18 weeks
It is rare that I don’t know how to start a post. Usually, I am classifying events by blog worthy or not. I am thinking of what I will actually say before I even sit down. This past week has been different. While I wanted to post this last week, something held me back. But today, I am here to share. Last Wednesday, I received a call from my doctor that revealed some disappointing news about my recent quad-screen test. In simplest terms, I had a 1 in 30 chance of carrying a baby with Down Syndrome. I didn’t know exactly how they come to that number, but that didn’t matter. The fact was that my hope in a healthy baby was shattered. And it didn’t matter what happened in the days to come, everything had changed. You can only walk the naive path that your baby is healthy for so long. We were scheduled for an ultrasound that was to get a better look at the baby and give a better idea of what we were facing. That ultrasound was today. We had 5 days to struggle with the unknown. 5 days to wonder “why?” 5 days to question God. 5 days to be mad. 5 days to worry. And we also had 5 days to cast our burdens to the Lord. 5 days to share the fears with friends and family. 5 days to trust. 5 days to hope.
I went into the appointment today believing this: “Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. ” – Romans 5: 3-5
The more I read this, the more I truly believed it. My sufferings, past and present, have produced hope. Therefore, I guess they produced perseverance and character along the way. All that was keeping us going this weekend was hope that this baby would be healthy. And if we received news that the opposite was true, we would have hope that God could heal. And if God chose to not heal, we would have hope that we would cope and we would survive. Hope does not disappoint.
After sharing our sufferings of last week, I can now share the joy of the Lord. I can shout it as best as possible through the internet that God is good. That God hears the cries of his children. The ultrasound today revealed only good news. It showed a healthy baby girl that measures right on track and shows no sign of Down Syndrome. That’s right a girl! The doctor reduced our risks to 1 in 90, but in his 25 years experience thinks that is still too high. We are scheduled for ultrasounds every three weeks to check her progress and make sure nothing appears in the future, but we are satisfied tonight. We feel the peace of God resting on our shoulders — holding our hands, saying, “I will take care of you.”
I’ve been praying and praying. I am thrilled to hear the news and so thankful for hope. And so happy about another little girl!!! Girls are the best!!! Love ya!!!
God is Good!
See you tomorrow~
Praise God that everything looks fine with your baby! I’m so thankful that the results were good and your hard week is over. How hard must these things be for those that don’t turn to the Lord for help?
(3 girls!!?? Wow!! Poor Ethan is outnumbered 4 to 1. But I bet he loves it!)
I love how you wrote about having hope in any number of possible outcomes. That shows how no matter what you’re given, He will be your support. I am so thrilled that the Lord chose to answer in this way.
You are amazing my friend. It’s a honor to get to “do life” with you and your family. All praise and glory to God.
Words cannot express my joy for you and the family… I wish I could hug you in person.
You always have amazed me with the way you put your faith in God. I am so happy that everything went well and things are looking good, congratulations on another beautiful girl!! You guys are in our thoughts and prayers.
Aren’t you glad that we can think and feel all of those emotions and God understands? I’m so glad for the good news.
Don’t really know what to say besides how thankful I am that we do have hope and that you guys are doing well. Congratulations on another precious little girl.
I went through about 20 different emotions before I was finished reading your post. I am so very thankful for your good news, and will be praying that all remains well with your sweet girl.
My draw dropped as I read. I am so amazed by your strength to put your trust in God when you did not know what was to come and I am so thankful that God answered your faithfulness. I will continue to lift you and sweet baby girl up in prayers over and over.
Congratulations on another healthy girl!!! I am so happy to hear the baby is okay. We will continue to pray for you guys. I’m not sure you’ve picked the name, but Hope would certainly be cute and fitting.
Also, btw, I am expecting too! Due in January.
Congrats on your third girl! I’d heard the news about the downs possibility, and was very happy to see that God answered prayers when I was able to get back online & check the blog. I’ve enjoyed your recent posts, and love seeing the girls. They are getting to be so big & very cute!
The faith that you and Ethan possess never ceases to amaze me!!! Glad to hear that the ultrasound results were positive. I’m so jealous of the awesome ultrasound pictures (we only got one at 20 weeks). Congratulations on a 3rd little girl. Ethan and all his women!!!!
congratulations on this news… I am a part of Christ Church for Brooklyn with Joe & Laura Hays … I pass by your site from time to time to see how you are doing. I’m excited for you and your family. I will continue to pray!
What a wonderful post.
I’m very excited for you & your perfectly developing little girl!