Grace...Our Angel

This pregnancy has been full of learning experiences. As many of you know, I was sick with Grant the entire time. It has been the same way with this pregnancy but I’ve also had to deal with dizzy spells and I’ve actually passed out a number of times. The only thing doctors can tell me is that my veins dilate and constrict very quickly and so sometimes my blood pressure will rise or drop dramatically, therefore causing me to pass out. Through it all, Grant and Adam have been marvelous. Sweet, little Grant will come make sure I am alright as I hover over the toilet and he also enjoys “frowing up” himself. I love when he just stands there and pats my back. What a big helper. He also takes good care of me when I pass out. There are many times when he will be in the other room and hear something fall so he comes rushing in saying, “Mommy, mommy!” It breaks my heart that he is so scared that something has happened to me. But like I said, I couldn’t ask for a bigger helper. He has been so patient and cooperative with all of the doctor appointments, too.

Many of the doctor appointments have been in regards to our precious Grace. We decided to do the Nuchal Translucency test at the beginning of this pregnancy. It is a 3 part test that gives you a pretty accurate result as to whether or not your child has Down syndrome, or Trisomy 13 or 18. I went in, gave blood, then went in a few weeks later for an ultrasound. They measure the fluid behind the baby’s neck and then combine the results to give you your risk. My blood results indicated that I had a high risk of carrying a child with Down syndrome (high HCG and low PAPPA) and the measurements behind the neck were also higher than 2mm which is another indicator. Our risk for Down syndrome went from 1/900 to 1/21. To be completely honest, we were shocked to get those results. Everyone said not to worry and that it was probably a false positive. Then I gave blood again and the results went to 1/10. When we did the anatomy scan at 19 weeks, we were told that Grace has fluid in her lung. That is another sign of Down syndrome. All along the way, the doctors had pushed us to do an amniocentesis but we did not feel comfortable risking anything. Especially because it wouldn’t do Grace any good, it would just let us know 100% if she did have Down syndrome. When the fluid was found, we were told it could also indicate that she has a viral infection and that it might be treatable. Adam and I decided right then that we would do the amnio if it would help Grace. Luckily, my mom was in town and was able to extend her trip since I wasn’t able to lift Grant for 2 days. Then the waiting game began. Luckily, Grace does not have a viral infection.

It took 2 weeks but yesterday I received a call from my doctor. Grace does have Down syndrome. So many different emotions were felt. Adam and I are so lucky that Heavenly Father trusts us enough to send us such a strong spirit. We are blessed to have such a wonderful son who will be the best big brother ever! We fully accept the opportunity that Heavenly Father has given us and we just hope that we will be able to provide Grace with everything she needs. There is no doubt in our minds that she will do more for us then we will ever be able to do for her. We love you Grace! And we love you Grant…you tell everyone now that “Gracie special” but never forget that you are, too!