Pyelectasis

My little brother (who isn't so little, he's 18!) is a Downs kid and because that runs in my family, we decided to see a genetic counselor. I wanted to do the prenatal screening program, which includes blood work and a nuchal translucency ultrasound at around 13 weeks. From the screening, the results looked really good: 1/31,000 chance of Down syndrome. Negative for anencephaly, open spina bifida and abdominal wall defects. Waiting for these results were a tad scary because I see babies/kids at work with these defects everyday. 

At 19 weeks, I had the big ultrasound where they look at the entire anatomy of the baby. But I had a crappy technologist who didn't talk to me as she scanned. "Let me get all the information and pictures I need for the doctor first. Then I will show you pictures of the baby." I laid there for half an hour as she scanned me in silence, with the screen facing away from me. 

It was not until I met with the genetic counselor 3 weeks after did I get to see a better look at what images the US tech took. Everything looked normal EXCEPT for baby James' right kidney. The dilation of the renal pelvis measured higher than normal which is considered pyelectasis. What is pyelectasis? "In 2-3% of all pregnancies, urine, made by the kidneys, does not drain into the bladder as it normally does. Pyelectasis occurs more frequently in boys than girls." Pyelectasis may also be associated with an increased risk for Down Syndrome, which is why the genetic counselor called me in to for a talk. She reassured me that based on my results from the screening and my age, I shouldn't worry about Down Syndrome. That the pyelectasis  is a very small marker. Even the nurse practitioner I met for the monthly checkups didn't appear worried about his kidney. 

What happens next? In most cases, the measurement of the fluid level in the kidney goes down. "He will grow into it." But I have to get a follow up ultrasound at 28 weeks to check the size of James' renal pelvis. 

What if the pyelectasis does not resolve at the next ultrasound? "In 10-27% of cases the fluid level in the kidney increased to 1 cm or greater, indicates hydronephrosis. Which means there is a dilation of the kidney because the urine is not draining properly. 

Pray for us, that James' kidney is normal! My 28 week ultrasound is the 2nd week of January, which seems so far away!

After all of this medical jargon, here is the latest picture of James growing!:

25 weeks!

Next post: My DIY projects. Decorating the baby room! Possibly new scrapbook pages.

It's a Boy!

So, this post really isn't in chronological order.  It's in the random order as it pops out of my head.  In the past 2 ultrasounds we have been told the baby is a boy.  My family is super ecstatic about that.  With the happiness, also come with pick out a boy's name.  The issue with a boy's name is that it has to be carefully chosen.  Michelle and I have agreed to some way have one of our names in the child's name.  And the name we chose is.....  James Dean Chen.  There's a few reasons behind the name other then the reason I mentioned.  Those of you that know me knows that I'm a gear head through and through and I love motorsports.  What better name to choose that also incorporates my name then that of a motorsports legend.  Yeah, James Dean was in a few movies that I care not to remember, but also besides the point, it's a freaking B-A (James, when you get older, you'll understand what B-A means) name because he has a B-A dad!

Laying Foundations

A lot has happened within the few week in regards to our living situation.  Both Michelle and I understood that our 1 bedroom apartment just didn't offer the size that we needed for our growing family.  So, the hunt began for a new domicile that has the space for our incoming +1.  We found a beautiful newly constructed 2 bed/2.5 bath condo that was in our price range and we snatched it up.

I figured it would be easier to do a multi-day move-in.  While it would be more tiring on me, I figured it would be easier on Michelle and James.  Day 1 consisted mostly of small and loose items.  Things that Michelle could help move, and organize immediately.  Day 2 was heavy lifting day.  I had enlisted the assistance of my friends (thanks Alex, Jose, Graeme, and Eric!) and we had all of the furniture moved.  Now we're pretty much settled in and I've begun some work on the nursery.

I had my old 32" TV just sitting around, so I figured I might as well wall mount it in the nursery as I figured much of our time will be spent in there after James is born.  We still need to get a dresser, and we're getting a Pack and Play from a friend of ours.  Also much of my family are donating "used" baby items to us.  When I say used, I mean we didn't buy it new, but much of it was never used.  So, we have a bunch of baby clothes, a like-new infant car seat, and some other little knickknacks.  We also got advise from family members as for items that we shouldn't waste our money on as well.  So, as far as laying down a good living foundation, I think I'm on the right track, however I didn't expect this track to come with this much lower back pain.

Growing!

The jeans no longer button. Most of my tops are like midriffs. My hospital scrubs are snuggier and everyone at work are now noticing! The downside isn't the new wardrobe, but the fact I can no longer sleep on back. I constantly switch from side to side and I feel like I never really get a good night's sleep. Also, le bebe and the growing uterus it lives in, sometimes hits the sciatic nerve. Pain strikes my lower back that radiates down my upper thigh. Le bebe is kicking my butt and messing up my sleep pattern already!

The differences between 14weeks and 19weeks!:

Scrapbook

The last month have been rough on me. Anything that I do when I am awake makes me nauseated. Driving, being a passenger in a car, walking down stairs, riding elevators, strong odors, everything! I have tried everything to remedy it - gingersnaps, ginger tea, crackers and the sea-band. Because of the "morning sickness," I get so exhausted from trying not to vomit. I sleep at 9pm, take a nap during my lunch break and after work. I really do hope that the books are correct, that this will all subside by the 2nd trimester, but that's a month away!

At my beloved Michael's, I was shopping around for paper to make a wedding gift card. At the store there was large section of scrapbooks for only $5! That means, I can start scrapbooking my pregnancy.

Here's the first (and only one so far) page:

Next doctor appointment with the 12 week ultrasound is September 14th!
12 week fetus = size of a lime. 0_0

Our Little Peanut

Today, marks the first ultrasound! The embryo is measuring 1.06cm and I am 7 weeks pregnant. My estimated due date is April 3rd, 2012!

It was amazing to see a little heartbeat already and to actually see it exist! "At 7 weeks the baby is now about the size of a blueberry. Most of that growth is concentrated in the head as new brain cells are generated at the rate of 100 per minute. Your baby's mouth and tongue are forming as arm and leg buds sprout." When I sent this picture to Dean in a text message, he replies back with "I have such a big smile right now."

Want to see what a 7 week embryo looks like?
Crazy!



Hi little peanut! :)

The Downside of Being Preggers

This "morning sickness" is no joke! That feeling where you want to throw up lasts for about an hour. And it doesn't just happen in the morning. I can't eat large meals or I get too queasy. No more delicious buffets!

I have to remind myself --- This is all worth it. <3

definitely, maybe

If you haven't watched the movie, it's about father (the hot Ryan Reynolds) telling his smart 10 year old daughter (Abigail Breslin) about his past relationships.

[Courtesy of IMDb.com]

During the movie, the daughter tells his father, "Dad, I can't believe you smoked... and drank... and was such a slut... But I still love you." Dean looks up to me and says...

"Okay, maybe I do want a daughter first."

Declaration of Pregnancy

"A declared pregnant worker is defined in 10 CFR 20.1003 as a woman who has voluntarily informed her employer in writing, of her pregnancy and the estimated date of conception. If you choose to declare your pregnancy, you may be monitored to ensure that the regulatory exposure limits for declared pregnant workers are not exceeded."

If I had a desk job, I don't have to declare my employer my pregnancy. And if I do, I wouldn't have to say anything until my second trimester. But my job isn't a desk job. My occupation is to x-ray patients at the hospital and most of the time there is only distance that separates me and the patient. I help lift patients and I am exposed to those who are contact and/or droplet precautions. More than half of the patients are on life support with who-knows-what disease(s). That means I have to let my employer know ASAP.

"I understand the radiation dose to my embryo/fetus during my entire pregnancy will not be allowed to exceed 500 mrem. I also understand that meeting the lower dose limit may require a change in job or job responsibilities during my pregnancy."

I was nervous telling someone who is not a close friend or a family member, about my situation. This morning, I asked my boss if I could speak to him in private. After my announcement, I started tearing up, making me an emotional wreck. I blame it on those crazy hormones! But he was happy for me and said he will take of the paperwork.

There are still questions and answers that need to be discussed.
--Where will I continue to work in the future? I won't be able/comfortable doing portable and fluoroscopy exams.
--When is it a good time to schedule doctor appointments? Leave early for an afternoon appointment?
--Will I still be working weekends?

Appointed and Anointed

Michelle decided to come with me to my church this morning, and to be honest, I was happy that she came with. Michelle has always gone to church as a Catholic and I've been going to different Christian churches since late grade-school age. Bringing God into our lives at this point in time will probably serve to be more important then ever, now that we have a growing family. I want my future child to know who God is and how important he is in all aspects of life.

To date, I do believe that God has spoken a prophetic word to not just us as a couple, but to others very close to us. The fact that Michelle had a dream about a daughter and then having a positive pregnancy test is not exactly a coincidence. Also with some of those that are close to us knowing without really us provoking much (if any at all) had a hunch or feeling is also something that comes to mind. In science, coincidence is not an allowable conclusion. Different actions that lead to the same results have to lead to a power higher then what we have here on earth. And if the fact that my future child will be a girl, it will further lead me to believe that God was speaking a prophetic word to many people for us.

"God has appointed us as parents to change the world through our child." This is the quote from Pastor Lawrence Huey, and this is the quote that Michelle ended up jotting down in my Blackberry. So, I know this has to be important. This message must have touched Michelle in some way for her to jot this down. All children change the world we live in some facet, shape, form, or something. It is my hope that my actions as a parent will guide my future child to change the world that they are connected in for the positive.

So, getting back around to what I said earlier. At lunch after church, Michelle and I were having a short little discussion. I know that Michelle doesn't exactly feel totally comfortable at my church as it is very strange looking into the actions from an outside eye. However if this leads to growth in spiritual faith and growth in not only Michelle, but also the to-be child, I'm all for it. Michelle states that the positive environment of church will be good for the pregnancy and for our future kid. I'm all for this and I'm more then elated that Michelle is more then willing to not only start coming with me more often, but I know in doing so, her faith will grow along with what's growing within her. =)

When we found out!

The weekend before we found out, I had a dream. I was with a 10 year old girl with long black straight hair and bangs. I was telling someone to wake up Dean. When he joined us I said, "Your daughter wants to talk to you." Then I woke up and it's 4am.

I took a test.
Waited.
Negative.
Damn.

On the day I was suppose to "start," according to the calendar, I decided, "What the hell, I'll take another test just to see." As I was waiting, I was thinking, "It's probably negative."

On the test, there is a faint "+" sign where there is usually a "-". All I could do was smile.

After I was done with my business, I tell Dean to go into the bathroom. He was confused of course, but what laid on the counter was a positive test.

"Michelle! Really?! Is that a positive? Really? Really! REALLY!" As he's hopping like a little kid coming out of the bathroom. I then tell Dean to buy another test, a digital one, at the nearby drugstore just to be extra sure.

Take the digital test, and it reads:

That's when we both start calling friends and family to share our wonderful news!

Sharing

This moment in our lives has been long awaited. We would love to share our stories and experiences with close friends and family. For the future, Michelle can copy these blog posts and put them in a special scrapbook to share with our future.

Love,
D&M

P.S. This blog only invites close friends and family at first. Probably in 2 months, we will share the good news with the rest of the world!