
Piper is now officially 27 weeks. Two more weeks older than what we were facing when our lives were turned upside-down on March 23rd. Thank you again for all of your prayers, support and concerns. We’re still taking all of this a day at a time, and even though the boys and I have found a new daily routine, it’s not easy not having mom around.
Ashlie had a much anticipated ultrasound this week. We have been craving new information on Piper’s development ever since the doctors said, “We’ll check again in two weeks.” Here is what we learned:
Piper is still growing. She is only in the 10th percentile in size, however she has measured there consistently. Our doctor says she has little concern and she thinks Piper is just a small baby. Her estimated weight is 1lb 14 oz. They will however keep an eye on her size.
Ashlie’s AFI (Amniotic Fluid Index) is actually up to 15. She had measured as low as 12.5 last week. When her water broke last month, she initially measured at 18, but that number has fallen ever since. To see the number bump up a little is encouraging. A higher AFI (a good level is between 12-18) is likely to help reduce the risk for infection and provide more room for Piper to move. Piper is also no longer in breech position. She had been breech since her last ultrasound and this was especially concerning since delivery would be more difficult and dangerous if Ashlie were to labor early.
All of this is very encouraging to us and we remain cautiously optimistic. Last week we were quite discouraged with a dropping AFI, and with Piper measuring small and breech. Even though this report is better than the last, we have to remember that she is still at very high risk for early labor, and it could very well happen any day. At least we know that if that were to happen today, the outlook is as good as it has been since this all started.
Thank you all for holding our hands through this. Being lonely is something we have definitely not felt. Your continued prayers are appreciated as we theoretically still have 7 weeks of 24 hour hospitalized bed-rest to go. We keep reminding ourselves that this is just a short season of our family’s story. We remain faithful that after this is all over, we will still end up being the same family of which we've been dreaming. Next Easter there will be a little girl in this picture.
God is good. He is not surprised by any of this.
-Cody