Your Prayers for Our Baby are Being Answered

Alicia and the baby have had normal two-week checkups for the number of weeks since we found out about the trisomy 18 syndrome. The baby's heart rate has been consistent around 160, and we have just continued to pray for miraculous healing for our baby girl. We have received many encouraging emails and messages from friends and family that are praying for us. There are a number of churches that we have had contact with that are praying for us and our baby.

Today we had an ultrasound appointment with a doctor from Portland. After the ultrasound technician took a bunch of pictures and measurements, the specialist doctor came in. Just for a little background, we saw this doctor when the cystic hygroma was first diagnosed. He was quite focused on the percentages that were stacked against us. When he came in he looked for a bit at the ultrasound of our baby, then said:

"It is abnormal when a baby with trisomy 18 has organs as well-developed as this."

The kidneys looked normal. The heart looked normal as far as they could tell. The hands and feet seem to be developing normal. the height and weight is average or just under average. The doctor kept saying things like, "this baby just isn't following trisomy 18 protocol" and, "its not normal". The technician kept saying, "I'm trying to find the normal anomalies for trisomy 18." She couldn't find them. The cystic hygroma (fluid under the baby's skin) has cleared up on its own. Finally, the doctor said, "I see no reason why this baby shouldn't make it full term and be born alive."

We were in shock for this good news! God has heard us and is answering our prayers. We are overjoyed to hear that our baby is developing much better than expected. We praise the Lord for his working and are just so moved to be a part of this miracle.

Our baby's future is not without challenges. The only thing that concerned the doctor was there is a possible underdevelopment in the front part of the baby's brain. It is still early--only 18 weeks--but please keep praying for our baby's growth and development.

Thank you for holding us up before the Lord. Your prayers are being answered every day! We are looking forward to continued answer to prayer and meeting our little girl!

"I will sing unto the Lord, for he hath dealt bountifully with me" Psalm 13:6