A 2nd Opinion is in the works!

Well I did it, I finally made an appointment with another fetal cardiologist outside of Children's Memorial Hospital.  I've had a number of people who have contacted me about their children's heart defects and/or friends of friends who went to see fetal cardiologists at Adovocate Hope Children's Hospital in Oak Lawn.  They have a number of doctors there who are highly respected and have received many awards for being one of the top pediatric heart doctors.  

When I met with my OB on Friday, I had asked him to tell me his honest opinion about both hospitals.  Because Heterotaxy Syndrome is so rare I really want to be seen by top doctors (again its just "suspected" Zoe has this).  He said that Hope Children's is fantastic as well as Children's.  He said I had to view it as that Children's can't accomodate every single child, so they have to have another top notch hospital in the metropolitan area.  He also suggested that we look into Milwaukee (just like Boston told me).  He said the logistics may be an issue, as I would have to switch OB's, deliver there, etc.  So with that, I'm still sending my ultrasounds to Boston, but will take the short drive to Oak Lawn for a 2nd opinion. 

I have a fetal echo on 11/16 and 11/23.  The bright side, I've been able to see sweet little Zoe nearly every week or every 2 weeks.  And it seems like that will only continue until I deliver.  As you can see, I'm seeing the positive sides of things. 

I'm only hoping that with Hope Children's fetal cardiologist department,  they see what Children's sees on the screen, because I really don't know how the process of choosing Zoe's cardiologist team will go.  Another area I will have to research.  (Boy have I become so knowledgable!)

I've recently began to shop for her.  I'm not going crazy as I'm sure the three (3) Grandma's in her life (Mimi, Nonni and Grandma) will spoil her rotten at Christmas and at birth, but I did want to start having some accessories for her (pink, fur, animal print were calling my name).  With her kicking and punching as much as she has and seeing her precious face on the screen bi-weekly, I feel very connected to her.  I think I'm just at a point that I know everything is in God's hands and I can't be afraid.  I'm just very blessed that Zander and Zoe have come into our lives.  I couldn't have asked for a more perfect family.  We're ready for any challenge that may arise. 

I wanted to share a special gift that I received from one of my mom's coworkers, Sarah Tukiendorf.  She made me this beautiful necklace that I will keep dearly for the rest of my life.  She took one of Zoe's ultrasound pictures and made it into a charm, added her name with a rhinestone.  Its a truly beautiful keepsake.  I've never met my mom's coworker, so again, I'm so humbled by her generousity.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart. 

With the power of prayers through God, St. Pio, friends and family, I'm very hopeful my little girl is going to be just fine.

With the organizing of our condo for our new addition, and taking our baby items away from my dad's house (he's sold his house!), we're hoping that out of the next three friends of ours that find out the sex of their babies next month and early January, will find out they are adding a son to their family......we want to get rid of all of Zander's clothes!  So Josh & Jola, Steve & Tat and Lisa & Cory, if your reading this.....first one that has a boy, gets about 6 tubs of clothes!