Our First Official Baby Purchase

Nothing says, "Happy 5th Anniversary" like making your first major purchase as parents. We decided since BJ had the day off to head over to Babies R Us and check out some furniture for the nursery. We weren't sure we were going to make a purchase, but the time seemed right. We drove to South County so we could have a bigger selection, and discovered there was just one set we could really agree on. We both knew we wanted dark wood...I wanted simple, contemporary lines and BJ wanted something that would convert into a toddler and full size bed down the road. Once we started talking to the sales staff, we discovered we could save some dough with two 15% off coupons and additional 10% by opening a Babies R Us card. We purchased three pieces...the crib, five drawer chest, and changing table combo. We came home and double checked the measurements, and decided which of our spare rooms would be the nursery. Now we're just waiting for the furniture to arrive. Unfortunately, I decided that now I'm now in love with the bedding I originally chose. So...more decisions to make. I just want everything to be perfect!

Making Decisions

I've been anxious to figure out how I want to decorate the nursery, but felt as though I was having difficulty finding something that I thought was gender neutral. At this point we're still not planning on finding out the sex of the baby. However, it only makes sense to decorate the room so that it can be used for future babies as well. That being said, I think I've found it! I'm so excited. I'm going to paint the walls the coordinating green and strip them white with circles like the comforter. I think it is going to be adorable! Our next job is to figure out furniture for the nursery. It's sort of fun making all these plans, although I think figuring out the registry is going to be a chore.

And the wait goes on...

Well, I had hoped for more definitive answers today following my OB check at my local doctor's office. Unfortunately, this was not the case. I guess I can understand it, but it seems my cyst is a situation which people know little about and there isn't much that can be done to deal with it. The practitioner consulted with my doctor, and then came back to chat with us. She shared that in most cases it isn't something to be concerned with and that they typically disappear. They're recommending that we wait to have a sonogram until 18-20 weeks. I was hesitant about this decision as the doctor at Washington University had recommended 11 weeks. It just feels SO far away, and I want answers now. I can acknowledge that by having the ultrasound too early, I may still have concerns if it hasn't had time to "disappear."

Apparently, they will refer us to St. Mary's (I'm assuming this is another local hospital, but I honestly don't know) for a level 2 sonogram which is able to examine the baby with more detail. She said there really wasn't any reason to do it sooner if we weren't open to having amniocentesis. Based on the research I've read, I'm not currently willing to undergo the amnio due to the associated side effects although this is the only test that could confirm with 100%certaintyty if there is a chromosomal abnormality. The doctor shared that a baby has a better chance of living outside the womb at 24 weeks, and it would make more sense to consider this test at that point anyhow. She had a lengthy discussion with us regarding genetic testing to confirm the possibility of a chromosomal abnormality, and just the mention of Trisomy 18 caused me to burst into tears. I fear my doctors aren't always prepared for dealing with me. At this point we're unsure if we want to complete the genetic testing. We know we would not terminate the baby, and often times these tests given inaccurate information which could lead to more unwarranted worries. We have some time to make our decision.

I'm really hoping and wishing with all my might that this cyst will just go away! I almost picture myself visualizing it leaving. I realize this is slightly ridiculous, but it helps to lift my spirits. I'd been doing well the past couple of weeks, but have found myself feeling emotional about the situation as the current doctor's appointment became near.

I made all of my appointments until one week past my due date (6/17). Let's hope I don't use that last one! :)

Reflection...

The past couple of days had been pretty hard, as my head was swarming with the negative things I'd read on the internet about umbilical cord cysts. I guess all I can say is that sometimes you just need a good cry. Initially, I was sure I didn't want to discuss the situation with anyone, but quickly discovered that it was the only thing that was going to make me feel better. As a result, I spent some time typing e-mails, making phone calls, and chatting with co-workers amidst tears. I'm feeling better now and I'm in a better place to focus on the positives. Sometimes the negatives are just so overwhelming. It was a beautiful fall weekend and I was surrounded by those that I love. I know no matter what that everything will work out the way it is intended and I truly believe that everything is going to be alright.

Here are some e-mails I received from family that helped me feel better...

Papa Jennings:
First of all, that is a beautiful baby. I can't say for sure which one of you it most resembes, but, at this point, I think it looks a bit like me. I was a very cute baby you know.

Needless to say, I have been overworking my computer to increase my knowledge or, in this case, gain some knowledge of things of which I know nothing. I come away with the positive understanding that cysts on umbilical cords are rare but not uncommon. The majority of them go away after the first trimester and have no effect on the baby. I know you have researched this too, but I have to share with someone. We will be anxiously awaiting the results of the next sonogram. If the cyst remains, we will be anxious to know the cysts size and proximity to the fetal or placental insertion. These items seem to effect the degree of possibility of an abnormality.

In any case, the research reminded me of the time spent at the computer after you made the call to us about Sienna. Fear, wonder, and tears have long been washed away by the love she has brought to our lives. Our love for you and BJ is flowing more heavily than usual today. We will hold on to all the positive, happy thoughts we can muster for our Grandbaby Thomason. MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM! That is just a little hug to hold you over until I can give you a big one soon.

By the way, have a HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY! We will be thinking of you on your special day.

LOVE,
Dad

Uncle Bryan:
Hang in there sis! You can only think positively right now (even though it is near impossible to not let it consume every minute of every day). I'll be sending happy thoughts your way. I can remember how tough the whole process was and all of the different emotions that came with every passing month (or even day). I have no doubt that your experience will end better than mine!Love ya,Bryan

Aunt Pam: (she thinks we'll name the baby after beer like the dogs)
Well I have been thinking about little Budweiser. One thing you need to remember is 80%. That is the number of healthy births with a cyst on the cord. During Sienna's first surgery she had a 85% chance of doing fine, and she did outstanding. Try not to worry about little Mojito. Nobody in this world fights harder than a baby. They are tough and they make adults look like wimps.

Pam