Zoe the "Model"

We made it to Philly and back in 55 hours; arriving at 8 p.m. ET and needing to be at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia at 7:15 a.m. the next morning. Very little sleep was had Thursday night. Too much anxiety and the time change didn't help.

Our wake up call came in at 5:30 a.m. (2:30 AZ Time) Friday morning. We had a good breakfast, knowing it would be a long day and made it to CHOP on time - without getting lost. First test: level 2 ultrasound lasting 1.5 hours. Zoe passed with flying colors with the exception of her known heart abnormalities. We saw 10 little fingers, 10 little toes, plump lips and one button noes. It's hard to fathom that such a seemingly well developed little girl has just one underdeveloped organ causing all of her troubles. She is still quite tiny, but doctors aren't concerned at this point, she continues to grow at her own pace - just like Emerson.

After the ultrasound, we met with one of CHOP's midwives and OBGYN. All systems are go for a normal delivery at the Special Delivery Unit (SDU).

Once Zoe is born, they'll pass her through a window from our labor and delivery room to run immediate testing. I won't get to hold her right away, but after they've done a thorough check, they'll place her on my stomach for a short few minutes before taking her for pre-surgical testing. She'll also receive a prostiglandin injection to keep her patent ductus arteriosis open until surgery. The prostiglandin is Zoe's lifeline. Assuming all of Zoe's tests show she is healthy and ready for surgery, she'll undergo her first open heart surgery (the Norwood procedure) at 3-5 days old. Dr. Spray is our surgeon and known as one of the best in the world.

Next on our itinerary at CHOP was the dreaded fetal ECHO and oxygenation testing. I worry each time we go for the echocardiogram, since they are closely monitoring Zoe's heart for restriction of the atrial septum. Restriction has been a concern to doctors for the past several months and if this complication arises, Zoe's survival rates can drop to nearly 50%. The ECHO was performed first without oxygen to check her heart. I was then placed on oxygen so the sonographer could measure the levels of oxygen Zoe is receiving in her lungs. Caleb and I couldn't resist and I told him to snap a photo on his phone of silly me on oxygen.

Then, I tried to anticipate the results by watching the color doppler - not an easy task. I thought things were going well...but what do I know? Apparently, more than I give myself credit for. My educated guess was accurate. When we sat down with our fetal cardiologist, Dr. Szwast, she had a big smile on her face and said, "Zoe is the model patient." She continued on to say that thing are looking very good. She sees absolutely no signs of restriction. Her HLHS is textbook with no complicating factors. A huge sigh of relief!

They forewent the fetal MRI since we received such positive results. I will have to do the MRI, however, when we relocate at 36 weeks. And yes, "Houston, we have a relocation date." April 13.

After meeting with the program coordinator (whom I adore), the social worker and billing department manager (saved the best for last), we were set free.

The weather in Philly was fabulous - 71 degrees. We made reservations at Rouge and sat on the patio people watching while we ate. Caleb got to enjoy a few lagers and I asked the server for a "fun, fancy virgin drink." He brought me a muddled berry lemonade in a brandy wine glass. I was really happy, almost as happy as if it'd actually been wine in the glass. After dinner we walked up and down Walnut street window shopping. Philadelphia is home to the first Anthropologie which is now located in a 4-story mansion.

After shopping (and dessert of course), I finally got some much needed sleep. Saturday morning, a massage helped me relax even more. We couldn't go to the airport just yet...not without consuming a Philly Cheesesteak. Caleb had done his research and had his heart set on "Wit or Witout", Philly's newest and best-rated of 2009. We were so impressed with ourselves for finding the restaurant and making it to the airport to return the rental car on time.

I got to pre-board as a big ol' pregnant lady and off we were to pick up Emerson at my parents. Thanks mom and dad for watching Ms. Emmy while we were in Philly!

Now, for the next few weeks, I need to work a ton, go to more doctor's appointments and pack for April 13 when the second half of the Lihn Adventure begins. Please continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers.

Love,
Momma Lihn