Anonymous wrote:Hi OP! Just checking in. Have you had your CHOP appointment? I’m hoping you are close to getting some more answers.

We actually decided to postpone actually going to CHOP until the baby is born and we have a clearer picture of what's going on. We're in touch with them, just not going in for the full prenatal work-up. After talking with our doctor it seems an additional/different ultrasound wouldn't yield any new information given all the tests that've been run already. At this stage we just need to make peace with the idea that we won't get "the answer" until the baby comes, which isn't anyone's ideal but I think I'm ready to settle in and stop tilting at windmills for the rest of the pregnancy. And anyway, I've got plenty of other stuff going on so eliminating at least one very long appointment was somewhat welcome. This past week I actually failed the 1-hour glucose test, so now contending with the 3 hour and potentially GD. Can't seem to catch a break this pregnancy. That said, with the glucose test result, my new pet theory is that the baby's nether parts are totally normal, just very plump from all the sugar!

But seriously, I'm doing alright. Just looking forward to getting through the rest of the summer and finally meeting the baby.

Hi OP! Just checking in. Have you had your CHOP appointment? I’m hoping you are close to getting some more answers.

Op, you have such a positive attitude and I can tell you are already a great mother. You have every reason to be stressed and worried especially with no answers. Your family is in my prayers, praying for a great ultrasound!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How are you, OP?

I'm hanging in there, thanks for asking. We had another of our routine ultrasounds and the virilization process appears to be continuing so things look quite male now. Baby is otherwise healthy, there continues to be no explanation for what's going on - we'll just learn more upon birth, I suppose. It's been noted in our chart that the NICU team should be present at the birth so the baby can be evaluated right away in case any urgent issues present themselves that wouldn't have shown up in testing or on the ultrasound. At this point I can't think of anything else to Google, so I'm trying to just go about my business as usual.

I'm so glad they have plans in place to make sure your baby is well taken care of!

Are you getting enough help and support for you? You have a whole bunch of internet strangers rooting for the health of you and your baby!

People have been very kind and supportive, internet strangers included. Family and other friends have been remarkably helpful and also very open-minded, taking things in stride and very much Team "Our Job is to Love the Baby No Matter What Gender(s?) They Are." My best friend is even throwing me a very gender-neutral baby shower . I think it'll be nice to take some time to remember that whatever else is going on, a new person is joining our family and that's something worth celebrating.

Gosh, this made me smile. I've been thinking about you a lot OP. I feel bad for hoping that you would update us because you have so much going on, but just know so many of us are here rooting for your whole family. You deserve the biggest of showers, yes even for Baby #2, etiquette be damned.

Anonymous wrote:OP, not only are you brave - you're hilarious too (ie - the second baby shower comment)! So many of us are pulling for you. When should we expect this little bundle to arrive? Sending lots of happy thoughts for the remainder of your pregnancy and beyond - with parents like you, this babe is the lucky one!

I'm due in September, so a few months left to go.

I like your humor OP.

Keep up that positive spirit!

OP, not only are you brave - you're hilarious too (ie - the second baby shower comment)! So many of us are pulling for you. When should we expect this little bundle to arrive? Sending lots of happy thoughts for the remainder of your pregnancy and beyond - with parents like you, this babe is the lucky one!

Anonymous wrote:Just chiming in to say that DCUM is basically ready to have a baby shower for you too, OP. This is the most supportive thread I can remember seeing!

It's true, you all have been amazing! I've really felt lifted up by all the support here. Hopefully DCUM doesn't turn on me if I admit this is my second baby, so a shower is technically not appropriate - horrors! I gave myself an etiquette pass on this one given the circumstances. (Also there was no shower for the first baby! Mitigating circumstances?? Don't turn on me now, guys.)

Speaking of my first baby, he's 2 now and, as it happens, quite interested in anatomy - I've lost count of the number of times he's asked "Mommy, do you have a penis?" and seemed dismayed and concerned when I explained I do not. (He also probably got way more info than he was looking for with my drawn-out explanation of how some people have one, and other people have something else, and other people have neither or both, and all these things are great and fine, so on and so forth, LOL). So whatever happens I'm sure his new little sibling will be very educational for us all!

Rooting for you and the little one, OP!

Just chiming in to say that DCUM is basically ready to have a baby shower for you too, OP. This is the most supportive thread I can remember seeing!

Thanks for the update, OP. I'm another PP who is also thinking of you and your family and sending all my best. Your new little family member is absolutely worth celebrating. Take good care.

you don't know me or any of us here, but i'm thinking about you and the little bebe. sending lots of hugs and the most positive vibes, that's all.

So happy you’re having a shower and taking time to celebrate this new little one. Hopefully your shower sprinkles you with fun things! It sounds like you and your medical team are preparing as best you can. I’m glad your family and friends are team love the baby!

Your update makes me smile. You are handling this with a lot of grace and a wonderful open and positive attitude. Big hugs to you.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How are you, OP?

I'm hanging in there, thanks for asking. We had another of our routine ultrasounds and the virilization process appears to be continuing so things look quite male now. Baby is otherwise healthy, there continues to be no explanation for what's going on - we'll just learn more upon birth, I suppose. It's been noted in our chart that the NICU team should be present at the birth so the baby can be evaluated right away in case any urgent issues present themselves that wouldn't have shown up in testing or on the ultrasound. At this point I can't think of anything else to Google, so I'm trying to just go about my business as usual.

I'm so glad they have plans in place to make sure your baby is well taken care of!

Are you getting enough help and support for you? You have a whole bunch of internet strangers rooting for the health of you and your baby!

People have been very kind and supportive, internet strangers included. Family and other friends have been remarkably helpful and also very open-minded, taking things in stride and very much Team "Our Job is to Love the Baby No Matter What Gender(s?) They Are." My best friend is even throwing me a very gender-neutral baby shower . I think it'll be nice to take some time to remember that whatever else is going on, a new person is joining our family and that's something worth celebrating.