Specialist appointment #2.

Today we had our second appointment with Dr. Korotkin in Atlanta.   Not the greatest news.  After monitoring the blood flow in the baby the doctor informed us that Christian is stable for now but that his blood flow is a little fast and is starting to become anemic.  This means his little body isn't quite able to keep up with creating new red blood cells as the antibodies attack them. The doctor then consulted with his partners and they all had the same conclusion that because the baby is stable right now to wait another week and see what his status is then.  If he is getting worse then they will go ahead and do an intrauterine transfusion.  Right now at 18 weeks the baby's veins in the umbilical cord are still small and it will be more of a risk to try it now than to wait another week.  (The veins in the umbilical cord are what they will use to do the transfusion)

They took some of my blood today so they could start finding the right type of blood to give to the baby.  He wants to see us first thing Monday morning.  If it looks like he will need a transfusion then they will go ahead and admit me to the hospital and I will possibly get the transfusion Tuesday or Wednesday.  Once it's complete I will stay for a little while for monitoring to make sure the baby is ok.  Could be a couple hours, maybe another night.  Just depends on what happens.  So I will have to come prepared with a bag packed.  And prepared to leave Caden for a few nights.

( Once we receive one transfusion for the baby we can expect to need one every 3 to 4 weeks until we can safely deliver him)

My Mother in law arrived last night.  We're so thankful she's here.  She watched Caden for us today while we were gone and will keep him for us should we have to stay in Atlanta for a few nights.  I've NEVER left Caden for that long.  Not overnight.  I know he will be fine but still. He's my bubba.  And the thought of Christian being in distress just makes me want to be near Caden even more. 

So that's where we're at.  This is happening a lot faster than we thought.  We knew it was a possibility but were hoping we could have a few good news appointments first.   God is with us and has a plan for Christian.  I know he's going to be ok. I just know it.  But it is still scary.  I have all these emotions at once and I'm keeping them in check.  If I just stay busy enough I don't have to sit there and dwell on something that is completely out of my control.  I can't do anything to change it.  It's nobody's fault. It's just what's happening and obsessing and crying and worrying will only make me and those around me miserable. 
God is telling us to trust in Him.  And I do. We do.

Thank yall for all your prayers.  They really do work.  I pray that even if we have to have a transfusion so soon that it goes smoothly and that we just continue to receive them as needed and until we are able to meet our little boy in person.  For now, even though I can't physically hold him, I'll protect him with love and prayer and know that God is always there for him and us. 

lots of love,