I had an appointment with my OB Dr. Stringer on Wednesday. We talked about getting prepared for the babies’ arrival and the probability of my having to have a c-section. He said that my blood pressure, weight gain and uterus measurement are all looking good, as are the twins’ heartbeats (144 for Zeke and 140 for Gabriel). Dr. Stringer also stressed to me how much of a miracle this pregnancy is, and that he feels blessed to be able to take part in and witness this Godly wonder as it unfolds. I always feel so optimistic after visiting with him.  

I have my weekly ultrasound with the specialist tomorrow, and then on Wednesday, I’m meeting with a pediatric surgeon regarding Zeke’s CCAM. We will discuss the condition, review the Cincy MRI and recent ultrasounds, and create a follow-up plan for the removal of Zeke’s CCAM either later this year or early next year. Note: the nurse who set up the consult made a point to say that babies with CCAMs generally do well during labor, delivery and early life. 

Even with these bits of good news, it was a trying week around here in the zone of grumpy bed-rest lady. First of all, Houston had a pretty bad cold for a few days, creating havoc with his normally awesome sleeping and eating habits. He had a fever, was congested, had a yucky cough and even lost his voice for a day or so, on top of drooling like a mad man because of his teething. All of this, of course, didn’t sit too well with him and added to the grumpy level. And now I have caught Houston’s cold, making bed-rest lady even grumpier.

Houston’s feeling much better now and is currently at Dixie’s 2nd birthday party. I’m bummed I can’t be there with my boy and all of his cute buddies, but Granny is filling in for me, while Stephen gets a few things done around the house. I know I’m so lucky to have such a wonderful family unit, as well as a plethora of friends, neighbors and church folks, who are all willing to help out with Houston, me, my appointments and tending to the household. But having to lean on other people for virtually everything is starting to get on my (and their) nerves big time. We all know the sacrifices we’re making are worth the effort, but after all, we are all only human. So, please continue to pray for the strength and patience of everyone helping out Clan Dillingham in our time of need. 

Houston is actually the one coping best with all the changes, just loving the weekends that Granny and Grumps visit, and the weekdays that Gramsey heads to town. He is really showing his independent streak, wanting to feed himself more and more frequently, and trying to climb most anything unassisted. Houston has also started to mount his racer by himself and ride it forward. His signing is still going great, and his shaking his head “yes” and “no” also helps us better communicate with him.

Click on the image of Houston unwrapping his birthday gift from cousin Casey (middle photo) to see all of his July photos, including a few of Houston leading Daddy around a 4th of July event we attended, as seen in top photo. And click the image above to see lots of great pics Stephen took at a Cincinnati Reds baseball game he attended during our time up in Ohio.