28 Week Echocardiogram

Greg and I had a very long day at Children's/Barnes on Wednesday for our 28 week check-up. The morning started with an ultrasound which showed the baby's growth to be right on track at 2 lbs11 oz. We even saw his 3-D picture (which hopefully I will figure out how to upload!); he looks just like Sophie & Meg! I think it's the nose. Anyway, he's pretty cute and is doing well. Next we had another echocardiogram which again showed the heart to be hypoplastic, without any other ominous findings. Good news again. Finally, we met with the NICU doc and the cardiothoracic surgeon. It was good to be able to ask some more questions, although really no different information than we already had.

We did also take tours of both the NICU and the labor and delivery suites. Seeing all the premature babies in the NICU, and realizing that our baby would be there with so many IV's, lines, etc. . . it is a little frightening. And still seems a little surreal. But, it was good to be able to start visually preparing for what is upcoming. Now, the L&D was exactly as I thought it would look, and as I remembered from interviewing during medical school. Greg thought it was nicer than he remembered! Luckily, it is our third baby, and I shouldn't be in the room too long, because it is pretty small. I am sure by the time the whole NICU staff is in there, along with all the other docs, there my not even be room for Greg!

Our next appointments are a month away again. Pray that the heart keeps developing as it is - it gives him the best prognosis after surgery.

On a lighter note, our house remodeling is progressing at full steam. They are laying the foundation this week, and a big crane remains at our home. The kids could seem to care less, and sleep through all the work so far. Meg has learned to take off all of her clothes, and loves to run around naked, and sit on the potty. She is absolutely insane, and never stops babbling and singing. Sophie is Sophie if you know what I mean, and is enjoying going to school. She had her third birthday last week, and continues to love her new umbrella. She talks a lot about her baby brother, and sometimes even agrees that he can use her old crib . . . we'll see how that goes!

Remodeling Project

Well, its finally underway! The remodeling project officially started on January 22, 2009. After more than a year of planning, revising, bidding and revising some more ground was broken. However, not long after the ground breaking, the snow hit and the digging stopped. Oh well, at least we have started. The plan is to dig the foundation and work on the exterior framing while remodeling the master bathroom. After this is done, they will work on the other bathroom on the second floor while completing the new interior addition space (new kitchen, bathroom, bedroom). This way we will have at least one working bathroom and may not have to even move. The contractor, Tri-Square Construction, has boarded up the back door, bathroom in the kitchen area, and the windows upstairs. So far the kids are adapting and even napping through the construction noise. I will try to provide some construction updates as the project progresses.