Baffled

Neriyah had two tests this week and we are once again filled with thanksgiving for each of you that have offered prayers for her health.

The first was a second ultrasound on her kidney's. The results came back showing that she still has an enlarged left kidney (hydronephrosis...swelling of kidney due to backup of urine). The doctor's are not sure what is causing the enlargement as her output (peeing) has been great. They will perform another test called a voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) where they will basically insert a catheter, dye, and use an x-ray to watch her empty her bladder. There does not seem to be great urgency for this test and we may have it done when she is an outpatient at a children's hospital that specializes in pediatric nephrology (kidneys). The neonatologist was encouraged that although her left kidney is enlarged that it has not grown larger since her birth.

Her second big test was a full-brain MRI. I mentioned feeling a bit unsettled about this one. In talking with my cousin, she asked "are you worried that after getting so many good reports that this one might come back with something?"...I think she hit my fear...that this might be the test that showed what all the doctors have been looking for...something...anything...to explain why my daughter had a two-vessel umbilical cord, a flattened nasal bridge, and high amniotic fluid.

The preliminary results came back...all of her brain structures are intact and look great! The only minor showings were two subdural hematomas. Both were very small and are not causing any pressure on the brain. The Neonatologist believes that they were likely caused during delivery and that the blood will reabsorb in time. This doc...like all that have examined her are so incredibly baffled as to why they cannot find "what is wrong with her"...All I know is that there have been a great number of people praying on her behalf and if there was something "wrong" we may never fully know...but we trust that we have a God that heals beyond our imaginations and has the ability to leave the "concrete, scientific community" scratching their heads.

Today was a great feeding experience. I was able to put her to breast for some practice and then fed her nearly an entire bottle (about 40 cc's) even while she was sleepy from the meds they used prior to the MRI! She is weighing in at about 4 lbs. 12 ounces...only a few ounces until she makes the 5 lb. club...which is about the range that they send babes home. She will also need to consistently feed vs. being gavaged...so we'd still love your prayers that this takes off in the next week.

Stay warm and drive safe MN friends! We hear the snow is on its way.

God's Peace,

The Kings