Bittersweet News

A week and a half ago, I had a routine OB/GYN appointment and had my quad screening done (which is blood drawn that detects different levels that can depict Down Syndrome, Spina Bifida, and other birth defects). When I had the test done, I thought nothing of it. Last Tuesday, the lab at my OB/GYN called to inform me that the test results came back positive for one of the birth defects. Though I tried to trust God and not worry, I still cried my eyes out....guess that's what all concerned mothers would do when they hear that something could be wrong with their baby.

Today, Tim and I went to Riverside Hospital for genetic counseling and an advanced ultrasound. The genetic counselor explained my test results to us and pointed out that my elevated levels of AFP hinted around to the possibility of neural tube defects. During the ultrasound, we could clearly see that the baby's spine started to come into the form of a "V" towards the tailbone, which alarmed us that there is an opening in the sacral part of the spinal column....this means that our baby has Spina Bifida. Our biggest concern was confirmed, although we don't know the severity of it. Unfortunately we won't know just how bad the case is until the baby is born. I'm not going to go into great details about the different stages of Spina Bifida, but after researching them, it is very scary for "soon to be parents" to absorb the news that their child will have some form of this condition. All we can do at this point is hope for the best--meaning, that the baby will only be impacted by the most minor form of Spina Bifida; or even better, pray for a miracle! I know that God is awesome and that He can perform miracles with His Mighty Hand.

With all of that said, Tim and I are asking for you to pray diligently for God's Hand to be on Baby Breeden. Also, please pray that God will give us the strength to get through whatever the future holds. We are both heartbroken and very worried right now. The worse case scenarios keep going through our head right now. Though we are trying so hard to be positive and trust in God, we are still finding ourselves in tears. I want to enjoy the rest of my pregnancy without worrying myself sick about all of the "what if's."

The only good news I have to deliver right now (other than the fact that I know God is in control) is that we found out we're having a baby BOY today. I must admit that our excitement for having a boy has been slightly dampened because of the other news.

Baby Breeden and I will be monitored heavily in the upcoming months by ultrasounds. I will have to undergo more lab work and an amniocentesis (should we choose) to determine any other problem areas. It looks like I'll now be under the OB/GYNs at Riverside so that I can deliver at Norfolk General--which is the only hospital in this area that can provide the utmost care should the baby need surgery right away.

I appreciate all of your prayers more than you'll ever know. I know that God will take care of all of us during this challenging time. Love you all....and our little boy loves you too!