Post by: Rebecca
On January 26 we found out that we
were expecting and that on October 7th we'd be bringing a new life into
this world. The first few months were an incredibly exciting time filled
with belly pictures, announcement planning, and multiple appointments
with our doctor. There was even a blood test that told us the gender and
on April 5, over a plate of chicken pot pie and Fish & Chips at Meg
O'Malley's, we found out that we were having a little girl!! From that
moment on she was no longer just our baby, she was our daughter,
Savannah.
From there it was a whirlwind
of activity as we were able to narrow down our search for babythings and
actually start planning her nursery. We were so happy and care free
that when our OB had me give blood for a test that detected the
possibility of neural tube defects (NTD's) we didn't give it a second
thought, until the results came back positive.
Our OB told us that Savannah
had an abnormally high number of AFP cells in her system which was cause
for concern and that she was scheduling the next available appointment
with a high-risk doctor. That appointment was a tale in itself, but to
summarize the visit; Savannah was diagnosed with an NTD called
anencephaly; a condition where the brain and skull never fully develop,
affecting only 1 in every 1000 births and giving babies with this
diagnosis only a few hours to live under best case scenarios.
Devastation doesn't even begin
to describe our initial feelings. We had no idea what to do or who to
talk to, all we knew was that we wanted a second opinion and we wanted
the doctor to be wrong. We couldn't understand; this sort of thing only
happens to people in the news, how could we be part of the .1%?
Regardless of the outcome of the second opinion, one thing rang in our
minds like a bell: We want to meet our sweet Savannah so termination is
out of the question.
We were very blessed in the
fact that we were able to get the second opinion right away and while
the diagnosis stayed the same, the whole appointment was a
wonderful, therapeutic experience that we will never forget. We were
still devastated but we started to focus on what Savannah had rather
than what she didn't have. God has given her life, and it is our job as
parents to help her live it.
We know that this will not be
an easy journey. Each day comes with a new set of challenges, emotions,
and joys. However, we are resting on the promises of God, knowing that
even when it does not make any sense to us, he has a plan and a
purpose! Right now we need your words of encouragement, prayers, and
support as we embark on this journey to celebrate our sweet Savannah
Joy.
*Please follow the story on their blog, Sweet Savannah Joy.
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comments:
Dear Rebecca and Family,
First of all, you are all amazing! I just can't imagine going through what you are living right now. I have the greatest confidence in God caring for your and Savannah's every need along the way, and I will certainly be praying for each of you. The Lord always follows through on his promises! How lovely that Joy will always have so much meaning in your life. The joy of the Lord is our strength, and I can see that to be abundantly true in your story. I am excited for you to experience all the blessings that God will give you through your Savannah Joy--a lifetime of them! And though the diagnosis has been confirmed, I will pray for a miracle still--I am sure you will experience many miracles in the days and weeks to come, so I will just keep praying them along for you. May you be continually renewed in your strength and courage as you walk this beautiful path.
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.