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