Conversations
We dropped the girls to my mom this morning and then drove to the hospital. I remember laughing with Kevin about this and that but I can't recall a thing we talked about.
I didn't quite know what to expect for this visit--if we'd be meeting with one Doctor, or several.
We met with one neonatal specialist, Diana. She was very kind and very considerate of our feelings and I would never in a million years want her job. She outlined possible scenarios and put our mind at ease in regards to knowing what to do for the baby. She was in agreement with us that if it looks like the baby does not have Trisomy 13 and he's alert and active we will have him assessed by the neonatal team who will be right next door. She explained the reasons why Trisomy 13 baby's can't survive--every cell in their body isn't quite right. Because of the brain issues the brain isn't able to tell the body how to breath (which I knew but appreciated her being so thorough). She also spoke of Dr. Byrne's experience and expertise--I am so grateful I'll be in such good and capable hands for the delivery.
The conversation during the drive home was much different from the drive to the hospital. Kevin talked about the need for us to prepare the kids for the possible scenarios once baby Kevin is born and discuss some of the decisions they will need to make.
Lilly Bug likes the big girl car seat so much better than the infant one!
After a dinner of Nutella waffles with bananas for waffle Wednesday (a new favorite for the girls :), Kevin gathered all the kids and we talked about our appointment with the specialist. Kevin went over the possible scenarios in detail and walked them through how we'll proceed once the baby is born. The kids asked some good questions--they have clearly been thinking about how things will play out. I have a regular OB appointment tomorrow where we'll schedule an induction date which will help facilitate the birth plan and having all the Dr's and nurses ready. Kevin told the kids that it may be a good idea to be thinking about what they'd like to say to their brother if they are able to hold him. He explained that no matter how he looks his spirit is perfect. We have no doubt little Kevin is excited to meet each one of them.
I felt better after talking to the specialist, despite it being a conversation I never wanted to have. I felt better after talking to the kids. Again, not a conversation I would choose to have but it's important that they understand and are prepared as much as possible.
The day ended with Jax and I going to get him fitted for his Tux-- prom is this weekend. He looked so darn handsome, and so grown up! Hard to believe he graduates in about 6 weeks.
