New update from Jenn

Hello all! I am so sorry that I haven’t updated this until now! The internal echocardiogram (transesophageal echcardiogram) had great news. The internal echo is much more accurate and showed pressure in the pulmonary artery to be a “high” normal- but the word that we are focusing on is “normal”. My lung function is fine, and they find no evidence of holes in my heart, or enlargement, or clots. I do have Mitral Valve Prolapse, which is a very common heart disorder. In most cases, this is a harmless disorder-which doesn’t shorten life expectancy or require treatment. However, that, along with my rapid heart rate may have caused the first two echos to be inaccurate- hence the internal one that we finally did. 

The other thing that I continue to have is a rapid heartbeat (running about 100-140 bpm). The Drs feel that this may be pregnancy related due to the increase in blood volume that you have when you are pregnant. They have me on a beta blocker medication that will help control blood pressure and slow down my heart a bit. We did have an appt with a 2nd cardiologist to get another opinion- he looked at my file and assured me that he felt I am fine. We do have another follow up echo scheduled for May 12.

I will be seeing a high risk baby Dr twice a week (just to monitor Max-he’s been fine through all of this) and my OBGYN once a week until Max is born. I also will see a cardiologist one more time (the May 12 appt), and the lung specialist once more before Max is born.

So, here are my prayer requests:

1)Pray that Max develops normally- the medication that I am on can cause lower birth weights.

2)Pray that the birth goes well- and that Max and I are safe.

3)Pray for me with this rapid heartbeat- it can be a bit unerving when you heart is going so fast!

4)Pray that my heart rate will return to normal- either now or after Max is born.

5)Pray for Max as I breast feed him while I am on this medication, that it will have no negative effects on him.

6)Pray for wisdom for the Drs.

7)Last, but certainly not least: Praise God that the news we have received is not at all what we initially were looking at!

The Student and the Teacher

We are close friends with Barry, Judy, and Thomas Lynch from Amarillo.  Thomas was born with a neurological disorder that causes daily, sometimes hourly, seizures and limits his growth and development.  Both Barry and Judy have always looked for the positives in Thomas’ life.  It is a beautiful testimony.  They praise God for the blessing given to them in the form of this child.  The other day, Barry shared something he has been working on for a while.  One of the lines says, “I hoped he would learn from my example, It was I that had to become the student.” 

The Student and the Teacher

I couldn’t wait for him to come into this world,

But he refused to be of this world.

I hoped he would be healthy and strong,

But God’s grace was sufficient for him.

I hoped he would cry,

But I was the one who experienced the gift of mercy.

I hoped he would drink of his mother’s milk,

But it was I who had to learn to live on God’s Holy Provision.

I hoped he would grow,

But I was the one that needed to grow in my faith.

I hoped he would sleep through the night,

But it was my doubt which kept me up nights.

I hoped he would hold up his head

Only it was I who had to learn to keep my head high as the world pitied.

I wanted him to learn to focus his eyes,

But now I see

I hoped he would roll over,

But it was I who had to turn to the Holy Spirit

I hoped he would crawl

But I was the one who learned to move by faith

I hoped he would stand

But Christ was the one who rose and overcame

I hoped he would walk,

But it was I who needed to be carried

I hoped he would speak my name

But now I listen to the still soft voice of the Lord

I wanted him to be brave and unafraid of the dark,

I was the one trembling in fear as he shone for the world

I hoped he would learn from my example

It was I that had to become the student

I hoped I would leave a legacy,

But his impact on this world far surpasses anything I will every achieve

I just wanted him to live,

But I was the one who had to die to this world in order to gain.