our follow up ultrasound

Today we went in to have another ultrasound of our baby and see if we could get some more pictures. This ultrasound was done with a doctor who could tell us what we were seeing as our baby's pic came up on the screen. We're not sure after our appointments today if we have more conclusive answers, but we do have more information.

This ultrasound was done to find the baby's nasal bone and they found one, but it is on the small side (we're thinking he may not have the Knibbe or Van Grouw signature nose). The other thing they discovered was that his left kidney is slightly (in the normal range but high) bigger. So after learning this we met with a genetic counselor to go over family history, the results of a blood test, and the ultrasound. Our family history for chromosomal problems is non-existent. My blood test (AFP) was good, indicating low risk factors. Then there is the kidney and the small nasal bone, what they call markers that could indicate a chromosomal issue. So we were offered an amnio test today, which we declined to have today. We will for sure have another follow up ultrasound to check the kidney and see if it gets bigger.

We haven't been able to talk with our mid-wife, who left a message for us indicating she thought the ultrasound was good. We are trying to decide if we are going to have an amnio done (this is a diagnostic test that would determine clearly whether there are any chromosome issues with the baby). We're not sure that we heard medical advice to have it done or just a suggestion that we could have it because they need to tell us it's an option.

We are going to talk with our midwife to clarify some things and then make a decision. So those are the facts, I haven't really gone in to how we are feeling emotionally. Ryan and I are both tired tonight, emotionally drained. Sometimes I'll start crying if I talk about it and other times I feel an overwhelming peace. So it's an emtional roller coaster. We'd ask that you join with us in praying for our baby's health and wisdom in the next steps we take. We trust that God is knitting together our little guy. Pregnancy is always a faith journey and we are learning once again to trust God with our whole hearts.

We'll keep you updated with what's next.