I'd like to share my Walmart Digital Photo Center photos with you. Once you have checked out my photos you can order prints and upload your own photos to share.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Pray for Mia
I titled this blog pray for Mia in hopes that whoever comes across this will PRAY for our daughter. She had a heart cath on Nov. 29th. The doctor was able to balloon her right and left pulmonary branch arteries, her aortic arch, and coil off some collateral vessels. Her pulmonary arteries are very small and if they don't grow then she can't have her Fontan around age 3. The doctor said to pray that they will grow! Again I am amazed at the doctors God has blessed us with. They are like family after all we have been through. The other night I spoke with Dr. K for an hour about Mia. We discussed the probability of her arteries not growing and having too many collateral vessels and possibly a heart transplant. When she asked if Clark and I would be okay with a transplant I was swallowing a lump that wouldn't go down!!! I had asked the cath doctor in Denver if we need to prepare our children for the worst and he said not yet, let's see what the next cath shows. But he did say "we are not in a good place right now" I have heard bad news before, as you can read in my first few blogs, but everytime I knew God was ultimately the one who would choose her path. So far He has blessed us beyond what we imagined. We are thankful for each day with Mia and so glad she has been such a strong fighter.
She is 7 months now and still very sweet! She has the calmest disposition! So happy and smiles at everyone! Thank you for your prayers!!!!!
She is 7 months now and still very sweet! She has the calmest disposition! So happy and smiles at everyone! Thank you for your prayers!!!!!
Sunday, November 14, 2010
November 2010
We traveled to Denver for Mia to have a heart cath only to return because she had a cold. Her cold is worse today and we are just trying to keep her comfortable. We are planning to return for the heart cath as soon as she is better. Her echo showed significant small pulmonary arteries that branch into the lungs. That is very concerning and the doctor said she is "praying" the heart cath yields better results than the echo. We are amazed at the doctors faith and love for our family. We have been so blessed by her and the team of doctors in Denver. On our drive home last night I spoke to the doctor and she filled me with encouragement and said we are doing the best for Mia and that our family is why Mia has been doing so well. She brought me to tears with her kind words! She told me of other mothers that just give up or say they can't handle a baby as sick as Mia and they terminate the pregnancy even at 20 weeks. When we found out about Mia there was no choice for us except to press on and do everything we could for our daughter. By the grace of God she is with us today. The doctor said for us to have 4 other kids, make constant trips to Denver, and to have stayed there for 2 months straight is amazing. We don't think of ourselves as heros or anything other than parents doing what we have to do, but the doctor sees so many sides of people that we don't think about. I was almost speechless because she was so compassionate and "real" and it just made me dumbfounded that she thinks so highly of me....when she has been saving my daughters life!!! I was humbled and even more aware of God's hand in our situation. She told me of marraiges that suffer and many times end in divorce during times like ours and she is glad that Clark and I are in this together and that we are best friends, etc. I am telling you, I was deeply touched by her words. I just had to share this, not to show the world my doctor thinks I'm great, ha, But to share with you just how wonderful our doctor is and all of the care from the childrens hospital in denver.
We have been blessed by Dr. Karrie, and we have been given the gift of Mia and we are so undeserving of such a special gift. Truly Mia is the joy of our life. She is amazing and beautiful and our lives have been changed forever by our little Mia.
We have been blessed by Dr. Karrie, and we have been given the gift of Mia and we are so undeserving of such a special gift. Truly Mia is the joy of our life. She is amazing and beautiful and our lives have been changed forever by our little Mia.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Life lately
Mia is 5 months old and just as sweet as ever. She got a nasty virus and is on oxygen for the time being. Her stats are too low with this respiratory cold. She hadn't been on oxygen for at least 2 months before this. The doctors warned us that this might happen. When her stats dropped before her Glenn surgery the first thing the docs checked was if she had a cold or something! So we are experiencing that now. But she is doing okay with it. She rubs her nose A LOT and of course the tubing comes right off...She is getting better so that's all we can ask for:)
She has had a couple echos that show no change in the narrowing of her aorta and pulmonary arteries. We are traveling to Denver after the cold gets better and possibly having a heart cath to see what to do about it. Doesn't seem to be affecting her, she must be compensating the docs say. But she will need something done before the Fontan.
We are still in awe of our little Mia..and our other kids, through this. They are doing very well considering all the upheaval in their lives this spring and summer.
I am very thankful for the structure of our life right now. We have been home since August 24th! Woo hoo! We have only been to Albuquerque once and that was only a 3 hour jaunt.
So....life is stable and God is good. Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers. Sorry it has been so long between posts.
She has had a couple echos that show no change in the narrowing of her aorta and pulmonary arteries. We are traveling to Denver after the cold gets better and possibly having a heart cath to see what to do about it. Doesn't seem to be affecting her, she must be compensating the docs say. But she will need something done before the Fontan.
We are still in awe of our little Mia..and our other kids, through this. They are doing very well considering all the upheaval in their lives this spring and summer.
I am very thankful for the structure of our life right now. We have been home since August 24th! Woo hoo! We have only been to Albuquerque once and that was only a 3 hour jaunt.
So....life is stable and God is good. Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers. Sorry it has been so long between posts.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
I sit holding Mia in my arms...the sweeteness of a sleeping baby! I am doing a room air challenge. She has been on oxygen since her Glenn surgery a couple weeks ago. So far her stats are in the 80's where we like them to be. But we have tried this before and after 3 hours her stats drop too low so back goes on the oxygen! But.....Mia is doing very well for being so small for her 2nd surgery. Thanks for all the prayers! Will update more later. So glad to be back home!!!!
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
My sister set up my email account a couple years ago (she's my older sis what can I say) using, therathe5...She forgot we actually had 6 in our family! My husband said well we just need to have a baby and then it can mean the rathe 5 as in 5 kids. Well that time is now...our little Mia makes 5. So thanks sis for spuring us on to have this little darling;) What a blessing she is.
I have been at the hospital with her since Thursday morning and so many nurses and doctors tell me how blessed we are to have her. I agree. She is amazing and stronger than I could be. On Tuesday she will have her 2nd surgery the Glenn Procedure. The docs discovered that her bt shunt is narrowing at one end and slightly in other places in her heart. Instead of doing an invasive stint or ballon they are going ahead with stage 2. We were preparing for that to be at 4-6 months and she will be 3 months on the day of. Her lung pressures look good and everything shows she should be okay doing it so early. She needs it. So we wait at the hospital for the week to pass so we can get through the next hurdle. During this hard time for our family I see so much goodness and mercy. So many kind hearted people are reaching out to us AND Mia has been a pure delight. Especially since she has started cooing and smiling at everyone that walks in the door. The nurses love her and so do we! Please keep us in your prayers. We will update soon.
I have been at the hospital with her since Thursday morning and so many nurses and doctors tell me how blessed we are to have her. I agree. She is amazing and stronger than I could be. On Tuesday she will have her 2nd surgery the Glenn Procedure. The docs discovered that her bt shunt is narrowing at one end and slightly in other places in her heart. Instead of doing an invasive stint or ballon they are going ahead with stage 2. We were preparing for that to be at 4-6 months and she will be 3 months on the day of. Her lung pressures look good and everything shows she should be okay doing it so early. She needs it. So we wait at the hospital for the week to pass so we can get through the next hurdle. During this hard time for our family I see so much goodness and mercy. So many kind hearted people are reaching out to us AND Mia has been a pure delight. Especially since she has started cooing and smiling at everyone that walks in the door. The nurses love her and so do we! Please keep us in your prayers. We will update soon.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
June 10th, 2010 Mia is out of the hospital
John 17: 1-5
After Jesus said this he looked toward heaven and prayed, " Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may Glorify you. For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began."
What a powerful passage in John. I am reminded of Jesus love and sacrifice.
I am also very aware that for me, my family and this little one inside me, the time has also come....to begin this next season in life. In just a few short hours or days I will be meeting our daughter who we have been anxiously planning our life around the last few months. And I wonder, am I ready to meet this trial in life? I worry about labor, the baby, my 4 kids, everything! Then I remember this passage and know that God is with me and knows my every worry and will get me through.I think I am beginning to understand the sacrifice that was made for me.
It has been 5 weeks! since I wrote that above. We have our beautiful daughter after she decided to come 2 days before induction, May 3rd. The delivery was what we prayed about. I was so thankful not to be induced. When she was born I saw a glimpse of her before the team of doctors walked away with her. After they stabilized her I was able to hold her for 3 minutes and kiss her all over and look at her tiny feet. Then she was off to Children's Hospital, next door.
The first 2 days of her life went smoothly, I was able to nurse and all the family got to hold her many times. On the 3rd day she started showing signs of distress and the doctor said, "She just needs her heart fixed"
She had surgery at 4 days old. Everything went as planned except for one thing. She had come off the heart lung machine and her oxygen levels were too low. So she had to go back on the heart lung machine and had a bigger shunt put in her tiny heart. You can imagine how we felt when we were told she was done and doing okay and then to be told wait, the surgeon is going back in for a bigger shunt. It was a day of waiting and acceptance for us. We were thankful for the many prayers said that day.
We were overjoyed when Mia came through the surgery and we were able to see her and pray over her fragile little body. She did very well the next week, having her chest closed, showing no signs of distress. We did have to tackle the problem of too much fluid on her lungs because of the big shunt.
Jumping ahead to NOW, the doctors were able to control the fluid with medicine and although she still has fluid around her lungs, she is doing well. As of Friday she has been released to the hotel we are staying at until we head back to New Mexico.
Next week the doctor will look at her heart and do a chest x ray to determine if we are able to leave the area. We are hopeful she will do great and we can get back to our casa in NM! On Tuesday Mia had a repeat swallow study, chest x ray, and general check up and things went wonderful. The damage to her vocal chord during surgery is doing much better and she is now able to breast feed. We are overjoyed at that news!
We are so thankful for the people who have prayed and thought about our family during this time. I am thankful I was able to update on facebook because each time I started a new post, here, my time ran out! So I am glad I could post short updates.
We have been through quite a journey and are so glad we have been able to stay together as a family! Everyone has had their moments, who wouldn't living in a hotel for 2 months:) but we are stronger and forever changed for the better.
The 3 big sisters are enjoying changing the baby and loving on her and mama is liking the help! Big brother is in love with his baby sister and things are light hearted at the Rathe house. We will update again in a couple days on a time frame when we can leave the area. Please pray for Mia's next appointments to go well.
Praise God for all the blessings we have received. Especially the cards, prayers, visits, everything. We are overwhelmed by the out poring of LOVE.
After Jesus said this he looked toward heaven and prayed, " Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may Glorify you. For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began."
What a powerful passage in John. I am reminded of Jesus love and sacrifice.
I am also very aware that for me, my family and this little one inside me, the time has also come....to begin this next season in life. In just a few short hours or days I will be meeting our daughter who we have been anxiously planning our life around the last few months. And I wonder, am I ready to meet this trial in life? I worry about labor, the baby, my 4 kids, everything! Then I remember this passage and know that God is with me and knows my every worry and will get me through.I think I am beginning to understand the sacrifice that was made for me.
It has been 5 weeks! since I wrote that above. We have our beautiful daughter after she decided to come 2 days before induction, May 3rd. The delivery was what we prayed about. I was so thankful not to be induced. When she was born I saw a glimpse of her before the team of doctors walked away with her. After they stabilized her I was able to hold her for 3 minutes and kiss her all over and look at her tiny feet. Then she was off to Children's Hospital, next door.
The first 2 days of her life went smoothly, I was able to nurse and all the family got to hold her many times. On the 3rd day she started showing signs of distress and the doctor said, "She just needs her heart fixed"
She had surgery at 4 days old. Everything went as planned except for one thing. She had come off the heart lung machine and her oxygen levels were too low. So she had to go back on the heart lung machine and had a bigger shunt put in her tiny heart. You can imagine how we felt when we were told she was done and doing okay and then to be told wait, the surgeon is going back in for a bigger shunt. It was a day of waiting and acceptance for us. We were thankful for the many prayers said that day.
We were overjoyed when Mia came through the surgery and we were able to see her and pray over her fragile little body. She did very well the next week, having her chest closed, showing no signs of distress. We did have to tackle the problem of too much fluid on her lungs because of the big shunt.
Jumping ahead to NOW, the doctors were able to control the fluid with medicine and although she still has fluid around her lungs, she is doing well. As of Friday she has been released to the hotel we are staying at until we head back to New Mexico.
Next week the doctor will look at her heart and do a chest x ray to determine if we are able to leave the area. We are hopeful she will do great and we can get back to our casa in NM! On Tuesday Mia had a repeat swallow study, chest x ray, and general check up and things went wonderful. The damage to her vocal chord during surgery is doing much better and she is now able to breast feed. We are overjoyed at that news!
We are so thankful for the people who have prayed and thought about our family during this time. I am thankful I was able to update on facebook because each time I started a new post, here, my time ran out! So I am glad I could post short updates.
We have been through quite a journey and are so glad we have been able to stay together as a family! Everyone has had their moments, who wouldn't living in a hotel for 2 months:) but we are stronger and forever changed for the better.
The 3 big sisters are enjoying changing the baby and loving on her and mama is liking the help! Big brother is in love with his baby sister and things are light hearted at the Rathe house. We will update again in a couple days on a time frame when we can leave the area. Please pray for Mia's next appointments to go well.
Praise God for all the blessings we have received. Especially the cards, prayers, visits, everything. We are overwhelmed by the out poring of LOVE.
Friday, May 7, 2010
Surgery Day
At 7:15 this morning our precious daughter Iilyah Mia Hope went with several nurses and doctors to have surgery. In the moments before surgery, my wife and I were able to spend some time with our little princess. Since her birth it has been a whirlwind. When I first saw her little face all I wanted to do was hold her and give her to my wife. Standing by and watching the nurses get her breathing after her birth and then seeing them insert several tubes and IV into her just broke my heart. Still, I had to let them do their work in order for God to the work in her that he is doing now. Since little we found out about our little Mia's heart defect I have felt helpless in many ways. A Father only wants to protect His own and keep them safe from anything that might harm her. Strange as it seems the only way I can protect her now is to let her go and be cared for by strangers.
Our Father also had to let his child go. Jesus had to be cared by strangers in order for his purpose to be fulfilled. I trust God that his purposes for my little Mia will be fulfilled. God is already performing a great work in her. Still this Daddy wants to hold and protect her. Right now the only way to protect her is to let her go so she can be helped.
"Dear Father, Please guide the hands of the surgeons and protect my little Mia through this surgery."
It is 11:48 and we are likely half way through the surgery. God is Good!
Our Father also had to let his child go. Jesus had to be cared by strangers in order for his purpose to be fulfilled. I trust God that his purposes for my little Mia will be fulfilled. God is already performing a great work in her. Still this Daddy wants to hold and protect her. Right now the only way to protect her is to let her go so she can be helped.
"Dear Father, Please guide the hands of the surgeons and protect my little Mia through this surgery."
It is 11:48 and we are likely half way through the surgery. God is Good!
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Mia Hope
John 17: 1-5
After Jesus said this he looked toward heaven and prayed, " Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may Glorify you. For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began."
What a powerful passage in John. I am reminded of Jesus love and sacrifice.
I am also very aware that for me, my family and this little one inside me, the time has also come....to begin this next season in life. In just a few short hours or days I will be meeting our daughter who we have been anxiously planning our life around the last few months. And I wonder, am I ready to meet this trial in life? I worry about labor, the baby, my 4 kids, everything! Then I remember this passage and know that God is with me and knows my every worry and will get me through.I think I am beginning to understand the sacrifice that was made for me.
It has been 5 weeks! since I wrote that above. We have our beautiful daughter after she decided to come 2 days before induction, May 3rd. The delivery was what we prayed about. I was so thankful not to be induced. When she was born I saw a glimpse of her before the team of doctors walked away with her. After they stabilized her I was able to hold her for 3 minutes and kiss her all over and look at her tiny feet. Then she was off to Children's Hospital, next door.
The first 2 days of her life went smoothly, I was able to nurse and all the family got to hold her many times. On the 3rd day she started showing signs of distress and the doctor said, "She just needs her heart fixed"
She had surgery at 4 days old. Everything went as planned except for one thing. She had come off the heart lung machine and her oxygen levels were too low. So she had to go back on the heart lung machine and had a bigger shunt put in her tiny heart. You can imagine how we felt when we were told she was done and doing okay and then to be told wait, the surgeon is going back in for a bigger shunt. It was a day of waiting and acceptance for us. We were thankful for the many prayers said that day.
We were overjoyed when Mia came through the surgery and we were able to see her and pray over her fragile little body. She did very well the next week, having her chest closed, showing no signs of distress. We did have to tackle the problem of too much fluid on her lungs because of the big shunt.
Jumping ahead to NOW, the doctors were able to control the fluid with medicine and although she still has fluid around her lungs, she is doing well. As of Friday she has been released to the hotel we are staying at until we head back to New Mexico.
Next week the doctor will look at her heart and do a chest x ray to determine if we are able to leave the area. We are hopeful she will do great and we can get back to our casa in NM! On Tuesday Mia had a repeat swallow study, chest x ray, and general check up and things went wonderful. The damage to her vocal chord during surgery is doing much better and she is now able to breast feed. We are overjoyed at that news!
We are so thankful for the people who have prayed and thought about our family during this time. I am thankful I was able to update on facebook because each time I started a new post, here, my time ran out! So I am glad I could post short updates.
We have been through quite a journey and are so glad we have been able to stay together as a family! Everyone has had their moments, who wouldn't living in a hotel for 2 months:) but we are stronger and forever changed for the better.
The 3 big sisters are enjoying changing the baby and loving on her and mama is liking the help! Big brother is in love with his baby sister and things are light hearted at the Rathe house. We will update again in a couple days on a time frame when we can leave the area. Please pray for Mia's next appointments to go well.
Praise God for all the blessings we have received. Especially the cards, prayers, visits, everything. We are overwhelmed by the out poring of LOVE.
After Jesus said this he looked toward heaven and prayed, " Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may Glorify you. For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began."
What a powerful passage in John. I am reminded of Jesus love and sacrifice.
I am also very aware that for me, my family and this little one inside me, the time has also come....to begin this next season in life. In just a few short hours or days I will be meeting our daughter who we have been anxiously planning our life around the last few months. And I wonder, am I ready to meet this trial in life? I worry about labor, the baby, my 4 kids, everything! Then I remember this passage and know that God is with me and knows my every worry and will get me through.I think I am beginning to understand the sacrifice that was made for me.
It has been 5 weeks! since I wrote that above. We have our beautiful daughter after she decided to come 2 days before induction, May 3rd. The delivery was what we prayed about. I was so thankful not to be induced. When she was born I saw a glimpse of her before the team of doctors walked away with her. After they stabilized her I was able to hold her for 3 minutes and kiss her all over and look at her tiny feet. Then she was off to Children's Hospital, next door.
The first 2 days of her life went smoothly, I was able to nurse and all the family got to hold her many times. On the 3rd day she started showing signs of distress and the doctor said, "She just needs her heart fixed"
She had surgery at 4 days old. Everything went as planned except for one thing. She had come off the heart lung machine and her oxygen levels were too low. So she had to go back on the heart lung machine and had a bigger shunt put in her tiny heart. You can imagine how we felt when we were told she was done and doing okay and then to be told wait, the surgeon is going back in for a bigger shunt. It was a day of waiting and acceptance for us. We were thankful for the many prayers said that day.
We were overjoyed when Mia came through the surgery and we were able to see her and pray over her fragile little body. She did very well the next week, having her chest closed, showing no signs of distress. We did have to tackle the problem of too much fluid on her lungs because of the big shunt.
Jumping ahead to NOW, the doctors were able to control the fluid with medicine and although she still has fluid around her lungs, she is doing well. As of Friday she has been released to the hotel we are staying at until we head back to New Mexico.
Next week the doctor will look at her heart and do a chest x ray to determine if we are able to leave the area. We are hopeful she will do great and we can get back to our casa in NM! On Tuesday Mia had a repeat swallow study, chest x ray, and general check up and things went wonderful. The damage to her vocal chord during surgery is doing much better and she is now able to breast feed. We are overjoyed at that news!
We are so thankful for the people who have prayed and thought about our family during this time. I am thankful I was able to update on facebook because each time I started a new post, here, my time ran out! So I am glad I could post short updates.
We have been through quite a journey and are so glad we have been able to stay together as a family! Everyone has had their moments, who wouldn't living in a hotel for 2 months:) but we are stronger and forever changed for the better.
The 3 big sisters are enjoying changing the baby and loving on her and mama is liking the help! Big brother is in love with his baby sister and things are light hearted at the Rathe house. We will update again in a couple days on a time frame when we can leave the area. Please pray for Mia's next appointments to go well.
Praise God for all the blessings we have received. Especially the cards, prayers, visits, everything. We are overwhelmed by the out poring of LOVE.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Weathering The Storm
"THY MERCY, O LORD, IS IN THE HEAVENS, AND THY FAITHFULNESS REACHETH UNTO THE CLOUDS"
PSALM 36:5
We had another appointment with the doctors at Children's and University. Our baby is growing right on track and doing well in the womb. She is weighing almost 5 pounds and very active. Sometimes congenital heart defects can change or worsen in the womb and so far everything looks the same. Her heart is growing right along with her body, which is great! Praise God for those important details. Everything is going as planned...she will have the surgery a couple days after birth. We have to relocate to Denver in a few days to be sure I am there when she is born. At birth, her team of pediatric doctors will administer the prostaglandin through her umbilical cord for her little heart valve to sustain her. The valve that normally closes on healthy babies, at birth, needs to stay open for to live. I will be able to hold her for a short time before they take her to the NICU. After they stabilize her, she gets transported next door to Children's-to the CICU. Clark said, "It's going to be hard to leave you after the baby is born but sorry babe, I am going to Children's to be with Mia!" You go Daddy! She needs you. There is nothing like a daddy's love.
It has been a whirlwind of emotions and activities in our home the past few weeks. I have been so busy making plans to relocate that I have been preoccupied. Now that we have been told to go to Denver sooner, it is sinking in. Our life is about to change drastically. Some days I think, how will I ever handle all this! Our daughter will need continuous care through the next few months. Doctors visits regularly and another surgery in a couple months...a lot to think about.
We were met with bad weather again on our ride home from Denver. During the last appointment everyone was rushing around trying to get information on the storm coming so they could get us out in time. It was so helpful and loving. I am overwhelmed by the caring people at the hospital and so thankful. We chose to leave a day earlier to beat the storm but unfortunately we did not make it! We ran into the blizzard at nightfall..that was pretty scary. We only had 30 miles to our destination but we couldn't see anything. We thought about turning back but the storm was right behind us. I started praying with FERVOR for God to direct our path and be our guiding light. I prayed the entire hour that we drove. We came upon a truck in front of us that had a white light on the back. I prayed that it would not turn off and we could follow it. It did not turn off and we were able to make it to the town safely. I know God led us and protected us. An amazing thing happened while praying, I realized that we needed to PRAY more about our baby and the next "STORM" we are about to go through. And that if God is not at the center we will never make it! Sounds simple enough but it's easy to get stressed about things instead of leaning on God and turning to HIM. It was a wake up call to both of us that God is going to weather this storm in front of our family and we need to turn to Him and FOCUS on His faithfulness. During the most intense time on the road, my babies(5 and 7 now!) were eagerly watching and listening to me pray. Then they said, Mom, you know there are angels all around us right now. And they leaned back and put in a movie. Enough of this worry for them! Don't I wish I had faith like a child. It made me realize even more to turn my worry over to the Lord and have peace. About everything! I felt like God was telling us, He could get us through WHATEVER storm we were facing in life and to LEAN ON HIM. Isn't it amazing that even when we don't know the right words to pray, God knows us, he knows our needs. He knew what I needed, a boost in the confidence direction! Our life is just (and has already) about to get a bit more complicated. I will remember this snowy ride of faith in the future when we are weathering the next stage of life.
Even though it has been a long couple of months and an inconvenience to travel so far for all these appointments, I am thankful we have made it. God has prepared us in many ways on these trips to endure all that is needed for the health of our baby. We have made it this far and we are pressing on in FAITH, HOPE, and PERSEVERANCE. We will be leaving for Denver in about a week and are thankful for all the prayers on our behalf. We are praying for you too.
PSALM 36:5
We had another appointment with the doctors at Children's and University. Our baby is growing right on track and doing well in the womb. She is weighing almost 5 pounds and very active. Sometimes congenital heart defects can change or worsen in the womb and so far everything looks the same. Her heart is growing right along with her body, which is great! Praise God for those important details. Everything is going as planned...she will have the surgery a couple days after birth. We have to relocate to Denver in a few days to be sure I am there when she is born. At birth, her team of pediatric doctors will administer the prostaglandin through her umbilical cord for her little heart valve to sustain her. The valve that normally closes on healthy babies, at birth, needs to stay open for to live. I will be able to hold her for a short time before they take her to the NICU. After they stabilize her, she gets transported next door to Children's-to the CICU. Clark said, "It's going to be hard to leave you after the baby is born but sorry babe, I am going to Children's to be with Mia!" You go Daddy! She needs you. There is nothing like a daddy's love.
It has been a whirlwind of emotions and activities in our home the past few weeks. I have been so busy making plans to relocate that I have been preoccupied. Now that we have been told to go to Denver sooner, it is sinking in. Our life is about to change drastically. Some days I think, how will I ever handle all this! Our daughter will need continuous care through the next few months. Doctors visits regularly and another surgery in a couple months...a lot to think about.
We were met with bad weather again on our ride home from Denver. During the last appointment everyone was rushing around trying to get information on the storm coming so they could get us out in time. It was so helpful and loving. I am overwhelmed by the caring people at the hospital and so thankful. We chose to leave a day earlier to beat the storm but unfortunately we did not make it! We ran into the blizzard at nightfall..that was pretty scary. We only had 30 miles to our destination but we couldn't see anything. We thought about turning back but the storm was right behind us. I started praying with FERVOR for God to direct our path and be our guiding light. I prayed the entire hour that we drove. We came upon a truck in front of us that had a white light on the back. I prayed that it would not turn off and we could follow it. It did not turn off and we were able to make it to the town safely. I know God led us and protected us. An amazing thing happened while praying, I realized that we needed to PRAY more about our baby and the next "STORM" we are about to go through. And that if God is not at the center we will never make it! Sounds simple enough but it's easy to get stressed about things instead of leaning on God and turning to HIM. It was a wake up call to both of us that God is going to weather this storm in front of our family and we need to turn to Him and FOCUS on His faithfulness. During the most intense time on the road, my babies(5 and 7 now!) were eagerly watching and listening to me pray. Then they said, Mom, you know there are angels all around us right now. And they leaned back and put in a movie. Enough of this worry for them! Don't I wish I had faith like a child. It made me realize even more to turn my worry over to the Lord and have peace. About everything! I felt like God was telling us, He could get us through WHATEVER storm we were facing in life and to LEAN ON HIM. Isn't it amazing that even when we don't know the right words to pray, God knows us, he knows our needs. He knew what I needed, a boost in the confidence direction! Our life is just (and has already) about to get a bit more complicated. I will remember this snowy ride of faith in the future when we are weathering the next stage of life.
Even though it has been a long couple of months and an inconvenience to travel so far for all these appointments, I am thankful we have made it. God has prepared us in many ways on these trips to endure all that is needed for the health of our baby. We have made it this far and we are pressing on in FAITH, HOPE, and PERSEVERANCE. We will be leaving for Denver in about a week and are thankful for all the prayers on our behalf. We are praying for you too.
Monday, March 1, 2010
I've got confidence...
It's been a busy time for us at the Rathe house. Home educating, doctors visits, dealing with the sickies, making preparations for our baby's delivery..Whew! I finally have a moment to blog!
We had another visit with the pediatric cardiologist in Denver. Things are looking the same. The technician was able to get more great pictures of Mia's heart. She cooperated well. She is growing right on schedule and the doctors are going along with the initial plans for surgery. The warmth and support from people at Children's has been very encouraging and a huge burden lifter! I was reminded by a family member, we as Christians don't have to worry because we have FAITH. It is so hard sometimes not to worry about the what ifs but it is so wonderful we can pray and lean on God! And God is providing us many angels throughout this journey. We are so thankful.
The trip to Denver was long and snowy. We were driving along in clear skies and then drove directly into a blizzard on the mountain pass. Not so fun! We turned around and tried a different way but that was just as bad. We asked at a gas station if there were any roads we could take and we eventually were directed to a clear one! We did run into some snow and ice closer to Denver...we were driving very carefully noticing a couple cars in the ditch. I was getting nervous! I hear this little voice from the back seat..Mama, Can we sing that one song that gets quieter and louder?? My 5 year old used to ask for that song all the time...It was a request I had not heard for quite sometime. How appropriate at this time I thought! The song starts out softly with clapping one finger together then 2 then 3 etc. It ends with "zero" when you mouth the words. The words..."I've got confidence, my Lord is gonna see me through, no matter what the case may be I know My Lord is gonna fix it for me because..I've got confidence....." It goes on and on. I realized that I was worrying for nothing on the icy roads.God was in control. And my husband was driving soo carefully! We had been praying all day! Why would my spirit not yield to the peace God provides? I am human..Fleshy...Anxious! The song put me in my place and was certainly a little nudge from God. So we continued our trip with a bit more peace and trust! I am sure my husband was glad I did not ever give in to my fears
out loud:)
Now we are home SAFE and ready for whatever awaits around the corner. As we get closer to the time of Mia's arrival, I am aware of God's awesome presence and power.I know that He is in control and that whatever happens, He will be holding our family. We will travel back to Denver March 23rd for another check up and then in mid April to stay for the birth, surgery, recovery.. Could be a while! God is good. We are so thankful to my husband's employer. He can keep his job until we return! Praise God! The staff is willing to make things work until we return. What a blessing and wonderful support for my husband.
I am trying to take it easy as the doctor told me to, it is nice to have 4 helpers!
This pregnancy has been HARD compared to the others! I have a lot more pain and mini contractions! and at times I get annoyed with my physical body because I just want to clean my house!!! But I am reminded that it is only for a short while longer and I cherish my big tummy and all the joys of pregnancy. Even though my tummy is a boxing ring sometimes. She is a fighter for sure!
Galatians 6:9"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunities, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers."
What a great reminder to press on and have a joyful spirit through this trying time. I am thankful for the Word.
We had another visit with the pediatric cardiologist in Denver. Things are looking the same. The technician was able to get more great pictures of Mia's heart. She cooperated well. She is growing right on schedule and the doctors are going along with the initial plans for surgery. The warmth and support from people at Children's has been very encouraging and a huge burden lifter! I was reminded by a family member, we as Christians don't have to worry because we have FAITH. It is so hard sometimes not to worry about the what ifs but it is so wonderful we can pray and lean on God! And God is providing us many angels throughout this journey. We are so thankful.
The trip to Denver was long and snowy. We were driving along in clear skies and then drove directly into a blizzard on the mountain pass. Not so fun! We turned around and tried a different way but that was just as bad. We asked at a gas station if there were any roads we could take and we eventually were directed to a clear one! We did run into some snow and ice closer to Denver...we were driving very carefully noticing a couple cars in the ditch. I was getting nervous! I hear this little voice from the back seat..Mama, Can we sing that one song that gets quieter and louder?? My 5 year old used to ask for that song all the time...It was a request I had not heard for quite sometime. How appropriate at this time I thought! The song starts out softly with clapping one finger together then 2 then 3 etc. It ends with "zero" when you mouth the words. The words..."I've got confidence, my Lord is gonna see me through, no matter what the case may be I know My Lord is gonna fix it for me because..I've got confidence....." It goes on and on. I realized that I was worrying for nothing on the icy roads.God was in control. And my husband was driving soo carefully! We had been praying all day! Why would my spirit not yield to the peace God provides? I am human..Fleshy...Anxious! The song put me in my place and was certainly a little nudge from God. So we continued our trip with a bit more peace and trust! I am sure my husband was glad I did not ever give in to my fears
out loud:)
Now we are home SAFE and ready for whatever awaits around the corner. As we get closer to the time of Mia's arrival, I am aware of God's awesome presence and power.I know that He is in control and that whatever happens, He will be holding our family. We will travel back to Denver March 23rd for another check up and then in mid April to stay for the birth, surgery, recovery.. Could be a while! God is good. We are so thankful to my husband's employer. He can keep his job until we return! Praise God! The staff is willing to make things work until we return. What a blessing and wonderful support for my husband.
I am trying to take it easy as the doctor told me to, it is nice to have 4 helpers!
This pregnancy has been HARD compared to the others! I have a lot more pain and mini contractions! and at times I get annoyed with my physical body because I just want to clean my house!!! But I am reminded that it is only for a short while longer and I cherish my big tummy and all the joys of pregnancy. Even though my tummy is a boxing ring sometimes. She is a fighter for sure!
Galatians 6:9"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunities, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers."
What a great reminder to press on and have a joyful spirit through this trying time. I am thankful for the Word.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Mia Hope
We have returned from Denver with a prayer answered that we have been praying for. Our baby girl has a chance to live~with surgery being needed. We met with a pediatric cardiologist, surgeon, perinatologist, to name a few of the doctors! It was a big day for us and we learned valuable information about our baby's condition.
She was originally diagnosed with Hypoplastic Right Heart Syndrome and then that diagnosis was changed to Heterotaxia. It turns out she does have Hypoplastic Right Heart Syndrome but it is more complex in the way they will treat her. When we got the diagnosis of heterotaxia the perinatoligost at that time gave us her opinion and that was..Our baby was inoperable and might live about an hour after I had her at term. Very dismal and heart wrenching. Things have changed now! We are hopeful and thankful the Lord has answered our prayers. Our daughter does in fact have a spleen,(one of the symptoms of heterotaxia is the absence of a spleen) and she has all her organs in the right place functioning properly. Except the heart of course. It is on the correct side of her chest but has many abnormalities. I will list them as the cardiologist did for us.
Transposition of the Great Arteries
Tricusped Atresia-in the most complex form-to quote the surgeon
Hypoplastic Right Ventricle
Hypoplastic Aortic Arch
The surgery is a little different than what they normally do for HRHS because her aorta is coming out of the LEFT side of her heart. Sooo, they treat it like Hypoplastic LEFT heart syndrome even thought that is not what she has. The left side of her heart IS of good size and functioning correctly. In HRLS the left side is underdeveloped.
She will have 3 surgeries to correct the defect and help her heart.
I am just going to list them in order.
Norwood Procedure-1st week of life
Glenn Procedure-4-5 months old
Fontan Procedure-3 years old
The first surgery is the most serious and very scary for us!! She will be in the OR for about 8 hours and after the surgery she will need to recover for about a month. We will continue to PRAY PRAY PRAY and trust God and be thankful for the blessing of this child. We named her Mia HOPE. She is our HOPE. There is always hope in Christ Jesus and we will never stop trusting and loving our Lord.
Our son also chose a name for her a long time ago and we will be putting that on her birth certificate as well. Her full name will be Eilyah Mia Hope Rathe.
During the first ultrasound (we had several!) in Denver, baby Mia was moving a lot! Like always. The doctor said that we were going to have a "wild child". This was after about an hour of being scanned by the sonographer. We were still uncertain as to the degree of the defect and Clark and I looked at each other with eyebrows raised and knew exactly what the other were thinking. Does this mean she might survive??? A feeling came over both of us at that point that just maybe we would get some better news...The 2 sonographers and the OB specialist hinted around that we would be hearing something different than what we were told in Alb. Then we met with a geneticist and were told Mia most likely was healthy genetically. SO far so good...
Then the Pediatric Cardiologist came in with a smile and a very outgoing personality! She explained the defects and surgeries our daughter would need. We told her that in at the last appointment we were told to be prepared for the worst and possibly starting on "comfort care" at the Farmington Hospital. She smiled and shook her head. Oh No, not here! We can do surgery! And we do it all the time!!!!
Then we went to Children's hospital and met with the coordinators and surgeon and cardiologist again. The surgeon sat down with us and drew us pictures of all the surgeries and defects. He was so informative and encouraging! He told us "the glass is more than half full" compared to what we were told in Alb. We were keeping our emotions under control and did pretty well until he started talking about the team of people assisting with the surgeries. I was overcome with gratitude towards all those who are helping our baby have life! Every time I started to tell him THANK YOU SO MUCH I couldn't speak because of the tears that would have flowed! The doctors just smiled and said you guys are doing real good. I was kinda glad I didn't burst into tears!!! Although I felt like it. I have never been so thankful towards others. Because of their expertise my baby will live!!!!!!God bless them.
I will be traveling back to Denver every 4 weeks for more echos on the baby and be seen again by the doctors we met. Then I will need to stay there from 37 weeks on in case I deliver early. I guess the baby needs to stay in the womb and grow as much as possible to be strong and healthy for the first precarious surgery. I am supposed to eat a lot and rest. Not a problem:) We will be making plans to relocate temporarily to Denver with our 4 kids. Please continue to pray for the baby's growth, strength, and all the planning for the move to Denver.
We can't express enough gratitude to all those praying for us. We pray for you too.
She was originally diagnosed with Hypoplastic Right Heart Syndrome and then that diagnosis was changed to Heterotaxia. It turns out she does have Hypoplastic Right Heart Syndrome but it is more complex in the way they will treat her. When we got the diagnosis of heterotaxia the perinatoligost at that time gave us her opinion and that was..Our baby was inoperable and might live about an hour after I had her at term. Very dismal and heart wrenching. Things have changed now! We are hopeful and thankful the Lord has answered our prayers. Our daughter does in fact have a spleen,(one of the symptoms of heterotaxia is the absence of a spleen) and she has all her organs in the right place functioning properly. Except the heart of course. It is on the correct side of her chest but has many abnormalities. I will list them as the cardiologist did for us.
Transposition of the Great Arteries
Tricusped Atresia-in the most complex form-to quote the surgeon
Hypoplastic Right Ventricle
Hypoplastic Aortic Arch
The surgery is a little different than what they normally do for HRHS because her aorta is coming out of the LEFT side of her heart. Sooo, they treat it like Hypoplastic LEFT heart syndrome even thought that is not what she has. The left side of her heart IS of good size and functioning correctly. In HRLS the left side is underdeveloped.
She will have 3 surgeries to correct the defect and help her heart.
I am just going to list them in order.
Norwood Procedure-1st week of life
Glenn Procedure-4-5 months old
Fontan Procedure-3 years old
The first surgery is the most serious and very scary for us!! She will be in the OR for about 8 hours and after the surgery she will need to recover for about a month. We will continue to PRAY PRAY PRAY and trust God and be thankful for the blessing of this child. We named her Mia HOPE. She is our HOPE. There is always hope in Christ Jesus and we will never stop trusting and loving our Lord.
Our son also chose a name for her a long time ago and we will be putting that on her birth certificate as well. Her full name will be Eilyah Mia Hope Rathe.
During the first ultrasound (we had several!) in Denver, baby Mia was moving a lot! Like always. The doctor said that we were going to have a "wild child". This was after about an hour of being scanned by the sonographer. We were still uncertain as to the degree of the defect and Clark and I looked at each other with eyebrows raised and knew exactly what the other were thinking. Does this mean she might survive??? A feeling came over both of us at that point that just maybe we would get some better news...The 2 sonographers and the OB specialist hinted around that we would be hearing something different than what we were told in Alb. Then we met with a geneticist and were told Mia most likely was healthy genetically. SO far so good...
Then the Pediatric Cardiologist came in with a smile and a very outgoing personality! She explained the defects and surgeries our daughter would need. We told her that in at the last appointment we were told to be prepared for the worst and possibly starting on "comfort care" at the Farmington Hospital. She smiled and shook her head. Oh No, not here! We can do surgery! And we do it all the time!!!!
Then we went to Children's hospital and met with the coordinators and surgeon and cardiologist again. The surgeon sat down with us and drew us pictures of all the surgeries and defects. He was so informative and encouraging! He told us "the glass is more than half full" compared to what we were told in Alb. We were keeping our emotions under control and did pretty well until he started talking about the team of people assisting with the surgeries. I was overcome with gratitude towards all those who are helping our baby have life! Every time I started to tell him THANK YOU SO MUCH I couldn't speak because of the tears that would have flowed! The doctors just smiled and said you guys are doing real good. I was kinda glad I didn't burst into tears!!! Although I felt like it. I have never been so thankful towards others. Because of their expertise my baby will live!!!!!!God bless them.
I will be traveling back to Denver every 4 weeks for more echos on the baby and be seen again by the doctors we met. Then I will need to stay there from 37 weeks on in case I deliver early. I guess the baby needs to stay in the womb and grow as much as possible to be strong and healthy for the first precarious surgery. I am supposed to eat a lot and rest. Not a problem:) We will be making plans to relocate temporarily to Denver with our 4 kids. Please continue to pray for the baby's growth, strength, and all the planning for the move to Denver.
We can't express enough gratitude to all those praying for us. We pray for you too.
Monday, January 18, 2010
I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful.I know that full well. ~Psalm 139:14~
We have an appointment in Denver at Children's and University hospital in a week. It has been like a dream lately, I keep thinking, Did we really get a diagnosis of something so serious for our baby? It is so complex and hard to understand all the things wrong with her heart! I am thankful we have a place nearby to get more information. It is actually about 8 hours from here but that's a days drive so we have to be thankful for that.
My dear, sweet friend sent me a cd filled with christian songs and a teddy bear on a stand. The name tag reads, "Bearing a Baby". The bear is dressed in pink and is pregnant! So cute and so touching. When I read the tag, I thought that's me, bearing a baby and a burden. I realized it has been a huge burden that is weighing on my mind but I will bare this with He who's burden is easy and who's yoke is light.
"For I am meek and lowly in heart and ye shall find rest unto your souls."
I have to say I have been feeling confused and maybe angry to be carrying a baby that has a chance of not surviving in this world once born. I have wondered why the pregnancy is continuing as normal and the baby so active in my womb. But then I remember those verses and decide that I will carry this baby with joy and thanksgiving. Who am I to question the almighty creator???? She has been created this way and it is a blessing to me to feel her movements and know her in my womb. God is the great comfortor and knows my pain. I will not let my faith waiver with doubts and questions. No burden is too big for Jesus.
My dear, sweet friend sent me a cd filled with christian songs and a teddy bear on a stand. The name tag reads, "Bearing a Baby". The bear is dressed in pink and is pregnant! So cute and so touching. When I read the tag, I thought that's me, bearing a baby and a burden. I realized it has been a huge burden that is weighing on my mind but I will bare this with He who's burden is easy and who's yoke is light.
"For I am meek and lowly in heart and ye shall find rest unto your souls."
I have to say I have been feeling confused and maybe angry to be carrying a baby that has a chance of not surviving in this world once born. I have wondered why the pregnancy is continuing as normal and the baby so active in my womb. But then I remember those verses and decide that I will carry this baby with joy and thanksgiving. Who am I to question the almighty creator???? She has been created this way and it is a blessing to me to feel her movements and know her in my womb. God is the great comfortor and knows my pain. I will not let my faith waiver with doubts and questions. No burden is too big for Jesus.
Friday, January 8, 2010
A New Day
Today was a new day for me of hope. Not knowing the outcome of the future had really made me discouraged the last 2 days. I want to know that my baby can have a chance of survival. The waiting is hard. When we see the pediatric cardiologist in Denver, we will know more....
I woke up this morning after troubling dreams all night. I opened my bible in the darkness and layed my hand across the pages. I called out to Jesus and prayed.
I turned the light on later and read the passage. It was from Nehemiah 8 and 9.
"Do not weep. Do not grieve.The joy of the Lord is your strength." It goes on to talk about the wondrous creator who gives life and his amazing wonders.
I am filled with more hope than I have had since finding out the news. I know each day will be different but for now I am thankful to get my hope back.
I woke up this morning after troubling dreams all night. I opened my bible in the darkness and layed my hand across the pages. I called out to Jesus and prayed.
I turned the light on later and read the passage. It was from Nehemiah 8 and 9.
"Do not weep. Do not grieve.The joy of the Lord is your strength." It goes on to talk about the wondrous creator who gives life and his amazing wonders.
I am filled with more hope than I have had since finding out the news. I know each day will be different but for now I am thankful to get my hope back.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Still Waiting
We just learned our daughter has heterotaxy/asplenia syndrome instead of HRHS. It is a more complex and rare heart defect with many more complications.
There is so much unknown right now. We go back to another specialist in 2 weeks when I am 24 weeks along. The cardiologist will be able to see things better at that point. I wish we had more information to share but we just are waiting! We are praying for wisdom and strength.
There is so much unknown right now. We go back to another specialist in 2 weeks when I am 24 weeks along. The cardiologist will be able to see things better at that point. I wish we had more information to share but we just are waiting! We are praying for wisdom and strength.
Monday, January 4, 2010
No more wheelbarrowing
Only a couple of days from now we will be learning more information to the many questions that we have about this diagnosis. It is strange how helpless we are in all of this. As a father I just want to scoop this little one in my arms and make everything better. I am grateful for friends who are scooping us into their arms right now and carrying us and our needs to the sustainer of life.
Life has a way of helping us see that we can't be in control of everything. God, however can be in control, and is. I was told tonight that I am like a person laboring with a wheelbarrow with my wife and kids in it. My wife is wiping my brow because I am working so hard without any break. I want to take care of everything, yet because my hands are holding the wheelbarrow and can't help my wife or kids. Try as I may I will not be able to hold it all together. I need someone to hold the wheelbarrow so I can care for the precious ones entrusted to me. We all need a Father who can carry our load. Man can't do it all on his own strength. God can! "I can do all things through Him who gives me strength." Phil 4:13.
God's strength will get us through all of this especially our little princess!
Praise God!
Life has a way of helping us see that we can't be in control of everything. God, however can be in control, and is. I was told tonight that I am like a person laboring with a wheelbarrow with my wife and kids in it. My wife is wiping my brow because I am working so hard without any break. I want to take care of everything, yet because my hands are holding the wheelbarrow and can't help my wife or kids. Try as I may I will not be able to hold it all together. I need someone to hold the wheelbarrow so I can care for the precious ones entrusted to me. We all need a Father who can carry our load. Man can't do it all on his own strength. God can! "I can do all things through Him who gives me strength." Phil 4:13.
God's strength will get us through all of this especially our little princess!
Praise God!
Saturday, January 2, 2010
The pregnancy started with indegestion and sickness. Yes! This was a welcome sign that my hormones were at work. I prayed each day for the Lord to keep watch over my womb and to allow me to carry this child! Every symptom you can have in pregnancy I decided I felt were 10 times more than the other babies! Which was great.
So finaly the day was approaching to see if we were going to have a boy or girl. 2 days before Christmas we went to the ultrasound. She was an active little thing! The tech could hardly get enough pictures. We left the office ready to tell everyone another princess was on it's way. We were told to come back in a month to get better pictures of her heart because they couldn't quite see everything. Not to worry, it happens all the time they said. You know that nagging little feeling of "what if", in the back of your mind? I guess you could say I had it.
Christmas was an enjoyable time of singing, baking, and opening gifts from our extended family. December 28th I recieved a call from my midwife saying I needed to see a specialist because the baby's heart was measuring "small". I was at the store with the 2 youngest and high tailed it out of there to collect my thoughts and call my husband. I was determined to be positive and sober minded but I was very scared!
My husband thought that by the time of our appointment the baby's heart might have grown up to size...I didn't think so.
We were scheduled an appointment that week. I called my midwife back and she read me the actual report. It said, right side of heart abnormal, not developed. At that point I was REALLY scared but still, I was leaning on my Lord, trusting Him to sustain me for whatever was to come. I researched online "small right side of heart..." and all I could find was HRHS...I told my husband.
The day we saw the specialist we were optomistic and also wanted to know that minute what the tech saw! The technician had to fax it out of town to the specialist and then my midwife would call me with the results. Ugh! I was trying to persuade the technician by saying things like, So....what things could I look up on the internet...well what defects do you know about?? It didn't work. He would only say she is moving A LOT and look at the nice 3 d pics.
I was called the next day with the news that our daughter did in fact have HRHS and an echogenic bowel. That condition goes along with heart defects but can also be found in chromosonal abnormalities...
We are traveling next week to the perinatal cardiologist to get another ultrasond and find out more.
We have shared the news with our extended family and friends and have been praying with our children. The amazing thing about little ones is their ability to be so tender and steadfast. They, like us, can't imagine what the future will bring but I know we will be stronger because of this. We don'tknow what is around the corner but our God does. And we will trust Him and lean on His understanding. Thank you for your prayers! We will be finding out what awaits, next week.
Psalm 62:1,2
"MY SOUL FINDS REST IN GOD ALONE, MY SALVATION COMES FROM HIM. HE ALONE IS MY ROCK AND MY SALVATION, HE IS MY FORTRESS, I WILL NEVER BE SHAKEN."
So finaly the day was approaching to see if we were going to have a boy or girl. 2 days before Christmas we went to the ultrasound. She was an active little thing! The tech could hardly get enough pictures. We left the office ready to tell everyone another princess was on it's way. We were told to come back in a month to get better pictures of her heart because they couldn't quite see everything. Not to worry, it happens all the time they said. You know that nagging little feeling of "what if", in the back of your mind? I guess you could say I had it.
Christmas was an enjoyable time of singing, baking, and opening gifts from our extended family. December 28th I recieved a call from my midwife saying I needed to see a specialist because the baby's heart was measuring "small". I was at the store with the 2 youngest and high tailed it out of there to collect my thoughts and call my husband. I was determined to be positive and sober minded but I was very scared!
My husband thought that by the time of our appointment the baby's heart might have grown up to size...I didn't think so.
We were scheduled an appointment that week. I called my midwife back and she read me the actual report. It said, right side of heart abnormal, not developed. At that point I was REALLY scared but still, I was leaning on my Lord, trusting Him to sustain me for whatever was to come. I researched online "small right side of heart..." and all I could find was HRHS...I told my husband.
The day we saw the specialist we were optomistic and also wanted to know that minute what the tech saw! The technician had to fax it out of town to the specialist and then my midwife would call me with the results. Ugh! I was trying to persuade the technician by saying things like, So....what things could I look up on the internet...well what defects do you know about?? It didn't work. He would only say she is moving A LOT and look at the nice 3 d pics.
I was called the next day with the news that our daughter did in fact have HRHS and an echogenic bowel. That condition goes along with heart defects but can also be found in chromosonal abnormalities...
We are traveling next week to the perinatal cardiologist to get another ultrasond and find out more.
We have shared the news with our extended family and friends and have been praying with our children. The amazing thing about little ones is their ability to be so tender and steadfast. They, like us, can't imagine what the future will bring but I know we will be stronger because of this. We don'tknow what is around the corner but our God does. And we will trust Him and lean on His understanding. Thank you for your prayers! We will be finding out what awaits, next week.
Psalm 62:1,2
"MY SOUL FINDS REST IN GOD ALONE, MY SALVATION COMES FROM HIM. HE ALONE IS MY ROCK AND MY SALVATION, HE IS MY FORTRESS, I WILL NEVER BE SHAKEN."
The last 4 months have been exciting. To know the full story I will start at the begining.
After waiting a few years my husband and I decided to have another child. We were blessed to concieve the first month we tried, only to be let down with a loss a couple months later. It hit us hard. We have 4 healthy children and never thought any complications could arise. Who does?? Going through all the emotions, I made a choice to trust God and be thankul in eveything. The hardest part was knowing the pain our children were going through. It was amazing to see such love in their eyes for a sibling they hadn't even met. I don't know who comforted each other more..us comorting them or them being a comfort to us! During that time I had an instinctful feeling that God was carying me gently in his hand while I was waiting to see what was in store. Little did I know I would be clinging earnestly to his hand throughout the next year.
We waited the usual time before trying again and once again were met with a loss, only this one being even earlier in the pregnancy. Not many people knew because we hadn't shared the news we were pregnant. It saved our chidren from another time of sadness.
We recovered and pressed on in faith! I was elated to find out a short time later I was pregnant again! I prayed fervently that God would bless my womb and now I am 5 months along!
That is the begining of this journey, my story, and the story of our trust in Jesus.
After waiting a few years my husband and I decided to have another child. We were blessed to concieve the first month we tried, only to be let down with a loss a couple months later. It hit us hard. We have 4 healthy children and never thought any complications could arise. Who does?? Going through all the emotions, I made a choice to trust God and be thankul in eveything. The hardest part was knowing the pain our children were going through. It was amazing to see such love in their eyes for a sibling they hadn't even met. I don't know who comforted each other more..us comorting them or them being a comfort to us! During that time I had an instinctful feeling that God was carying me gently in his hand while I was waiting to see what was in store. Little did I know I would be clinging earnestly to his hand throughout the next year.
We waited the usual time before trying again and once again were met with a loss, only this one being even earlier in the pregnancy. Not many people knew because we hadn't shared the news we were pregnant. It saved our chidren from another time of sadness.
We recovered and pressed on in faith! I was elated to find out a short time later I was pregnant again! I prayed fervently that God would bless my womb and now I am 5 months along!
That is the begining of this journey, my story, and the story of our trust in Jesus.
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