Greetings to you all. Thank you for your support and especially your prayers.

We had some trauma today. The three doctor team assigned to Rebecca and Xavier visited this morning, two thirds of the team being new. We learned that the team will rotate two every week, and only Dr. Hahn will be consistent (at least for the next six to eight weeks). It was not the change in the team roster which was so upsetting, but the newest theory they presented to Rebecca.

They presented the idea of another extremely rare genetic abnormality called triploidy (essentially having an extra 23 set of chromosomes) might be the cause. The two symptoms they cited were the blood pressure and small size of the baby. The only "sure" test, Rebecca was told, was an amniocentesis test.

Rebecca called me after they left to inform me of what she heard. She was upset, despondent and eventually in tears. Triploidy is fatal, the vast majority of the time leading to miscarriage. I, as schedules would have it, was in Fort Collins overseeing window installation and separated from my wife by ninety-some miles. This theory put a pall over most of the day.

One of the doctors returned in the afternoon to check up on Rebecca and to apologize for upsetting her this morning. He spent an hour with her and her mood was greatly improved by the meeting. He assured her that she is the "quarterback" and they are on her team. Whatever play she calls, they will carry out. He also explained the reason we are hearing so many different theories is because the doctors are constantly arguing about her case. This, I think, is a good thing, even if the presentation needs work. At least we are not being ignored.

The doctor ran down a list of the four categories of conditions that could explain Rebecca's and Xavier's condition (for which they are obviously baffled by). The doctor stated that it is his belief that Rebecca's high BP and Xavier's slower growth are completely explainable by the way the placenta formed, and there are no genetic issues to be concerned over. This has been Rebecca's and my sense of things for some weeks now, so it was nice to hear a doctor agree with us. One of the reasons the doctors don't sugar coat what they are thinking, Rebecca thinks, is because the patient may hear what they want to hear rather than hear what they need to hear.

Our stand is to wait another week before deciding on the amniocentesis; we want to see what the next ultrasound will reveal. Also, as we researched this newest theory, both Rebecca and I are of a mind that it simply cannot be the case. We think based on many reasons, several being:

1. Except for the higher BP and small size of the fetus, none of the other symptoms exist
2. The genetic tests done several weeks ago would surely have shown DNA material that had a third more chromosomes to it; that was the kind of thing the tests looked for, although not this specifically.
3. Xavier is active, all his organs are working, his heart strong. We feel him moving all the time, and not weakly either. The ultrasounds have probed his organs several times and they all pass muster with flying colors (or flying black and whites in the case of the ultrasound)
4. Both Rebecca and I have a strong sense Xavier is strong and viable.

The doctor did put the kibosh on Easter brunch, and we will respect his reasons. They're good ones. I will instead bring something from the Fresh Fish Company to Rebecca so she can enjoy the meal if not the company we had planned on.

Though today had its disheartening moment, still the doctors delivered only a theory and not definitive news. It is good they have taken such an interest in our case. Rebecca is going to ask that they not present such information to her unless I am present to help buffer the information and help in drilling the doctors with thoughts and questions to better contextualize the information. At least I will be able to offer the physical comfort of standing with Rebecca and Xavier.

Rebecca did get out of the room today and had lunch with some close friends. She walked down to the cafeteria rather than use a wheelchair. The trip and the company did her well, but still she is emotionally beat.

I should note at this point that Xavier is still actively moving about and his heart rate is still where it should be.

Though today was hard, still we will look to our God and Savior. Xavier will live and not die and he will declare the glory of God!

Thank you all for your prayers, they strengthen not only Xavier, but also help undergird our faith to stand and to stand strong.