God is NOT done

Last October, I met Dr. Steinkampf.  He is a fertility specialists here in Birmingham that some of my friends had been to and they highly recommended him.  DJ and I were not in a hurry to get pregnant, but I was in need of knowing why I hadn't gotten pregnant and what steps may have to be taken to do so.  They did some blood work on the initial visit and I felt confident in the team I met.  I was very nervous about going, but left feeling hopeful to at least learn answers.  I did not start any treatment, but appointments were set for more tests in the future.  In November, I used an ovulation kit as directed just so we would know if I was ovulating. It was part of the initial testing with this clinic.
December 13, 2013 I was scheduled for a hysterosalpingogram at Brookwood Hospital. My Mom took me to the hospital for this test.  She and I went in this cold, sterile room to get the test started.  I was nervous because I had been told that it was painful, but wouldn't last too long.  As I sat on the table, the doctor asked me to discuss specific dates so she could calculate my next ovulation.  She didn't feel like my days lined up and she was pretty confident that I was pregnant. She kept saying "I think there is an embryo."  I kept telling her that I really didn't think I was pregnant and to please complete the test that I was there for.  She kept saying "I feel strong that there is an embryo in there and if I do this test, the embryo will be gone."  I agreed to take a pregnancy test that weekend and that we would reschedule the test if I wasn't pregnant.

Why am I sharing this very personal information? These are already two ways that God has shown up and shown up BIG.  His timing has been impeccable as always and certainly no part of our plan, but his.  The next morning, DJ and I were getting ready to drive down to Montgomery to attend our nephews birthday party.  As DJ was brushing his teeth, I decided to take a pregnancy test to basically prove the doctor wrong and go about our marry way for the weekend.  I was the one proven wrong as DJ and I couldn't believe the test...it was POSITIVE! What?  We couldn't believe it. Being the engineer that DJ is, he had to see several more tests to believe the results.  We stopped to buy more tests that were named brand so he felt more confident with the results.  Test after test showed us that our doctor was right.  I was pregnant! We have been given a huge gift and God is NOT done yet! We got pregnant without any assistance, our "embryo" was saved from a test that would have eliminated it, and I have had a successful pregnancy! God didn't bring us through this last year to leave us once Dade arrives.  His plan for him is huge and more than we can comprehend right now.

Preparing for D-Day

It's been quite some time since we've written a new UpDades post, but honestly, there hasn't really been anything to update.  Dade and Tara are both doing great, so we're in a holding pattern until the little guy arrives.  As of Tuesday, Tara is 33 weeks along, so we should meet him sometime within the next 49 days!  Tick-tock, tick-tock...

We had a routine ultrasound this past Tuesday, and were thrilled that my parents, Derril and Belinda, could join us!  The doctors were able to get a few more views of Dade's heart and still don't see anything concerning.  We're extremely thankful for that!  He's up to 4 lbs., 4 oz. now!

In the meantime, we've been doing as much as we can to get ready for Dade.  Thanks to the mad sewing and creative skills of our dear friend-who-is-really-family and NICU nurse extraordinaire Jenna, and my mother (Mawmaw to the grandkids), his room is about 99% finished!  I'll leave it to Tara to post a few pictures later, but we're both loving just hanging out in his room.  I hope he'll like it as much as we do once we get him home!

Also in preparation, we took a tour of the NICU at Children's Hospital last Friday to see the space we'll be inhabiting for the next several months.  While we've known for quite some time that Dade will immediately head to the NICU, things got real seeing the rooms, the beds, the equipment, and to meet other families with children there.  We already love the nursing staff, and know they'll take great care of Dade.  As we've said constantly, we couldn't be more blessed to be in Birmingham in the midst of word-class health care.

Tara puts it perfectly when she says that God has placed so much favor on our situation, and we have no doubt that that is exactly the case. From our jobs to accessible family to just knowing what we're facing, we're as set up as we can be to face this head-on.  The way that all of this has fallen together has been way too convenient to be coincidence.  Don't get me wrong; if it was my choice, Dade would be coming into the world a lot more quietly.  But it isn't, so he's not, and ready or not, here he comes.

BIRMINGHAM

THIS is home for us...

THIS is UAB (University of Alabama at Birmingham) and Children's Hospital here in Birmingham.  It has become our second home lately and will be for many months to come. 

DJ and I had our appointment this morning with the pediatric cardiologist to take another close look at Dade's heart.  We met with Dr. Robb Romp who couldn't have been more thorough and comforting.  DJ and I have been truly mesmerized with each level of care we have needed and the physicians we have met week after week.  Just when you wonder what the next one will be like or if they are a good "fit" for us, we are once again reaffirmed that we can't be in better hands and how blessed we are to be right here in Birmingham.  I have been in touch with two other CDH Mothers that have been so helpful, supportive, encouraging, and good resources.  One of the mothers was also in Birmingham with her son and had the same surgeon we do. Comparing scenarios and having specific questions about the hospital, NICU, doctors,  etc, has been very helpful.  Dr. Romp felt good about what he was able to see with Dade and stated that when he is born, they will do another full assessment of his heart, but at this time, there are no concerns.  He shook our hands and told us that he would be thinking of us and praying for us until Dade got here.  I had a true peace going to our visit today, but his attitude, confirming report, and generous comments, left me feeling so grateful.  We have a severe and scary diagnosis. We know the fight that we are up against, but having the physicians and care we have, makes this ache and all of our questions more manageable.  

We continue to be blown away by your prayers, support, and friendships. Opening the mail box is like Christmas for us as we get sweet cards, encouraging scriptures, and thoughtful gifts.  Here are just a few on Dades chair.  I can't tell you how many texts or calls I have gotten telling me that they've had a really crappy day, but they are "Choosing Joy" no matter what.  I am glad that this has stuck with many of you.  Two friends have even found CHOOSE JOY items on ETSY and had them sent to us as encouraging reminders.  Thank you Claire and Bethany! We love these! 

As far as his room, DJ has been VERY busy!  He has painted all week and it looks wonderful.  Our colors are grey, orange, and teal/aqua.  They're bright and fun! Everything is starting to come together and Im really enjoying watching each step.  I do feel pretty helpless because I can't paint or redo his furniture, but staying busy has been helpful for DJ and he enjoys seeing each piece come together.    We will post pictures as more of it is completed.  

Several of you have asked for specific prayer requests.  My personal requests are 1) Less anxiety as the due date comes closer.  Right now, I am rolling along from day to day and for the most part, doing well.  As August gets closer, I get more anxious about not only giving birth, but mainly letting go of any control I have with my son. The way I see it is that Dade is getting everything he currently needs from me.  He is safe, growing like a weed, and can breathe comfortably.  Once he is delivered, I have NO control over what happens or ability to physically help him.  It will truly be the beginning of our journey and a true test of faith.  He has to come out fighting for his life and DJ and I will be the bench watching the team play without us.  

2) We have been given many harsh statistics and the raw facts about what is to come. One of the hardest things I've been told and am having to cope with is that I won't be able to hold Dade.  We don't know how long it will be, but we know with the ventilator, possible ECMO, and other issues, holding him will just not be conducive.  I respect and understand it. I just don't like it and NOT being able to hold your child for weeks, maybe months, has been the main thing that brings me to tears.  Please pray for each of these issues.  We are still hoping and praying that as bad as this situation is, that the doctors will see an improvement in his hernia and that it won't be as severe as we are all prepared for.  Some of you have told me you're praying for complete healing before he is even born. We would take that miracle ALL DAY LONG!