Riley's Update

Today we had an Ultrasound to check on Riley. The Cystic Hygroma is the same size. This is good news. We don't want to see it getting any larger. Of course we'd love to see it get smaller but we're also okay with it remaining the same.

The Hygroma sits more on her shoulder towards the back of her neck. That is better then sitting right on the back of her neck. They did not see any other "bad" fluid anywhere such as the heart, brain, kidneys, etc. That's a great sign and something we need to see at each Ultrasound. If fluid becomes present in other parts of her body it's called Hydrops which can become fatal.

We are scheduled for a Fetal Echo Cardiogram on February 7th. As far as they can tell her heart looks good and don't expect the Fetal Cardiologist to see anything different. It doesn't hurt to double check though.

So what does this all mean? It means it's going to be a long five months. We'll have Ultrasounds every three to four weeks where they'll check the Hygroma, her heart, kidney's and monitor her growth. At each visit we want to see the Hygroma either staying the same size or decreasing in size. We also want to make sure there is no other fluid appearing near any major organs. She also needs to growing and her heart to stay strong.

When we started this journey, just two weeks ago, they gave us about a 10% chance of Riley surviving the pregnancy. Now she's at at least 80% which is wonderful. A normal pregnancy is 97%. So things are looking up. We should continue to move forward with guarded optimism but we definitely have more hope.

We asked them how often they, Maternal Fetal Medicine, see a Cystic Hygroma. Believe it or not it's once a month! Most cases are chromosomal and result in a terminated pregnancy or fetal demise. Luckily we're in the other category of non-chromosomal. It was amazing that they see it that often.

Finally, Riley continues to be feisty. Again, she didn't want to cooperate. She likes to hug the placenta or uterine wall. She does not like posing for pictures at all. I'm sure it's just an indicator of what's to come. And we can't wait!

Another Hurdle Crossed

Today we received the final results from the Amniocentesus. Good news! Riley DOES NOT have any chromosomal abnormalities! Yeah!!!!!!!!!!!

We're now scheduled for an Ultrasound this Friday morning. They'll check to see if the Cystic Hygroma is decreasing, increasing, or the same size. We'll most likely be scheduled for a Fetal Echocardiogram in the coming weeks to check her heart.

Riley's been very active the past couple of days. I think she's making sure we know she's fighting this and that all is going to be okay.

So, again, GOOD NEWS! We're not out of the woods yet but at least we're on the trail!

Riley's Loot

I've posted pictures of Riley's Christmas Loot to our Flickr site --- > http://www.flickr.com/photos/90553432@N00/sets/72157594386382935/

As you can see she was a very lucky (spoiled) girl at Christmas. She has so many wonderful family and friends that love her already.

Shelly and I have been doing great. The news on Wednesday brought such hope and relief. We know we're not out of the woods yet but we just feel better now. Riley's getting bigger (Shelly's belly) and stronger everyday (she's doing a triathlon in her Mama's belly). We're expecting the final Amnio results no sooner than Wednesday and hopefully no later than Friday. In the mean time we're being positive and hoping positive energy and every one's thoughts and prayers will help Riley fight, fight, fight!

Today I'm spoiling myself, or some might call it routine maintenance. I'm getting my hair cut and colored (roots are way too prominent), nails filled, and pedicure (it's been over a month!). All of this girl stuff will take place why Shelly's working, but at least she works at home. Tonight I think we're going to splurge on Salad Bar, Beer (for me!!), and Trivia at Ruby Tuesday's!

Thanks to everyone again for your thoughts and prayers! Keep it coming!!!

One Hurdle Crossed

Today we received the results from the Amniocentisis FISH test. This is the preliminary screening that tests for the major chromosomal abnormalities. Riley was negative for Turner Syndrome which is what they thought she might have. She is also negative for the other major chromosomal abnormalities such as Downs and the Trisomies. This is good news. One step in the right direction. One hurdle crossed.

We expect the definitive chromosomal testing results mid to late next week. There is a chance something could show up on that test. If it's not chromosomal there is something else wrong. Possibly her heart, kidneys, etc. The Cystic Hygroma is an indicator that something is wrong. We just have to try to figure out what IT is. If the chromosomal tests come back negative then they'll schedule a Fetal Echocardigram and another Ultrasound.

For the remainder of the pregnancy we'll be treated as high risk. We'll have monthly Ultrasounds up to 30 weeks. After 30 weeks we'll continue with monthly ultrasounds but have weekly heart tests. If Riley makes it to 30 weeks we have a much higher chance of her making it through the pregnancy. We also hope that in the next Ultrasound the Cystic Hygroma will go down in size.

Thank you to EVERYONE for your well wishes, thoughts, and prayers!!! It's been a terribly stressful 5 days and knowing so many people out there had us in their hearts and thoughts helped more than you could ever imagine. Thank you!

One last piece of positive news. Riley is kicking Shelly like crazy. She's a fiesty little one. She's now starting to kick as Shelly's trying to sleep. The more she kicks the better we feel about her beating this. I say kick away Riley!! Your mom can sleep when your 20!

Not Good News

Today we had our Fetal Well Being Ultrasound and the results were mixed. They confirmed that yes, she's a girl, and that at this point her heart, stomach, and structure look good. BUT, she has a Cystic Hygroma on the side of her neck which is fairly large, about 1/3 the size of her head. This means something is wrong with our little girl. It could be genetic or congenital. They also did an Amniocentesis so we can determine if it is a chromosomal abnormality or not. If it is chromosomal they are leaning towards it being Turner's Syndrome. If it's not chromosomal then they'll next conduct a Fetal Echo Cardiogram to see if there's a problem with her heart. Basically, it's not good news. We don't know anything for certain besides the fact that there is a fluid filled mass (cystic hygroma) which is an indicator that something is wrong. Worst case, our sweet baby may not survive the pregnancy. Best case, the body reabsorbs the fluid. We'll have our preliminary test results on Wednesday and definitive results the following week. Right now, we both just keep cycling through shock, denial, anger, frustration and extreme sadness. More updates to come as we know them.

It's a Girl Pictures

I'm finally posting Riley's pictures from Fetal Foto. We don't have a lot of pictures as the 3D portion didn't work well because she was so close to the placenta so I'm only posting a few. We're going back in a few months and will post more pictures then.

Spoiled Little Girl

What an amazing Christmas. Riley hasn't entered the outside world yet and already she's spoiled! There are so many people who love her already. Here's a list of everything she got so far. I say so far because I know there are still a few more things to be given from Grandma Connie and Aunt Angie. Here's the list of her loot:

• Bedding and Bedding Accessories
• Socks, socks, socks
• Beanies and more beanies
• Bath towels
• Bibs
• Diaper Genie
• Toy Box
• Adorable Lamp that matches the Toy Box
• Tummy Time Mat
• $25 Babies R Us Gift Card (Thanks Aunt Jennifer!)
• Rattles and Toys
• Onsies
• Sleepers
• Blankets
• Little Pink Sneakers (soooo cute)
• Shoes
• Cuddle Bear Woobie Holder
• Cuddly Bear
• And on and on!

What a spoiled (loved) little girl. I'll take a picture of everything and post it this week. Grandma Shanni also had a cute little stocking up for Riley. We took a picture on Steve's new digital camera. I'll get it posted as well.

We were also spoiled this year. The Phanton of the Opera was AMAZING!!! I've seen it previously in SLC but this was taking it to the next level. Just think Theatrical Production + Las Vegas Show and you can imagine what I'm talking about. We also got a new Camcorder so that we can take lots of video of Riley once she's born. We might have to start practicing with the girls (our 4-legged girls that is).

And Tate was spoiled this year as well! We went to see her Christmas morning and had a blast playing with her and her presents. She got some pretty neat stuff. We got her a pink Barbie Electric Guitar. She loved it of course. Anything with music she loves. I kind of like playing with it myself.

Back to work today. Yuck. But, at least I can get caught up and lots done while everyone is still out.

Finally, Shelly is feeling Riley more and more every day! She's an active one that's for sure!