This entired pregnancy has been somewhat of a surreal and "out of body experience" it seems.  At first, I was a little afraid to fully grasp the idea of being pregnant again in case something went wrong.  And now that we are nearing the end...I am definitely excited but anxious at the same time.  Since I had no apparent issues in my pregnancy with Emily, it's the birth and beyond that I am most scared of...until now!!  Now, for the most part this pregnancy has gone by just as smoothly (aside from the shots and glucose scare) and I am most thankful for that.  Since 24 weeks gestation, I have gone to the Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialist each week for a level II sonogram to measure baby's growth and bloodflow to organs to check for fetal anemia.  Each week the numbers have been normal and Hope has shown no signs of any problems.  Yesterday, that began to change...33 weeks 5 days.  Anemia is essentially a lack of red blood cells, which transport oxygen from the heart...therefore the heart works harder to overcompensate.  This can also cause the heart to enlarge, muscles to thicken, and even leak fluid from valves...none of these things were present (which is good) but her heart production has increased which shows that she is developing fetal anemia. 

We were made aware that Hailey was slightly anemic after she was born, due to the ABO Incompatibility (different blood types that don't "Jive") and was missed with Emily (even though she did have the ABO Incompatibility and Jaundice issue...I feel certain the hospital where she was born was not as knowledged as Baylor was), and most likely Hope is dealing with the same issue...we just have a handle on it at an earlier time...which again I am most thankful for. 

I go back on Monday to see if there has been any progression and will plan to be there every few days to keep an even closer eye on things.  Obviously, depending on the progression (if any), a decision will be made for either an earlier delivery or a Fetal Transfusion (scary sounding but it can buy us more time to get closer to the 38 week mark). 

Sure, we hope for the "everything looks normal" report each time we go, but I am thankful for my doctors who are taking such good care of us and have no doubt that they will do what is best for Hope.  I know that IF she does have to be delivered earlier, that she will be OK and in good hands and that makes me even more thankful that we have gotten this far with no problems. 

Not only is it scary to know that things are "normal" but to know that my body is the one trying to fight her's and causing things to not be normal makes me feel so helpless!