I have heard this phrase about a million times, and always thought it was a little silly, until a fews weeks ago when this phrase took on a whole new meaning. At the beginning of November, Devin and I went in for the routine 20 week ultrasound where we were absolutely convinced we would find out we were having another boy. We went through the ultrasound, and got the shock of our lives when the Ultrasound tech said it was a girl! We made her check again, and again, and once more for good measure because like I said, I thought for sure I was having another boy! We were both totally shocked and excited for this new adventure, we were having a girl! We immediately went out and bought a little girl outfit to share the news with our family and friends. Before we had left the doctors office that day the tech said that she couldn't quite get one of the shots that she needed because of the baby's position so she would schedule us to come back two weeks later for another ultrasound. I went in two weeks later where the ultrasound tech again said she wasn't sure if she could get the exact shot the doctors needed to see. The next morning I got a call from the Maternal/Fetal medicine department telling me that I needed to come in that afternoon for an ultrasound with one of their specialists because the techs weren't getting the shots that they needed to see of the babies heart. They also stressed that if at all possible, to have Devin get off work early to be at the ultrasound apointment. Since I had been through the whole pregnancy thing once before I knew instantly something was wrong. I broke down and cried, and then I got on my knees and prayed. I immediately felt peace and comfort, and although I was still scared and nervous about going to the doctors that afternoon, I felt like somehow everything was going to be okay. At the doctors office that afternoon we learned that our sweet little girl has a Congenital Heart Defect. This means that in the very early weeks of pregnancy her heart developed abnormally. While the doctors aren't 100% sure of the diagnosis yet, right now it looks like she has Transposition of the Greater Arteries (TGA) with a Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD). This means that the two main arteries that come off the heart are switched and that she has a hole in-between the ventricles of her heart. Because of these complications I will be induced, and deliver in Los Angeles where they will have a NICU team ready for her. She will also require heart surgery soon after birth to fix the complication. Although this has been one of the hardest things Devin and I have ever had to go through, we have felt so much comfort in knowing that there is a plan for this little girl, and for our family. Our knowledge of the gospel, and of the Savior, and of the plan of salvation has truley brought so much peace into our hearts, and while we still have hard days, it has made this process so much easier. The doctors are very optimistic about her condition, and about surgery, and so are we! If we could ask anything of our friends and family it would be to please keep our baby girl in your prayers.
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3 comments:
I'm a friend of Shaila and I'm so sorry to hear about your daughter's CHD. One of my friends helped start a support group for families of CHD kids and, if you're interested, you can find them on Facebook at Intermountain Healing Hearts. The Moms there know exactly how you're feeling right now and can tell you the questions to ask etc. to help you become the advocate for her care that both of you need. You can do this and she's going to be a fabulous little girl!
Oh, Diana! I'm so sorry to hear that you have to go through this! I will definitely be praying for You, Devin & that baby girl of yours. It's scary and stressful and the fear and anticipation is the worst part. We went through scary times with Gracy, as a baby. (She has PFO - hole between the left & right atrial) Just know that The Lord is on your side. He will protect you and strengthen you. You can do this. And if you need a distraction in the meantime, stop by. ☺️ There's always enough crazy here to last as long as you'd like.
This sweet little girl is coming to the most loving, patient, and faithful parents. Your faith really is inspiring. We'll keep her, your family, and the doctors in out prayers. (I had the SWEETEST little girl Emma in my preschool class that was born with a similar heart condition. She had undergone several surgeries prior to her joining the class, but you would never know it. She was so vibrant and full of energy and happiness! She just sang or hummed all day long. She was definitely my favorite student :-)
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