December 24th, 2009

We had another visit at U of M today. They did an ultra-sound of baby up in OB that showed her to be weighing around 2.5 pounds! She is gaining weight and growing at a rapid pace, and so is her mother! We then did a full fetal-echo cardiogram with the Pediatric Cardiologist. He said there was noticeable growth of the baby's left ventricle and she has developed even more since the last cardiogram. The doctor was hopeful that the left side will develop even more before birth, making her recovery even easier. The surgeries will still be necessary, but the more developed her left ventricle the better! We are praying for her heart to grow stronger each day! In regards to the baby's health, everything else looks wonderful! We are so excited to see her and will be induced two weeks before the given due date. Baby Rule should be arriving around March 8th! Keep us in your prayers.

Grandma Gilroy told us on Christmas that the Lord can not bless us with what we neglect to ask him for. So we are praying that this baby will be strong and healthy and heal as she grows each day! We are also praying for strength from the Lord during her birth, surgeries, and healing!

The kids have been talking about what the baby's name will be and the votes are in. Little Eric likes Riley (and so do I - good Irish name!), Madeleine likes Samantha (nicknaming her Sam)....we shall see!!!!

Visit to U of M

Today we had extensive appointments at U of M Hospital. We started in Genetic Counseling and Ultrasound, which ruled out any chromosome abnormalities. She was diagnosed with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome and no other complications. We also had a fetal ecocardiogram which was a full exam of baby's heart. The good news is that the doctors found some blood flow to the left side of the heart, which creates less stress on the right side of the heart. Baby Rule will still need surgery shortly after birth and will be in the hospital for a minimum of 3 to 4 weeks.

We were very pleased with everyone at U of M and felt very comfortable in their care. Baby will be born at U of M most likely on her due date, March 22nd.

Dr. visit

Tomorrow we go to U of M for cardiac counseling, ultrasound, etc... We are looking forward to learning as much as we can! Thank God U of M is soooo close!

On November 4th, 2009 we had an ultrasound for Baby Rule and found out she is a girl! We also became aware that she has a rare heart condition called Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome. This was confirmed after a second ultrasound with the Prenatal Cardiologist at Sparrow the following day. This condition simply put means that the left side of her heart did not develop fully enough to support blood flow. She will need three surgeries after birth, in addition to multiple heart catheterizations. The pregnancy will continue as normal, however, the trouble for baby begins at birth once she is living on her own. After her first few days of life she will undergo her first surgery, the Norwood Surgery. This seems to be the largest hurdle she will have! She will endure two more surgeries, one more at 6 months, and another at a year and a half. Baby Rule will be born at U of M hospital and will receive all her care there.

We are hopeful God has a plan for her and will hold her in the palm of his hand!

20 week ultrasound