PREGNANCY UPDATE

I suppose it’s time for an update on my pregnancy.  I haven’t posted anything about it since we announced we were pregnant! It’s funny how you get pregnant and never think about things that can go wrong.  Especially since my first 2 pregnancies and births were perfect and healthy.  Never, until now, have I looked at a child and understood how much of a miracle they are.  It’s such an amazing process and there really are so many things that can go wrong.   To get a healthy baby is truly a miracle.  Enter our situation:

Our baby has been diagnosed with Trisomy 13, which is a chromosomal abnormality. The median life span for Trisomy 13 babies is 2.5 days, 82% die within 1 month, and 95% die within 6 months.

I had another ultrasound last week and we have a little better idea of what's happening. The baby’s kidneys appear to not be functioning correctly because they are larger and lighter in color than normal. This is one of the defects brought on by Trisomy 13. If the kidneys aren’t functioning correctly then he can't urinate, and apparently urine is the main source of amniotic fluid (gross, huh?). Because of his kidney issues there is almost no amniotic fluid, which prevents him from breathing in fluid, which is a crucial part of lung development. Currently there doesn't appear to be much danger for him in the womb because the cord takes care of all his oxygen and nourishment. After birth his greatest immediate risks will be the lack of lung development, and if by a miracle he is able to breathe, the kidney failure. Right now the likeliest scenario that has been laid out for us is that his heart might beat for an hour or so, even if he can't breathe, and then he'll pass in our arms. Although we know it's part of Heavenly Father's plan, that part will be tough for us. Even though we're making plans to handle the worst, we're still hoping for the best.

We decided to name the baby Landon, so now we don't have to refer to him as "it" or "the baby" anymore. We want you all to know that we appreciate all the love and support we've received and ask for your continued thoughts and prayers. Because we're still processing and taking this information in, we ask for your patience. Sometimes we may not feel like answering the phone or email, but want you to know that those things don't go unnoticed or unappreciated.  We have been overwhelmed by the amount of service that has been given us and we appreciate it so much.  We have truly felt the love from all of those around us and find comfort in knowing we have so many people around us to rely on.