On December 7, 1999 we traveled down to the University of Maryland Medical Center for the first time.  We had an ultrasound a few weeks prior that showed some irregularities and we wanted a better scan done to determine the extent of the problems that Arran might be facing.  While we were there the doctor suggested that we have an amniocentesis done to see if there was any chromosomal problems with the baby.  At that point Arran's condition looked very bad and is chances for life were slim.  When we got the results of the amnio back we were informed that there was indeed a chromosomal abnormality.  It occurred on chromosome number 4, and in fact there were 2 separate abnormalities present on this chromosome.  It was at this point that we had to make a decision to either continue the pregnancy or to have it interrupted (aborted).  We obviously chose to continue on.

At this point we decided to treat this pregnancy really no differently than any other.  We knew that there were problems but we were still going to have all of the tests and blood work done that any other expectant mom would do.  That’s when we found out that I had gestational diabetes.  We then had to work at getting that under control and things then returned to "normal".

Near the end of the pregnancy we had a few more ultrasounds done to see how Arran was developing.  This is when we found out some more about his heart condition.  He has a thickening around his heart that we now know was caused by the gestational diabetes.  We also found out that he was breech, yet another complication.

We decided, along with our doctors, that we would try to deliver vaginally instead of a second c-section.  This would have to be done at the University of Maryland Medical Center and not Washington County.  There were definite risks involved with this delivery.  If we decided to have a second C-section then there were all the risks involved in any abdominal surgery, plus the recovery time is much longer and much more painful.  If we decided to have a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) with a breech baby then we had some additional risks including: uterine rupture, the baby's head getting stuck, or the baby's cord coming out first.  Late in the night on April 4th we actually made the final choice to go with the VBAC.  This was after 30 hours of labor.  But I'll get to that momentarily.

We went down to UMMS on Monday April 3, 2000.  We had a light supper and then went in to check in with the nurse.  At this point light irregular contractions had been occurring throughout the last couple of days. Once I was in the bed and she started to hook up the monitors then the contractions started to get stronger and more frequent.  Everyone thought this was funny but me.  We ended up staying and being admitted.  Labor really started to get underway by 7:00 PM that evening.  I was then in labor until Arran was born on Wednesday April 5, 2000 at 12:37 PM.  Needless to say this was a long couple of days for both Brad and I.  Family and friends throughout this time period visited us.  In total I was seen by 3 different Attending Physicians, 5 residents, 5 nurses, and 3 anesthesiologists (wonderful people).  This was before the actual delivery.

When it finally came time to deliver I was taken to an OR room in case an emergency C-section might be required.  Once there it looked like I had landed in the middle of the Smurf's village due to all of the doctors, residents, nurses, and anesthesiologists running around in their little blue scrubs and caps.  I remember complaining about being in pain and this wonderful woman (the Attending Anesthesiologist) giving me medicine.  A few pushes later and Arran was born.  I am of course playing this part down due to the number of friends I have that are currently pregnant.  I really don’t want to scare them that badly.  As soon as he was born he was taken directly across the hall to another room where he had a large staff of people waiting to see him.  Just before they took him downstairs to the NICU unit they brought him in to show me.  He held my hand just like Patrick did when he was born.