Thoughts...

This post is going to be one of few that will go against the grain here, it's not about Chiari.  I have some thoughts in my head tonight that I have to get out before I can sleep, and I figured this was the best place for now.
This pregnancy has been different than my first for many reasons.  Mostly you hear that it's because of the nausea and sickness I'm experiencing this time, but that's not all.  Last time around I sat waiting each month (thankfully not for too many), pregnancy tests in hand, to see if it was our time to be blessed with a little miracle.  I was ready, waiting, and welcoming all that was to come, the good and the not-so-great.  This time it snuck up on us, and was here whether we were ready for baby or not.  I think that's why, even though I'm constantly reminded of it with how I feel every day, it still hadn't seemed real to me, until today. 
Today I was motivated to put on make-up and flat iron my hair for the first time since October 7th (yes nearly 2 months), put on clothes that are not sweats or yoga pants, and head out to lunch with a good friend.  Thankfully those clothes still fit, though unfortunate that it's because of the way I've been feeling, but they couldn't hide the precious bump that has once again become a part of me.  I don't know if it's been there for a bit, hiding under the t-shirts, or if it just popped out today for the special occasion, but I'm glad it did.  It really does seem real now, and maybe, just maybe, it'll help me get through the not-so-great days yet to come...

Dear Baby,
We're going to have some rough days ahead little one, but please know that everything we're doing we truly feel is in your, and our family's best interest.  Just hang in there with us and be strong, I promise you, the best is yet to come :)
All my love,
Mommy

Pre-op scheduled..

Last Tuesday I met with Dr. Bronec, my neurosurgeon, in Durham for an update.  I thought I would see the PA, but nope!  He just wanted to meet with me one last time before pre-op, run all of the hands-on tests to see if anything had changed, discuss surgery, communication with my OB, and make all of our questions have been answered. 
My pre-op is scheduled for December 17th.  I'll be in Durham that day to sign paperwork at the office, then head to the hospital for blood work, etc., and possibly a chest x-ray as a precaution for the anesthesiologist.  We of course want to avoid x-rays with the pregnancy, but it may be a good idea since I do have slight asthma. 
I'm considering creating a caring bridge-type website at the request of a few local friends who want to provide food after surgery so I will keep you posted on that, once I have a chance to check it out! 
I'm really looking forward to having my parents and Ginger here in less than a month, but disappointed at the same time because I'm going to get to spend so little time with them. Ginger is my baby, I found her when I was in college at AU/LC being neglected by a breeder, it's hard to believe she's been with my parents for almost 10 years now.  I've always wanted to have her down here but didn't think it would ever happen.  She can't handle staying at even the best kennel, it's far too much stress for her at nearly 11 years old with her extreme attachment to my Mom, and the neighbor boy who usually watches her at the house will be away for Christmas, so she gets to come along :)  I can't wait to see how Tuff, Tini, and Logan react!  I'm really going to hate being at the hospital away from everyone here at home, but thankfully Kevin will be there with me the whole time...lucky him ;) 
XO

Been a few weeks..

Nothing major to update, just figured I would post something since it's been a few weeks.  I met with my OB last week so she could fill me in on her discussion with the high risk OB who had previously been out of the country.  He agreed that it isn't necessary to have an MFM present at my surgery since nothing could be done if the baby did go into distress.  Unfortunately at 16 weeks, it's not like a viable baby could be delivered.  Personally I would rather my neurosurgeon didn't know if that was happening so it didn't effect the job he's there to do.  He did agree though that we have the surgery scheduled for the best possible time, 16 weeks, which still amazes me since it was the time frame we chose before we even knew we were pregnant.  She also gave me a quick 11 week ultrasound, quite a change from 8 weeks!  We saw a great profile shot along with a distinct head, body, legs, and feet.  Also a rapid heartbeat of 162, up from 150 at 8 weeks.  We should be able to find out gender at our 18 week appointment in early January!
I have an appointment at the neuro clinic on Tuesday, I think just to see the PA and make sure nothing has changed very much and see how I'm doing.  Hopefully we'll schedule my pre-op appointment at that time.  Very grateful for my friends and neighbors who will be keeping Logan for me, as long as all of the kiddos stay healthy!
This pregnancy continues to be difficult, taking Phenergan at night and Zofran during they day for the persistent nausea.
I'd like to say thank you to Pete Dal Bello, the president of the International Chiari Association for featuring my story on their website last week. Also, thanks to Jess from the Chiari USA Facebook page for her efforts and concern.  It is all very much appreciated!
Thanks to everyone for your continued love and support, XO :)