their parents for letting us come in and meet their precious babies!!  I look forward to being able to help new parents who come in and want to see what it's like.  It was a huge help for us.

Today, 36 Weeks:
Our Dr. has confirmed our delivery date of Wednesday, November 27th.  I cannot believe that in just 16 short days we will meet the newest love of our lives!!  I am ready to get him out and get to the next step.  At our check up on Thursday the cardiologist said that he saw no change in Baby's heart.  He said at this point there are commonly other complications that can arise, but Baby K is kickin' ass!  Keep your fingers and toes crossed in hopes that we can get through these next two weeks with no other problems.


Here's the hard part...  How do we tell our girls exactly what's going on?  They know he's going to be born soon.  They think that we're bringing him home a few days after... How do you make a 4 and 5 year old understand that their brother has a different heart than them.  This is what I am most scared of right now.  I know that this baby is a fighter and he's going to get through anything and everything.  I know it...  We can't wait for him to arrive, but our world is about to flip upside down and sideways.


  One last thing I need to add...  I would NOT be able to get through any of this without my amazing husband.  I may be the one carrying this special boy, but he is as much a part of all of this as I am.  I'm thankful for our late night conversations and holding me in your arms while you ease my fears... I'm thankful for the times when I can't hold it in anymore and you sit on the phone with me and listen to me cry...  I'm thankful for your weirdness and making me laugh...  Thank you for being you...  
I love you, Kyle.