Yesterday morning, Julia had her fetal echo.
When I was pregnant with Ethan, we asked Emily's cardiologist (who would become Ethan's, too) what the chances were that Ethan would be born with the same heart defect she has. We have the familial form of the disease (meaning it runs in my family), and he told us every baby I have has a 50% chance of having it.
Although we didn't know the exact percentage of likelihood when we got pregnant with Emily or Ethan, we always knew there was a significant chance I'd pass the heart problem down to my children. Hearing the "50%" didn't change anything--- we would have had our children, anyway.
When we made the decision to get pregnant with Julia, we agonized over it only because we had buried Ethan, not because he had had the heart defect.
But we knew when we decided to have her that chance had nothing to do with whether or not she would have the heart defect. Like He had with Emily and Ethan, we knew God would simply say, "Yes, I will allow the heart defect", or "No, I will not."
And for the third time, He has decided to allow it.
The pediatric cardiologist who did Julia's echo yesterday told us Julia has Supravalvular Aortic Stenosis like her brother and sister, possibly has Supravalvular Pulmonic Stenosis like them, and in addition, her aortic valve looks abnormal, so it is probably narrowed, as well.
Although the problem with the aortic valve is due to the same heart defect, this is one part Emily and Ethan did not have, and it may mean Julia will have to have surgery at birth.
She will be getting regular fetal echos, and we have been instructed to deliver her at UAB.
I would be lying if I told you we aren't terrified.
I would also be lying if I told you Julia isn't worth every bit of the fear.
Like Emily and Ethan, she is irreplacable.
We are asking our friends and family to pray with us for a miracle.
We want the doctors to be beside themselves with confusion as they watch the heart problem completely disappear.
We want to show the world--- through our precious little girl--- what our God can do.
Will you bend your knees and call out Julia's name before the Father with us?
We know He has ordained her life, just as He ordained Emily and Ethan's.
Thank you for your love.
Bryanne, My heart breaks to read this news. Know that I will be pouring out prayers for sweet Julia and your family. I agree with you, these little ones are worth every bit of fear and worry we have to go through as parents. Please let me know if you need anything at all. Love to you all <3
ReplyDeleteDear Bryanne & Josh,
ReplyDeleteMy heart goes out to both of you. Of course I will pray for Julia everyday that God will miraculously cure her, because we know that He can. We don't know why God puts us through such trials as He is with you guys, but we have to believe that something good will come out of all of this. Your strength and faith is so inspiring.
Just always remember this verse from Jeremiah 29:11: For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
May God continue to wrap is arms around you both and bless you....
I love you guys...
Theresa Benitez