27 weeks, 4 days

We learned at our appointment today that Sophia's fluid level has remained about the same, which was good to hear. The OB that we met with today, Dr. Block, said it looks like there is a slight increase of fluid in her abdomen but is still considered "mild ascites." 

Because there was a slight increase in only two days it seems that the reality of meeting our precious Sophia is not that far away. We asked Dr. Block to explain to us at what point they will take her. He said there are many factors. Dr. Block did say 1 thing that was bitter-sweet to hear. He said that  he would be surprised if I was still pregnant in a month (32 weeks).  Yikes. Of course we are dying to meet her and know she is safely in the hands of the amazing heart surgeons at Children's that we keep hearing about, but understand the importance of her staying with me to grow big and strong. One statistic he gave us was that 80% of babies born at 28 weeks survive and almost all babies born at 32 weeks survive. He also mentioned that weeks 28 and 32 are big milestones developmentally, so we are comforted by the fact that I will be 28 weeks on Saturday but are hoping and praying that she can hold on until at least 32 weeks.

We also had a Biophysical Profile done today and she scored 6/8 (2 points for an appropriate amount of amniotic fluid, 2 for fine motor movement and 2 points for gross motor movement.) She did not get the last 2 points because they didn't see any "pre-breathing" activity (lung tissue movement or the diaphragm moving). However, Dr. Calvin said he saw it last week AND they said that it's not necessary to see now (which was of course a relief to hear!)

Overall, it was not very comforting to hear that there was a slight increase in fluid, but we left feeling ok as her condition was still at the "mild" level. We also really liked the OB we met with today and feel so supported and continue to feel that we are in great hands. 

Friday we are going back to the OB for a hydrops check and biophysical profile and are meeting with our cardiologist and surgeon right afterwards.  We are eager to learn more about what her surgery will entail.

We were given the most beautiful pictures of Sophia today after our ultra sound. We are just dying to get our hands on her and hold her. She looks so precious and sweet.  We know that we are doing everything in our power for her now by researching and educating ourselves as much as possible about her condition, but it sometimes just does not seem like enough. If only we could fast forward time and know she has safely made it to 32 weeks....

We truly cannot thank you for all of your sweet messages. Like we have said a million times before we are so grateful to have you all in our lives. We do not know what the near future will bring, but knowing we are so supported and loved makes this experience that much easier.

Love,

Alli, Dan, Jack & Rufus