Today is Matt's birthday, and he got the best gift possible - some fantastic news about Owen! We had another ultrasound, and we were both pretty nervous going into it. We hadn't even made any real birthday plans for the evening, because every other time we've had an ultrasound, we've left upset and not wanting to see anyone. Tonight, however, we are both feeling a little giddy and ready to celebrate!
Each time we've gone in, the doctor measures all of Owen's bones and plots their growth. It was obvious from early on that Owen's bone measurements were significantly small - like, not even on the charts small. At our last visit, that was even more obvious, because there was very little growth at all. Although the doctor didn't say anything at the time, he shared with us today that he was concerned his growth was going to plateau - which would cause significant health problems, because his chest cavity wouldn't be big enough for his organs, specifically his heart and lungs, to grow properly.
Today, however, it was clear that Owen has had a bit of a growth spurt!! Although his limbs are still measuring three weeks behind where they should be, he is actually ON the chart with some of his measurements! Now, granted, it's the very bottom of the chart, or sometimes just barely approaching it, but still! We'll take it. Even more encouraging, Dr. Jazyari used the word "if." As in, "IF he has skeletal dysplasia, it will be very mild." He also made an offhand comment that maybe Owen will only be 5'7". Matt and I just stared at each other in amazement, because we couldn't believe what we were hearing. 5'7" is a good two feet taller than we were preparing for.
I asked over and over (and several different people) if I was understanding correctly, because I am so afraid of getting my hopes up, and not being prepared for reality. But I have been reassured that Owen looks very, very healthy, although he will be short. We just don't know yet if he is short because of achondroplasia, or short because he is a SaborHeuvel and comes from short families.
We also met with a neonatologist today, and he was very encouraging as well. As of now, there doesn't seem to be any glaring reason why Owen would need to be in the NICU, but someone will be in the delivery room to evaluate him right away and make sure he's doing well. He took us for a tour of the NICU and brought us to see a baby that was born 6 weeks premature, at about 5 pounds - the same age and size Owen is right now. I just stared, because he was this tiny little PERSON! I just can't believe something like that is actually growing inside me right now. Typically I imagine Owen as being orange and transparent, much like a weird looking shrimp. It was kind of a relief to see how cute this little baby was.
So....again, I am long winded. I just can't express how relieved we are, and how excited we are for him to finally be here!!
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