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Wednesday, January 27, 2010

MFM Appointment

Hello Everyone,

A lot of people have been asking for updates on the baby. It's so hard to call everyone and keep everyone updated when we find out some news so we just thought we'd post everything on here so everyone can stay updated.

We went to Maternal and Fetal Medicine at Spectrum Hospital in Grand Rapids yesterday. They have a pretty high-tech ultrasound machine there so they were able to get a better look at what's going on. We didn't find much out that we didn't already know or assume, but we know a couple things for sure now. The baby has spina bifida. Basically when the spine was forming at the very beginning weeks of the pregnancy it didn't close like it should have. They really don't know why this occurs but there isn't anything we could have done to prevent it from happening. We found out the opening starts out at the L3 vertabrae and continues down from there. That level is the most common seen in spina bifida patients. He will have to have surgery within 24 hours of birth to close up the hole in his back.

Most kids with spina bifida also have fluid on the brain so that's another thing that they will be monitoring. Right now the fluid on his brain is on the high end of the normal scale, so it's nothing to worry about but they will be keeping an eye on it. After he's born, he will most likely have to have a shunt put in, but that's pretty common in these kids.

Other than those things, he looks very good! His legs and feet look normal (sometimes these kids will have club feet). All his organs look good too, so that's a good sign!

All these things are very hard for us to hear. But we're getting through it, thanks a lot to all the prayers we've been receiving. This is just another challenge in life. Unexpected, yes, but life is always unpredictable. We know that God made this little guy in His perfect way. We're going to love him and try to raise him right. Our ultimate goal hasn't changed, we just may get there a little different way than we had planned. We have good days and bad days... good hours and bad hours. It is especially hard when Coleman is out of town for work and we're apart. They have been very understanding with him missing work for appointments so we're very thankful for that.
Specific things we would like prayed for:
-The fluid on his brain stays in the normal range and doesn't get dangerous before he's born and they can put in a shunt.
-That the spina bifida would not affect him as much as it has the potential to.
-Our state of mind and emotions in dealing with this.

Thanks everyone for the prayers and we'll keep you updated with anything we find out!

Lauren and Coleman
Here are some of the pictures of our little guy thanks to the really cool ultrasound machine. We think he's pretty cute... :) Coleman's first response to that was, "Well duh!" Enjoy!

9 comments:

  1. He is beautiful! I bet you can't wait to get your hands on him. Hang in there...you have our prayers and we will also make sure you are in the prayers or our whole congregation. We love him already!

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  2. He is being born into the best family. We will all wrap our arms around him and give him lots of love.

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  3. To see your baby before he is born is really awesome!

    I am praying for you, Lauren.

    Sue Cushman

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  4. HI, I can already tell that you have a heartbreaker on your hands. :) My son, Greyson, also has spina bifida. I saw that you have become a follower on our blog and came to yours to find out that you were from MI! We live in Grand Rapids. :) My email is leighegibbs@sbcglobal.net if you have ANY questions, or want to get together and meet someone with SB I would LOVE to!! Hang in there, pregnancy is BY FAR the hardest part of this whole journey. Once you meet your little guy everything is so much easier! :) Love and prayers, Leigh

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  5. Hi there! I'm the children's director at Kainay. We have been praying for you and will continue to do so. I look forward to getting to know you and your little man! He looks just beautiful! I love those pics- that must have been awesome to see in motion! Please know that I'm here if you ever need to talk or someone to pray with. Keep looking up...He'll get you through this! In the love of Christ, Sheree

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  6. Hey, guys, congratulations! We are so happy to hear about your beautiful baby boy--he looks awesome! We will be praying for him and both of you as you walk through the challenges that lie ahead. Your whole lives, God has been preparing you for this moment in time--for this task, to nurture this tiny life. Be encouraged; He has equipped you with the tools to get through this. God has big plans for this little guy, and the struggles will only make him (and you) stronger. God's promise to you is this: Jeremiah 29:11-13. Our prayer for you is this: Phillipians 1:3-6, 9-11. We're right up the road whenever you need anything. Ryan and Joy

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  7. We're so excited to meet him! We love you guys and we're here if you need anything. Love you.

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  8. Hey, Guys. My name is Jon, I'm the Youth Director at Kainay. I wanted you to know that my wife, Anni and I will be praying for you. May God give you strength and joy in the weeks ahead!

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  9. Congratulations on your baby boy! My son, Carson, also has SB. I noticed that your following our blog and I'm excited that you guys live in Michigan! Leigh and I get together for coffee every month with a group of moms who have babies/young children with SB. Please let us know if you'd like to join us. Also feel free to contact me with any questions: ec_bush@yahoo.com. We'll be praying for your little guy and your family!
    Emily

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