E-mail

If you are not up to date with our situation, here is an e-mail that we recently sent out to some of our family and friends to let them know what is going on with McKenzie and Campbell and how folks can be praying for us:

Hey Family and Friends,

We just wanted to give an update on McKenzie and baby Campbell and ask for your prayers. The last few weeks have been kind of crazy. About 2 weeks ago McKenzie wasn't feeling well and left school to go to the doctor. They were concerned that she was at risk of pre-term labor and monitored her in labor and delivery for a couple hours. While she was there, they did some ultrasounds and noticed some irregularities in her placenta. They didn't feel comfortable with what they saw so they sent us to Miami Valley Hospital the next day to have some specialists check it out. They did more ultrasounds at Miami Valley and informed us that Campbell is measuring about 3 weeks small and that they are concerned that he may not be getting the amount of oxygen and nutrients from the placenta that he would need to grow at a normal rate. The doctors wanted us to come back in two weeks so they could monitor his growth and check the placenta. We just had that follow-up appointment and the doctors are still concerned with what they see. The blood flow through the umbilical cord is not normal and he is still measuring small (he is in the 16th percentile, small but still in the safe range). Because of the problems with the placenta, the doctor told us that McKenzie will most likely need to deliver early. We don't know how early yet, but they are having her come in weekly to monitor everything and to determine when they think she will need to deliver to keep Campbell as safe as possible. They are already preparing him for early delivery by giving McKenzie steroid shots that will help to mature his lungs.

We feel blessed to have seen Campbell so much during this pregnancy. He is very active and has a strong heartbeat. He also enjoys showing off for the ultrasound techs. The doctors have also been amazing. They have been very thorough and it just seems like they have gone out of their way to make sure McKenzie and Campbell are getting the care they need. But we still want to ask you to pray for us during this time. Here are some specific things you can be praying for:

• that Campbell will continue to grow and receive the nutrients and oxygen he needs from the placenta
• that he will be able to stay in the womb as long as possible
• that McKenzie will be content being on bed rest. This is very difficult for her.
• that we will seek comfort in Christ and nothing else during this time
• for the doctors as they make decisions about when Campbell will need to be delivered
• that Campbell's lungs will mature and that he will be prepared for life outside the womb
• that this experience will strengthen our faith and cause us to abide in Christ

Thank you all for your prayers, love, and support. We can pray with confidence, knowing that whatever happens, our outcome is secure.

We will do our best to keep you updated. Thanks again!

Wes and McKenzie