Whoa! 9 Weeks Old....October 3, 2009

Good Cold, Wet Saturday to Everyone!

Sorry for not updating our blog lately. Life in the Smith house has been kind of crazy. Our near perfect little girl developed colic from 7 p.m. to about 10 p.m. Conveniently, that is when Wayne comes home from work. She cries non-stop for those 3 hours, it is starting to get a little better, but man are those LONG hours.

She is growing like a weed, well a cute weed. Kassidy is 23 inches long and weighs 10.2 lbs. This is exciting because she has to be 10 pounds to have her first surgery. She loves to lay on the floor on her Baby Einstein mat and hit the rattles. She can't quite figure out how she does it though. In inadvertent hand waves and leg kicks get everything moving for her. Looking in the mirror, out the windows, and staring at the fan are her favorite things during the day. She is not a real good sleeper during the day. Someone told me that means she is gifted. Well, duh! I already knew that! Just teasing....kind of.

We continue to go to Gillette every Tuesday and other doctor appointments as needed in-between. Dr. Cermain has been changing her nose stint and mouth piece each week now. She is pushing Kassidy's nose up higher and is trying to bring her top gum line together. We clean her mouth piece twice a day and change her tape as needed. Kassidy is getting better and better with the mouth piece, the tape deal isn't her bag. She just looks cranky when that tape is on.

Many people have asked us, why the tape? It pulls the top two parts of her lip together, so when she has surgery, that top lip has more elasticity to it. This way, when she smiles, it won't pull so much. We try to keep tape on as much as we can. When it was humid, it was hard to keep on. The adhesive just wouldn't hold. When she screams, it doesn't hold up very well either. We just try our best with the good ole tape. Secretly, we can't wait until that part is over.

Kassidy had her 2 month check-up earlier this week. She is in the 50-75%tile for height; 25%tile for weight, and 50%tile for head size. Dr. Palmer, her pediatrician, says she is doing great developmentally. She is a strong little girl. Guess she gets that from her mom! (ha ha ha) She can pull her head up so her chest is off the floor when laying on her stomach and she loves to "stand" on my hands, while leaning on my shoulder. She is cooing like crazy and when she is in a good mood, she is the smiliest girl ever! Kassidy loves the singing at church, not such a fan of the sitting part though. Not enough movement for her! She loves music at the house too. I play her Baby Einstein cd in the car, she just loves it. She seems to sing along, well coo. Well, maybe I am just making this up in my head as her mother, bare with me!

Her first surgery is Monday, October 19. We will leave for Gillette Children's Hospital in the morning and will return home on Tuesday sometime. We'll send updates as we can, not sure what kind of recovery process we are in for. It's hard to believe she is going to have that top lip repaired already, it seems like just yesterday we found out about her cleft lip and palate. Any extra prayers and positive thoughts would be greatly appreciated. This isn't the end of her surgeries, but more of the beginning. She will have a total of 10-13 surgeries before everything is said and "done." This time they will fix her nose, close her top lip, and put tubes in her ears.

Enjoy the photos below. She such a little angel!

If only the Viking could play in the first half!
Man I like it when the Vikings win! The second half is always much better!
Mom and Dad got me a pacifier. I can't suck on it, I just gum it. So if their not holding it in, I guess I'll have to!

I actually like bath time. Although the temperature change sure makes things a lot colder!

Here I am being smile girl! It's fun to see mom and dad make crazy faces at me. If they only knew what I was thinking!

Here is Dr. Cermain and my station for my Tuesday appointments. I usually end of pooping through what ever outfit I have on. Mom finally figured out to just leave my pajamas on until after the appointment. It makes less laundry for her.

I love football! Mom and I spend Sunday afternoons watching football when Dad is helping the Moerke's with their new cabin.

I love sleeping in mom and dad's bed in the morning. I am a good sleeper in my own crib, but I love the extra hour of snuggle time with mom in the morning.

I especially like to be naked. Just take my clothes off and I am one happy girl! My dad thinks I should out-grow this quickly!

I love to fall asleep in my swing, but sometimes I have some goofy ways of keeping my head. Believe it or not, I find this most comfortable as I do it often!


Here I am playing on my Baby Einstein mat. I usually only last about 15 minutes, but mom thinks that's pretty good. I love that whale on the top.
Here I am hanging out, being happy...and cute!

Even though it's not Halloween yet, I got to wear my new pumpkin outfit from Grandma and Grandpa Sandbo.


This is how I play with my puppy Paige. I get to ride on mom and she throws the ball for Paige. Sometimes I even fall asleep! Fresh air wears me out.
When Mom and Dad eat, I lay on Mom's lap. Most of the time I just smile at her. She thinks that's pretty cool! Dad loves when I am smiley when he gets home instead of crabby too!

August 20, 2009

Kassidy is three weeks and three days today! Wow! Time sure flies sitting on the couch staring at her! Our past three weeks have been busy, which is why I have not updated the blog lately.

Here is Kassidy, just hanging out after a diaper change. Kassidy is our little poop monster! She goes through more diapers than we can count. She is also known for taking two diapers a change. She manages to get both mom and dad with her random peeing and pooping episodes.

Here is Kassidy with Uncle Mike. We went home for the Cactus Open Golf Tournament and the Threshing Bee. Kassidy got to meet a whole bunch of her family members, who couldn't get enough of her.

Kassidy got lots of kisses from her cousin Tate and her Aunt Stacy couldn't hold her enough.

Not only spoiled by her cousin Tate, his sister, Julia, loved holding too. We decided Kassidy looked best with the "band-aid" over her lip. It was kind-of scary to see her lip without the "band-aid" on.

Kassidy got to meet Great Grandma Smith, too! They became snuggle friends quite quickly!

A four generation picture was easy to take, Grandpa Richard, Great Grandma Smith, Kassidy, and Daddy were ready and willing!


Hayden, Alayna, and Nolan will be great cousins to hang out with too! They can't wait for Kassidy to start crawling and walking so they can play. "She's kind of boring right now."

Uncle Luke got to meet Kassidy and hold her for a brief moment. Kade, his son, wasn't too sure what to think about his dad holding a baby.

Aunt Tiffany, Luke's wife, couldn't hold Kassidy very long with Kade in the room. He REALLY didn't like his mom holding another baby. All in all, I think it's safe to say Kassidy will have to grow on Kade.


Aunt Monica was able to stop by too for a quick snuggle session.


Kassidy in her car seat, where she spends most of her days. Thankfully, she doesn't mind it too much. We have found feeding isn't very easy in the car seat and is quite messy.

Does this need an explanation? Of course she does!

Our precious angel taking a snooze. In our ultrasound pictures, her hand was always by her face. This is how she sleeps now! Too cute!

Mom's friend Jenny Andrews came with her family to visit. This is her daughter Alaina. She wanted Kassidy to be able to play too. Holding just wasn't good enough.

Aunt Tara is a baby hog! If she is around, don't plan on holding Kassidy, unless you steal her from her! Kassidy loves her Aunt Tara.

.....Doctor Update.....

We had our first visit to Gillette Children's Hospital on August 4. They put in her mouth piece and showed us how to add tape to Kassidy's top lip. The mouth piece will help pull her palate together (the roof of her mouth) and the tape helps make the lip more elastic. The orthodontist was on vacation the following week, so we did not have a visit August 11.

However, I had my c-section incision checked out August 11. All is looking good. I am healing well and feeling great. There are only a couple of things that still bother it. As far as I am concerned, a c-section is the only way to have a child. Forget all that labor craziness!

August 13, we had another weight check at Partners and Pediatrics in Rogers. Thankfully, this isn't too far of a drive. Kassidy weighed in at 7 lbs. 10 oz., so she was back to her birth weight! Yipie! Feeding is going much better with her mouth piece. It was taking almost an hour and a half each feeding, now she is down to about a half hour.

August 18, we went to Gillette again. We will go there every Tuesday. Dr. Cermain, the orthodontist, re-shaped the mouth piece and added the nose stint. How did Kassidy do? Well, she wasn't real fond of the nose piece to begin with, but quickly became used to it. This process remains to be more difficult for mom and dad, than Kassidy. She is such a little trooper.

We go to the ENT today to find out what is in store for her first surgery. We scheduled her lip repair surgery for Monday, October 19th at 10:15. The surgery is about an hour procedure and we will stay over one night at Gillette Hospital. They said typical recovery is about a week. They will repair Kassidy's lip and nose; insert tubes into her ears to prevent ear infections, as everything doesn't drain correctly without the complete palate; and whatever else the ENT doctor says.

Kassidy is a strong little girl. She can hold her head up and has a very strong grip. She focuses on things more and more each day. Her little arms and legs move constantly when she is awake. She continues to sleep well through the night, about three to four hours at a time. After being gone for the weekend, getting her back into her sleeping routine was a little more difficult, but she is falling back into her routine. She doesn't cry a whole lot, just fusses when she has gas pains. These are coming more frequently this week. She is a great baby!

If you are in the area or want to be in the area, give us a call. Visitors are always welcome! I will go back to work in the end of October. I took off enough time to get through her first surgery. My cell phone is: 320-493-2783. Tuesday's are not good days because of our visits to Gillette, but most of the time our schedule is wide open.

Thank you for all of your continued prayers and support. The Smith family can't say thank you enough! Have a great day! Enjoy the rain!

August 5, 2009

She's here! Kassidy Rae Smith was born on Monday, July 27 at 1:41 p.m. at North Memorial Hospital by c-section. She weighed in at 7 lbs. 10 oz. and was 19 1/2 inches long.

Delivery was a breeze. We arrived at North Memorial at 11:00 Monday morning and were given our room. The nurses were in and out of our room prepping us for the c-section. At about 12:50, the nurses came and started the IV and got Wayne is scrubs. We arrived in the operating room at 1:30 and she was born at 1:41! Wayne barely had enough time to sit down before the doctor said, "Stand up, here it comes!" Before Wayne got into the room, they began the surgery. I asked if they had started cutting yet. Dr. Sarkinen said yes. I replied, "Ow! That hurts! Just teasing!" The room stopped on a dime. They all enjoyed my humor, thank goodness. They also reported that was the first time anyone had ever done that. Does that surprise you?

Wayne was able to go with Kassidy to get cleaned up and he cut the umbilical cord. She was taken to the NICU because she had fluid in her lungs. I was taken back to our room to recover. This meant a long time before being able to hold our new bundle of joy. I sent Wayne to the NICU constantly to check on her while I waited. It wasn't able to hold her until 7:00 that night. Man, did that seem like FOREVER!

Our first family photo:

Kassidy was admitted into the NICU again on Tuesday morning at 4:00 a.m. for problems with choking and breathing. This was a huge set-back because we had just got her from there. Because she had to be re-admitted, her stay had to be 8 hours. I was still hooked up to an IV and had my catheter in. I couldn't go to the NICU until I got rid of those things. Thankfully, we had the most wonderful day nurse, Collette. She stretched a few "guidelines" and got me unattached. Wheelchair here we go! Tuesday was a long day, with many trips back and forth from our room to the NICU.

Tuesday night at about 7:00, Kassidy was able to come back to our room....where she stayed. It was a long restless night, as any move she made we were checking on her. It's amazing what you can do on little to no sleep.

Wednesday was a better day for us. We had lots of visitors and no major medical events. Most of the day was spent becoming a professional breast milk pumper! Kassidy is able to latch on to me, however, it takes too much energy for her to get the nutrition she needs. So, I am pumping like a mad-woman. Just say...Mooooo!

We were able to go home on Thursday in the late afternoon. We didn't have any visitors on Thursday, which was okay because we were able to catch up on a little sleep and enjoy Kassidy all to ourselves.

Life at home has been great. Wayne and I are surviving and learning together. He feeds Kassidy while I pump, which is a long process. She is eating about 2-1 1/2 oz. per feeding, but each feeding takes anywhere from 45-60 minutes. She has lost 10% of her birth weight, which brings her down to 6 lbs. 14 oz. So feeding continues to be difficult. We have been going to weight check appointments just about every day (PAIN in the rear) and then to Gillette yesterday.

Yesterday, we had our first appointment at Gillette Children's Hospital in St. Paul. We met with Dr. Cermain who is Kassidy's orthodontist. She will be helping close the gap in her lip and palate with the plastic appliance. Kassidy was fitted for the appliance yesterday, which looks a lot like a retainer. We take this out twice a day to clean it, which for the first day went well. She also has tape pulling her upper lip together. This process will close the gap by 30% before the surgery. We also met with Dr. Wood, her plastic surgeon, who reassured us he is the best and will fix her right up. He also explained that she has a unilateral cleft lip and incomplete bilateral cleft palate, which is more severe than we originally thought. You wouldn't know it by looking at her or watching her. Her mom gets more worked up than she does!

She is the most precious bundle of joy we could have ever been given. It is amazing how much she has changed our lives in 9 short days. We can't imagine our lives without her.

July 13, 2009

Good Evening!

We had another doctor appointment today. It began with an ultrasound (as usual) and everything looks great, expect baby's position. Baby remains breech with feet down today, rather than up by its head. We scheduled our c-section today for July 27 to take place at North Memorial Hospital in Robbinsdale. We will be in the hospital for 3 days barring any major problems. With our luck, we should probably pack for a month.... There still is a possibility of going early....although we are not ready/prepared for that.

Not much else to report. I threw my back out this weekend moving stuff. I know, I know, sit with your feet up. Well, I learned my lesson because now I am bound to the couch with a heating pad.

We continue to work on the baby's room and clean the house for the final time until baby is 18 years old! :) Just teasing...kind of.

We will make phone calls after baby is born to inform everyone. We have one more doctor appointment next week on Wednesday and will update after that. Now, to play more of the waiting game.

July 6, 2009

36 Week Ultrasound Update

Yesterday, we had our 36 week check-up (yes, that means 4 weeks left! Ahhhh!). We met with our favorite doctor from the Oakdale OB/GYN group, Dr. Sarkinen. She lives in St. Michael, about a mile up the road from us. She was a breath of fresh air, compared to who we have seen the last couple of weeks.

During the ultrasound, they looked for biophysical movement (again) and took measurements. Baby passed the movement tests again, 100% so far on these tests. I tried to remember the measurements, but she went kind of fast. Here is what I remember: head is approx. 9 cm. (approaching a dangerous measurement!!! I don't want anything over 10!!!) and weight is approx. 7 lbs. (also approaching dangerous). Don't panic, I don't mean dangerous as if something is wrong, just dangerous to MY body on the exit of this precious little one. Wayne keeps telling me the bigger the better, easy for him to say sitting in a comfy chair on the sidelines! However, he is right, the bigger the better for upcoming surgeries. (I hate it when he's right AND I have to admit it.)

Baby is still breech. We did not learn about a c-section yet. We'll keep you posted. Everything looked good and if baby can wait until the last week in July, Dr. Sarkinen will be able to deliver. We go back next week on Monday for another ultrasound and doctor visit with Dr. Sarkinen.

Only one photo to share today. This is a profile of baby.

Have a fabulous week!

June 29, 2009

Biophysical Ultrasound Update...

We had another ultrasound and baby passed with flying colors in about 15 minutes. Some babies take up to 30 minutes to go through all of the tests. They continue to look for each arm and leg to move and for fetal breathing. We are doing great! We also got some new photos of the baby's face. It is amazing to see how much he/she has changed in such a short amount of time. The baby's tongue was going crazy while we were watching.

The baby is now back in it's favorite position, like a pike diver. Its head and feet are up near my ribs and bottom is down by my pelvis. I think this baby might have an inkling into my fears of labor, hence, staying breech and requiring a c-section. We have not scheduled a c-section yet, but will find out more next week on Monday. The ultrasound next week will also give us more information about the baby's weight and length.

No major changes to report. We lost our second daycare provider. This process is becoming a little too much for us. We think we have things lined up and then WHAM! we are back at the beginning. Wayne is priming the basement as I update. He really does not like painting, as he reminds me each time I check on him. He is doing a great job though! We should have painted walls this week. Nothing like waiting for the last minute.

I am feeling good for the most part, enjoying the cooler weather! I am probably the only Minnesotan enjoying the winds and 70 degree temps. It beats the 90 degree temps last week. I get to go outside and not swell up like a sausage! Someone told me early in my pregnancy to buy a small batman pool (why batman, I don't know) and sit in the backyard. I thought they were crazy at the time. Now, the neighbors kiddie pool isn't looking too bad! Would they know I used it while they are at work?

Here are pictures from our ultrasound:

1. Profile picture of face

2. Looking directly at baby's face. You can see the cleft lip on the left side of the face.

3. The bottom of baby's foot and the other foot is underneath.

4. Another face picture with a hand up my the nose. "Enough pictures of me already!"

June 24, 2009

I have been getting some harassing phone calls and emails in regards to my lack of updating lately, my deepest apologies.

We had a doctor appointment on Monday, June 15, which I did not write about. We arrived at the clinic for another biophysical ultrasound and then to meet with the doctor. Last week, we ended up waiting for over two hours to see the doctor after our ultrasound. We were a bit unnerved to learn at 9:30 in the morning (appointments start at 8:00 in an OB/GYN clinic, not family practice), the doctor was already running late. We decided we were not going to wait this time, so left. The only information we received from this appointment was from the ultrasound tech. The amniotic fluid looks good and baby passed all movement tests in about 15 minutes. I am surprised it took that long, as this baby is a mover and shaker! I hope he/she gets my dance moves and not Wayne's.

On Wednesday, June 24, we went in for our weekly biophysical ultrasound....again. We switched doctors for this one as the head of North Memorial scheduling called and apologized for our previous two visits. Everyone was on schedule this time! The ultrasound went great. Baby passed all movement tests in about 10 minutes. The ultrasound tech thanked us for our efficiency. We also learned that the baby has moved from a pike position to feet down and head up. Wayne and I thought this was progress, that the baby had moved to a new position. Not a great position, but a new position none the less. However, when we met with Dr. Martini she was quick to point out that this was a worse position than before. She said we will decide in the next weeks if a scheduled c-section is up our alley. Other than positioning, everything looks great.

I think I have begun my nesting phase, as I am cleaning and organizing. Or maybe it is going stir crazy being in the house because it is too hot for this body outside. Or maybe it is because we still have a baby room that needs: paint, doors, trim, window casing, closet fixtures, furniture, etc. Or maybe it is because my house is a disaster and I am now up off the couch long enough to do something about it. Any of these are viable possibilities. No comments from the peanut gallery please!

Thank you for the emails and phone calls, although I poke fun at you, I sure appreciate the thoughts and prayers. Our next appointment is Monday and PROMISE to update after that appointment.

Have a great weekend/week!

June 9, 2009

Today, we had our final ultrasound at the Perinatal Center at North Memorial in Robbinsdale. We learned the heart, brain, lungs, and kidneys are working well. We also learned that Baby Smith weighs 5 pounds right now, putting it 12 days ahead of where it is supposed to be. I declared this should mean I get to deliver early, the doctor clarified that this means our baby is in the 95% percentile for weight. In English, what does this mean...BIG BABY!!! However, this does mean that our baby is growing and developing on its own just fine, which is great news. We got to see the bladder full of fluid, which is also a good thing. Baby is swallowing amniotic fluid and its kidneys are functioning properly. The swallowing piece is huge with the baby's cleft lip and palate.

They were unable to determine if the cleft lip remains to be unilateral or if it may be bilateral. Bilateral means both sides would be affected. With the baby's position, it was too difficult for the ultrasound technician or doctor to determine. Upon leaving the parking ramp, we learned you must have cash to pay. We did not have cash, but rummaged just about enough change to pay. We came up $1.00 short and the parking attendant still left us leave. Moral of the story: Parking attendants aren't so bad.

We took a tour of the hospital during our fourth child birth class. There is a different room for each stage of labor. I hope we don't get lost! We also saw a c-section video. I say, enough videos. They tend to scar me for weeks. For those of you who have given birth already, I applaud you. I am feeling a little leery about this whole process.

Our next ultrasound is on Monday, June 15 and child birth class is Tuesday, June 16.
Thank you to everyone who has been praying for our family. We appreciate it!
32 weeks and counting.

June 8, 2009

We had our first biophysical ultrasound today at Oakdale OB/GYN in Maple Grove. Our baby was given its first test. Baby received points for showing fetal breathing and moving arms and legs seperately. We are pleased to report he/she passed with flying colors. They also measured the amniotic fluid, which was in the low-average range. We go back next Monday for another biophysical ultrasound and have to meet with the doctor to watch the amniotic fluid. The doctor also measured the baby's heart rate, which is 154. Boy or Girl??? The doctor said the old wives tales are hogwash!

We go tomorrow for a Level 2 ultrasound at the Perinatal Center at North Memorial Hospital in Robbinsdale. We also have our fourth child birth class.

May 31, 2009

Good Afternoon!

We met with Gillette Children's Hospital on Tuesday, May 26. We met Dr. Wood, the plastic surgeon, Dr. Cermin, the orthodontist, and Cheryl Shell, the lactation consultant/nurse practitioner. We will be using Gillette Children's hospital instead of the Children's Hospital. We made this decision based on Dr. Wood and Dr. Cermin's extensive history in cranofacial surgery. The pictures they showed us were unbelievable. They were very thorough with the timeline we will follow and took time to answer all of our questions.

Dr. Cermin designed the OrthoCleft Retainer, which is an oral retainer make of acrylic and wires. They customize the retainer to fit the baby at a week old and modify it weekly until the first surgery, which takes place at 12 weeks (3 months). The appliance brings gum segments together, reducing the gap in the mouth, stretching the lip muscles, and give the nose a more even shape. It will also help improve sucking and eating abilities. The retainer comes out twice a day to clean, but is in the rest of the time. It was amazing to see pictures of children who used the retainer and those that did not.

Dr. Wood is a very confident doctor, with a straight-forward approach to this process. He has studied cranofacial abnormalities through medical school and has specialized in this type of surgery throughout his career. He will be doing the cleft lip surgery and the palate surgery. The cleft lip normally requires only one reconstructive surgery. This surgery will restore the mouth's normal shape and function. The nostrils are also repaired during this surgery. This surgery is typically an hour in length and requires an overnight stay.

Beginning June 8, we will have weekly ultrasound visits. They will be looking to see if growth is continuing and will decide if a natural birth is best. So far so good. Many people have asked us if we really know the gender of the baby and just aren't telling. We REALLY DON'T know. When they go to that region, we close our eyes.

We will be delivering at North Memorial in Robbinsdale and not needing any additional care there, unless feeding becomes difficult. If this changes, we'll let you know.

We cannot say thank you enough for the prayers, cards, and phone calls. We appreciate all of the support. It means the world to all three of us.

Here is the website to Gillette Children's Hospital if you want to read more: http://www.gillettechildrens.org/default.cfm?PID=1.17.1.2

Here is a timeline of surgeries too:
Week 1: Visit with Gillette Children's Hospital to do initial retainer fitting
Week 2-10: ENT Consultation to insert tubes in ears
Week 12: Cleft Lip Surgery
Week 12: Speech and Language Initial Evaluation

Month 9-12: Cleft Palate Repair
Month 9-12: Speech and Language Follow-Up
Month 12: Dental Check-up
Month 12-18: Speech and Language Therapy

Follow-up surgeries are schedules after this time, depending on the need of the child.

We look forward to sharing news with you as we get it!
Thank you.
Wayne, Shannon, Baby Smith

April 28, 2009

Good Evening!
Wayne and I had our second visit at the Perinatal Center in North Memorial Hospital. We had our second Level 2 ultrasound. The Perinatal Center has more advanced technology when doing ultrasounds, allowing us to see the baby in 3D. Just like the last appointment, the baby was not very cooperative when trying to get a profile picture. Sounds just like our offspring….glad the attitude is starting early!
Our baby’s growth is right on target. In four weeks time, he/she weighs 2 pounds, doubling in size from our last visit. It was amazing to see the growth in such a short amount of time. We were able to see the brain, heart, kidneys, gallbladder, and liver, all in wonderful working condition. We were also able to see the hands and feet too. The feet have grown to 2 inches long. I think we may have a diver on our hands, as baby was in a perfect pike position.
We also learned more about the cleft lip and palate. The cleft lip is a unilateral split to the left. The baby will also have a cleft hard and soft palate. We will be delivering at North Memorial Hospital in Robbinsdale. We made this decision after talking with our OB, Dr. Sarkinen. She is confident in her abilities and North Memorial’s facilities to deliver our child. We are working on picking a surgeon and pediatrician. Our two options are The Children’s Hospital and Gillette Children’s Hospital.
The staff at the Perinatal Center have been phenomenal. They answer our questions with straight forward answers. The doctor we had today recommended an extended maternity leave to help deal with all of the surgeries, appointments, and feeding.Please continue to keep us in your prayers. Wayne, Shannon, and Baby Smith

March 22, 2009

Good Evening!
We are writing this email to each of you, not as a way to sound insincere or impersonal, but for a way for everyone to get the same information at the same time. We love each of you very much and are going to need you for support in the upcoming months.
As you are well aware, we are due August 5. We are 22 weeks or about 5 months pregnant. On March 26, we went for our 20 week ultrasound at North Memorial Clinic with our regular OB doctor. We found out our baby will be born with a cleft lip and possibly a cleft palate. We were referred to the Perinatal Center at North Memorial Hospital to have a Level 2 ultrasound. The Level 2 ultrasound allowed the nurses and doctors to see the baby in more detail and also in 3D, which was pretty amazing to see. It was like the baby was staring right back at us on the screen. The Level 2 ultrasound confirmed that the baby indeed will have a cleft lip and possible cleft palate. It is difficult for doctors to determine if the baby will have a cleft palate because they cannot get a good look inside the mouth through ultrasound.
Today, we had a consultation at the Cleft and Craniofacial Clinic through Children’s Hospital in Minneapolis. We were given information on the surgical process and different things we get decided soon. We need to decide, with the guidance of our OB doctor, if we will deliver at North Memorial Hospital or at Abbott Northwestern. We also need to determine who our pediatrician will be so we can begin to line up care after the baby is born. We will also need to pick which surgeon we will use to repair the cleft.
The really good news is this appears to be an isolated incident, meaning no other body parts or functions are being affected. We have seen two hands with five fingers on each hand and two feet with five toes, all moving on their own. The heart has four developed chambers, working properly. The brain is developing normally, along with the spine. Although, there is no guarantee, the doctors have been very positive on the rest of development.
The cleft lip and palate are surgically repairable, but will take some time. The first surgery will occur 6-8 weeks from delivery to repair the lip. During this time, feeding may be difficult as we will not be able to nurse, but can use breast milk. We will need to get special bottles with special nipples to ensure proper feeding. If palate surgery is needed, they will do surgery at 10-16 months. Along with the lip and palate surgery, the baby will have to have tubes in their ears at about 6 months as the Eustachian tubes do not develop normally. We will have a team of specialists working with us to monitor hearing, speech, dental issues, etc.
We are feeling quite overwhelmed with all of the decisions that need to be made and dealing with the emotions that come with learning about our new baby. We are hoping to keep everyone up-to-date so everyone knows what to expect at delivery and thereafter. Any extra prayers you can send our way would be greatly appreciated.
Our plan is to email all siblings later this week with the same information. Thank you for understanding and being supportive. We love you.
Wayne, Shannon, and Baby Smith