Ava Mae

So...... I haven't forgotten Ava and how she came to be a part of our family. I couldn't forget her. She just wouldn't ever let you. :) Here's Ava's story......so far......

Dave and I knew that we wanted another child and were very happy with Amelia's adoption process. Amelia had brought so much to our family when we desperately needed it, so the decision to add another child to our family was easy. We knew we wanted to adopt from Guatemala, we knew we wanted Amelia to have a sister, and we thought we knew the timeframe to complete another adoption. The plan would be to start the adoption process for a second child in the winter of 2006. With this timeframe we were thinking we would have another baby in the summer of 2006. Andrew would be 7, Amelia would be almost 3. After adopting Amelia, I did keep my eyes and ears open regarding the adoption process through internet groups and websites dedicated to Guatemalan adoptions. At that time, there were many websites dedicated to children who needed homes. On October 10, 2005 (the anniversary of Jacob's death) I came across a website with a little girl's picture that for some reason (more than any other photo I had seen) I just had to know more about this little girl. I contacted the agency and was told that this child was placed with a family, but that there were other children who needed homes, so the agency sent me pictures of a little girl, just born a few days earlier on October 3rd. This is how we first came to know Ava. Her newborn photos showed this bright, quirky, personality full face. There was something about her. Dave and I decided that we would go ahead with the process to adopt Ava even though it was earlier than our anticipated timeframe. All the paperwork was updated and the process officially began in November of 2005. Well, come to find out that Ava's birthmother was born in El Salvador (that would delay our process), that our new agency was handling adoption paperwork for many, many, many families (that would delay our process), that the Guatemalan government was cracking down on adoptions and changing requirements (that would delay our process), but finally at a month shy of Ava turning 1 we were told we could pick up Ava in Guatemala. During this year, I became addicted to the computer - constantly looking for photos of Ava from our agency, information on Ava, or any other Guatemala news I could find. It was very difficult waiting for Ava - thinking she was growing up without us. I gained some sort of new courage to plead our adoption case with anyone who would listen.... the Guatemalan Ambassador to the U.S., the U.S. Government, the adoption agency, families waiting, anyone. Looking back I should be pleased that Ava came when she did because there was a lot of different paperwork being her mother wasn't Guatemalan - a lot of traveling from Guatemala to El Salvador. Things could have taken way longer, or the adoption could have stopped cold.

My mom and I went to pick up Ava. We were nervous to travel to Guatemala, but it turned out to be the greatest experience. The day we met Ava...we flew from D.C. to Miami to Guatemala City, arrived at the Guatemala City Marriott, checked in and went back to the lobby to check things out and ask something at the front desk. My mom walked around and came back quickly to say that she thought she saw Ava, so we made our way to her and her foster mothers. There she was, looking all of about 6 months old - tiny, but really just shy of 1 year old - playing with her foster mother's cell phone. We talked as much as we could with the language barrier. I won't ever forget Ava's huge laugh while playing with her foster mother. To this day, I've only heard that crazy laugh a few times. We asked the foster mother if Ava was easy going, they giggled and said she "had her moments". Within an hour or so the very distraught foster mothers left the hotel room to go home, leaving Ava with us - people she hadn't ever seen before. Luckily, Ava clung to me, but she was very, very upset and even went on a hunger strike for a good 24 hours. The next day, handling paperwork at the US Embassy, her personality started to peak out. This little frail petite girl did have this personality we saw in her newborn photos. Come to find out she was actually quite gregarious.

Ava came home September 27, 2006. We were all ecstatic, such a relief to have her here. Ava turned 1 six days later.

Today Ava, still tiny and the youngest, but is definately the boss of this house. She's 3, but sometimes it seems like she's really an 18 year old teenager. She wants to participate in the same big girl things Amelia does, but on the other hand, loves to be babied by any older girl who wants to baby her (there have been many instances where flocks of teenagers in swimming pools and other areas "adopt" Ava). Ava loves to play dress up and be a girlie girl, loves her Disney movies and tells us daily she wants to go to Disney. She loves her barbies. Her comfort toy that she carries many places is her bear (she calls goggie). Ava loves singing and can memorize my songs as well as her kids songs very quickly and has been doing this since she was about 18 months old. She says and does some funny things. Her first words were "OH, NO! - SHARK!" after seeing daddy watching Jaws on TV. She calls herself the "queen". The first day of pre-school she got a timeout for telling a classmate named Stephanie - her mom was stupid. Yikes! Don't know Stephanie or her mom..... While at church looking at the crucifix, she told us "Jesus just came out of the bathtub - his shorts are too wet". When Andrew "talks", Ava will come in and say, "Andrew's saying I love you Ava!".

Ava adds a spark to this house, and is a constant companion to a sister who acts like she could do without her, but we know that Ava and Amelia are best buds. Dave and I are the first to admit, that some days we just don't understand Ava, but feel extremely blessed to have our son and our girls who continually enrich our lives.

Doctor Appointment Update

Went for my weekly check-up yesterday. Dave and Andrew came with me to this appt. All was good. My vitals.... 175lbs, BP 108/47. They performed a quick sonogram to check the heartbeat -150 BPM, checked the amniotic fluid and blood flow through the cord. The baby is now laying breech with her head facing towards my back, so we couldn't really see her face today - which is what I was hoping being Dave was there. My next visit is next Wednesday.

I ordered cord blood information from Cord Blood Registry this week. Dave and I hope that at the baby's birth we will be able to gather and preserve the stem cells in the baby's cord blood.

Quick Update

Received my results yesterday from Thursday's lab tests. The protein in my urine has decreased to 483 milligrams!! This is down from two weeks ago! All other labs were normal! I've learned a bit about reading these results since the last test was done. Anything over 300 milligrams is considered high/abnormal for protein in urine. With Jacob's pregnancy during the 27th week I had over 3000 milligrams (3+ grams) of protein in my urine. When I was admitted to the hospital at the end of my 27th week of that pregnancy my protein levels were over 8000 milligrams (8+ grams) - dangerously high. Okay, enough about my urine.

Off to the post office to apply for Ava's passport so that she can be considered an official U.S. Citizen! With this - the girls adoption/citizenship paperwork will be COMPLETE!!!

Fetal MRI/Doctor Appt.Update

Awoke at 4am this morning to drive in 18 degree freezing temperatures to pick up my mom and get to Children's Hospital in D.C. by 6:30am. Dave stayed home with the kids, as it was yet ANOTHER day of no school. We arrived there without incident. :) The staff was there waiting for me and the testing began almost immediately.

I know what an MRI is, but haven't ever needed one personally, so I wasn't sure what to expect with my own reactions to it. I had to lay completely still on my left side for about 45 minutes while the machine took pictures. I was claustrophobic at first. My heart was racing like crazy. I tried not to focus on being "locked" in that machine, but just to keep my thoughts elsewhere to more pleasant things. This seemed to work. My mom sat in a chair in the room with me. The test was completed. I was then sent to wait for an ultrasound technician. This technician did pretty much the same scan as I have been getting at my bi-weekly OB visits. It took awhile because she was VERY thorough.

After this test was completed I was sent to speak with the doctor. She asked some questions about my history, and agreed we've been through a lot and saw the need for such detailed testing. On large computer screens we were able to see the series of images very clearly. Many of the scans showed the outline of my body with the baby inside, or a close up of the brain, abdomen and face. All very cool. The doctor said everything looked great! Just as it should for a baby in this stage of development. The kidneys measure with a bit of fluid, but this was nothing to be concerned about. They measure in the normal range, but a hair higher. The doctor did say over and over that she didn't think it was any cause for concern. I mentioned that all three of my pregnancy's did have a slight (very slight) abnormality with this kidney measurement. I thought that was important to bring to her attention. She still didn't see a reason for alarm. The amniotic fluid and cervix appear normal. The placenta is on the outer wall of the uterus (on my belly) and still at the bottom mostly covering my cervix. The doctor said it would be a good idea to keep reminding the doctors of this, so that they will operate on me appropriately during the c-section. The baby is measuring right at my 27 weeks 2 days age and about 2lbs, 4oz. I believe the measurements from last week's visits were incorrect - (I will chalk that up to a different sonogram tech and sonogram machine). These measurements have been the norm for me the entire pregnancy, so this makes more sense. We were VERY, VERY happy to leave this appointment with good news for once, because we for sure have had our fair share of these kinds of tests with the worst possible outcomes. I called Dave when we left the hospital (when I could get my phone service back) and told him the good news. He is VERY happy and relieved. I am VERY happy, but don't know when (if ever) I will be 100% at ease.

Dave and I chose to have this test because it hasn't been shown harmful in any way to the fetus or to the mother. We chose this test not to "do something" if the results weren't good, but to prepare for any problems as much as possible before birth (either by choosing a different hospital, set of doctors, treatment plans and so on..), or to maybe shed some light on where in development Andrew and Jacob's brains may have been damaged as they were. With so many unknowns in the past, we feel that getting the most thorough care available is what has to be done so that the baby has the best chance we can give her.

On the way home I called my OB to see if I could be seen earlier today. They said to come right over. My BP was 121/55, weight 174lbs, urine off...of course....., baby heartbeat in the 150's. Per our plan, the doctor ordered a 24hr urine test with blood work which I have begun. I will get the blood labs done tomorrow morning. I have an appt. with the OB next Wed. the 28th of January when I will be 28 weeks pregnant.

SNOW DAY!!

Today was a federal holiday so we were all home together to enjoy a day of snow - finally! It snowed for several hours, but only about an inch to two inches fell. That was more than enough for the girls to get out their snow gear and to ask to get out there and play. Amelia gathered a dish full of snow for Andrew to play with in the warmth of our kitchen. He enjoyed throwing it out of the dish, while outside the girls made snow/grass angels, played on the swingset and ran around.

We will all be home tomorrow watching Barack Obama being sworn in as our 44th President.

Quick update

Doctor called today to let me know my gestational diabetes test is fine, and my cbc/blood count is fine. Good news! I have a fetal MRI/ultrasound scheduled for Wednesday 1/21 at 6:30am at Children's Hospital in DC.

Doctor Visit Update

Went to the doctor yesterday. Wasn't sure what was going to happen. I've been feeling fine, and since Saturday have put myself on bedrest! I've been taking it easy as much as possible. Trying to sit on the couch and drink lots of fluids. My body feels so much more rested by the end of the day, so I figure this is the best idea!! Dave has been helping even more with the housework and with the kids. It's very hard for me to let go of my "household duties". Anyways, back to the doctor.... My mom, the girls and I went for the visit. My BP was 139/55, weight 171lbs, and my urine tested positive for something. I assume protein, but wasn't exactly sure what the nurse said (no, I didn't speak up about that one nurse....). I was given the glucose sugary drink to test for gestational diabetes. I had to drink the soda stuff and have my blood taken in a hour. After downing the drink, off I went to see the sonogram tech. First off, the baby's heartbeat was strong at 146 beats per minute. She then measured the baby by measuring bones and size of head. The baby is now measuring 2lbs, 10oz. I was shocked to hear this, a pound in less than a month and bigger than Jacob was when he was born. Wow. The baby is also now measuring ahead of my 26 weeks, measuring mostly at 28 weeks. I hope that's okay. The baby was moving like crazy I guess after drinking the sugary drink. She was wired. The tech also looked at my cervix, the amniotic fluid and the placenta which is still covering my cervix. After all of this the doctor came in and asked for the tech to do one more test which would give us another indication if pre-ecclampsia was coming. I don't know what the sonogram tech was looking for (something with the uterine artery - I think), but she looked and the doctor said the test was fine. So that's good. The doctor wanted to know more about my childhood kidney problems, so luckily my mom was there to explain my troubles when I was in the third grade and to date. The doctor said my protein has been high throughout my pregnancy, but all other kidney function was normal, so she wasn't too concerned. As I 've been saying, the doctor all along has been telling me that since we cannot identify exactly what my problem is so she is treating me with the lovenox as if I did have a autoimmune, blood or similar disorder, so there would be no other treatment different than this that she would recommend. During all of this talk, (the doctor did spend a lot of time with us) I was feeling a bit light headed from downing that drink so fast, so I was a bit pre-occupied with this. Knowing me I will get the result today that I have gestational diabetes. Who knows, but that hasn't been an issue in the past. We will see. At the end of my visit, the doctor recommended or suggested having an MRI of the baby's head done at Children's Hospital. Dave and I have decided not to have the platelet test. This test sounds too risky for us, but this MRI sounds harmless and it would be good to know since we don't know when Andrew and Jacob's brain damage did occur. The doctor also mentioned that if I made it that far, a scheduled c-section would be set up for 36-37 weeks pregnancy due to the lovenox and the placenta-previa. The nurse then took my blood and took my BP again because of the higher number at the start of the visit, which was low 110/60 (maybe because I was lightheaded still at this point!) I will see the doctor next Wednesday and also perform another 24 hour urine test. I think this covers it. All in all a positive appointment!!

Woke up today to find the kids had a 2hr school delay, only to find out by 9am that schools are closed today. The weather is sunny and dry at my house.

Happy Birthday yesterday to my brother Josh and today to my best friend Bernadette!! :)

The Dreaded Test Results

So, I called the doctor's office yesterday thinking my test results from the previous day would not be in yet, but they were. The nurse gave me the lowdown on my urine and blood tests. I have elevated protein in my urine and my creatinine clearance is high. The nurse mentioned that the doctor said not to worry about this, but I know it means my kidneys aren't functioning properly and also that pre-ecclampsia may be looming. The good part of the results were that at this time my liver function is normal, my platelet count is fine and all other pre-ecclampsia indicators were showing normal. I asked the nurse if I should take it easy, drink more...anything I could do for myself and the baby. She said no, just to keep doing what I was doing and to keep an eye out for signs of pre-ecclampsia. Signs such as swollen feet, hands, face, headache, body ache, vomiting, high blood pressure, etc. If I saw any of these I was told to call her immediately. She also moved my next appt. up a week to this coming Wednesday. She also mentioned that my protein and creatinine clearance levels were high on the last 24hour urine test back in November. I was told back in November that all of these tests were normal, so I was disturbed hearing that. I am also confused if my protein levels are high, why isn't the typical dipstick reading which I get at every doctor visit not showing this? I have been mentioning to Dave that the technician checking my urine at each visit, doesn't seem to be able to read the results. I would ask her the results and she would meekly say it's normal, trace, and look away. I did mention this to the doctor at the last visit, that I wasn't sure the technician was reading the test right. The doctor said she would double check the test. I will be bringing this to the attention of the doctor again at my next visit. My test results are below. I've been trying to research what it all means numberwise.

total protein 13.7 (november), 33.2 (now), 24hr creatinine clearance 287(november), 581 (now), platelet count 287.

So, now I am scared my body is turning against this pregnancy as well. I am approaching 26 weeks pregnant and very close to the dreaded 28 week mark when my second son was born way to early. I am feeling very helpless. Pre-ecclampsia strikes just like that - often without warning and there is nothing to do to stop it except to deliver the baby.

Doctor Appointment Update

Went to the doctor yesterday.. I am 25 weeks 2 days pregnant. I'm happy to report that all was good again. I was called back to give my BP which was higher than normal, so the technician checked it again at the end of the appt. with a manual cuff which showed my BP to be more at it's regular range 120/something. My urine test was normal, my weight was a bit below 172, but still 172lbs.... The sonogram technician checked on the baby's heartbeat which was normal and checked the amniotic fluid levels which were also normal. Next visit they will measure the baby and be more thorough with their sonogram. She printed me out two photos from the 3D scan showing the baby with her hand up to her face and a profile which I think looks very similar to my boy. :)

Dr. Manley came in and asked me to go to the lab the next day for blood & urine work ups, just to check that things are all still okay with me. I started my 24hr urine test right after the appt. and plan on going to the lab after Andrew's visit with his PT today - around 3:15. She told me that at the next appt. they could give me the diabetes test during my visit. This test requires me to drink the soda like stuff and wait for an hour and have my blood drawn. Dr. Manley, although not outright telling me to seemed to be leaning towards me getting this platelet test for the baby within the next few weeks. She did say, she wasn't sure it was necessary, but once again the doctors don't exactly know how to treat me and they want to cover it all. The test would have to be done in the hospital in a labor/delivery room where they could deliver the baby immediately if necessary. The doctors would insert a needle into my belly into the cord of the baby and check the platelet count immediately. If the baby required platelets it would be done instantly.

The procedure sounds scary to me. I, of course want to cover everything, but don't know if this may be just too much. I think at this time, it's a good idea to just see how all these blood/urine tests come out and then move on to deciding about this test.

I go back to the doctor in 2 weeks.

Today is Ava's last day of morning pre-school until the end of February. Yesterday was Amelia's last day of morning pre-school. So the girls and I will have some free morning time for awhile.