Gray: 3 weeks old

For all the War Eagle friends and fans!!

Happy Fall, Y'all!!

Gray is just giddy with excitement about Fall. He's going to his first football game this weekend in the new motor home. Unfortunately, its not an Auburn game, but rather we're traveling to Oxford to "attend" the Ole Miss vs. Alabama game. In case you were wondering, Travis will go in the game, but Gray and I will stay behind and watch games on TV.




Gray now weighs 8 lbs 8 oz and seems to grow and change every day. He rarely cries and is, overall, just a very peaceful baby. We are so blessed - for many reasons.



Several of you have asked how our older 4 legged children are adjusting to the bundle joy. Karleigh, the soon to be one year-old Beagle Travis got me when I was having such a hard time last Christmas, is surprisingly doing the best with the baby. While she's very curious about him, at the same time she will just sit and stare at him in a very protective but sweet way. Allie, my 10 year old "first born" lab, isn't liking the idea of not being my first priority. She just ignores Gray and sulks a little. However, GG (my mom) has been in town and Allie adores her. Therefore, she's been spending some time with my mom and dad (she loves him,too, as he takes her for walks and rides). Ace, Travis' 10 year old aka "The Chosen One" duck hunting dog, isn't phased by Gray in the least. He continues to be the most laid back dog ever.

Our photographer, Monica Carroll (http://www.monicacarroll.com/), came last week to photograph Gray (can't wait to see the pics!). She said the sweetest thing. While he was asleep and she was taking pictures of him, he kept smiling and laughing. She said, "His angel sister, Grayton, must have been whispering something funny or tickling him because he kept grinning and giggling". I like the thought of that.

Thanks so much for all of your prayers and well wishes! As you can imagine, Travis and I just can't get enough of this precious angel.

Until next time,

Leigh

1st Doctor's Visit

Yesterday Gray had his first visit with his pediatrician. While he'd previously lost a 6 ounces from his 8lb 2 oz birth, I'm happy to report he's back up to 8 lbs. When we took him back to the room at the doctor's office and placed him in his diaper on the examination table while waiting on the doctor to come in, he wet the table like I've never seen!! Travis and I just died laughing! We quickly cleaned him up, then the table, just in time for the Dr to come in.
He loved his first outing and slept most of the ride. Our next visit is on Friday, october 2nd.
Its so hard to believe he's already a week old! I wish time would just stand still. Gray is such a cuddler and sleeps best on my chest or beside me - putting him in the bed was something I said I'd never do..."Never say never" and besides, selfishly I kind of like him being so close. I sleep best, too, smelling his head and hearing him breath while, simontaneously, thanking God for such a priceless gift.
He's feeding are up to 3 ozs and he just loves to eat - just like his momma!! :) Leigh

Our First Family Picture

First Night Home

We're finally home--we came home Sunday afternoon. Our first night home was exciting! We were all so tired. Gray is just precious...he's looking all around...we thought him staying awake a bit would help him sleep longer. Ha!....and he slept so well in the hospital !....Everything is good right now, as he sleeps on my shoulder and chest ... Thank you for all your prayers, thoughts, and congratulations !! Leigh and Travis

Baby Gray is here. 8 Pounds 1 oz. and 21 inches long

Diaphragm seems to be intact

On Monday, Dr. Gonzalez (the specialist) was kind enough to put my mind at ease about Gray being born with a Diaphragmatic Hernia. He explained the diaphragm is actually a tent keeping the lungs and heart above and bowel, intestines, liver, etc. below and when a baby inhales or gasps for room air the first time, if there is a hole or incomplete diaphragm (as in Grayton's case) or tear, organs can get pulled into the lung area. There's no guarantee this won't happen. However, he certainly looked Gray over and nothing he saw gave him any indication that the diaphram is not completely intact.

Answered Prayers, for sure! Thank you all who've prayed for Gray, Travis, me as well as our families. We've certainly felt each and every one of them.

At home, I'm starting that nesting phase and a very nice added energy burst - neither of which I ever experienced with Grayton. Unless Gray and God decide something different :), two weeks from tomorrow, he'll be here! Please continue to pray for him as well as the most "normal", uneventful C-Section and birth that Brookwood Hospital ever experienced! HA!

Meanwhile, I continue to go twice a week (Monday and Thursday) for non-stress tests at my OB's office. So far, he's been very responsive but no contractions to record.

Thanks again,
Leigh

Everything is on track

Starting this past Monday (the 24th) I go for non-stress tests twice a week, as well as seeing the Ultrasound Tech once a week for updates on my amniotic fluid and sometimes his growth. As of Monday, his estimated weight is 6lbs 10oz. and everything else seems to be fine. My fluid was down from 12.43 to 8.18 but Dr. Stradtman said it wasn't anything to be worried about and it changes daily. However, they'll keep a watch on it.

While I'm anxiously awaiting Gray's arrival, I can't say it doesn't come without anxiety. Yesterday, I read about a family in Selma who has a CDH (diagnosed in utero) baby who was born, like Grayton, with little to no diaphragm. He lived only 10 days at Children's Hospital in Bham. The family was blessed to have a second son, Chambers (don't you just love the name?!), who is a perfect and healthy baby. Their 3rd child, Celie, was monitored by a specialist like Gray and because of an ultrasound at 28 weeks that clearly showed her diaphragm in place, the parents didn't have any further testing. However, Celie was born with CDH, too. While she's now a healthy and thriving 3 year old girl, it severely scares me. The nurses and physicians at Children's told the family they were only the 2nd repeat case for the hospital in 19 years. While I know its a sin to worry, I definitely struggle with it.

Please pray for Gray to be a complete and whole baby boy who will grow, without any problems, to hunt and fish with his daddy (and mom, too) and one day join The Creekbaum Group at UBS :) Sounds like I'm trying to plan his future, doesn't it? :) Hope you know I'm only kidding about his interests and career path......well, only half kidding anyway.

September 17th just may be the day!

Brookwood Hospital just called....they've scheduled me for Thursday, September 17th. 39 weeks is the earliest Dr. S could schedule the C-Section so if he decides to come earlier or she sees something during my weekly appointments that leads her to believe he should come earlier....I'll let y'all know.

I have to admit, to hear the date somewhat scared me and when I shared it with Travis, his face kind of went pale, too. Then he said, "September 17th..That's a good day." HA! It was so cute. I think he just felt I was looking for some kind of response.

My mind's racing with all of the things I need to get finished at work and with the lose end for Gray's arrival.

Gray's shower was this past Saturday and we all just had a blast!!! It was so nice and he received so, so many wonderful things. I was just overwhelmed (in a good way). I saw friends I hadn't seen in a while and it was just great to visit with everyone. Thanks to all who came!

Please keep the prayers coming for his upcoming arrival. Although it feels and looks like (he hasn't dropped at all and therefore, I'm carrying him very "long") he's stretching his arms and legs out all the time, I'd prefer for him to stay in my tummy as long as he needs to develop. In general, white males are the weakest babies so he needs all the developmental time as possible.

Love to you all!
Leigh

An Estimated Weight of 5lbs.15ozs!!!

Yesterday, Travis and I went to see Dr. Gonzalez (the specialist), as well as my OB Dr. Stradtman. Dr. G performed growth and doppler tests on Baby Gray and his nurse gave Gray an A+ on doppler! Everybody say, "yeahhh"!! His growth was great, too. He's estimated to weight 5lbs 15ozs and I'm currently 34 weeks. His legs, like his mom's, are in the 90th percentile, stomach is in the 80+ percentile (we won't attribute that to anyone :) ), and his head is in the average 40-50%. If he continues to gain a pound a week, he's going to be one big baby! However, we all realize the ultrasound measurements are just an estimate so I'm not holding them to it.

Because I had a C-Section with Grayton, there will be one scheduled for Gray's arrival, too. Brookwood Labor and Delivery won't allow us to schedule the date until we are exactly a month out. Therefore, I'm hoping to have a firm date next week.....but at the same time it's so scary I just want to stick my head in the sand and have him in my safe tummy forever!

Keep the prayers coming!!

God Bless,
Leigh

By the way, I want to share something. There is a website that's completely dedicated to infant loss and it's hosted by a wonderful photographer from West Australia. Another CDH mom turned me onto the site and submitted Grayton's name and a quote from me for a picture to be taken at sunset with Grayton's name written in the sand (thanks Ash!). Here's the link http://namesinthesand.blogspot.com/2009/08/grayton-karleigh-creekbaum.html
I think it's breath-taking!!!

Answered Prayers

Yesterday, Travis and I went to see Dr. Gonzalez and....drum roll, please......Gray has gone from the 39th percentile to averaging (based on all of his measurements) in the 74th percentile!!!! He's almost doubled in size in just two weeks! The Dr. said, "I don't know what you've been doing but keep it up!" Of course, Travis credited it to the steaks and red meat I've recently been eating (normally, I eat 2 filets a year). I think it's answered prayers.

Currently, he's weighing approximately 4 lbs. 2 oz. Gray's legs and head are in the high 60th and 50th percentile, respectively, and his stomach is in the 92nd percentile! Praise God for answered prayers. My amniotic fluid is fine and, during the ultrasound, Gray stuck his tongue out and yawned! Dr. Gonzalez suggested Gray be measured again in 2-3 weeks to ensure he's progressing. I go back to the OB next week so I'll probably schedule it then.

As of today, I'm 31 weeks along and am just getting to the very uncomfortable stage - a little earlier than last time, I think. It could have something to do with unpacking of boxes but prenatal yoga, as well as Chiropractor, seems to be helping some.

Based on his measurements, I don't see Dr. S moving up the due date from September 22nd. However, if he's already weighing over 4 lbs. and, on average, babies gain 1/2 oz per week and I have 9 weeks to go - we may have another "Grayton situation" where the dr. schedules my C-section early. Being I'm not the medical physician (only wishful thinking because I can't wait to see the 'lil fella), I'm probably getting ahead of myself. However, I'll keep y'all posted.

Thanks so much for all of your thought, well wishes and prayers!

Leigh

Gray Creekbaum - Ultrasound

Here is Gray's 4D Ultrasound from 7/14/09.

Dr's Appointment Update

Travis and I just got back from the Maternal Fetal Medicine specialist at Brookwood, Dr. Gonzalez, and I' m happy to report Gray is looking great! While his stomach is still on the small size, there are no other signs to indicate something's wrong. He just may be a smaller baby than Grayton was. He's measuring in the 40th percentile and is 2 lbs. 10 oz. and has hair!! The Dr. commented he had a good bit of hair for a 7 month (in utero) baby. Furthermore, he was taking big "gulps" (as the Dr. likes to call 'em) and his bladder filled well. We are so blessed! Praise God!

By the way, for those of you who don't know - The Creekbaums have moved! About 2 weeks ago, we moved into our new house and are thrilled. Unpacking, on the other hand, I haven't been so eager to engage in. However, a great friend of mine, Stephanie, came and helped me this weekend got me back on track. My mom and dad have also been a huge help, too!

The dogs - Ace, Allie and the newest addition, Karleigh - are all adjusting well. Within the first couple of days, Ace broke through the gate and went swimming in the lake behind our house. Can't blame him, as it's been hot as blue blazes!!

Come see us!!

Love y'all!
Leigh

Using the Birthday Card

Thursday, the 18th, was my birthday as well as my checkup appointment with the OB. My mom went with me and because she hasn't "seen" the baby yet, I went to the ultrasound area, spoke with my friend at the reception area, told her it was my birthday, and asked if my mom could get a peak at the baby (they weren't busy). Thankfully and thoughtfully, she and the ultrasound technician agreed. Gray was just moving around and even posed for us with his feet crossed. It was adorable.

However, when I mentioned to her Dr. Gonzalez, the Maternal Fetal Medicine doctor, said his stomach is small, she agreed with him. I tried to pinpoint as to what problems could occur from this (should it stay on the smaller side) and she just told me to talk to the doctor. Although my amniotic fluid still seemed fine, I'm worried about his stomach. I should've asked her to measure him completely, but I hated to task her since I "snuck" in to get an ultrasound. Thankfully (it was as if God put him in my path), I saw Dr. Gonzalez coming off the elevator at Brookwood and I told him what had happened and asked his opinion on what it could be. He said, "Leigh, every baby isn't suppose to weight 10 lbs. 7 out of 10 times it just means the baby's on the small side of the scale. One of my sons was born 1 oz. shy of 6 pounds and he's a normal, healthy boy. " While it relaxed my anxiety a little, it's the other 30% (or 3 out of 10) I didn't ask him about that concerns me. I'm trying not to be such a worrier, but after having a 1 in 2400 chance of having a baby with CDH it's just so hard not to be overly concerned. At the same time, I know it's in God's hands.

Please continue to keep Gray in your prayers. Today is one year since Grayton went to Heaven and I just miss her so much. At the same time, I'm worried about Gray. I think it's just "normal" to be concerned after losing a baby.

Missing you, Grayton, on your Angelversary.

Leigh

Dr. Appointment

The Echo cardiogram went fine. Gray's heart is well, all organs are in place, and his diaphragm is in tact. PRAISE GOD!!! His stomach is a little smaller than Dr. Gonzalez felt it should be, so I have an appointment scheduled in 6 weeks (I'll be 28 weeks by then). The Dr. will check my amniotic fluid again. While the level is fine right now, if - in 6 weeks - I have an excess, something could be wrong with the connection from his mouth to his stomach meaning Gray is not eating and swallowing like he should or could be. However, if there is a problem, the nurse assured me it's definitely something fixable and nothing like what we've gone through before. I was so grateful to hear her say those words. When I talked to Travis about it, he said Gray just has the problem Travis once had - a small stomach that fills up easily. HA! Retha went with me to the appointment and quickly pointed out (and made my day by telling the doctor) he takes after me by having a small stomach... :) My tummy feels anything but small right now, but I appreciate her saying it!

Please pray his stomach will continue to grow, my fluids will stay normal and that there is no problems with his "gulps" as the Dr. like to call them.

Thank you so much for all of your prayers and notes of care and concern.

Leigh

Fetal Maternal MedicineDoctor Appt.

Travis and I just got back from the lengthy and thorough doctor's appointment. We got to see everything imaginable about Gray! He held up his hand to his face - sucking on his arms and thumb - almost the whole time!! Dr. Gonzalez said he saw no signs of a diaphragmatic hernia or anything else substantial. However, while he wasn't alarmed by this, he was disappointed he didn't see his stomach fill up. While his bladder was full, Gray never emptied it while we were there.

Because he wants to see us again, we are scheduled to go back to see Dr. Gonzalez next Thursday at 1pm. Please pray Gray (while we are there) will decide to fill his tummy up and empty it before our eyes!!! Dr. G said we could've just caught him at a time he was playing rather than eating. (Amy and Melanie, you'll love this -) I asked if I should eat breakfast or something before I came to the appointment. I wondered if that would matter because, if y'all can believe this, I had not done so this morning. Unfortunately, he said it wouldn't make a difference.

While we are at the appointment next week, he'll also do a more complete Echo cardiogram on Gray because of Grayton's CDH. Although his heart looked fine, Dr. G wanted to see it again at 22 weeks. I didn't really understand why, but after having an undiagnosed defect, I'll do anything to rule out complications.

Gray is in the 62% weight (weight about 15 oz.) and is measuring on target. He was really moving around for the tech and kept flipping side to side.

While I'm a little disheartened we didn't get a complete"clean bill of health", we all know it could be so much worse. The next 7 days are going to go by very slowly.....

Leigh

Grayton's celebration was wonderful!!! Travis and I were overwhelmed (in such a great way!) at the generosity of our friends and family. We donated to the NICU, at Children's Hospital of Birmingham in Grayton's memory,at least 75 pairs of booties, 26 tubes of Bodreaux's, 34 hats and 69 receiving blankets. Plus, there was over $500 worth of gift cards donated! Our hope is CDH babies will be "dressed and outfitted" for the next decade!!



Everyone was so, so sweet to send things for the babies, as well as spend their Saturday making Chandeliers for the isolets! A special thank you to Brandy, Brooke, Sonia and Retha for hosting the special, special day! It was truly amazing....and....I didn't cry all day!! Definitely a feat in itself!



The NICU has a new floor since we were there (thank goodness..for so many reasons)!! It was beautiful! The colors were so soothing, bed spaces were further apart, and the entire area was much more quiet (maybe because we weren't there :) ) . As Travis noted, it didn't sound like a casino with all of the machine's beepers going off!

It was WONDERFUL to see Grayton's nurses, Angela and Jenny. I'm blessed to see Angela periodically but we haven't seen Jenny since Grayton's Angel day. They both looked great and Jenny was glad to hear about Gray being on the way. Travis pointed out that they'd have to come see Gray when he was born because we are not going to coming to Children's (oh God, please don't led us there again!).

I'll post other pictures later.

Love y'all!
Leigh

One year ago today....

One year ago today, we found out we'd be having Grayton on the 9th (which was a Friday) via scheduled C-Section. Little did I know what her coming into the world (she wasn't diagnosed with CDH until birth) would bring…both good and bad. I miss her each and every day. I was just thinking yesterday (not to sound ungrateful) that I kind of wish we were expecting a girl and the words came to me out of nowhere – "God doesn't give me what I want….He gives me what I need." I truly felt like He was speaking to me and a peace just came over me.

While no baby will ever replace Grayton, I just pray I've had my "special" child and He'll bless Gray to be whole and healthy. Before finding out what we were having, deep down I knew it was a boy. I think it's God's way of preparing me for the news of baby boy.

Friday is Travis and my anniversary! Saturday is Grayton's celebration (I'm really looking forward to it). Travis seems to think I'll have a harder time with her Birthday than I realize. I just pray God will give me the strength to make it through the day and concentrate on the many blessing we've received because of Grayton! I know her short life was for a purpose....it seems as if every day something good happens because she was born and went to Heaven.




BTW: Amy - thanks for the words to describe my thoughts!

CDH Babies - Prayer Requests

The following CDH (congenital diaphragmatic hernia) cherubs are on their way here. Please keep them and their families in your prayers!

Daisy Moore – Due ?
Amy Marie Meyers – Due ???
Basile Gibeaux - Due 2009-03-02
Nicolas Lesende - Due 2009-04-02
Piper Brooklyn Waddell - Due 2009-04-07
Jon Lee S. - Due 2009-04-11
Andrew Lee Whitten - Due 2009-04-17
Gabriela Monteiro - Due 2009-05-14
Avery Mae Keirsey - Due 2009-05-15
Baby Porretta - Due 2009-06-09
Giavanna Digregorio - Due 2009-06-12
Baby Clarketimmins - Due 2009-06-15
James Reeve 2009-06-15
Cameron Zane Redmon 2009-06-20
Baby Price - Due 2009-06-21
Eli Camden Harvey - Due 2009-06-24
Baby Slager - Due 200907-02
Gabriella Morgan Groenewald - Due 2009-07-05
Baby Brogden - Due 2009-07-06
Kamryn Hope Studdard - Due 2009-07-08
Jacob Thomas Zimmerman - Due 2009-07-18
Blake Francis Lapierre – Due 2009-07-20
Emma Ballard – Due 2009-07-31
Xavier Marcus Mumaw – Due 2009-08-02
Baby Hubbard – Due 2009-08-07
Ireland Rose B - Due 2009-08-23
Jonathan Louis Moehl - Due 2009-09-13

Ultrasound

He has a full name!

Gray (after Grayton) Kennedy (my middle name from my paternal grandmother's maiden name) Creekbaum

I said to Travis, "If Gray's got to have the name "Creekbaum" for the rest of his life, then he's going to have something from my side of the family." (sorry, Grandpa) Thankfully, he agreed.

Thank you to everyone who sent prayers and words of encouragement not only for Gray, but also for Travis' quick recovery. He seems to be doing better. He received some strong shots, a Z pac, as well as an antibotic, Avelox, used to treat pnuemonia.

In between his coughs, we decided on the name Gray Kennedy Creekbaum! At least he can share Grayton's unisex looking monogrammed things because they have the same initals!

Love you all!
Leigh, Travis, Ace, Allie, Karleigh (our 4 legged children) and 'baby Gray'

It's a.........

BOY!!!!

The first thing the ultrasound tech noticed was....we are blessed to be expecting a boy! Heartrate (135 bpm) was great, diaphram seems to be intact, all 4 chambers of the heart were seen and the brain looks fine. He - who we are naming Gray- had his hands above his head the whole time as if to say, "Hey! Look at me! I'm not a girl!". Anyway, other than Travis feeling absolutely horrible, we are all fine. My next doctor's appointment is the "big one" with Dr. Gonzalez, the maternal fetal medicine doctor, on May 14th. Please continue to keep us, especially Gray (no middle name decided yet), in your prayers that he will be "diagnosed" as a healthy, normal baby boy.



Thanks so much for all of your prayers! Oh yeah, please pray Travis feels better very soon. He's going back to the doctor this afternoon. He feels so horrible that I don't even think he has the energy to be excited about expecting a little hunter. However, he is the best husband in the entire world! He went to my appointment with me even though he just wants to be at home in the bed. In fact, when Dr. Stradtman walked into the room, she looked at me and said, "You sound terrible. I could hear you coughing all the way down the hall." I just pointed to Travis because, unfortunately, he was the trooper making all the noise.



If I can get my CDH friend, Christy, to help me load the ultrasound pictures (wink! wink!), then those will be posted soon.



Love y'all,

Leigh

Angel Kaden Alex Kuehl

Sadly, yesterday Kaden joined Grayton in heaven. They are both, along with many, many other CDH angels (Faith, Drake, Addison, Maxton and the list goes on and on) playing in God's nursery free from ECMO, tubes, vents, etc. Please keep Kristi and Craig in your prayers as they mourn the loss of Kaden while grasping the understand of God's plan. May they have the peace only He can give them and us. I pray God will wrap His healing arms around the Kuehl family, as well as Kaden's sister - Jessica.



http://kadenalexkuehl.blogspot.com

14 Week Checkup

Well, Travis has the flu so I went to my check up alone. Dr. S was able to use the handheld instrument to hear the baby's heart beat (rather than the ultrasound)...bummer, because I always like seeing the cute bean. Although it took her a little while (in all actuality it was probably 8 seconds, but it seems like 8 minutes) to find the baby, everything sounded fine to us. I go back on April 22nd and will - hopefully - find out whether we're having a boy or girl.

Thanks for all of your prayers and words of encouragement.

Love,
Leigh

Sweet Angel Baby Maxton

I just learned today that another CDH baby has passed yesterday (on Grayton's 9 month Angelversary) from this horrible and evil birth defect. Baby Maxton was with us for 18 days and put up such a strong battle. He and his parents, Ashley and David, have been so strong throughout this entire journey. Maxton held on for as long as he could. I am confident in knowing that he is with God now and will forever be an angel to us all. Maxton's blog address is http://babymaxton310.blogspot.com/. Please pray that Ashley and David are able to find peace and understanding through all of this.

Love,
Leigh

For Grayton's Glory.....revised.....

After many prayers and much discussion, rather than have the 5K Run, we are going to have a CDH Baby Shower on Grayton's Birthday (May 9th). I am so excited. Brandy Burt Doyle, a childhood, as well as adulthood (if we're in that stage :) best friend, is hosting it at her house. We are asking those of you who'd like to participate to bring items to be donated to other families who go to Children's Hospital of Birmingham because their baby was born with CDH to ease their journey while they're at Children's. Out of the 5 CDH babies who were there while Grayton was, Travis and I were the only ones who lived in Birmingham. 1 family was from Dothan and the other 3 were from Mississippi (staying in Ronald McDonald house, a local extended stay motel or drove back and forth as their jobs allowed). Therefore, I'm working on a list of things that are easily obtainable but mean so, so much to the parents of these babies, as well as the babies themselves. If you run across these things, please bring them to the shower on Grayton's birthday. If you can't make it on Saturday, feel free to mail the unwrapped gifts to Sonia Steely 5722 Lake Cyrus Blvd Hoover, AL 35244. Because Travis and I are delivering the goodies that afternoon, if you mail the items, please make sure they get there before May 9th.


Ok, here they are the (unwrapped) items need:

mittens for newborns

socks for newborns

hats for newborns

crosses (pewter, ceramic, etc.) to hang from their beds

hand knit blankets or booties (come on you crafty gals, get out your needles!)

flannel blankets (the ones that come in packs of 3 or 4)

Boudreaux's Butt Paste

small stuffed animals

gas/filling station gift cards

washing detergent for the parents to wash their clothes

any monetary donation is definitely accepted (for instance, my 6 year old neighbor brought me $5 she earned by taking out the trash to go towards "the babies")


***Gift cards for the family (any denomination) to Burger King (there's one near the hospital), Jim 'N Nick's (also near the hospital), IHOP (one CDH family ate there everyday), Waffle House, Walmart, Visa, etc.

Anything that would make them feel they are being thought of and prayed for by others while their baby is fighting for his or her life. This list is just a few ideas I have and am working with the nurses to include more. I came up with these things due to a couple of reasons. The first time I saw Grayton (3 days after she was born) was the Monday after Mother's Day and she had the most gorgeous pink, purple and white hand kitted blanket rolled up by her adorable head. Of course, Travis had seen her for the previous 3 days and never noticed...as he says, I "don't miss a thing!" Anyway, when I asked Grayton's nurse, Jenny, where it came from - because it was clearly not a hospital blanket - she said one of the surgeon's wife makes them for the babies and, on Mother's Day, the nurses selected one for "their" babies. Well, I thought this was so sweet, I cried.

Secondly, the hospital blanket - white with blue and pink stripes - aren't the most appealing. While the babies are all beautiful and it wouldn't change if they were laying on hay, I definitely noticed when Grayton's blanket (bought and donated by her nurse, Jenny) changed to a beautiful lilac flowered one. Not to be outdone by Jenny :) , I bought several of them for Grayton, and, after washing 'em, I took them to the hospital. Although it may have been my imagination, it seemed she got changed more....A fact that wasn't my imagination (because Travis noticed it, too) Grayton certainly became color coordinated when I brought her some booties and mittens, too. (THANKS Jenny!) They all matched her bow, blankets, socks, etc. It just made my day to walk in and see her changed in her "new outfit" (because most babies only wear diapers, their blankets, socks, and mittens become their outfits). Furthermore, I included mittens because Grayton was so active and pulled at her tubes, we walked in one day to find her wearing socks on her hands. When I heard the reason, I just had find her some mittens! My mom and I searched all the specialty stores in Birmingham trying to find them. Guess what? Walmart and Babies 'R Us carry them!


As far the stuffed animals are concerned, when a parent walks in and sees an animal sitting on the baby's bed (as the baby's room at home probably holds many animals just awaiting the baby's homecoming), she feels (as I felt) wonderful! For an instant, I completely forgot about the machines and all of the sudden, that precious lamb represented hope - hope Grayton would come home to nursery awaiting her arrival.


As far as the handcrafted items, as well as the blankets, we'll be attaching a note reading, "In Memory of Grayton" to them.

During the shower, we are going to do something very, very fun that will also benefit the CDH, as well as the NICU, babies! I'll give you more information later, as I don't want to overwhelm. :)

If you can't tell from the hundred's of words I've written, I'm so excited about the shower! Thank you, God, for answering my prayers as how to honor Grayton while helping other CDH parents!! God is so good!

No Test Tomorrow

Well, after prayers, prayers and more prayers and several discussion with many of you and each other, Travis and I have decided not to have the First Trimester Test tomorrow. Other moms, as well as CDH moms have pointed out, since I'll be tested for Trisomy and diaphragmatic hernia at 22 weeks, Travis and I decided not to put ourselves through the stress and potential outcome of a "probability test".

Thanks for all of your kind words and prayers.

Although all we pray for is a healthy baby, I still think Baby Creekbaum's a boy and Travis says the opposite (imagine?!). Unfortunately, we won't be finding out tomorrow but a Chinese Calendar (different from the one I looked at in the beginning) shows we're having a girl - the difference in this one is it uses my "Lunar Age". I don't want to get into too much detail :) and besides, I don't put much into those things, but it was correct on Grayton.....

My next appointment isn't until the end of March so, please, keep the prayers coming!

Love to all,
Leigh

Doctor's Appointment..11 weeks

Even though yesterday was a terrible day (give the condition of the market) to have a 3:30pm appointment, Travis went with me to see Dr. S. She performed another ultrasound and we saw the legs, both arms, the head and the heartbeat! I think Travis was a little amazed, as was I, that the limbs were so apparent. So far, so good.



Please pray for us as I'm trying to decide whether to have the 1st Trimester test, aka Prenatal Genetic Testing and nuchal translucency (the thickness of the neck which is associated with Down's) test, done this Friday with the Maternal Fetal Medicine doctor. While it's not invasive in the least (it's done via ultrasound and pricking my finger), the outcome only predicts the probability of the baby having Down's Syndrome and Trisomy 18. Here's a link to the March of Dimes website explaining the test. http://www.marchofdimes.com/professionals/14332_1166.asp#head2



While we didn't know Grayton had CDH and, thus, ignorance was blissful because my pregnancy was wonderful, I feel knowledge is power. In someways, it's such a "catch 22" because if we had known about Grayton's CDH, there's little that could be done to "fix" it. Therefore, I would've worried myself crazy. It's kind of the same scenario this time. Terminating the pregnancy is not an option and there really aren't many preventive measures that can be taken either if the baby has Down's or Trisomy. Again, please pray for the baby and it's health, as well as for Travis and I that we'll make the right decision on "to test or not to test".

President's Day Weekend and today's Dr. Appt

today's doctor's appointment... I went in this morning at 9:30, waited a little while on the Doctor, and she came in and we looked at the baby's heartbeat via ultrasound. She kind of screamed, "OH!". I promptly said, "What is it, Dr. Stradtman?" I thought she'd seen something on the monitor... She said, "I'm just so excited and [so far] everything looks great!" That's all I need to hear to turn my frown upside down :) Since I'm 9 weeks today (there are about 3 due dates floating around and she has it in my files as September 22nd) and we can't hear the heartbeat with her sonogram until week 12, I'll go back to see her in 2 weeks. This is great by me...anytime I can see the little kidney bean (the size he is at 9 weeks), it's fine with me!!

Thank you so much for all of your thoughts and prayers. Travis and I can feel them more than you'll ever realize!
Leigh

First Official Doctor's Appointment

Thanks for all of your prayers! The doctor's appointment with Dr. Stradtman went very well. Since this is the first time I'd seen her since our news, she was absolutely overjoyed for us!
I did have an ultrasound – performed by a different ultrasound tech than Grayton had as she has since retired – and was able to see the heartbeat (125 beats per minute). Per the measurements of the baby, I am 6 weeks and 4 days along (told y'all it was early J J ) and my due date is around September 27th.
My next appointment with Dr. Stradtman is on February 17th. In addition, I will be also seen by a Maternal Fetal Medicine physician, Dr. Gonazlez, at Brookwood when I am 22 weeks along. One of the CDH moms, who is also expecting, suggested I see this type of specialist and (prayer answered!) Brookwood recently hired him from UAB. He will be performing an extensive and thorough view of the baby via ultrasound and, furthermore, will look for a Diaphragmatic Hernia among other things. For those of you "nerds" (you know who you are J) wanting more information on a Maternal Fetal Medicine, here's the link http://www.expectantmothersguide.com/library/newjersey/fetal-medicine.htm. Furthermore, for any of you who are curious about CDH (the defect Grayton was born with) the website is www.cdhsupport.org On the home page, look at the photos at the top and Grayton's picture is on the top row and 3rd from the right. She has her "crown" atop her head.
Praise be to HIM!!!
Love from Travis and me!
By the way, for those who haven't heard, God and Grayton have blessed and hand-picked a baby for us! Please keep us in your prayers and I apologize you had to find out in an email! As you can all imagine, WE ARE THRILLED!

Love,
Travis and Leigh

We are positive...

My OB's nurse just called and said Dr. Stradtman was happy w/my test results last week and the hcg tests do not have to be repeated…Praise Him! Monday, I have a doctor's appt, like "normal" pg people, complete with an ultrasound to check on everything. Hopefully, I'll have a more approximate due date rather than the one Google gave me J
Coincidentally, there was a blog started on CHERUBS site today regarding the chance on a 2nd baby having CDH. Currently, there are 2 families on the site who have had multiple CDH babies. However, from what I understand, if the baby didn't have any other genetic problems (and, from what we know with the tests done at Children's Hospital, Grayton didn't ), then the chance of a 2nd child drops to 2 in 100 babies.
For some reason, I'm at peace either way. While I don’t feel this baby will encounter the same defect, if he/she does…we are better equip to handle it. Regardless, it's out of our hands anyway.
Prayer Warrior Unite!!

Love,
Leigh and Travis