A good day...

As the tidal wave continues to move toward Vanessa and I, we continue to prepare by keeping an open discussion about how we currently feel and share where we are with our emotions.  Well, yesterday was a good day. 

Taking a few steps back in time, after a frustrating encounter of a hiccup from the care team, three weeks ago Fetal Diagnostics suggested that the baby be monitored twice a week to evaluate the baby’s health.  When it was first suggested, we thought we were in for another health problem we were not prepared for.  However, with some pregnancies this is a general evaluation to hear how the baby is doing.  It is quite an amazing test that gathers very useful information in 20 to 40 minutes.  An important piece of the evaluation is the baby’s heart rate, which you can hear the entire examination.  With the stress we continue to endure, this is music to our ears.  Ok, getting to yesterday, Vanessa attended her appoint and with flying colors, the baby past the exam—this is 5 tests out of 5, that baby continues to amaze us.

After hearing whispers from the other room, I am hearing you all want to know the heart rate.  I have recently come to know of that old wives tale of an elevated heart rate of 140 or higher signifies a girl, and lower than that threshold it’s a boy.  During the last 5 tests the heart rate has been 132 – 140.  You be the judge.

On another note, walking Shandy our first born, fur baby, I noticed our neighbors had already hung their Christmas lights.  It’s a lil more than a week away from Thanksgiving and Christmas lights are on display?  For those of you that know me, this is one of my holiday pet peeves, one holiday celebration shouldn’t come before the other—I’ve been called a Scrooge.  During my walk I began to think how this Christmas will be different than your typical annual celebration.  Family at home waking up to an amazingly decorated Christmas tree, watching the 24 hour repetitive spectacle “The Christmas Story,” and sitting around the dinner table honoring each other warmth and laughter. With each step I became more positive in thought.  Though it won’t be what we are accustomed to, WE will have family, and WE will have something to very special to celebrate, the greatest gift of all--Baby Rhoads.  In this midst of this joy, I heard a ringing in the distance, it was what seemed to be hooks supporting a hoisted flag hitting a flag pole.  With my neighbors Christmas lights on display in the distance, this incident quickly reminded me of the book “Polar Express.”  Where the little boy hears the broken bell from Santa’s Sleigh ring; he continues to hear it as he ages because he never stops BELIEVING.  This event summed up our day on a very positive note, we will never stop believing in miracles or in the amazing things that can happen by staying positive.  Working in health care I see patients and their family defy the odds.