Jacob has always been so active and full of energy, kicking away all of the time. There has not been a dull moment in this pregnancy and the journey to Philly to save his life was no different. Jacob will hear many stories about his entrance to this world including us driving through a blizzard to get him there.
We left Friday 2/26 knowing there was a major storm in the North East but we hoped we would be behind the storm and would have a clear path. We only made it 2 and a half hours into the trip before hitting the mountains of WV and running into the snow. The mountains had a blizzard warning and the closer we got to Morgantown the worse the roads were and the more snow we had. There were strong wind gusts as well which made it even harder to drive. Cars were wrecking all over the place. Andy saw one truck that had hit the wires in the center of the highway and was trying to get back on the road while dragging its side on the ground beside him. The roads were very slick and the next Interstate we were supposed to take was shut down due to a 30 car pile up. We couldn't go any further so stayed the night in Fairmont. Once we were there the snow started really coming down and didn't stop all night.
The next day we were grateful that the interstate looked clear but once we got to I-68 it was another story. It looked like it was never plowed. Cars were in ditches and the road was completely covered. It was an hour of driving 40mph and praying we wouldnt have to use our brakes because we did not want to end up in the ditch like so many others. Thank God once we crossed into Maryland the roads were much better and we actually got to see the sun for the rest of the trip.
So Aidan and I are now at my sister's house right outside of the city. I feel better knowing that if I go into labor I will be close to the hospital but it was so hard to say goodbye to my husband this morning. He took a plane home so we could keep the car. He will come back when I am scheduled to have my c-section (I should find out on Tues.).
I of course am full of emotions. I miss my husband and am so sad for my son who misses his daddy but I know its only temporary. I am also afraid because this begins our difficult journey to save Jacob. I wish we could all be together but it is important that my husband saves his time off for when Jacob has his surgery. As hard as the next few months/years will be I also know that it will all be worth it to have Jacob with us. I pray his surgery goes well and we are all home together sooner rather than later. I wish Jacob didn't have to endure this but I also am excited to finally meet the little boy that has been kicking me all these months.
I will update on Tuesday after my next appt. at C.H.O.P. Until then thank you always for all of the thoughts and prayers for baby Jacob.
Jacob, I can't wait to meet you. Keep getting big and strong. We love you so very much.
Love, Mommy
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Getting Close
Today it really sunk in how close I am to having Jacob. Instead of the usual "Your still up high and closed" I was told that my wall was softening and I am showing signs my body is getting ready.
They did an ultrasound and Jacob's measurements show him to weigh about 5 pounds which is great. I am 33 and a half weeks pregnant but he has consistantly been measuring a week ahead. We want him to be as big as possible so thats good news.
Jacob is also already in position, head down. He is what they call "Sunny Side Up" so its good I am having a csection because labor tends to be harder and more painful when they are facing that way.
So Jacob is in position, I am starting to show signs that my body is getting ready. YIKES, its coming quick.
The only thing that I was not happy about was that the urine culture showed that I may have a urinary tract infection. I havent felt like I do but they want me on an antibiotic just in case. I hate being on ANY medication but I guess its better safe than sorry.
I am also nervous that I am showing signs of being ready and am so far from the hospital. They did not seem concerned and said it was normal for as far along as I am. Its just hard knowing I am 8 hours from where I need to be to have this baby. I am supposed to go on 2/27 to relocate, I will breath so much easier once closer to the hospital. Until then I plan on keeping my feet up as much as possible and doing NOTHING. They think they will do the csection at 37 weeks so I don't go into labor on my own. Aidan came at 37 and a half weeks, he always measured a week ahead as well. I will know for sure after my appt. with the OB staff in Philly on March 5th.
Jacob might be here in less than 4 weeks! I love you Jacob, continue to get big and strong!!!
Thank you for the continued prayers and support, I can not express in words how much it means to our family to have so many people praying for our little boy!
They did an ultrasound and Jacob's measurements show him to weigh about 5 pounds which is great. I am 33 and a half weeks pregnant but he has consistantly been measuring a week ahead. We want him to be as big as possible so thats good news.
Jacob is also already in position, head down. He is what they call "Sunny Side Up" so its good I am having a csection because labor tends to be harder and more painful when they are facing that way.
So Jacob is in position, I am starting to show signs that my body is getting ready. YIKES, its coming quick.
The only thing that I was not happy about was that the urine culture showed that I may have a urinary tract infection. I havent felt like I do but they want me on an antibiotic just in case. I hate being on ANY medication but I guess its better safe than sorry.
I am also nervous that I am showing signs of being ready and am so far from the hospital. They did not seem concerned and said it was normal for as far along as I am. Its just hard knowing I am 8 hours from where I need to be to have this baby. I am supposed to go on 2/27 to relocate, I will breath so much easier once closer to the hospital. Until then I plan on keeping my feet up as much as possible and doing NOTHING. They think they will do the csection at 37 weeks so I don't go into labor on my own. Aidan came at 37 and a half weeks, he always measured a week ahead as well. I will know for sure after my appt. with the OB staff in Philly on March 5th.
Jacob might be here in less than 4 weeks! I love you Jacob, continue to get big and strong!!!
Thank you for the continued prayers and support, I can not express in words how much it means to our family to have so many people praying for our little boy!
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Jacob is already making a difference!
The Charleston Daily Mail and WSAZ Channel 3 each did a piece on Jacob's story and CHD awareness. Jacob is not even born yet but is already making a difference.
Some families ask how they can contact us to tell us their CHD story. You may email me at thebakertrio@gmail.com
Thank you everyone for all of the support and prayers.
Charleston Daily Mail Story
WSAZ Story
Some families ask how they can contact us to tell us their CHD story. You may email me at thebakertrio@gmail.com
Thank you everyone for all of the support and prayers.
Charleston Daily Mail Story
WSAZ Story
Sunday, February 7, 2010
CHD Awareness Week Feb 7th through 14th
It is the first day of Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week. I wanted to share some video's about HLHS and what these brave kids go through to survive. They go through more in their first few years of life than we do in a lifetime.
1 in 100 babies have a CHD. That is around 40,000/year. Of those 40,000, 4,000 will not live to see their first birthday. I pray that more awareness leads to more funding for research for these amazing kids. Jacob is 1 in 100 and I am so proud to be his mom and his voice.
Thank you for helping support CHD Awareness and for all of the prayers for Jacob. Please also keep all of the other amazing heart babies in your prayers. Ruthie is awaiting a new heart, Lorenzo is going on his 4th week in the hospital for a leaky valve, Derrick just had his stage 2 surgery and is doing great and Cameron is getting ready for his second stage surgery and also dealing with a clot/absess from a cath procedure. And pray for all of the other families who are fighting this battle.
Warning: These video's may be hard to watch, but these stories need to be told in order to spread awareness. We NEED more research for CHD so that we can help these babies. There is no cure for CHD but there is hope...
Children's Heart Foundation Commercial
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5gUVsYBEWw8
A window into our world:
Please help...
One Fight
Story of Derrick Carter's journey with CHD. He is such an amazing little boy who has had his first two surgeries and always has a smile on his face. He gives our family so much hope!
Derrick's Story
A story of beating the odds and what hope, prayer and love can do:
http://apps.facebook.com/joshwilson/
This is the struggle that every HLHS child goes through.
1 in 100 babies have a CHD. That is around 40,000/year. Of those 40,000, 4,000 will not live to see their first birthday. I pray that more awareness leads to more funding for research for these amazing kids. Jacob is 1 in 100 and I am so proud to be his mom and his voice.
Thank you for helping support CHD Awareness and for all of the prayers for Jacob. Please also keep all of the other amazing heart babies in your prayers. Ruthie is awaiting a new heart, Lorenzo is going on his 4th week in the hospital for a leaky valve, Derrick just had his stage 2 surgery and is doing great and Cameron is getting ready for his second stage surgery and also dealing with a clot/absess from a cath procedure. And pray for all of the other families who are fighting this battle.
Warning: These video's may be hard to watch, but these stories need to be told in order to spread awareness. We NEED more research for CHD so that we can help these babies. There is no cure for CHD but there is hope...
Children's Heart Foundation Commercial
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5gUVsYBEWw8
A window into our world:
Please help...
One Fight
Story of Derrick Carter's journey with CHD. He is such an amazing little boy who has had his first two surgeries and always has a smile on his face. He gives our family so much hope!
Derrick's Story
A story of beating the odds and what hope, prayer and love can do:
http://apps.facebook.com/joshwilson/
This is the struggle that every HLHS child goes through.
www.youtube.com
The video is for educational purposes only. It is licensed and may not be used for any other purposes other than spreading CHD Awareness.
CHD Awareness Montage
Made by Lauren Celeskey, a 22yr. old CHD Survivor with Tricuspid Atresia aka HRHS.
View Video
Video by Samantha Lee Billings- Awareness for CHD babies
http://www.onetruemedia.com/shared?p=a4a5a2ebc034750cf7626a&skin_id=601
Cora's Story
This is why Pulse Ox testing should be mandatory before newborns are sent home. It is a simple test that could save so many lives. Let Cora's story make a difference. Ask for the test.
Watch Cora's Story
CHD Awareness Montage
Made by Lauren Celeskey, a 22yr. old CHD Survivor with Tricuspid Atresia aka HRHS.
View Video
Video by Samantha Lee Billings- Awareness for CHD babies
http://www.onetruemedia.com/shared?p=a4a5a2ebc034750cf7626a&skin_id=601
Cora's Story
This is why Pulse Ox testing should be mandatory before newborns are sent home. It is a simple test that could save so many lives. Let Cora's story make a difference. Ask for the test.
Watch Cora's Story
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