Thursday, June 30, 2011

Our baby is 1 in 10,000

Hmmmmm...

Where to start? I've tried to write this a few times, but I like the way Chris wrote it to his team at work. So I tweaked it just a little...

As some of you may know, the week has been challenging. Last Thursday morning, I had an ultrasound which my sister and Chris were able to attend with me! Everything looked normal (to us) until the doctor came in later and told me that she was concerned about fluid/cyst on the back of the baby. I tried to collect myself and stay calm as I called Chris to come back to the hospital (they had left because we all thought things were fine and thought I just had my normal mtg with the doc afterwards).

We went to a specialist for an appt about an hour later (great that they get you in so fast with all these specialists!!) Basically we learned that our baby (14 weeks along) had some very serious markers for chromosomal abnormalities...like Down Syndrome or some others. Our baby's measurements were on the bad side of bad, and I went in for a procedure on Friday to do some more specific testing, with the results coming back on Monday sometime. After watching me go through this, Chris told me we were leaving in an hour to go to the beach...and we did. We headed down to Sandestin Friday afternoon, leaving the kids with his parents, and tried to keep our minds off of everything. That was a great move.

On our way home Monday afternoon, the doctor called to tell us our baby has Trisomy 13. This was devastating news, as Trisomy 13 is a somewhat rare diagnosis that means that if our baby makes it to childbirth, it will only live hours, days, weeks, or in rare cases...months. 1 in 10,000 live births are Trisomy 13. I can tell you on this side of things...the anxiety of not knowing is worse (or at least different) than knowing. Yesterday, we met with a genetic counselor (who knew they even existed?!?), and got even more information on things. It helped us prepare a lot. Where do we go from here? We just wait. We have a team of doctors watching our case closely, and making sure the baby and I are as comfortable as possible. The doctors have been incredible to us.

We have our fair share of tears, but I can honestly and confidently say...we're ok. A week in... and we're not GREAT and acting like nothing is the matter. But we know God has a plan to prosper our faith, no matter how tough this process is going to be on us. In a weird way, we're honored to experience this trial, as we know that we will grow deeper and stronger in our faith in God. It's also created an immense appreciation for our two little girls, Bella and Farrah. And each other.

We never really understood what the "roller coaster" of emotions was like...until now. We are learning that there is a lot we have never understood - and will have to go through during this life change. The multitude of things that "could" happen can absorb every thought. But, this moment in our lives is also a good reminder to look over and see the two beautiful girls we have, and know that our God is faithful, no matter what.

We are doing good, overall. But we would love to have your prayers. This is not something I would choose to go through (duh), but if we are going to go through it, we're giving it our all.

Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

27 comments:

Kelly Ford said...

We love you both and are praying that God's working may be evident and that He will draw you near to Him in all of this.

morgan collins said...

love yall.

Stephanie said...

katie,
thanks for sharing from such a vulnerable place...i will sincerely be praying for you and your family.

i pray Psa 73:26 is a great Truth that ministers to yall, "Though my heart and my flesh my fail, the LORD is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." (and verse 28)

Adriane Highfill said...

Chris & Katie...I will keep you in my prayers as you go this!

The Harner's said...

I am sorry to hear the news. I have read about this condition before. It's heart breaking. But remember God has a plan and everything happens for a reason. Your love for each other and your families will get you through this. My thoughts and prayers are with you guys.

GG said...

Nothing would please me more than to see GOD work a miracle and show us all who is in control. I will shout it from the roof tops that OUR GOD IS FAITHFUL AND HIS MERCIES COVER US DAILY! So I haven chosen to call this precious child "FAITH" because God is Faithful, He strengths us through our Faith, we carry the Shield of
Faith, and everyone knows that girls are the stronger fighters when it comes to will - so by FAITH I call upon the Name of the Lord to show us HIS WILL! In Jesus Name!!!

Sarah said...

My heart breaks hearing this. I know that God has his hands wrapped around you, the baby and your family. I will be praying for you daily that God's will, will be done.

Emily said...

I love what GG wrote, Faith is such a beautiful name (or at least nickname!) and a reminder to us all to continue to have that faith in our Lord. Thank you for being such an amazing example to us all, I have always admired your beautiful family and now I do so even more. You and Chris are amazing parents and spiritual leaders for all your sweet girls. I love you and am in CONSTANT prayer for you guys and baby green #3! Spreading the word as well so others can continue to lift you up. I'm so proud to call you a friend :)

Allison Wolfe said...

You know that I am praying for you! I have done nothing but think about you guys for the past two days and prayed and prayed!

Baby Green #3 is blessed to have you as parents and for such a support team for prayer.

Love yall so much!

Renya said...

It is truly a God thing to hear of the trials and tribulations you all face. I know God is please with you leaning on him thru this stage in your lives. I pray God will continue to strengthen and all surrounding when things seem impossible. I am praying for a miracle and here for you anytime you need me. LYA-Renya

Nana Julie said...

Your dad & I love you more than life and we are so blessed by you, Chris & our beautiful grandbabies. I am proud to see you are as strong as I always believed you ti be. I can't think of better parents for this baby. Take comfort in knowing how many people are praying for you & love you. God has a plan in all this. We just pray each day for the strength to get us through. He will be there always. Love...

"Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way, walk in it."
Isaiah 30:21

Our Little Family said...

I am so sorry to hear this news. I will keep you and the baby in my prayers.

The Lockharts said...

After reading this I do not have the adequate words to tell you how my heart feels for you all. I do know that we don't always need words because that's when the Lord steps in for us. I will continue to lift up your family, knowing that He will provide you all of the strength you need. Give those sweet girls of yours big hugs just as I will give mine because they are definitely a gift from Him.

Lacey said...

Katie and Chris, God has an amazing anointing on this sweet baby and you guys. We are praying!

Stephanie said...

I found your blog through a link Emily shared. We will definitely be in prayer on your behalf. I can't imagine what you must be feeling. May God comfort you as only He can.

Stephanie said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Klee said...

Praying for God's peace and strength for you both during this time.
Love you and will be praying for you constantly.

mckennah said...

we love you guys and your sweet girls. praying constantly for you and baby green.

Anonymous said...

I found your blog through a friend from college and we actually live quite close and I love seeing your pictures so I lurk at times. I'm so sorry to hear/read this post. The Lord has a plan for this baby and just rest in that knowledge. Our first daughter was diagnosed with cyst on her brain and we were given almost the same fate. Ours was Trisomy 18. Our daughter was born 5 months later complete and whole. We spent many painful days listening to doctors and watching ultrasounds. Unbelievable. She is our miracle baby. The crazy thing was 24 hours after she was born and we could finally sigh with relief our nurse found a heart murmor. She had a VSD condition that through our long road in all those specialist appts. not one doctor ever found. God works in mysterious ways. Our daughter is now 8 and this makes me remember what a big God we have. I will pray for you, the baby, your family, and the doctors to all have comfort and wisdom during this time.

sarah varian said...

thinking of you guys and sending love and prayers your way! God is faithful and will give you guys strength and hope. love yall like my other family <3

Toni Lyons said...

Praying for all of you. Praying for His hand and comfort through the time in your life. His blessings DO coming in unexpected ways and we often don't recognize them

beverly said...

Chris & Katie,
Found your blog through Prayer Warriors....your baby may be 1 in 10,ooo, but your spirit and attitude is one in a million! May God bless you, your beautiful girls and this special baby to be. Remember...OUR GOD IS ABLE!

bgreen said...

I love you guys and I am proud to be ya'lls brother, your strength is amazing. I am here for you through it all bc I got your back like Chiroprat.

Ginny Brock said...

Katie and Chris, I am sorry to hear this news. I want you to know we will be praying for you and we love you.

Catherine Boozer said...

I am sorry to hear that this is your walk, but am glad you are willing to share it and are able to give God the Glory! You are showing us how "To be Second". I will be praying for you all.

Unknown said...

Katie,
My heart broke when I heard your news. Know that Chris and I will be praying for you fervently. I also wanted to tell how much I appreciate you sharing your story with me. You have given me a little of the strength you carry and remimded me to always turn to God in times of trial. I am sure many who read your story feel the same way. I love you and the Green family!

Unknown said...

Katie,
My heart broke when I heard your news. Know that Chris and I will be praying for you fervently. I also wanted to tell how much I appreciate you sharing your story with me. You have given me a little of the strength you carry and remimded me to always turn to God in times of trial. I am sure many who read your story feel the same way. I love you and the Green family!