38 weeks and a PRAISE!

For You created my innermost being; You knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made." - Psalm 139:13-14

This week has been full of ups and downs, in a major way. I went in for my 38 week appointment on Wednesday and the doctor had decided to do an ultrasound to get an idea of how big Saylor was and then check if I was dilated, etc. Sean and I went in for the ultrasound and everything was moving along nicely... they estimated her to weigh 6 lbs 10 oz. After a few minutes, the nurse began to focus on a certain area for quite a bit of time, thus making me quite nervous. She then got up and said she needed someone else to look and went and got another person. I fell apart as soon as she left the room. I knew this meant they thought something was wrong with her and I had no idea what it was. 


The other nurse came in and took quite a long look. She then explained to Sean and I that they were concerned about her bladder. On the ultrasound it appeared to be very enlarged and not functioning properly... in other words, she wasn't pee peeing.  They were also concerned of very high fluid levels that were surrounding her. They were unsure what the problem was and wanted us to meet with the doctor then go to USC Medical to meet with another doctor. Needless to say, I was a complete mess. Scared to death. So worried. 


We met with my doctor who reviewed the ultrasound pictures and told me, worst case scenario, since I am full term, they would go ahead and deliver this baby and then she would need to be seen by a Pediatric Urologist. Not the news I wanted to hear. Needless to say, Wednesday was a very tough day. 


My appointment at USC was set for the next day (yesterday). My mom came down Wednesday night to be with me, so we headed over to USC and met Sean there to see the doctor. I was a ball of nerves and emotions, but just kept reassuring myself that the Lord is our Great Physician, that He created every inch of this little girl, and he has a perfect plan.


We were seen by the nurse and doctor at USC and as soon as Saylor popped up on the screen, the nurse immediately said she didn't think anything was wrong at all. Oh my gosh. I could breathe again. I was so overcome with emotion. What an answer to pray. What an amazing God. She continued to take a look at her and continued to reassure me that this little girl was perfectly fine. She brought the doctor in to have him check as well and he completely agreed. 

Then I will go to the altar of God,

to God my exceeding joy,

and I will praise you with the lyre,

O God, my God.

—Psalm 43:4

The doctor was incredible. So warm and caring and made us feel wonderful. He pulled out the 4d machine and gave us sweet little pictures of baby girl. They measured her there as well and said she weighed 8lbs! Holy cow! Big difference from the weight we got the day before at my OB. My guess, she's somewhere right in between (mama's hoping, at least!). 

So now, we are relieved. We are thankful we have an amazing God. We are overflowing with praise. We are reminded of the bigger picture. We are overcome with joy. We are thrilled to be in the arms of such a sweet Lord. And we are waiting... excitedly, for little Saylor to join this great big world.

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 38 weeks

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Gained 24 pounds

Maternity Clothes: blech. I wear the same 3 outfits constantly.

Best Moment this week: Finding out Saylor is just perfect and healthy!

Gender: It's a girl - Saylor Alden Branch

Movement: her moves hurt these days and I feel every single one, ha

Food Craving: comfort food!

What I miss: fitting into my regular clothes and sleeping all night

Sleep: Good nights and bad nights

What I am looking forward to: meeting baby girl SOON!

Belly Button: Looks like it's going to stay in.

Stretch Marks: None yet. Yikes.

Symptoms: Nausea is full force. Lots of zofran. Overall, just feeling huge.

38 weeks:

And a HUGE thank you, with all of my heart, for the village that surrounds us. For sweet friends and family, praying for us, for Saylor. We are beyond blessed to be surrounded by such wonderful people. We love you!