28 weeks, 2 Days

This particular entry has been a hard one to start.  For the past two months these updates have followed Sophias development, growth and her all around stability.  That began to change last Monday.  With incremental changes in her fluid levels through the course of the week, we again had to wait through the weekend until today to see how she was doing.  Simply put, the changes over the weekend brought the cardiologist and perinatal physicians to the decision that Sophia will be better off in their hands.

It has been quite the afternoon, this was the first appointment that I was unable to attend.  We cannot thank my mom enough for clearing her afternoon to be there with Alli.  As Alli was processing the information, she was so glad my mom was there to gather all the details and ask the pertinent questions for our arrival  at the hospital this evening.  I do not think I will ever forget the phone call from Alli at about 2:45.  She was still in the ultrasound suite and told me quickly that the fluid levels had increased and Sophia will be born tomorrow, then she had to go as the doctor came back into the room.  We were not able to reach each other for about 40 minutes after that, and I think those may have been the longest 40 minutes of my life.

We met at home, quickly packed what we would need, and tried to play a bit with the doof as we waited for Angie to arrive with Jack and take us to the hospital.  It has truly been a blessing to have such an amazing support network.  We were a bit unsettled with only seeing Jack for a bit this afternoon as he spent the day with Angie, then off to my parents house for the night.  Yet, he was all smiles from a fun day with his Auntie followed by a great night with Nana, Bapa, more aunts and a bunch of cousins.  We are so grateful for all the help and support from our family and friends, thank you.

We arrived at Abbott around 6pm, went straight to the maternal assessment center where Alli had another ultrasound.  Alli was admitted and we moved to a room right outside the OR, and here we are.  This day has brought on a lot of emotion, worry, anxiety, and happiness as we finally get to meet our baby girl in the morning and a new chapter of this journey begins.  Allis c-section is scheduled for 8am, so we are hoping to rest some before what is shaping to be an amazing and full day.  Please keep Alli and Sophia in your thoughts tomorrow, as an anxious and worried dad and husband I will take all the help I can get.  

Love,

Alli, Dan, soon to be big brother Jack & Rufus