It seems that Avery's baby brother, Bryce, is developing perfectly so far! We couldn't help but laugh during the fetal echo with Dr. Shores because he looked like he was "Tebowing!" (By the way, if he happens to be anything like Tebow himself, I will be blessed as his mom.) He keeps his little hand up by his face just like his big sister did. At one point during the echo, we all laughed out loud because he was literally bent completely over doing what looked like calf stretches! His legs look long too! He moves around when I'm in bed at night and at random times throughout the day. This is my favorite part of being pregnant- feeling like something is actually in there! His heart checked out perfectly, and Dr. Shores feels that he has about a 90-95% chance of everything being perfectly normal. I am still at an increased risk of heart defects (which is very small at about 3-5%) due to having a previous child with those problems, but Shores said the only thing she doesn't feel she would see at this point would be small holes or other minor defects that are less severe than Avery's condition. Knowing that Avery's CHDs are most likely from her Turner's also makes the risk smaller. Bryce has a very strong heartbeat and is very active, my blood work has stayed normal, and I seem to be moving along with no problems which makes me very relieved! We are going to paint his nursery soon, and have just about finished Avery's big girl room. Everything has been a work in progress with my being pregnant and Jake working with fall practice!
Avery seems to be doing really well at school. She is getting better with her colors and learning her ABCs. She has adjusted really well to her new surroundings and is a real social butterfly! Every day when I pick her up from school, the other kids all want a hug (and sometimes a kiss) from her. While she is always excited to see me when I pick her up, it feels good as a parent to watch your child go right into that setting and fall into a routine without being scared or upset every day. I filled out speech evaluation paper work with Rankin County Schools a week ago, so Avery will be evaluated soon. They did the preliminary session, but Avery didn't understand the hearing part of it. Thankfully, she went to her ENT, Dr. Carron, this week, so they can fax over the needed information. I am anxious to see their findings, but I know that Avery will be fine no matter what. Speech is so difficult to determine, and while it is hard not to, comparing one child to others isn't a very accurate representation of their abilities or intelligence at this age as far as I can see. My two main concerns are taken care of at this point because my little girl is happy and healthy- I couldn't ask for more than that to be honest!
Avery's week has been pretty busy. She saw Dr. Harmon on Monday for her yearly check-up and VCUG. Avery began to do her usual crying as we took the exit to Batson, but she settled down quickly as I talked her through it in the parking lot. I told her to put on her sunglasses, and I played like I couldn't see her any more. She seemed to enjoy it and never took off the sunglasses! She even wore them during her VCUG and ultrasound! I don't think she felt invisible because people were asking for her autograph (as if she was a movie star) and commenting on how cute she was (which I know she ate up). She told the staff "thank you" and "bye-bye" as we went in and out of rooms. When the resident came in to speak with us, she emptied out her back pack showing her everything we'd brought with us. She also gave all the residents and Dr. Harmon a hug and high five as we were leaving. On these days, I always wish I was a stay at home mom. While we were all worn out by 10:00 A.M., I feel like she is improving which makes me glad. My prayer for this appointment for the past year was that her kidney reflux had totally resolved itself and that her cysts had vanished. We have been lucky that Avery hasn't had any kidney issues while treated with a daily antibiotic, and her kidney function has always been normal.At last year's appointment, the reflux had resolved in the right kidney and was better in the left. Her cysts had also gotten smaller. This is always a very stressful appointment because of the VCUG. Since they insert a catheter during the x-ray, it takes several of us to hold her down as she screams. Sadly, this year I had to step out during the x-ray (because I am pregnant) as she screamed for me which brought me to tears. I am so glad that Jake and I take on this appointment together (we try to always do that for cardio and more difficult appointments like this) because he was able to stay with her. Unfortunately, Avery's reflux came back in the right kidney and is still in the left. Her cysts (which really do nothing) are still there as well. The good news is, Dr. Harmon is not pushing for surgery. He feels we can try it again in another year before deciding on that. Hopefully, giving me another year to pray for resolution will do the trick! She could do a deflux surgery (which I've been told is not that bad) that has about and 85% success rate, but the reflux could still come back. The other option is a surgery where they make a c-section like incision and make repairs that has a higher success rate. The fear for me is that with either procedure, she'd have to go under anesthesia, and I am definitely not ready for that at this point! Thankfully, we will just continue on with her daily antibiotic.
Jake took Avery in for her ENT appointment on Wednesday and everything checked out well.She didn't give her daddy much to handle, so I know he was happy about that! She responded to the stimuli during her hearing test, so she is doing just fine in that department. One of her tubes is on its way out, and the other is still intact for now. We will just monitor her for ear infections and fluid (fluid was our main issue before causing hearing issues). If she begins to have problems, we will have new tubes placed in her ears.
Coming up? Avery will have her cardio and endo check-ups in December, but other than that, we will be busy getting ready for Baby Bryce to make his debut in January! Avery may be in the Blair E. Batson calendar in the upcoming year which I think is really neat! We are hoping for a fun-filled fall with our annual trip to the pumpkin patch, trick or treating, etc.! We are also praying hard for success and few if any side effects with my dad's cancer treatment.
Pregnancy comes with so many overwhelming feelings for me. Since becoming pregnant, I've been on an emotional roller coaster remembering all that occurred in my last pregnancy, but I've also been even more thankful to God for all that he has done! I find it impossible not to have flashbacks of specific moments and events as I'm on my way to or at my appointments. Things randomly pop into my mind as I go about my day. While some of those times make me sad or fill me with some anxiety and fear, I try to redirect my mind to the moments where God overcame it all. There are also the precious moments when little Bryce kicks me or I see him moving all around on the sonogram screen which make everything else drift away. I find myself sad at times that Avery will only be an only child for a few more months, and I worry about being "enough" for two children. Although it once seemed impossible to love her any more than I already do, carrying another child has developed a deeper love and appreciation for her and all that she has been through.I posted this song by Meredith Andrews to my FB wall recently because it has really touched my heart during a time when I am so easily overwhelmed or worried about my family and friends. I've learned to repeat the chorus in my head in those moments and it is amazing how calming that can be!
"After all you are constant
After all you are only good
After all you are sovereign
Not for a moment will you forsake me"
The rest of the lyrics I can really connect to and the song just reaffirms the fact that God knows it all, He understands, He cares, and most of all, He loves me no matter what. In an ever-changing world it is such a relief to find that kind of comfort in the One who has everything in his hands!
just a little tired...
always stylin'
She now watches movies! Tink is one of her favorites.
All dressed up and nowhere to go!
She loves her back yard!
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Working on Daddy's "Jed Clampit" mower
"Camo Day" at school- We didn't have any camo, and all I could find was this boy's shirt last minute. Did Avery care? No!
MC Football Game- playing with the coaches' kids
"Time for your check-up"- Avery is checking my heart. She also checks ears, eyes and noses in case you are wondering. This all stems from her making use of her doctor's kit after watching her new fav. show, "Doctor McStuffins."
"Pippy in Pigtails"
hanging out with Cooper
punishing poor Darla for being "uggey!"
a book Avery made at school
Avery wearing her Team Tucker shirt in honor of a very special angel who we think about all the time.
And we know that in ALL things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
