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