We're hanging in here!

A huge thank you to all of you who have been supporting us. We have received lots of beautiful flowers, great gifts and visitors! We appreciate it, and most of all appreciate the overwhelming amount of prayers.

We've made it to the weekend and are doing pretty good. It has now been explained to us that preeclampsia can effect so many different areas, my kidneys, liver, blood pressure but it can also effect the baby. Which has unfortunately started to happen. The big change over the last few days is that there have been some "dips" in the heart rate of the baby. This is caused by the blood flow restriction in the umbilical cord. As you might suspect, blood flow restriction is not a good thing. I have been told that if we were further along, we would have a baby right now. But since we are still so early, we are continuing to buy as much time as possible. I am constantly hooked up to a monitor so we are aware when these dips are happening. I am also having doppler ultrasounds daily to see the blood flow and we can stay on top of the situation and react accordingly when it gets to that point. It is hard to say how long we will be able to hold out. As the doctor explained to me, things usually get worse as opposed to better but there are situations where things can stabilize. I think if we could stabilize where we are now for a few more weeks at least, that would be great.

I have been making all sorts of deals with Poppy, and he/she had a really good night last night so I think my offers are under consideration... As of now, Poppy can have any car he/she wants on his 16th bday, the promise of no student loans, oh yeah, and I also said that if he/she is eager to come meet us because he wants to watch the Heels win the tournament, no need to rush... we can win next year too! (So, if anyone knows how to get in touch with Roy Williams, please pass it my way)...

In all seriousness, we could not feel better about where we are and the excellent care we are getting so far. If I can get off the monitor, we will be able to go tour the NICU and have a better idea of what to expect once Poppy is here. There are lots of doctors who travel in packs and everyone is so patient and kind. I know we are blessed to be at this hospital.

We are pretty settled in here and are ready to stay for the long haul. I think Randy is getting used to his cot and he is doing a great job keeping things afloat outside of these 4 walls. But again, neither of it could be done without all the support we have been receiving.

Thanks again to all!

Love, Arika, Randy & Poppy