22 Weeks and Counting

My friends, Jim and Cheryl, took some pictures of me and the kids on Saturday, July 26th since I've been negligent on taking pictures this pregnancy.

I saw my doctor today (almost 22 weeks along) and she said that everything is going terrific with my pregnancy now. She had me do one blood test today to check for an issue with my liver that may be nothing at all. She said that I'm doing well and that the baby is doing great. My blood pressure was perfect today - of course I went to the appointment alone and didn't have to rush my family who would rather be sleeping off to an early morning appointment they would rather miss. Rick would like to be at every appointment, but he'd like to be beamed there without having to get out of bed. So I will be going to my future appointments alone unless there is some reason I need someone else to drive.

Thank you all for your ongoing prayers for me and the baby!

August 1 Update - I received an email from the lab with my results for the liver function tests and some of them are elevated. Then a while later I got an email from my doctor's office saying that the doctor reviewed my results and needs me to repeat the test at my next appointment and that the orders are in the system already. My guess is that they want to make sure the levels don't increase in the next month. The doctor said she wanted to do a test for Cholestasis of Pregnancy when I mentioned that I was experiencing itching all over my body. I thought that it might be from a combination of sun screen, chlorine and dry skin, but she just wants to be sure.

Daniel's Journey

Daniel and his mom in 1997

As mentioned in a previous entry, Daniel's mom, Laura sang Bring the Rain on January 27th as a testimony to God while a video of Daniel's journey thus far played in the background. I tried to load the video here, but it didn't work for some reason, so I will use the pictures instead.

Daniel and his dad in 1997


Daniel was born prematurely on Sunday, July 6, 1997 at 22 weeks gestation because there was a tear in the amniotic sac. The sac dropped into the birth canal and since his mother was diagnosed with Group B Strep Daniel had to be delivered early to prevent infection in both mother and baby. He was in NICU for four months in Washington DC.

Daniel in NICU 1997


"For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from You when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, Your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be." ~ Psalm 139:13-16

Daniel 10 weeks after birth - September 15, 1997



Because Daniel was born so early he suffers with several disabilities. He was diagnosed with Retinopathy ROP – meaning his retina was detached at birth, which resulted in his blindness. He had a grade 4-brain bleed, which is why he has a seizure disorder and scarring on his temporal lobes. Daniel was also diagnosed with autism a couple years ago and is severely delayed cognitively. Inspite of each of those issues Daniel is a delightful boy who loves to worship and brings a smile to anyone near as he sings about Jesus. He helps us to remember what is really important in life.

Daniel following his baptism with his Dad on July 7, 2007 one day after his tenth birthday.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." ~ Jeremiah 29:11