We had another ultrasound today.
The baby is healthy and constantly moving, actually he/she got the hiccups...
You know that was an "awwwww" moment!
They were able to tell a little more this time.
Our baby has a bilateral cleft lip and palate
We won't know how much of the palate is effected until birth.
I am happy to know ahead of time,
I will not be nursing.
I can prepare myself (and get all my tears out now)
Like, I can barely talk to anyone today without tears streaming down my face.
Like, I can barely talk to anyone today without tears streaming down my face.
We do have a cleft lip and palate cranial center here in our town,
and I've heard wonderful things about one of the surgeons that is a
wonderful Christian man, who goes to Guatemala often and does surgeries on children
and is really good.
Just the fact that he volunteers his time and talent to do this tells me so much about him.
Our baby will have surgery around 3 months and then again around a year,
and I'm unclear as to when the next surgery will be after that,
yesterday, when talking with the cleft/palate nurse practitioner,
she mentioned that there would need to be a surgery between 5 and 7 years for
the adult teeth and something about using the child's hip bone and putting it in his/her mouth....
That was where I got information overload and well...
I just need to process this all first, then worry about the hip/mouth thing later!
The fluid around the kidney's was the same,
which was great, because now that the baby is
bigger, it is no longer a concern.
(although, they will check it again in 8 weeks with another level 2 ultrasound)
Just wanted to give you all an update.
Thank you for all your prayers, they are much appreciated.
I have to admit seeing the pictures makes me sad too but I know that you and your family can pull through this just fine because God is with you!! My prayers are for you as you go through knowing all of this. Also, still praying that this can be healed in the womb. God Bless you!!
ReplyDeleteJamie, I'm sure you have heard of this charity, but in case you haven't, have you heard of operation Smile? The surgeon you were talking about made me think of this charity--it's so wonderful because they go out to the poorer countries to do these surgeries for free. It's one of my favorite organizations:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.operationsmile.org/
Your baby is beautiful, but you know that! Prayers for you and your baby!
Hugs to you and all those tears. What a lucky baby this is to have you for a mama who loves and cares and WORRIES so much. It is normal for mamas to feel from the heart and express concern. For petes sake this is your baby! Let the tears flow and know that we are all here for you and sending hugs and prayers. I am so glad you found someone to help the baby. Good Drs. are so important.
ReplyDeleteMy heart goes out to you today. No doubt the road ahead will be full of challenges, but it will also be full of blessings you cannot right now imagine. It is so often through our biggest challenges that God blesses us the most. He has great plans for you and for your beautiful baby and He will see you all through everything that is to come- tears and all. Prayers, and hugs headed your way.
ReplyDeleteI know it's not easy, but this baby is already so loved. How blessed! I agree with Christine. I know the pain of not being able to nurse your child (trust me, I know it well). However, the pain of that will diminish over time. You have so much going on with just being a mom, worrying about this new little one, home schooling, and taking care of your family. You are awesome and know that I am praying for you!
ReplyDeleteGreat news about the fluid around the kidneys! And what a blessing to have such a great doctor right in your area. Continuing to send along prayers for you, family, and baby.
ReplyDeletePrayers for you and your baby.
ReplyDeleteHere's a big virtual hug from across the border. I wish I could give you a real hug.
Big hugs from me too! Your baby is so blessed to have you for a mom.
ReplyDeleteSending you lots of prayers and virtual hugs, Jamie!
ReplyDeleteHUGS!
ReplyDeleteI promise it will be fine. I'm so sorry you won't be able to nurse. (I'm pumping as I type!) I have some good tips. Number one - get a pumping bra. I use mine 6 times a day ;)
ReplyDeleteWe are continuing to pray! Love you!
ReplyDeleteOh, Jamie! I am so out-of-the-loop! Just catching up now on what you have been going through. I am sorry! My prayers will be with you, as you grow ever more in your trust in God. Unlimited trust!! I also will pray for Baby. Your little one is in Our Father's hands. {{Hugs!}}
ReplyDeleteHaven't read your blog lately as we've been house hunting. So glad you were able to find out more about what your baby will have so you can be more prepared. I know your feelings exactly on the bone grafting, it's the one surgery I really hate to think about. I almost wish I didn't know about it and we would just cross that bridge when we got there. I am so sorry you won't be able to nurse, and as difficult as this journey will be at times there are so many blessings in store for you and your family on this journey as well. Praying for you all everyday. I can't wait to see pictures of your sweet little guy/gal!
ReplyDeleteI love to pop over to your blog from time to time...
ReplyDeleteIf you're looking for support with the cleft lip/palate head on over to Beth's blog at babypack.blogspot.com. Though her little guy's cleft isn't bilateral, she might still be able to help you with her experience with feeding etc.
Prayers!