First Doctor Visit and a Little History

Things continue to go well with John. He slept for 6 hours straight last night which was great for Joy to get the rest that she needed. Although, Joy woke up a couple of times in the night to check on him as that is unusual to say the least. Now if it happens again tonight, I might have reason to believe that he is getting on schedule.

This morning was our follow-up appointment with the Pediatrician that saw him in the hospital. He measured 19 1/2 inches long and 7.1 pounds which is back up to birth weight. It is not uncommon for babies to measure the same or shorter at the first check-up. This is due to the increase in muscle tone after delivery. His heart sounds revealed normal new-born findings for which we are thankful. His skin, color and muscle tone was just as expected in a new-born. We feel blessed.

I would like to rewind a little and share a little history with you the circumstances that led us here. During our first month of pregnancy, Joy had some blood work done that revealed there might be a problem with the baby. This information along with abnormal findings on the initial ultrasound led to us deciding to have an amniocentesis performed. Those 2 weeks waiting for the results were very long for us as we cried and prayed and discussed the what ifs. Abortion was never an option for us but we still wanted to know. One evening while sitting at home, our OB/GYN called us and gave us the news that the amnio was positive for Down's and that he wanted us to have follow-up ultrasounds just to keep track of the growth.

At that time, our mission was defined by the desire to want to know what was going on inside of Joy and what we could expect. However, with every ultrasound that was done, the results came back inconclusive - the abnormal measurements that we had gotten on the initial ultrasound were now in the normal range (they were high but still within normal limits). We had initially had concern about some things that we saw in the gut which were now not an issue either. It was as if the Lord were telling us that we were not in control; we just needed to trust in Him. This was difficult for two people that make it their life by asking questions, but in the back of our minds, we knew the promises of the Lord to never leave us and that He will protect us like He had always done.

From the amnio to the birth, it was our prayer that the Lord protect John and mom and show mercy and grace upon us all. And that He would give Joy and I peace for the present and the ability and love to care for whatever comes. We got our kids involved and told them of what may lie ahead. They were diligent in their prayers that the Lord protect the baby. (nothing will soften the heart quite like the prayer of a child). Our church family heard of our story as well as family. We had a large group of people lifting us up in prayer asking for God's protection.

As you can see, John is a happy and thriving little baby boy. Yes, he has some physical characteristics that are unique to kids with DS, but we feel very blessed by his abilities at this point in his life. We don't know what the future holds for him, whether he will develop normally or not but we are focusing on what he can do today and trying to build upon the good things.

We don't pretend to have the answers as to why God does what He does. That is like asking why you were born in the family you were or why you were born in America while others were born impoverished and the ultimate question of why did He send His Son to die for us - simply because He Loves Us (John 3:16-17).