She's a growing girl!

I saw my OB today, Dr. Walker. Dr. Walker is my regular OB here in Monterey, who originally spotted Maddie's defect and sent us up to UCSF. I'm measuring at 28 weeks but only 25 weeks pregnant. And since i've only gained 8 pounds this entire pregnancy, hopefully this means I'm growing a big, strong healthy baby girl ready to come out fighting.

I also had an appointment with my psychologist today, the first in about a year. She was awesome in helping me work through my struggles with PTSD and it was good to be back in her office today. She humbled me by helping me realize how fixated i am on the idea that Maddie will only have one good lung. I mean really, how many times have I had something life threatening happen to either of my lungs?

so the new rule is i get 10-30 minutes a day to research, blog or talk about CDH. The rest of the time needs to be filled with meaningful and purposeful distractions, or completely mindless distractions - just so long as i'm not sitting around worrying. Now scheduling playdates!  worrying isn't going to help anyone and its just burning me out.  We have 3 and a half months left until Maddie gets here and I need to pace myself.

she also advised me to have some canned responses ready rather then feel like I need to engage everyone in a conversation about CDH and bring them up to date. that's what this blog is for right?

so all and all, a good day and a reminder of what amazing care Maddie and I have access to.

as a side note, i've made a few improvements to the blog, include a link to follow Maddie's corner on Facebook, a place to subscribe by email, a glossary of CDH terms and right after I finish this post, I'll be figuring out how to add an RSS feed (you're welcome Ann). even if you don't use any of this, please take a moment to be awed at my amazing technical blogging skills - minus the fact that i can't add a blogpost title.

Update: No RSS feed - sorry Ann.