The Story

OK, so I had mentioned earlier that there is a specific reason that I am starting this blog now. Her name is Avery Mae Keirsey. She is still hanging out in my belly but will soon make a much anticipated arrival into this world. Unfortunately, when she arrives, she will be very sick. During our 20 week ultrasound, we were told that she may have some issues. One month later we were on our way to meet with a high-risk OB in Little Rock. Fears confirmed, she was diagnosed with Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH). Basically, she has a hole in her diaphragm which is allowing for parts of her digestive system to creep up into her chest cavity. The condition is very serious and she will require surgery quickly after birth. Now on top of that, we found out last week that she also has a heart defect. This one is called Double Outlet Right Ventricle. Not really sure how to even explain that in English.

So over the past couple of months we have been dealing with craziness. I am not even sure that I can explain all the emotions that have come and gone. What I can tell you is that we have been showered with love and support from close friends and family as well as strangers. I am so touched by all of you who have offered to help in any possible way. I am so grateful for the prayers, thoughts, karma, chi, and good vibes!

So I will tell you that the way that I feel about all of this fluctuates in ways that I cannot explain. Tonight I feel OK. Tomorrow, who knows. I found out today that we will be meeting with both general pediatric and thoracic surgeons on Monday as well as the OB whom we have already seen. I am terrified. I have no idea what they are going to say and I am not sure that I am prepared for what they are going to tell us.

I guess that is it for now. My goal is to keep you all updated as best I can. Again, I so appreciate the outpouring of support and I am hopeful that we will handle whatever comes our way.