Breaking News... Not election related!

For those of you that know us, and know us well, there might be some degree of shock that comes with Piper's announcement!  I have loudly proclaimed that "one is wonderful" but God has this amazing way of healing over time AND gives you exactly what you need when you need it!!  Ironically, baby #2 will be making its entrance during heart month (February).   How's that for timing and healing rain? 

I continue to confess "that I am the best pregnant person ever!!"  Mental anguish does seem to follow my pregnancies, however.  The last half of Piper's and the first half of "new kid's" pregnancy looked vaguely similar.

"New Kid" is what I have kindly coined this new nugget since we are "Team Green" and not finding out gender! 

Piper is "Team Pink."

Bry is "Team Blue."

I am "Team for cryin' out loud can it just be healthy??"

I've struggled with thoughts like "after having Piper we DESERVE a healthy baby, a baby that we get to bring home like normal people do - on time, on schedule, no hiccups!"

Well my friends... It's been a long stretch of weeks here at the Oosting Abode.  I was repeatedly reminded that we live in a broken world -- where nothing is guaranteed or deserved and that only in Christ can hope be found.

We had the 20-week anatomy ultrasound four weeks ago and, while the heart looked great (thank you, Jesus), the technician couldn't get a visual on the last portion of the spine.  Piper's story started in a similar fashion. They couldn't see something on her initial ultrasound and we needed a re-scan. We were assured and reassured that it was likely nothing and to go about business as usual. #fatchance

That last portion of the spine, as we all know, is important. Hello, Spina Bifida.  We know some really great little ladies with Spina Bifida -- but the thought of being the heart defect spokesperson AND the Spina Bifida spokesperson was too much for me. 

The day following the news of "We can't see your baby's spine," a passage from my 'Jesus Today' devotional was this. I can't make this stuff up people!  

"Don't let your past or present suffering contaminate your view of the future, I have good things in store for you. I alone know the things I am planning for you - to give you a future and HOPE!" 

Fast forward to yesterday.   We had a precautionary fetal echo on "new kid" and a repeat and more thorough anatomy scan. 

To God be (ALL) the glory!!  Heart looked great!  And they zoomed immediately in on the sacral spine when they went to look for it.  

We are now shifting our focus and taking any and all name suggestions.   We will send you to St Lucia - an all-expenses paid vacation if you find us a name we both can agree on AND end up using!! 

Things that get you bonus points... (like your hair braided or a massage on the beach of St Lucia):

1) There is a heart-related meaning to the name. I suggested "Hart" for a boy and was immediately shot down.   FYI. Bry is picky and I'm even pickier!!  Working in a pediatrician's office will do that to you!! 

2) The name somehow involves Bry's love of hunting or the University of Michigan. 

And since this blog started because of Piper Pie (who will be 3 in a few short weeks), here is the latest on her adorably mended heart: 

We had a visit in July with Dr Lee (her cardiologist.) Love that man! I was mentally preparing for an echo (it had been over a year since the last) -- but he again threw us a curve ball and said it wasn't necessary.  We told him about "new kid" and he said to come back with Piper in January 2017 before "things get crazy!" 

So, letting the prayers arise for a great Piper visit in January with Dr. Lee and an uneventful heart month delivery of "new kid!"