New doc

Yesterday afternoon, Jeremy and I met at Dr. Stutts office and sat in the waiting room for just a few minutes before being taken back for our ultrasound (10th one since October). The office is very beautifully decorated and just feels more like you are at home. The ultrasound technician, Melinda, introduced herself and said that she had been praying for us for weeks!! How awesome is God!! She spent at least 40 minutes (probably longer) showing us everything on the baby and she tried her hardest to find out boy or girl. We have an uncooperative child (just like their dad)! She did see hands and lower leg which were two things we were concerned about. No other ultrasound had been able to see the baby's hands but we got a perfect photo of four little left hand fingers (thumb was tucked inside fist). Still praying to know boy/girl!!! We've placed our bets and Jeremy and I both have thought this baby was a boy from fairly early on. So, we'll see...... See hand picture below.

Notice how grayscale this photo is.... Our entire ultrasound is this difficult to see.

After the ultrasound, we waited briefly for Dr. Stutts to meet with us in an exam room. When he walked in, I felt better. He just had a sweet demeanor and I knew after he began talking that God had sent us to the right doctor. He spent a LONG time with us discussing various situations that we may face, where to deliver, etc... Dr. Stutts also told us the story of his residency days when he was faced with a patient (mother to be) who's baby had Anenchephaly (only a brain stem, no brain) and she was being firm about continuing the pregnancy. Long story short, the mother told Dr. Stutts that God had every capability of miraculously healing her child and if she induced early (i.e. aborted) she would have taken God's chance to perform that miracle away. She also said that she would rather live her life knowing that she had given God the chance to perform a miracle than wondering if He ever would have. Dr. Stutts cried, Jeremy cried, I cried.... For a minute, I thought I was going to have to go hug both Dr. Stutts and Jeremy and tell them "Now, now boys. Everything is going to be okay." :) I love my tenderhearted, sweet, loving husband.

Needless to say, we were elated leaving the office. Granted nothing had changed with our baby (in fact, our baby's growth has been somewhat slower than previous visits), but now we KNOW we have a doctor that cares for our baby and cares for us greatly!!

Thank you to everyone who gave us names of OB's and especially to those who gave Dr. Stutts rave reviews... He deserves them!!! This is the best part.... He used to be a veterinarian!!! Jeremy and I have 7 pets (3 dogs, 4 cats) and are total suckers when it comes to an animal in need. My mom and dad are saying "amen" right now as they read this I'm sure!!! :)

Current prayer requests:
1. Accumulate some fluid so the baby can move to a non breech position for delivery
2. See feet on the next ultrasound appointment
3. See "parts" on the next ultrasound
4. Us to make the right decision about a delivery location and doctor for Birmingham

Permanent prayer requests:
1. Miraculous healing for our baby (we know God can easily make this happen but we also need to plan for what else could happen)
2. Jeremy and I to enjoy our pregnancy and spend this time "parenting" our baby
3. Baby's comfort and GROWTH (even below-average growth will give our baby a better chance of surviving delivery)

Thank you all for your prayers. We love you!
-jjs