Two weeks ago, we received some news that is still changing our lives.
After our routine 20-week ultrasound hinted at something strange, our doctor sent us up to Albuquerque for a Level 2 ultrasound to get a better look. We left Caleb with good friends, and we made the trip just the two of us...engaging in a pretty long argument about nothing along the way.
Once there, the ultrasound technician who saw us was sweet and cracked countless jokes, but we weren't at all in the mood. We were both apprehensive as to what the screen would reveal. As she began to look at the heart, it was obvious even to us that something was not normal. His little heart seemed to have only three chambers. The tech seemed concerned and spent what felt like an eternity taking more pictures of various parts of his little body.
Eventually, the doctor came in and explained the following: He has an Atrioventricular Canal Defect. In the first weeks of his life, the wall (septum) between his atria didn't form. Neither did the septum between his ventricles. It is a congenital heart defect that is common in children with Down Syndrome. Due to the heart defect and some other indicators, the likelihood of our little guy having Down Syndrome was 50-70%. So, at their recommendation, we did an amniocentesis.
During the days that followed, our tears were mixed with much joy and gratitude. Family and good friends were praying for us, and we felt it. Again and again, the Lord was reminding us that He "works all things together for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28)" and that He has a plan for our littlest boy's life...a very good plan. That didn't change when we received the news four days later that he does indeed have Down Syndrome.
There are still so many unknowns. But, God knows. There are so many emotions. But, He's walking us through this. And, we are clinging to Him.
"Yet I am always with you;
you hold me by my right hand.
You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will take me into glory.
Whom have I in heaven but you?
And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever."
Psalm 73: 23-26
11 comments:
Glad that you're back. Thank-you for sharing. We will be praying with you along this journey!
I'm so glad you decided to share your journey on your blog. I was hoping you would. Brandon told Jeff the other night that you were frustrated trying to get it to look right...and you did! It looks great.
We are praying for y'all constantly. Thanks for letting us walk through this with you. We can't wait to see how the Lord uses this precious boy. Any names???
First of all, you made me cry. Happy tears. God really does bless those who wait. It doesn't always look like what we thought I would look like, but its such a blessing none-the-less. I love you and the little life inside of you. What a true and unbelievable blessing God has trusted you with. I know you know that. :) I am so excited to see how this little person makes his mark on the world. I'm excited to see him grow in the love of the Lord and learn from the Holy Spirit. I'm so excited for you!
Oh Mandy & Brandon,
You have been so blessed, although I know it isn't in the way that you assumed it would be. That little boy is going to be so very loved by everyone. God did indeed knit him together in his mother's womb, and he doesn't make mistakes - your little boy is exactly as God intended him to be, and I'm excited to see what His plans are.
Julia is right....the blog looks great. We saw the Heistand's the other day and they told us about what is going on.
Thanks for sharing it here. We are thinking about you guys and praying for your family.
:)Bekah
Praying for all of you. Love your blog. Thanks for sharing, the Lord is going to use you all for his glory! Hugs, Debbie
Mandy..cuando lei tu Blog pense: Dios es tan sabio al dar a el nuevo bebe unos padres tan maravillosos como tu y brandon...muchas gracias por compartirnos esto.. y espero verte muy pronto ¡¡ y abrazarte amiga =) ...
I love your little boy. What a privilege to get to know him and be part of his life! :) Soon you'll have him in your arms and won't be able to ever imagine life without him. And, he will teach us all so much about the heart of God. What a joy.
My dear Mandy. Your little baby boy is so blessed to be born into such a wonderful family. You and Brandon are going to shower him with the love and patience that no one else but you guys could give...and he is going to be such a blessing on you guys. I know this next chapter of your life is going to be so good. God is going to use him to teach you (and us) so much. :) God is so good, and He has so many great things planned for your Pelton Family of 4!
Thank you for sharing your journey! I know that my life will be changed through what God is working in your family's life. It already has been. You are an amazing mother and Baby Pelton is so blessed to have you! We will be following and praying every step of the way!
Mandy, know that I will be praying for your family! This little boy is so blessed to have you for his mama. Love you, friend. Xoxoxo
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