her first car ride...
my attempt at a cute pic...I really need help huh :)
I don't know if I ever wrote this on the blog but during the first u/s that we had with the cardiologist we were told that 50% of kids that have this heart defect have a chromosome problem ( a deletion of part of the 22 chromosome) called DiGeorge syndrome. We were therefore worried that our little Mckinley would have this as well since HALF of the cases do. I didn't do an amniocentesis so after birth her blood was drawn and sent away for the test. Well...we got it back and SHE DOESN'T HAVE IT!!!! I can't tell you how grateful we are! After her heart surgery she will be able to lead a healthy, happy normal life! We would have loved her either way obviously, but it is so nice to know she won't have many other things to worry about as she gets older!
After all that has happened since she was born I was just thinking about the scripture in 2 Nephi 2:11 about "opposition in all things." I was feeling so blessed and realized that I probably wouldn't have felt so lucky and so blessed if I hadn't gone through other things...SO I really see that opposition in our lives brings us closer Our Father...
(here's some examples in no particular order)
**If I hadn't known that she could be blue/purple at birth due to her condition, would I have noticed just how wonderfully pink her little face was the first time I saw her?
**If I hadn't had an u/s letting me prepare would I have been so grateful for the time she spent in newborn ICU making sure that she was okay (not to mention all the mds and nurses that were there waiting for her to be born?)
**If I hadn't gotten a cold and not been allowed to see her for three days after birth, would I have been so grateful for the time that I was able to spend in the crowded NICU at Children's, nursing in front of EVERYONE and their dog (oh I mean students/residents/mds/families/socialworkers/respiratory/childlife specialist...)?
**If I hadn't known that there was a possible chromosome deficiency would I have even thought to thank my Heavenly Father for NORMAL ones?
**If I hadn't seen the other babies in the NICU would I realize just how good my little one was doing?
**If I was able to go to the grosery store or anywhere for that matter would I be as grateful for the wonderful dinners that are being brought to us STILL! (since she can't get sick, I can't take her anywhere right now before surgery)
**If Harrison hadn't gotten sick this past weekend (the 24 hour throw up thing) would I have been so grateful that he got sick sat. morning and felt fine sunday night (just in time for Ryan to care for him so I could hibernate in the bedroom and keep Mckinley safe) and that it was just the 24 hour flu and not a cold/lung thing that could seriously harm our little girl?
**If Ryan wasn't gone starting yesterday till Thurs. out of town (my first solo with the two kids with no hubby or mother to help) would I be so grateful for him in the evenings soon or the fact that people are bringing dinner mon, tues, and thurs while he is gone AND this morning another friend offered to take Harrison on a playdate AND another friend brought dinner FOR THE SECOND TIME so that now, even wend. we will have dinner so that I don't have anything to worry about except the kids (and neither of them knew ry was gone)??
**If I hadn't delt with surgery before would I be so grateful for the fact that we moved here just in time to receive care by a world renowned pediatric heart surgeon that has pioneered some of the heart techniques used today?
**If I hadn't had two kids that DON'T like to eat ( I know its crazy!) would I be so grateful for a little girl who absolutely LOVES to eat?
**If I hadn't lost my first daughter, would I have been as grateful for another even though she does have a heart defect? Sometimes is seems so big (the heart things) but really how small is the fact that she will have a surgery by an incredible doctor since we are blessed to live in these days, and then (if we are so blessed) be able to live a long healthy life here?
okay...so I could go on and on (as I did :)) but sometimes you just have to say something or explode...so I exploded here :)
**Would I have realized just how special all you guys are, all our friends and family, if I hadn't gone through the things I have and found so so many incredible people help me along the way...thank you...
16 comments:
Thanks for the post Laura. Such cute pictures and great thoughts to share with everyone. You're a great example of gratitude! We love your family so much and we're so happy that the chromosomes turned out "normal" -- that's great news. Tell Ryan hi!
I admire your positive outlook on life.
Beautifully put. Despite opposition we are all so richly blessed. thank you for a positive outlook and strength for my day.
Thanks for the update. I'm glad all chromosomes are in tact! We will keep praying for your family.
SO happy to hear this wonderful news, and so thankful for you and your wonderful example. I especially appreciate it today, when I've been whining and complaining about disobedient kids, while you are going through so many stressful situations that you are showing so much gratitude for. Thank you for sharing those beautiful thoughts. Love you and miss you! (and I think those pics you took are adorable!)
You are awesome! Thinking and praying about you lots! Please call if you need anything. Grocery shopping? Anything!!!
Laura, Mckinley is so beautiful. I'm so glad you have had such terrific news and can't believe you were already home solo (including overnight) with the two kids. You are strong! I wish we lived closer so I could bring you a meal or just hang out!
Laura, you are truly amazing. You inspire me--thank you so much for your wonderful example!
Parker had ASD with Cleft Mitral Valve. He did GREAT in surgery and his scar hardly even shows. It was a very quick recovery. They were unable to get complete closure of the leaky valve so we visit Children's every other year to monitor...so far so good! If you ever want to talk, let me know and I'll find a way to get you my email address.
Take care!!
xoxo
Umm do you have any kleenex? You can't write blogs like that unless you have kleenex to pass out to everyone! You are amazing! You put me to shame with all my complaining while going through so much less in life. From this moment forward I will STOP! Thanks for always inspiring me!!!
PS no that wasn't a bad attempt...those are great pictures!!! I think she looks so much like Ryan!!!
Laura, thanks for your wonderful thoughts of gratitude. I'm struggling to feel gratitude about the opposition I'm going through right now but hearing your words gives me hope!
So happy her chromosomes were normal! And she is a beautiful baby!
You are amazing, Laura. Your post puts so much into perspective...the eternal perspective. Thank you.
Laura- Glad to hear good news. Thank you for sharing you thoughts. Your strength, gratitude, and positive outlook in the face of opposition are in inspiring. Love ya.
I am continually inspired by you Laura. Your ability to focus on the positive and stay faithful through adversity is an example to all of us. I am so glad little McKinley is home and eating well. I can't wait to get together again and see her in person.
you are an amazing person! i miss hanging out with you and being around you, you are such a happy positive person.
Oh what a blessing and WHAT an ATTITUDE! You are truly amazing, Laura. Thank you for sharing your personal, happy reflections. Josh and I were taught by your example and outlook. We LOVE You!
Laura, I've been horrible with blogs and just checked yours for the first time in many months. Congradulations on your new little addition and I am so happy to hear how well she is. We will remember your family in our prayers.
Our baby was due 6 days ago. We are still waiting on her. Once everything settles down, I hope that we can get together. Looks like you are doing will with lots of friends and support here in California.
Stephanie Bills
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