In May 2008 we had our first ultrasound (I was 20 weeks pregnant). Billy, the three girls and I eagerly awaited as the tech put the cool jelly on my tummy. She rolled the probe around and began to take measurements, first the head, the spine, and onto the limbs. “Were you wanting to know the sex of the baby?” she asked. “Of course!” I answered. “ You have yourself a little boy in in there!” the tech replied. “Really? Are you sure? I did not know we knew how to make one of those.” I said looking at Billy grinning from ear to ear. The girls were excited to hear the news of finally having a little brother. Alas, our news was followed by silence from the tech. She kept peering at the screen. Then she excused herself to get the doctor. (Now for all of you who have had babies know that this is NOT a good sign).
The doc came in and continued to move the probe around my tummy and finally after what seemed like an eternity pointed out the “dark hole” in the center of our baby. I held the lump down in my throat as she went on to explain that he had an enlarged kidney and would need to do an amino.
We were told that it could be several things and that we really would not have any for sure answers until after he was born. The amino came back negative for genetic defects and a list of other possible abnormalities. So we waited. D day came on October 9, 2008. He had his first ultrasound at 1 day old followed by a VCUG. This showed he had reflux. We were referred to a pediatric urologist and met with him at 3 weeks. Over the next several months we had more ultrasounds, check ups and finally a renal scan. This showed he had a blockage and has led us up to where we are today.
Check in time was at 7:30 at the Phoenix Children’s Hospital. Billy dropped off Prestton and I at the main entrance and went to park the car. I held my little boy tightly as we went through the big glass double doors. I signed in and was directed to admitting. Walking into the waiting area I was greeted by the many faces of children and their families all waiting their turn to be called back. Still trying to hold back my tears, I filled out all the insurance paper work, signed all the policy papers and handed the receptionist my Visa card.
Billy, my dad, Prestton and I waited for the nurse to call us back. After a short wait, Nurse Megan came to get us. She weighed Prestton (16 lb. 7 oz!!!), took his blood pressure, and height. His pre-op room was tiny with a itty bitty crib hospital bed. Prestton was in good spirits considering he had not eaten since 7:30 the night before. He played with his toys, watched some Baby Einstein and mommy read him books. He finally gave into sleep just as Nurse Patty came to take us back to the O.R.
And now we are waiting... It is amazing how long it seems when your baby is away from you. All these months of wondering what would happen, is he o.k., the medications, test, etc. That was a piece of cake. I know in my heart and soul he will be fine, but that does not keep the tears from spilling over, or the tightness in my throat and stomach go away. Just a couple of more hours to go...
I sincerely appreciate all the prayers, phone calls and text. We are so lucky to have such a wonderful family and amazing set of friends. We will let you know ASAP how our trooper is doing! OXOX to all.
