Fearfully and Wonderfully Made

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