Slowly Moving....

Since my last appointments a couple weeks ago, we haven't had very much going on. Blaine has really been getting into indoor season. Carsyn and I have been able to make it to a couple meets. She loves going to them and running around. I really don't get to watch the athletes much, as I am busy chasing around my 'athlete in training', but it's still great to be able to get out of the house for a little.

We have our next appointment this Thursday, February 5, in Ann Arbor again. We will be meeting with the maternal/fetal medicine doctor for a consultation and possibly another full body ultrasound, and also have another fetal echo done with the cardiologists. Hopefully then we will find out the finalized date for fetal intervention so we can plan and prepare ourselves for this big step. Kennedy has been a wiggle worm. She's been stretching her little legs in there quite often the past couple days and it really hurts. I end up having to push her little feet back just to make her stop. I am glad she is spunky already. She responds to almost every push or touch to my belly.

Last week, we received a care package from Sisters By Heart, an organization to help families with babies with CHDs and HLHS. Whomever nominated us, a very big THANK YOU! We greatly appreciate it. I wanted to share what things came in the care package and maybe a little description as to why they would include that item in it...

• A tote bag
• A book for Carsyn
• Matt Hammitt- All of Me CD
• I have often found comfort in his CD already. Matt is a member for a Christian band called Sanctus Real. In 2010, his family found out their little boy, Bowen, had Hypoplastic Left Heart. He wrote an album throughout their journey, so most of the songs we can relate to very well. I highly suggest listening to the album (it can be found on YouTube), and also reading about their story. www.bowensheart.com
• Swaddle blankets are used often as the babies can't wear clothing very often. It is a whole new challenge to learn to swaddle around tubes and wires, as I am sure Blaine will figure it out quickly and become a pro.
• Coffee mug
• Notebook
• A STOP! sign to ask people to not touch the baby and to wash their hands before they do. I have never been a germ-a-phobe, but I think once Kennedy is here I will be.
• Stress ball
• Hand sanitizer and sanitizer lotion
• A onesie donated by Pampers
• Smiley face baby hospital gown
• Pacifier babies must retain their sucking, so while she will have a feeding tube, pacifiers will be used often to keep her sucking.
• Deck of cards
• Baby socks
• Baby leg warmers
• Hat
• Side snap (Kimono style) onesie

As it may not seem like much, it is so great having things we know we will need once Kennedy arrives. I never realized how hard it is to find side snap onesies/bodysuits that aren't plain white!!!

We are looking forward to Thursday to keep the ball rolling and to be able to see our sweet girl again! Thank you so much everyone for the prayers and support. We are really feeling it and cannot thank everyone enough!

February is Heart Awareness Month! Please wear RED to support and spread word on heart awareness!

God bless you all,

Ana