Posting a comment

I've heard from a few people saying that they were not able to post a comment on the blog. From what I can find, it seems like you need to have an account with one of the following servers in order to be able to post: Google (such as a Gmail account), LiveJournal, TypePad, WordPress, AIM (AOL instant messenger), or OpenID. You can also create a BlogSpot account which will allow you to follow the blog. The easiest thing to do would be to create a Gmail email account at this link. 

I am sorry about this - I didn't realize that was the case until now. If you want to send us a message, but don't want to create a new account you can email us at emilytorchia@gmail.com. 

For those who do have an account with one of these servers, to leave a comment you do the following:

1. Click "comments" which appears under every post. 

2. Type your comment in the box.

3. Choose from the drop-down box under "Comment as" which server you have an account and enter in your user ID when it prompts.

3. Enter the word verification.

4. Click "Post comment."

As far as baby news, there is not much to tell yet. I had a little freak-out last week and my doctor's office was kind enough to let me come in to listen to the baby's heartbeat which helped a little with some of my anxiety about how the baby is doing. I have been feeling her move a little, but not regularly yet. When I can feel her move often, I think I will be less worried/anxious because I can monitor her myself rather than just waiting for my next doctor's appointment to see how she is doing. I have a regular OB check-up on Friday and then we finally have the next ultrasound, meet with the high-risk OBs, and meet the pediatric surgeons on Monday. I feel like (and hope) that many of our questions will be answered that day and it cannot come soon enough. 

Thank you again to everyone for all of the prayers, kind words, and thoughts. We are so lucky to have such an amazing support system!

Love,

Tom, Emily, & Brody

Pictures

Just wanted to add a few pictures that we got from our 18 week ultrasound. I am sure I will have many more to post. You can make out the gastroschisis as the bump below the baby's belly. It is the lump on top of what looks like the start of the baby's leg.

Hi!

Hi everyone! Thank you for visiting our blog. We thought this might be an easier way to keep everyone updated as to any news and happenings as we prepare for our baby girl in June. As you all know, she was diagnosed with gastroschisis at our 18 week ultrasound. Basically, her abdominal wall did not form completely as she developed, leaving a hole in her abdomen. Her intestines have come out of this hole and are now developing and growing outside of her body. She is going to have to have surgery to put her intestines back into her abdomen shortly after she is born. We are still in the process of learning about this birth defect and are trying to think positively about the potential outcomes from the surgery. We won't know much more about the condition of the baby's bowels until she is born or what complications we might need to face so it really is a big waiting game for now. I will be monitored by a high-risk OB team down at Magee from now till the end of my pregnancy when they deliver me, hopefully not via c-section. 

Our next appointment is on March 2nd when I will have another ultrasound to monitor the baby's growth, movements, etc. I will also meet with a high-risk OB. After our appointments at Magee, we are going to Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh to meet with the pediatric surgeons who will, hopefully, answer a lot of our questions and give us a better idea of what to expect. The baby (and hopefully me as well) will be transported to Children's shortly after birth where she will have the surgery performed. So we will have more information to share after those appointments. Thanks again for visiting and for all the kind words, prayer, thoughts everyone has given us. We really appreciate it all. Having such wonderful family and friends is definitely making this situation a little easier and we love you all. 

Emily, Tom, & Brody