- Miller weighs approximately 1 pound and 7 ounces
- He is the size of a small loaf of bread from head to butt
- His fluid levels (the amniotic fluids) were 18.4 and the doctors want it be between 6 and 24.
- Once again, we heard--looks like a normal, singleton pregnancy. (ain't nothing normal about this pregnancy.)
- His heartbeat ranged from 155-161
- He still likes to get his picture taken and always starts with a "flash" of his privates to the camera first. (pretty funny)
So, after the initial appointment with Dr. Berry--it was suggested that we go on a steroid plan which involves 2 intramuscular shots. After we had taken (read: me/Dana) so many fertility shots to even get pregnant and to be where we are today---we thought it would be fairly easy to take. Matt was trying to convince the nurse to let him give it to me! (Thanks honey--but no thanks!) This shot was quite different because it was HUGE, burned like no other thing I have experienced (so far), and it lasted forever. I guess it seemed like it lasted forever because Matt was doing a "play by play" for me--such as "the needle is huge...is that a 18 gauge needle? and ok, honey--we are almost 1/2 done. It was funny though at the end of the first shot yesterday..and I had to go back in today for the second round. My poor brother had to take me today so I made him come in and let me squeeze his hand while I was getting the shot. I promised to not squeeze his hand so hard as to ruin his golf game. :)
As a refresher for you--these steroid shots will help Miller develop his lungs and membranes in his brain quicker. It will put him ahead by 2 weeks! This is huge for a premie if he decides to come before 36 weeks. So our next goal is to get the little guy to week 28--where his chances of survival without any major complications goes up by 50%! So, once we hit week 28, that will be the middle of the 4th quarter--and Team Miracle Miller will be winning the game without doubt. If we make it to week 34, then we are pounding our opponents--and by week 36, it will be a slaughter of a game with Team Miracle Miller beating the odds/competition decisively and by a HUGE margin! :)
During this whole experience/football game, we have experienced ups/downs, good/bad, positive/negative, sadness/rejoice, and every other emotion that can be felt. I surely thought we had felt them all by now--but after seeing the doctors yesterday--I was feeling that they just told me that I was pregnant for the first time again. I felt a true sense of "inspiration" and "hope" again! It was an incredible feeling but as strange as it sounds--I also found myself with a rather high anxiety level knowing that our child will be here soon. Anxiety because I find myself questioning if I am going to be a good mom (no doubt that Matt will be a GREAT dad), what do I do when he cries, how do I change a diaper properly and everything else that a first time mom questions prior to giving birth. Not too many get to experience the wonderful feelings that you get when you hear that after you have tried for so long to get pregnant--that you actually are--then to have that same great "you are truly pregnant" feelings re-occur again, it is truly a miracle. (Hard to explain this to men--but I am sure the women understand it).
We have been blessed with so many things throughout our pregnancy: getting pregnant (finally), blessed with twins, Baby Lawton becoming our angel in Heaven, MM being tough enough to fight it out to week 24 (and beyond), feeling truly pregnant again and realizing that our goal is within our reach.
Though the game is not over yet, the players are all healthy, tough and playing their little hearts out, the family and friends are cheering/praying for us so loudly that we are constantly inspired and strengthened more to win this game!
Peace and Love to all--
Dana, Matt and Miracle Miller
2 comments:
Thank you for the update Matt. It must be such a relief to hear "normal pregnancy" again. Good to hear the positive progression and hopefully your lives are feeling more in control.
Your writing is top notch btw.
Dana and Matt-
You don't know me, but I know the McGuires. My sister in law Carol is one of the two people that Dr. Berry told you about. Her journey was much like yours. I understand all of your highs and lows and wanted to tell you that there are so many people praying for you and Miracle Miller. Congrats on 24 weeks. My miracle niece Sophia and I are praying for 28! Take Care! If you need to talk, I know Carol would be happy to. It is a long amazing journey. Good Luck!
Jessica Ramsey
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