27 Weeks

Here is our handsome dude!  Brody is weighing in just shy of 2 lbs, putting him at the 30% compared to other babies at this gestational age.  He would not show his entire face for the camera this morning, but instead was all snuggled up into the placenta (the left side of the image).  His head is down, which does not mean a whole lot considering the amount that I feel this kid move, but nonetheless it was good news to us:)

Jason and I have decided that good news is very relative to the situation that one is in.  For instance, today it was good news that Brody's heart condition had not worsened, but rather is stable and showing no risk of failure prior to birth.  His limb lengths and facial features look normal, and possibly a bit like the ultrasound pictures of Addison that were taken around 27 weeks.  Also, the various parts of his brain look normal with the exception of some slight splaying of the cerebellum.  These are all things that we took totally for granted when we were expecting our daughter.  What a miracle it is that all of these tiny, fragile, specific, and unique features can develop so perfectly as they so often do.  With Brody, every last feature that develops appropriately is good news.  If we are blessed to have future children, this will certainly be our feeling as well.

Jason and I wish that our doctors could see into the future.  As much as we want to leave this all up to God, and know that He has it totally under control, it would still be nice if I could input some important dates onto my summer calendar, like Brody's birthday.  At least that one.  Unfortunately they were unable to do that for us today.  Our doctor said that at this point there is no reason to believe that Brody would be coming early.  Some families expecting Trisomy babies choose to induce labor early because of the baby's worsening condition or their body simply goes into preterm labor because the mom's body senses the the condition changing.  They do not think this will be the case for us, but rather explained that many babies with Trisomy go to full term like other healthy babies.  As far as I am concerned, the longer that Brody stays in there, the longer he will be with us.  We pray that he cooperates:)

The specialty clinic that we have been going to has scheduled us to tour the NICU at the University of Minnesota in a couple weeks.  During this visit we will be able to see where Brody will be born, meet the head neonatologist that will be in charge of his care, and go over our birth plan with a social worker.  I have decided that carrying a baby with Trisomy 13 might be like carrying a baby that is expected to be famous, possibly the next Justin Bieber or Oprah;)  The doctors, nurses, genetic counselors, sonographers, photographers, whatever, are treating Brody as if he will be at least as important, if not more important, than any other baby they have cared for.  As we sat in a room with many of them today, I could not help but ask them why they are so interested in caring perfectly for a baby who, no matter what, is not going to live for very long.  Our sweet doctor simply said, "every life is important, no matter how long."  Our genetic counselor then offered us a card and a CD for Brody (Addison never was given a CD before she was born).  Her card read, "never doubt how big and important the impact of his life is, no matter how short."  I walked out of the clinic today feeling so proud of this little guy, and thankful for everything about him.

Addison was also in the mood to talk about Brody today.  We were playing with chalk, and she asked me to write Brody's name next to hers.  She is very fond of the new necklace I have been wearing (from a very important family in my life) because next to her name, is Brody's name.  She has enjoyed showing it off to other people, saying "Addy and Brody."  I told her that my tummy hurt today.  She said, "Mommy, Brody's in there."  (However, she still thinks she has a baby in her tummy too!)

Thank you for reading about Brody!!!  Sharing ANYTHING about him now is tremendously comforting and even powerful for us.  He continues to have a significant impact on us, and I pray that even in the smallest way, he has an impact on you too.

Love,
Lindsey

I thought I would share another video that I have watched several times since we learned about Brody's condition.  I was connected to this mom through a cousin (thank you!), and have been corresponding with her ever since.  She has been incredibly helpful in answering questions, reaffirming our decision to carry Brody, and confirming all the blessings that they too received through their sweet Jonathan.  (You can click on the video name to watch larger version. It is not the easiest you tube video I have ever watched).