full term!

How's it going? As of today our Brooklyn is considered full term. Woohoo! 37 weeks. An important mark for every baby for sure. However, we want this little one to get to 39 weeks in order to greatly improve how well she tolerates delivery, her first days of life, her first open heart surgery at 7-10 days old and her recovery thereafter.

An induction is scheduled so that everything can be planned (and more controlled). We have 14 days until induction. 14 days. Wow. Lots of preparation happening. Bags are mostly packed. Apartment is secured. Bins of things for our apartment are mostly packed. And the list goes on...

So many emotions. Very, very excited to meet our baby girl. Somewhat anxious about what follows the 15 minutes that we'll get to hold her and take pictures immediately after she's born. Overwhelmed by the preparations of being away from home for several weeks. But, amidst all of these emotions, we remain confident in God's protection and provision in the days, weeks and months to come. He continues to prove Himself faithful in our journey.

Latest appointment. I had an ultrasound with my local doc last Thursday. Everything looked great, and Brooke was as adorable as ever. :) We could see a little hair on the ultrasound again and got this 3-D picture of her sweet little face. LOVE it! I'm feeling good other than the swelling in my right leg...and waddling a bit at this point. :)

I have to give major props to my local doctor and her staff. They are absolutely wonderful. At my appointment last week I got lots of hugs, expressions of support and prayer and just all-around assurance that they're rooting for us. I really appreciate those ladies. We have been through a lot with them already with our three previous losses (before Emily). Their care, concern and support through it all means more than they will ever know. Ladies, if you're reading this...YOU ROCK! :)

Next appointment. I have another "growth" ultrasound this Friday in St. Louis. We'll also have the opportunity to tour the NICU and Cardiac ICU one more time before we head back down later this month for the induction.

Thanks so much to all of you for the continued support, concern and prayer. We appreciate you!