Home!!!

We arrived back home this morning from a whirlwind trip.  Yesterday we had our consult visit for our prenatal surgery.  Our appointment was at 9am.  We easily found our way and arrived early.  I knew I had lots of people praying for us because I was so calm.  That is not totally the norm for me prior to a big appointment and I was so thankful.  The staff and everyone we met were so incredibly nice. They were very accommodating with a "care cart" full of snacks and drinks.

 The appointment began with a nice long ultrasound for well over an hour.  They carefully inspected every single part of Eli's little, tiny body.  The ultrasound tech was wonderful.  It was a much better experience than some we've had in the past.  Eli did really well.  Every other body part checked out perfectly other than the spina bifida related problems.  Thankfully so far he does not have hydrocephalus.  His ventricles measured 6.1 and 6.5 which are still well within the normal limits.  They do expect them to increase as the pregnancy continues.   His cerebellum does show signs of hindbrain herniation and they agreed that his lesion level is at L5.  This is typical with SB.  We are praying this will improve after the surgery.  We also learned that he weighs a whopping 14oz. and is going normally. 

After the ultrasound we went into a little room and from 10:15 until 3:00 we had back to back meetings with 9 different doctors, surgeons and specialist. I mean we barely had a minute or two between each person,  It was really organized and all the doctors came right to us.  The only problem was that we got so hungry that we thought we were going to die.  I finally sent Kev after that "care cart" and that was a godsend. 

We learned so much, got lots of information and many questions answered.  They laid it all out there for us and weighed the very real risks with the possible advantages for choosing to undergo pre-natal surgery.  It was pretty surreal to talk at length with the "world renowned prenatal surgeons."  It was also very humbling to meet the surgeons who will in a few short days be operating on myself as well as our little Eli.  When Dr. Tulipan came in I have to admit I almost cried.  He is a surgeon who has dedicated his life to this surgery and although he was very matter of fact, it was amazing to meet someone whose hands in a few days, would be touching our unborn baby. 

Before we left we gave them our verbal commitment and the surgery is scheduled.  I can't say that I am excited.  I am terrified!  I feel like this is the best decision we can make for our family and most importantly for Eli.  I know when I see his sweet little face, I will want to know that  I tried to do everything I could to give him the best quality of life.  I don't want to have regrets due to my own personal fears or because I'd rather spend the summer at the beach and pool rather than in the bed or couch. 

Many friends have told me that they wanted to know how they can specifically pray for us...so here you go:
1) First of all we have a HUGE PRAISE.  We got a call this afternoon that BCBS (insurance) approved our case and that means that most likely we will pay a much smaller portion than we might have had too.  Instead of $68,000 we will likely only pay around $7,000.   This is a huge answer to prayer.  Especially since just yesterday the same lady thought that it would take about six months of appeals before we'd finally know what we'd be left with.  I really think it is another confirmation from the Lord to proceed. 

2)Pray for Kevin as he finishes his semester of school.  He has several papers and exams to take in the next few weeks. 
3)Pray for our girls as they are going to be out of their element for quite some time.  We have lots of fun things planned for them, but it is hard to have them out of their routine.  Please pray that they will have fun and be easy on my sweet parents. Please pray that they will stay well while we are not near our doctors.
4)Pray for my parents as they step up to the plate and care for our girls.  I know we won't worry about them when they are with them, so it is a huge blessing to us.
5) Please pray for the surgery and the doctors.  Pray that it can go without complications or infection.  Please pray that my body will heal quickly.
6) Please pray for little Eli that he will do fine and tolerate the surgery. 
7) Please pray that I will not go into labor following the surgery.  My goal is to make it to July 12th!!  Please pray that we can get there. 
8)Please pray that Eli might be one of the few kids with SB that does not require a brain shunt.  This would be huge.
9) Please pray that we will be surprised by his functional level as he grows and that one day he will walk!!!

I could go on and on...but I am sure you have enough to work with.  Thank you all for praying for us.