Blood work: negative

The nurse from the MFM doctor's office just called, with the results of my blood test.
We were testing for exposure to two things: cytomegalovirus, and toxoplasmosis (the cat box virus). When mom and I were researching the diagnoses, exposure to those came up as possible causes for both anomalies, gastroschisis and hydrocephalus.
Well, I came back negative for exposure to both, either past or present. And I got a warning from the nurse to stay away from sick kids, as they are the most common carriers of CMV.
So, what do we know now? We know that we may never know what (if anything) caused these problems. Sometimes things just happen.
Keep thinking good thoughts for Emma. May she continue to be a fighter!

Ultrasound pictures 02-26-07

the most recent ultrasound pictures of Emma, from yesterday's visit to the Maternal Fetal Medicine Doc (aka, the High Risk OB):

(above) Normal ultrasound, but you can totally see her facial features.

3-D image, she's got her hand to her head.

My boss said she's saying, "Oh, god, my mom is in radio!"

3-D image, a little freaky looking, but look at that cute little nose and lips!

She has the most adorable feet!

Also, please link through to mom's summary:
emma update

more about emma

mom has posted a really good summary of what's been going on.
you can read it here:
What has been on my mind

Ultrasound 02-07-07

these are the first pictures of Emma.
I picked a few from the
bunch out so you could see.