March 3rd- 33 weeks

So it has been a while since I have posted and since we had any kind of news. We went to the doctor and had another ultrasound today. The last ultrasound we had was 5 weeks ago. Since then we have had two regular OB visits without ultrasounds. These were so strange because they were regular appointments but we knew that our situation was anything but regular. We also had no clue how much the fluid on her brain was growing. Also in the last 5 weeks I was sent to the hospital 3 times to be observed. The first time I was not feeling right and the outer part of my cervix was open. Everything turned out okay. The second time I started spotting a little bit and once again everything checked out. The third time was Tuesday. I was cramping and my blood pressure was up. But once again everything checked out ok. This past time I didn't want to go to the hospital because it takes several hours to get observed but I went because the doctor’s office wanted me to go. So by the time we had this appointment we were very frustrated with all the craziness and the unknown. I guess all of this was just getting to me. The last week or two I have been feeling very tired and worn out emotionally and physically. So we were really hoping to get some kind of plan in place today that would help us feel like we had some kind of control in all of this craziness. The ultrasound showed us that the fluid has increased from 1.4 on the one ventricle to 2.0 and the side that was 2.0 went up to 2.5. This meant that the actual size of her head is now being affected by the fluid. Her size is perfect for a baby at 33 weeks but her head is measuring like she is 38 weeks. Even though the doctor said that he still thinks we need to prepare for the more severe end of the spectrum, he also gave us hope because he said he could see some normal brain tissue. He also told us to prepare that it will most likely continue to increase until she is here with us. The doctor was so good to sit with us today and make a plan. So I could continue to work and not have to worry about getting observed at the hospital, he has me now going to two appointments a week to get observed with a non-stress test in the office for the rest of my pregnancy. This is also due to the fact that we delivered early with Gwen due to high blood pressure. If they find any abnormalities at these appointments, they will go ahead and take the baby. We have also made the decision to have an amnio between 36 and 37 weeks to check for the development of her lungs. The plan right now is to deliver at 37 weeks unless the lungs are not completely developed but to deliver at 38 weeks no matter what. So Samantha Grace will bless us in 4 or 5 weeks if not sooner. So I had to make 5 appointments today before I left and it means tons of driving to Winston but it will not be forever... I guess the good news is that we now feel like we have a plan and can see a light at the end of this very long pregnancy.
We have good and bad days but we know who is ultimately in control. Words can't express how God has blessed us. Gwen is asking more questions and is handling all of this better than we thought she would. She told Travis the other night that even if Sam came out with a large head and looked strange she would still be her princess. Then when we were talking about Sam getting the shunt the other night she looked at me and said... "Mom, It should have been me... It should have been me that had to go through all of this!"  All I could do is hug her and tell her that God has a reason for everything and He knew that Sam would need to have an amazing older sister like her. Please continue to pray for us for the next several weeks. God has blessed us with the most amazing people who have been so kind and supportive. I just can't end a post without thanking our amazing God and all of the people who are constantly praying and sending love our way! We love you all so much!