We have started our biweekly checkups that includes ultrasounds to monitor Aiden's growth. With my other 2 pregnancies toward the end of each pregnancy I loved hearing the boys' heartbeats but hated to make that 1 1/2 hour drive each way every week to 2 weeks, especially since I would only be in the doctor's office for 10 - 20 minutes each time. This time is different, Shane & I listen to the heartbeat almost every night but this time when we go to the doctor we have the ultrasound and get to see what progress Aiden is making and see that adorable face. I think he kind of looks like Mason but who knows. Last week we had also planned on visiting with the NICU doctors to get ourselves and the hospital prepared but after calling and waiting that did not happen.
Anyway on to the good stuff, I have to say I love Tina, our ultrasound tech, she takes time to look at everything and explains things that she sees that, of course, we do not see. During this visit, we were looking at his organs and growth, he is still down about 2 weeks in size but that has stayed consistent from the initial diagnosis so that is a good thing. A very positive note, even with the chromosonal abnormality he has not shown many of the developmental issues that are attributable to Trisomy 18. He is still progressing each and every day. That is not to say that the diagnosis has changed but it is a good sign for his birth and life ( at least in my opinion).
We continue to pray for his healing, that will not change but now as we get closer to his birth, Shane & I have a lot of decisions to make that no parent should ever have to think about. At the next doctor's appointment we have scheduled to meet with the NICU doctors to discuss everything. We seek His guidance in our decisions and the decisions of the doctors from this point on. A very important decision that has to be made is whether to induce early or let me go naturally. A little history, Hunter came naturally 3 weeks early and I was induced 2 weeks early with Mason because of how quickly I progress. The longer he is inside the better for him but if I am not in the hospital from the onset of labor the doctors cannot monitor him. Remember this birth is not about my health but about Aiden's so I want everything done possible.
PRAYER REQUESTS:
1. Continue to pray for Aiden's healing.
2. Pray for His guidance in our decisions for Aiden.
3. Pray for doctor, nurses, and hospital that will be in contact with us and Aiden.
4. Pray for our family
I wanted to share with you the best prayer of all, every night after reading the boys a bedtime book we say prayers and Hunter's prayer like most children is "I lay me down to sleep . . ." but at the end we add "God Bless . . ." and the boys add who they want. Hunter's has been "God Bless baby Aiden and please let me come and meet his mommy & daddy and play with his big brothers." A big brother's love before he has even met his little brother exceeds all!!!
10 comments:
I am a total stranger to your family who happened upon your blog tonight. I was googling the words "healing miracle" in the hope that I would find some encouragement. I also have a child in need of a miracle that only God can perform. I sometimes look for stories from others who's prayers have been answered. I only want you to know that your family is in my prayers tonight. Every blessing to you. Angela (Farrah's Mom)
Ashely ~ Your update and now the words of this precious stranger, Angela, have caused me to acknowledge my God as the "Great Knitter" this morning. I stand in Awe of how He so lovingly picks up the different threads in lives and intricately weaves them into a tapestry that we perhaps will not fully appreciate until we see Him face to face. I pray and BELIEVE that He has been and is busy about knitting every part of sweet Aiden into the miracle He has chosen him to be. I pray and BELIEVE that He has been and is assembling the medical staff that will serve His purposes, Aiden's purpose and their own as well. I pray and BELIEVE that He has been and is continuing to form Himself in you and Shane and Mason and Hunter and that through you He will be Glorified. I pray and BELIEVE that He is Able to do exceedingly ABOVE ALL that I'm asking and thinking and even believing for. ANd I am confident that HE who began a good work in you adn Shane and Hunter and Mason and Aiden WILL complete it! And I pray and BELIEVE that Angela and Farrah will be encompassed in God's Peace and Healing and Power.
Love you all ~
Rhonda Perry
Ashley,
Jason and I are praying and believing for Aiden's healing and for God's will in your family. I know we serve an Awesome, prayer answering God.
I hope you have a positive experience when you go to meet the NICU doctor and nurses. I really cannot express how good they were to us and our boys and what special people work there.
Amanda
Ashley You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Praying, praying, praying, Ashley, like the persistent widow, I go to Him on behalf of your precious family. Know that you and yours are surrounded by people who love y'all and are with y'all on this journey.
Thank you for the specific prayer requests! We'll continue to pray for your family, especially in these areas! We love you guys! Thank you so much for sharing your experiences and your feelings!
Ash,
I'm so thankful for the way that I continue to see your faith growing. Praise Him for this good report on precious Aiden! I read Hunter's prayer about 20 times with tears in my eyes....surely this is what it means "to come to him as little children."
Continuing to cover your family in many prayers,
Carey
I just want to let you know that I have a dear friend whose baby has a lot of difficulties that they can not pinpoint a cause, but he is so special. I want to tell you like I have told her, you are blessed to be able to have this oprotunity with Aiden. God would not give these childern to just anyone. God only gives these children to special people that he trusts to take care of his special children. I believe that the children are blessed and the parents are blessed. It is not an easy road, but there are many blessings ahead for you. It sounds like your faith is stong and that will carry you far. Just remember that when you only see one set of footprints, it is Him carrying you. God Bless you and your family and know that you are in our prayers.
Donna Frank
Patsy's Daughter
Ashley, What a precious post! What a testimony you and Shane are being throughout this journey. My prayers are with you and I know that HE is going to direct your every decision and that HE is going to be with you every step of the way. Never forget that HE is able to do exceedingly abundant things beyond our comprehension!! You are loved!
Ashley, you are so sweet to encourage me and our family when you have so much going on in your own life. Thank you for your sincere prayers.
I just want you to know that I am praying and believing with you for Aiden's healing! Our God is the same God that raised Jesus from the dead. Now, that's power, right?!! I've seen His power work in bold as well as subtle ways the past few months, and I have no doubt that He is able and will work an amazing miracle in Aiden and your family as you keep doing what you're doing...trusting and not doubting. I pray for you a peace that passes all understanding! Much love and prayers your way.
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