Tomorrow is the anniversary of Dora’s 16-week ultrasound. The one with that awkward silence, when the technician didn’t answer our chirrupy questions and finally fled for the doctor. The one that told us her heart was still and she was gone.
June 18 was her birthday, so Happy Birthday to you, Dora Jewel, precious gift. You were born into heaven a few days before, sometime around Father’s Day. One year in heaven, are you a big girl now? Do you enjoy cuddling with your brother James and Mr. Li? Does Jesus sing to you, or do you sing to Him? What beautiful truths do you understand that we won’t learn for years? We love you, we miss you, our sweet girl, tiny one.
Dora Jewel Gjertsen at 12 wks., 5/20/08
Tuesday was a 28-week ultrasound for #3 (we’ll reveal the puzzle solution with his name soon!). Thankfully it went much better than Dora’s did. He was in a good position for us to measure his growth as well as see his cute little face!
After two pregnancies that defied all the odds, it’s a relief to be “just” average. At the appointment we discovered that #3 is in the 56th percentile for growth, already weighing approximately 2 lbs. 12 oz.! That means he’s right in the middle of typical—a good thing, since James was in the 1st percentile and weighed 2 lbs. 14 oz. when he was born at 35 weeks.
#3 at 28 wks.
James at 28 wks.
Dr. Davila is still acting with caution due to our history, so #3 will be monitored with non-stress tests and more growth ultrasounds until just before 38 weeks, when the c-section will most likely be. That’s Aug. 21, a year and a day after James died. I’m glad they aren’t on the exact same day, but am I crazy for seeing the closeness of dates as a gift?
And what do you think—does he look like James or not? The first two pics are #3, and the last two are James a week younger:
James at 27 wks.
Yes, they sure do look like brothers.
Hopefully #3 (would you hurry up and reveal, I’m too stupid to finish the puzzle!) has James’ beautiful expressive eyes and eyelashes that any woman would be jealous of!
I checked your site this morning thinking it had been several weeks since you last posted and maybe there would be updates. Wow–I couldn’t believe all the postings. I can definitely tell Abby is out of school and has time on her hands for now. Glad you had some time to get away. A neighbor of mine cooked me a combined blueberry/peach cobbler this past weekend and it was delicious. Might be a venture you want to try. Continuing to lift you up daily and always glad to see what’s going on with you guys. Much love.
There are many similarities in those u/s – both beautiful boys! 🙂
I know I am not the only one that wonders if when they get to gaze upon baby #3’s face they we see a glimmer of James. Maybe he’ll have the curls, or those eyelashes, or even that special way that James would look up adoringly at his Mommy. No matter what, we’ll see the beauty of God’s love and creation.
Is #3 smiling already? Talk about advanced! Gorgeous kiddo, like his older brother. And gorgeous mommy, too. Oh yeah, you are handsome too, John. I wasn’t trying to leave you out. Love you guys!
I don’t know if they look the same, but chills ran through my body looking at the pictures of #3. So thankful, so excited, so joyful at a new life beginning. I’m glad we’re going to get to visit before the birthday (maybe we’ll get to help some with preparations?!), but am going to be so jealous not to meet him face to face.
I find myself restraining my emotions a lot, but want to bask in the joy with you of this new stage of life for your family. I remember when another close friend was having her 2nd child after the first one was born prematurely and only lived a few days….we all held our breath and relished the moment. He’s now 4 1/2 and has a little baby sister. A totally new season of life for them.
Thanks for sharing the pics.
Wow, #3 is chubby! James had more of mom’s face but baby #3 looks more like dad! He’s got a little button nose! He’s going to be absolutely beautiful ^_^; Congratulations!!!
i found you from cakewrecks and your family continues to be in my prayers.
I love reading your blog. I’m just a lurker, from CW, but I’m now hooked. I sat through one night and read all your history after I found it, and sobbed like a baby. I was so happy to find out you were pregnant, and when I saw those pictures of your belly bump I cried out loud! God bless you both, and your entire family, both here and beyond.
Hello from The Netherlands, so excuse me for my bad english. I found your website from cakewrecks, and read your story with the deepest respect. What a beautiful ultrasounds and what a relief it must be that #3 is average. I’ve lost 3 baby’s during pregnancy myself, so i now what a gift from god it is to get an ‘average’ baby. Your family and childeren are in my prayers. Greetings from Delft, The Netherlands. Miranda Jansen
thinking and praying for you today.
my first thought was that #3 doesn’t look like James, but after seeing J’s ultrasound, I’m thinking their nose is alike.
now I have to go find some fruit to eat — wow looks fantastic. do you guys can jam?
indiana’s strawberries are in and I’m making strawberry-rhubarb jam today.
laura
When you jam, do you use a steel drum?
They’re both adorable. They do look alike but it looks like #3 has a super cute little nose.
*precious*
Well, I also found you via cake wrecks and read your very loving tribute to your other two babies…I wish #3 the best of everything, he already seems to have it as far as parents go!
John and Abby!
What a joy to watch #3 growing, but #3 will never be just average! #3 has an amazing family history already and amazing parents that are anything but “average”.
Oh, James’ eyes and eyelashes surely distracted the ladies, me included. 😉
It’s burning me up inside not having time to complete that puzzle. I can’t wait for the reveal for all of us who are not so puzzle-savvy.
**Carissa**
I definitely see a resemblance to James. Not so much comparing them in the ultrasounds, but the second ultrasound of Number Three, where you can see his face straight-on, he looks like several of the pictures that were posted of James. 🙂
WOW! I love the picture of #3’s profile. What a cute little nose he has! And I agree, you can definitely tell that he and James are brothers. I’m so happy for you three. Can’t wait till little Jonathan comes into the world!
Wow! I love her name. It is so precious!