The date is set...

After lots of prayer and thought, we have decided to move forward with the in-utero intervention. We feel like this is the best shot that we can give out daughter, and therefore feel like it is the only real option. We know that it is not without risks, as every option in this situation is, so ask that you continue to cover us in prayer. Just knowing that so many people are praying for us has brought an indescribable comfort. We are forever grateful for those who are interceding on our behalf.

I received a phone call from Angel late Thursday night confirming that we (Caroline and I) will be having surgery on December 15th. We will have to check into the hospital on the evening of the 14th, so that they can complete all of the routine pre-op lab work, etc. Then Thursday morning is go-time!

Nervous doesn't even begin to describe what I am feeling. I worry about the surgery itself (I have only ever had a c-section!) and also worry so much about Bryson. We are trying to arrange schedules so that Bryson is taken care of and someone can be with me for the 2+ weeks that I will be in Houston. Not to mention the aftermath of this procedure- I was told that I will not be able to do anything that increases my intra-abdominal pressure- including bending over to pick up laundry! I can't imagine 10 weeks of not being able to do ANYTHING, especially pick up my sweet boy. I am already driving myself crazy just thinking about it! If anyone has any projects that they can recommend (that can be done in a sitting/lying position) let me know!

And on a side note- I just want to mention a little bit of a breakthrough that I have had in the past few days. We have been so focused on this huge issue at hand. Focused on words like disability and shunt and brain surgery and wheelchair. These are pretty scary words, especially when they all get thrown at you at once. But, in the past few days I have been hit with the fact that we are having a daughter. And daughter is the most important word of all.

I was watching Bryson in the bathtub wondering what bath time will look like for Caroline. Will she be able to sit up, splash around, and slide back and forth like Bryson does? No one knows the answer to those questions, but what I do know is that she will be a little girl who likes to splash in the water just like her big brother. If she has half the personality of Bryson I know that we will wonder what we ever did without her. 

So, I have to believe (and cling to the hope that) all of those scary words will become our norm, while Caroline lights up our lives every day.

I cannot wait to hold this sweet girl (but will be focused on keeping her in the womb until at least 34 weeks!). We love her so much already.