I think I have enough brain power...

to give you the update on Shelby's ultrasound results. The cyst(s?) have grown since the fall. I spoke directly with her surgeon in Chicago about these results and he's not quite sure if its 1 cyst or 3, but either way, its larger than last time. He said its very unusual for someone with Biliary Atresia to have something like this, but still feels very confident that they are the result of dilated bile ducts and not tumors. He is very pleased that she is doing so well and not having complications from them. I asked how could that be and he said that the other parts of her liver are taking over most of the function right now and essentially this "bad" part is sort-of shut-down. He does not want to try to drain the cysts or fix the obstruction right now because any of the possibilities would be invasive and could possibly lead to her needing an external bile drain if the surgery did not work. So...as long as she's doing good meaning no infections or pain from them, then they are just going to watch them closely. He said they could get large enough to put pressure on veins and arteries that are essential for transplant. If that happens then he would have to do something to preserve those structures even if she isn't having any complications from them. As long as nothing pops up between now and June she'll have another ultrasound in Chicago to assess them at that time. Does all that make sense? She just had her 5-year-old check-up at the pediatricians on Monday and now weighs 50 lbs. and is 43 inches tall. We had labs run on her and all looked pretty good. Other than her not wanting to go to sleep at night and exerting a bit of 5-year-old attitude (most likely from a lack of sleep), she is doing great!

Riley is doing awesome, too. She devours book by book by book......She is very excited about this new baby sister and getting to be quite grown up for 7 years old. Where did my fat little baby go?

As for me, I saw the midwife on Monday and have been told to moderate my activity. If I'm having contractions, then I am to rest. Well, that happens about every time I get up. Yesterday I stayed on the couch until 1:30 in the afternoon and by 4:00 p.m. my legs were swollen really bad. Today I had the luxury to stay in bed until Noon as my Mom kept the girls overnight. Let's hope this baby comes soon. I'm thinking next Tuesday or Wednesday. Anyone else have any dates in mind?