First of all, words cannot express how much Matt and I appreciate all the many prayers, phone calls, texts, and e-mails over the past week as we experienced some not so "perfect" news regarding our precious little boy, Cooper. There is no way we could have made it through this past week without the prayers and support of our family and friends.
Today we had an appointment with Dr. Jennifer Shores, pediatric cardiologist, and we walked away with much better news than we expected. Cooper does not have an intermittent heartblock...he has an atrial biseminy (dummy terms: irregular heart beat). Dr. Shores is 90% sure this can be treated by medicine, and Cooper will not need a pacemaker after he arrives. I started taking medicine today, which will slow my heart rate down and in turn, slow Cooper's heart rate down so hopefully it can get a consistent beat. She anticipates it to be much better if not regulated when I see Dr. Perry next Friday, July 9th. If it is not better, we will change my daily dosage and then hopefully it will be corrected by July 29th, when I return to see Dr. Shores.
We are anticipating the medicine, which I will take the remainder of my pregnancy, to correct the problem and allow me to have a normal delivery at the hospital of my choice, Woman's, with the doctor of my choice, Dr. Cole. The only reason I would not be able to have a "normal" situation for delivery would be if the medicine does not correct the problem. Then I would need to deliver at UMC so Cooper could be at the Children's Hospital.
After Cooper arrives, he will most likely have to take the medicine that I am currently taking for 6 months to 1 year. Dr. Shores anticipates he will outgrow the problem and be just fine after that period of time.
So needless to say, we could not have asked for better news today...we walked away today with tears of relief rather than tears of fear. Our God is GOOD, and we know he has been listening to all of your prayers...keep them coming!
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Baby Cooper...
Just an update on our precious little boy, Cooper...
Tuesday we went to see my normal doctor, Dr. Cole, for what we anticipated to be just a routine sonogram / check-up. Unfortunately, it did not turn out that way. During the sonogram, it was noticed that Cooper's heart seems to be "perfect" but it is skipping a beat. This scared us to say the least, but we were given some "hope" as sometimes this randomly happens and within a short period of time, the heart gets back in sync and beats perfectly normal. We then went from the sonogram to see Dr. Cole, and she listened on her doppler. She was concerned and immediately called Dr. Perry, a specialist. They decided for me to see him Wednesday, which was a blessing that he was able to work me in that quickly and we would not have to wait several days / weeks before we could see him.
Wednesday we saw Dr. Perry at the Prenatal Diagnostic Center, and he was FABULOUS...I know he spent well over an hour with us and checked out baby Cooper from head to toe only to find one problem...his heart is skipping a beat. He diagnosed Cooper as having a intermittent heartblock and has now referred us to a pediatric cardiologist, Dr. Shores, at Blair E. Batson Children's Hospital. Another blessing, we can see her Tuesday! He was afraid it may be several weeks but to his surprise, she had an opening Tuesday and no one asked any questions...we said we would be there.
Dr. Perry does not see the heart to have a birth defect, but he wants Dr. Shores to take a look and make sure she agrees. Once we see Dr. Shores, the 3 doctors will discuss and decide the plan for my care the remainder of the pregnancy.
From our understanding Wednesday, Cooper is growing, moving, doing exactly what he needs to do...praise God! There is a "small" chance that this problem will correct itself before his arrival. However, if it does not, we want to be prepared for his arrival, which we anticipate will be in October as planned. Worst case scenerio, I would need to deliver at UMC so that Cooper could be at the Children's Hospital for immediate attenttion, and most likely, would need a pacemaker shortly after his arrival. Per the doctor Wednesday, we are not talking life or death here...we are talking, have the right doctors in place at the right time when he does arrive. My only "fear" is that if he has a pacemaker, his activity would be limited, but Matt assured me that someone completed an Ironman with a pacemaker so he would be fine...that is definitely a question we have for the cardiologist Tuesday.
We know that God is taking care of our baby, and we must remain strong...however, it has been a hard week of just being scared to say the least. We will have more answers on Tuesday, and I will continue to keep you updated.
When I left Dr. Perry's yesterday, he told me to live life as usual...nothing I have done or can do will change anything for Cooper. That was comforting because when I stop and think is when I have my emotional melt down...if I can keep things rolling, I am in a much better state of mind.
Tuesday we went to see my normal doctor, Dr. Cole, for what we anticipated to be just a routine sonogram / check-up. Unfortunately, it did not turn out that way. During the sonogram, it was noticed that Cooper's heart seems to be "perfect" but it is skipping a beat. This scared us to say the least, but we were given some "hope" as sometimes this randomly happens and within a short period of time, the heart gets back in sync and beats perfectly normal. We then went from the sonogram to see Dr. Cole, and she listened on her doppler. She was concerned and immediately called Dr. Perry, a specialist. They decided for me to see him Wednesday, which was a blessing that he was able to work me in that quickly and we would not have to wait several days / weeks before we could see him.
Wednesday we saw Dr. Perry at the Prenatal Diagnostic Center, and he was FABULOUS...I know he spent well over an hour with us and checked out baby Cooper from head to toe only to find one problem...his heart is skipping a beat. He diagnosed Cooper as having a intermittent heartblock and has now referred us to a pediatric cardiologist, Dr. Shores, at Blair E. Batson Children's Hospital. Another blessing, we can see her Tuesday! He was afraid it may be several weeks but to his surprise, she had an opening Tuesday and no one asked any questions...we said we would be there.
Dr. Perry does not see the heart to have a birth defect, but he wants Dr. Shores to take a look and make sure she agrees. Once we see Dr. Shores, the 3 doctors will discuss and decide the plan for my care the remainder of the pregnancy.
From our understanding Wednesday, Cooper is growing, moving, doing exactly what he needs to do...praise God! There is a "small" chance that this problem will correct itself before his arrival. However, if it does not, we want to be prepared for his arrival, which we anticipate will be in October as planned. Worst case scenerio, I would need to deliver at UMC so that Cooper could be at the Children's Hospital for immediate attenttion, and most likely, would need a pacemaker shortly after his arrival. Per the doctor Wednesday, we are not talking life or death here...we are talking, have the right doctors in place at the right time when he does arrive. My only "fear" is that if he has a pacemaker, his activity would be limited, but Matt assured me that someone completed an Ironman with a pacemaker so he would be fine...that is definitely a question we have for the cardiologist Tuesday.
We know that God is taking care of our baby, and we must remain strong...however, it has been a hard week of just being scared to say the least. We will have more answers on Tuesday, and I will continue to keep you updated.
When I left Dr. Perry's yesterday, he told me to live life as usual...nothing I have done or can do will change anything for Cooper. That was comforting because when I stop and think is when I have my emotional melt down...if I can keep things rolling, I am in a much better state of mind.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Heatwave Triathlon....
Saturday, before we left for vacation, Matt competed in the Heatwave Triathlon ~ 1/2 mile swim, 24 1/2 mile bike, and 6.2 mile run. Yes, this is his "big" race each year! And we were so proud because he did it 15 minutes faster than last year...big improvement!
Anna Lauren and I love cheering for Daddy and for a special treat, Nanna joined his cheering section for this race. It was a fun morning for all, and we were very proud of Matt!
Matt (#308) walking into the water...I love this picture because they all look so serious / focused...
Matt (back left) coming out of the water...it was windy and the water was choppy, but he had a good swim overall...
Running to transition from swim to bike...
Going out on his bike...he raced in his "bright" shirt, which I love because I can spot him!
One of the many smiles he gives his cheering section! We are so blessed that he races with such a good attitude and always takes time to acknowledge us!
One more smile before heading out for 24 1/2 miles...
Here he comes...can you tell by his smile that the bike is his favorite?
Getting some water before heading out on the 6.2 mile run...there is nothing fun about this run...been there done that...you just have to get through it the best you can...
Anna Lauren loves races and especially when she makes new friends...we met Chloe at this race and they had a fun time playing together while their dads were racing...
Last little part of the run...almost done!
Headed to the finish line...not too many smiles at this point! 
Between Matt's shirt and Anna Lauren's orange flower she insisted on wearing, you could easily spot these two!
Me and my triathlete...I love watching him race, but gosh, I CANNOT wait to be racing again!
Matt and Anna Lauren chilling in the shade after the race...way to go, Daddy!
Anna Lauren and I love cheering for Daddy and for a special treat, Nanna joined his cheering section for this race. It was a fun morning for all, and we were very proud of Matt!
Matt (#308) walking into the water...I love this picture because they all look so serious / focused...
Matt (back left) coming out of the water...it was windy and the water was choppy, but he had a good swim overall...
Running to transition from swim to bike...
Going out on his bike...he raced in his "bright" shirt, which I love because I can spot him!
One of the many smiles he gives his cheering section! We are so blessed that he races with such a good attitude and always takes time to acknowledge us!
One more smile before heading out for 24 1/2 miles...
Here he comes...can you tell by his smile that the bike is his favorite?
Getting some water before heading out on the 6.2 mile run...there is nothing fun about this run...been there done that...you just have to get through it the best you can...
Anna Lauren loves races and especially when she makes new friends...we met Chloe at this race and they had a fun time playing together while their dads were racing...
Last little part of the run...almost done!
Headed to the finish line...not too many smiles at this point! 
Between Matt's shirt and Anna Lauren's orange flower she insisted on wearing, you could easily spot these two!
Me and my triathlete...I love watching him race, but gosh, I CANNOT wait to be racing again!
Matt and Anna Lauren chilling in the shade after the race...way to go, Daddy!Orange Beach Vacation ~ Day 6 ~ The Fun is Over...
Unfortunately the "last" day of vacation arrived, and we had to pack up and head back home yesterday. We had a FABULOUS vacation at The Caribe in Orange Beach!
Anna Lauren pointing to the frog...this was a waterfall when you entered the condo building, and she thought the frog and the water were great fun!
Pushing the elevator button...she made sure she was the only one that pushed the elevator buttons all week...
She really is a good helper...sometimes too much help...BUT...at least most of the time she is willing to "do her part"...
Anna Lauren pointing to the frog...this was a waterfall when you entered the condo building, and she thought the frog and the water were great fun!
Pushing the elevator button...she made sure she was the only one that pushed the elevator buttons all week...
She really is a good helper...sometimes too much help...BUT...at least most of the time she is willing to "do her part"...Thursday, June 10, 2010
Orange Beach Vacation ~ Day 5
Tomorrow we pack up and head home so we took full advantage of our last "full" day at the beach. We went swimming this morning, came in for lunch and nap, and then headed back out for more swimming. After we had enough of swimming, we got dressed for pictures on the beach then went to ride the ferris wheel and have dinner. It was a fun day for all!
Matt on the lazy river...
Matt had no idea I was taking his picture...he was relaxing to say the least!
For some reason, the water was not on at the slides this morning...so...Anna Lauren came down slow enough for me to actually take a "smiling" picture!
The water being off didn't keep her from sliding...it was just slower!
When all else fails, just jump off the bottom of the slide...
And then the water came on...check out her "fat face" before going under....she was ready!
And here is Daddy...he was excited when the water came on because he knew he would get "stuck" without the water flowing...
Chilling on the lazy river...
Acting like a princess...although, she actually acts like a princess very seldom...
Our cute beach bum...she has had one fun week!
She has been begging to ride the ferris wheel at the Wharf all week...we told her if she would "somewhat" cooperate and take pictures on the beach we would take her. Look at that face...can you tell she is excited to be standing in line to get on the ferris wheel?
Waiting to get on the ferris wheel...love these two!
Watching the ferris wheel go round and round...
All smiles...finally on the ferris wheel!
Daddy and Anna Lauren ready to ride!
Matt on the lazy river...
Matt had no idea I was taking his picture...he was relaxing to say the least!
For some reason, the water was not on at the slides this morning...so...Anna Lauren came down slow enough for me to actually take a "smiling" picture!
The water being off didn't keep her from sliding...it was just slower!
When all else fails, just jump off the bottom of the slide...
And then the water came on...check out her "fat face" before going under....she was ready!
And here is Daddy...he was excited when the water came on because he knew he would get "stuck" without the water flowing...
Chilling on the lazy river...
Acting like a princess...although, she actually acts like a princess very seldom...
Our cute beach bum...she has had one fun week!
She has been begging to ride the ferris wheel at the Wharf all week...we told her if she would "somewhat" cooperate and take pictures on the beach we would take her. Look at that face...can you tell she is excited to be standing in line to get on the ferris wheel?
Waiting to get on the ferris wheel...love these two!
Watching the ferris wheel go round and round...
All smiles...finally on the ferris wheel!
Daddy and Anna Lauren ready to ride!
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