June 30, 2006
19 weeks and 5 days

Good news! We had another ultrasound today and both babies looked well. One thing they examine at these appointments is the baby’s amniotic fluid level. Normal range for babies is between 3 and 8 cm. A lot of moms with TTTS say that their fluid levels change based on their activity level…that’s why the bed rest is so important. However, the syndrome itself can cause drastic changes.

At our very first appointment, Ben was at 3.0 and Jake was at 7.5 cm. This was there first indication that something was wrong. They really should be about the same for each baby. There should not be such a discrepancy. Well two weeks later, Ben is at 3.5 and Jake is at 7.0. This is really good because they have remained stable if not improved a bit!!! This syndrome can change over night…in either direction. It seems as though once people are diagnosed they almost immediately need a procedure to alter these fluid levels and we have been stable now for two weeks. We see this as a really good sign. Every week we can give these boys increases their chance of a healthy pregnancy and delivery.

We also got to see a 3d/4d ultrasound today and it was amazing. They were so active. They were even interacting with each other. We could see Ben kicking and his feet would come near Jake’s face and Jake would try to swipe his feet away with his cute little hands. This would go back and forth. You could see them yawn, stretch, scratch their head, and do these little dances. I really feel like we already know what their little personalities are going to be like.

Well as we know, this will be a roller coaster and right now we are feeling very good. Kevin had to go to Lansing today for work so he bought the boys their first set of Sparty gear- Michigan State Onesis. :)

Just thought I’d also send a shout out to my wonderful mother-in-law who took me to my appointment today. Sue, you really have been wonderful with taking care of our insurance stuff and helping us make sense of all of this medical mumbo jumbo. We appreciate all of your help! XOXOX

Our next appointment isn’t till Wed. So we are going to enjoy this holiday weekend and just relax!

Have a nice of 4th of July!