Baby Update

Dear Friends,
First of all thank you for all of your prayers. They are sustaining us right now. I definitely feel them. Thank you, thank you. I just wanted to update you all on the follow up tests on the baby. This is so hard to write.
On Friday we went in for a Nuchal Translucent Ultrasound. This can look at all of the baby's structures a little more closely. Upon further investigation, what they originally thought was a cystic hygroma on the back of the baby's neck is actually an encephalocele. What this means is that the sutures at the back of the baby's skull have failed to fuse together. This forms a sort of bubble at the neck area, sometimes filled with fluid and other times filled with tissue. It looks like there is some tissue in our little baby's sac, it also looks like because of the position of the encephalocele that it is also involving the vertebrae and spinal cord. As you can imagine this is not good. This will involve respiratory function, brain function, swallowing, walking, etc. all of the major body systems.

We are devastated. If I am able to carry the baby to term it will most likely not survive soon after birth. I am still praying for a miracle because God is bigger than all of this. If it is His Will. Regardless of the outcome I know their will be blessings. There always are when we carry a cross.

The next step is to go back in four weeks for another ultrasound. Eventually they can do an MRI of the baby's brain and we could possibly get a neurologist involved. They asked us if we wanted genetic testing done. We didn't feel that was necessary as it won't change anything for us or the outcome for the baby.

I know this is all so very personal and it pains me to write all of this but I know you are all praying for all of us, and we so desperately need your prayers. Thank you.

Love,
Kirsten

Those who sow in tears
will reap with cries of joy.
Those who go forth weeping,
carrying sacks of seed,
will return with cries of joy,
carrying their bundled sheaves.
Psalm 126:5-6
Blessed Margaret of Castello pray for us!
St. Gerard pray for us!

Comments

[Kiri Miller]

We are praying for you and your precious baby!

KAMMiller

[Melissa]

Oh Kirsten! I'm so sorry! I will be praying. "The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."
Ps 34:17-18

[Kimberly Folgore]

Kirsten,
We are keeping you and your baby in our prayers. I went through something similar a few weeks ago with our baby, and I know how it feels to be completely devastated. Everything turned out good for us, and I pray that the same will happen for you. I will pray to St. Gerard for you and your baby. You are in our thoughts and prayers,

Kim Folgore

[Peggy]

Dear Kirsten,

I'm so sorry to hear about your baby. I, too, have been in a similar situation. Different condition but same scenario. I will pray that you get the love and support that you need. For me, the switch from the regular OB to the high risk OB's at a major medical center made a huge difference. From the doctors down to the receptionist, they were very supportive and simple better skilled to help me through the pregnancy.

I commented once on your blog when Henry was born. You e-mailed me and I've always meant to e-mail you back. I stumbled on your blog once when I was goggling something about homeschooling. We have much in common....Catholic homeschooling moms & similar philosophies. I laughed when I discovered that you too joined CC for the first time this year! All my children are really enjoying it.

Our family does not live in the US. Last year we travelled for about a month and didn't have regular internet access. One evening when we had returned home, my husband heard me say, "I need to check and see what my friend Kirsten's up to." He was confused, "Who is Kirsten?"

You are in my thoughts and prayer,
Peggy

[One Blessed Mamma]

Praying for you my sweet friend.

[Caryn]

Praying for you and your precious baby! Our God is faithful in all things. Praying for that peace that passes all understanding. Lots of Love, Caryn

[am]

Thank you for keeping us updated - I know it must be painful to have to do so. We will continue to pray for your family and for the baby.

[tracy]

Oh my! Is that what the little Dominic Pio baby had? Have you followed his story? His bubble was in the front, between the eyes, and just had a successful surgery. Oh, what a cross - we are praying for you and your dear baby!

[Debi]

Like Tiffany, I have been praying and checking for an update. I'm sure this must be so hard to write and share but please know that many prayers are being spoken for you, your family and your baby.

[Julie]

My verification word was "Blessed"!!

[Julie]

Praying for a miracle!! And loving you!!

[Tiffany]

I've been checking every day waiting for some news. I'm so sorry. This will be a hard road to walk but you've got a powerful God carrying you each step of the way. Your desire to carry this baby in spite of the issues that you know are there will be a witness. I'm praying for strength and comfort for you and your family and a miracle for your baby.
Love,
Tiffany

[Jennie C.]

So sorry. :-( We'll keep praying.

[Lucy]

Praying for peace of heart for you and your family, and for a miracle for your little unborn one.

[Maryan Vander Woude]

Prayer Kirsten for you and your little precious baby.