My lil guys.

Fetal Echocardiogram results

We did the first fetal echocardiogram today. I laid for an hour and fell asleep while the technician took measurement after measurement. The doctors came in who had been watching in the room across the hall. They told Tariq and I that the baby has typical heart development with a few bright spots that they will monitor. 

We are elated and over overjoyed. The little guy has made it through one of the first major hurdles for a baby with Ds.

We'll go back in 6 weeks for a follow-up.

Thank ALLAH FOR THE BLESSING.

22 Weeks - Over half way there

22 weeks PG

I am sailing into my 23rd week and starting to go from a little pregnant to a lot pregnant. Getting up off the couch is becoming more challenging as well as sleeping. I am moving back into my "life saver positioning" with a pillow behind me, one on each side and one under my knees. I have found, this stops the roll-overs that occurs during the night which leave my sides and arms numb. Pregnancy is so fun! I am growing quite the watermelon and I see the scale creeping up but it's slow and steady, gratefully. 

The Song of my Heart

I love love this song performed by the Stella Sisters on one of favorite shows Nashville. I grew an affinity for country music living in N'v for 9 years. This song speaks to where my heart is and just makes me feel grateful for all I have.

Debunking the termination myth

I remember hearing the statistic that 95% of people terminate a DS pregnancy, from the initial appointment we had with the doctor after the first diagnosis. It's incredible that the so-called reputable doctor told us misinformation, and was helping us to think through when and how we would terminate. She was even negative about us talking to a genetic counseling. But it was that conversation with the genetic counselor (which I coordinated on my own) where we got real information that helped us decide to keep going with the pregnancy.

We are very aware of the possibility of health issues, cognitive issues, and developmental issues going forward but there was no way that I could not give my son a chance at life. He will be his own person, on his own journey...not better or worse off because his diagnosis and a sense of his so called identity has been established before he even arrives.

Children are not a braiding together of its parents thought by the word reproduction but they are a production of someone new and unique. It is that healthy understanding that will allow Tariq and I to go from good to great in our parenting going forward not just for this child but all our children. 

Baby Registry

	A Note from Tiffany L Green: I've created a baby registry to help keep track of items for the new arrival and wanted to share it with you. I am not going to have a traditional shower before the baby arrives (that I know of) but we will invite you to his naming ceremony after he arrives. Thanks XOXOX Tiff Explore Tiffany's Baby Registry Items from Tiffany's Baby Registry Bumbo Floor Seat, Blue by Bumbo Munchkin 5 Pack Multi Bowl by Munchkin Munchkin 6 Pack Soft-Tip Infant Spoon by Munchkin Playtex 2 Pack The First Sipster Spill-Proof Cup, 7 Ounce, Colors Vary            by Playtex > See Tiffany's Baby Registry Please note that product prices and availability are subject to change. Prices and availability were accurate at the time this e-mail was sent; however, they may differ from those you see when you visit Amazon.com. © 2013 Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. All rights reserved. Amazon, Amazon.com, the Amazon.com logo, and 1-Click are registered trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Amazon.com, 410 Terry Avenue N., Seattle, WA 98109-5210. Please note that this message was sent to the following e-mail address: tiffanylgreen@gmail.com

19 weeks :-)

I am excited to be making more progress in the pregnancy. We had an anatomy ultrasound on Tuesday and the baby was looking great, his heart and kidneys looked very healthy. Everything was fine but he's a little bit on the small side but he was over the threshold. He had a big abdomen so they said he's likely to catch up.

I don't know if I should be worried about this or not but I'm not really gaining much weight. I'm a little over weight anyway so that's something that I'm going to be checking with my midwife about. He is doing well and beginning to kick and I'm beginning to feel a lot more movement from him. He was quite quite active during the ultrasound and was moving all around and made it a little difficult for the technician to take the images but that's a great sign from my perspective.