It has been a long time since my last post but I have tried to write quite a few posts during that time. Many times I find myself pondering the words of Thumper while trying to write a post... "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all." I find myself having little to nothing positive to write about and feel that my words are a pity party. Yes, I need to express those thoughts but just simply typing them usually helps me feel relieved and I do not feel the need to post. But hopefully this post will give you a few updates on us...
This week has been full of emotions due to many important events. On Wednesday, Jeremy and I met with a genetics counselor at UAB to discuss any information that they could provide regarding Lizzy Ann's condition. Unfortunately, we were never able to have an amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling during the pregnancy so a sample of placenta was taken after Lizzy Ann's arrival. Because those types of samples are sometimes damaged, we were told by Dr. Stutts that the sample may not provide any chromosomal information regarding Lizzy Ann and his prediction rang true on Wednesday afternoon. UAB could not provide us any definitive answers or 100% assurance that something like this wasn't a possibility in the future BUT their percentage for recurrence was very low but we will undergo renal imaging just to confirm that our renal systems are in perfect condition with no defects. So what does all of this mean?? We feel that our chances to have other children with no renal conditions will be fairly good and hope that God gives us more children in His time.
As you can imagine, discussing your child's imperfections in a very clinical setting is difficult and honestly a little disturbing. Although Lizzy Ann was not "perfect" by medical standards here on earth, she is MORE than perfect to Jeremy and I and now is a whole being in Heaven.
BABY Timeline
Saturday, October 4, 2008 - 9:00pm - Jessica and I experienced our Sister-Telepathy and both thought I was pregnant but did not discuss this with each other until later.
Monday, October 6, 2008 - 7:55am - POSITIVE PREGNANCY TEST (in my band room bathroom at CCHS)
Wednesday, October 8, 2008 - Confirmed pregnancy at ART-Huntsville (only 4 weeks along!!)
Thursday, October 16, 2008 - Given due date of June 17th
November 10, 2008 - Given OFFICIAL due date of June 13th- Put a "Baby Time" countdown clock on my cell phone opening screen.
Well, my countdown clock was changed to "Elizabeth Ann" after we decided she was in fact a girl (after calling her "he" for many many months.... oops). The clock is still ticking and now reads "2 days." It is so hard to believe that this has all happened and that I'm not going to be leaving the hospital sometime early next week with a perfectly healthy baby girl. But I'm not. So Saturday may be a little tough for me. I've been trying to picture her being held by my Grandmother Becky or Jeremy's Pop-Pop. I can imagine that Granny Fran and Liz are all fighting for a chance to get close enough to talk about all of her hair. :)
Also, the day that made Lizzy Ann possible is June 14, 2003. Our wedding day. Flag Day. This Sunday is our 6th anniversary and I could not be prouder or more thankful for the wonderful man God made just for me. Jeremy is a walking oxymoron. As my dad says, "He's the box most men are delivered in" but he is so incredibly gentle. His big hobby is firearms but got upset the first time he went hunting and shot a deer. He was voted "most likely to drive a school bus" in high school but has an Associates, Bachelors, 2 Masters and a PhD. Jeremy loves me more than I deserve and I hope he would say the same about me. HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, MY SWEET!
If you were one of our wedding guests 6 years ago, please post a comment of a fun memory you had that day!! We could use a few laughs and a walk down memory lane!!
God has been so good to me and I am trying to be thankful for these darker days. He has made us better Christians and strengthened our marriage through these trials. Happier days will come and I will "Praise You In This Storm" until those days are here.
I AM working on "Thank You" notes so please do not think that I am not truly grateful for everything that has been done or given to us!!! I am just a little SLOW these days!!
Love you all,
Johnna
We love you, and we will continue to pray.
ReplyDeleteThankfully the year you got married, we had lunch together everyday at OMMS. You would laugh at my peanut butter and jelly sandwich I had EVERYDAY, and I would laugh at all your pre-wedding stories. Those were good times. I remember listening to how you and Jeremy met. I love that story by the way. I thoroughly enjoyed having ya'll out to the house a couple of times for supper that year too. After meeting Jeremy, I knew you were a lucky girl, and he a lucky guy. The wedding was beautiful. And so sweet. Jeremy was such a proud groom. You were so very gorgeous---I could not not quit looking at you following you with my eyes throughout your reception. It was also the first time I got to meet all of your immediate family. It reminded me of my own because we too are so close. I was honored to be invited to the wedding, and I am blessed to call you both friends. When I think of ya'll, I instantly think "love." Happy 6th Anniversary!
ReplyDeleteI remember June 14, 2003 without a doubt. A wonderful day where I gained the best brother in the world!! My job as maid of honor was a true joy and I felt blessed to be my sister's biggest helper.
ReplyDeleteOn funny note, the potential brawl at the reception. To those reading, this was not between any family members, and most didn't even know an altercation took place until afterwards. Too funny!!!
I love you both and hope this year you will take some time for just the two of you and pull out the video and pictures and relive the most beautiful wedding day ever.
Jessica
Such a fun day...I remember the GREAT reception where my kids loved the dancing. Each wedding they attended after yours they could not understand why their was no dancing at the reception! :) Speaking of dancing, I remember the fun conga line where D.E. made sure we ran the line by the cake table! Wonderful, wonderful day! Happy Anniversary (a few days late)! Love you guys so much!!
ReplyDeleteKaren
Just wanted to let you know that I am thinking about you both! Love you!
ReplyDeleteDanielle G
Thinking of you tonight! Gave you an award on the blog, tomorrow's post. Be well!
ReplyDeleteWe were there six years ago. I remember it was the same weekend as a planned trip to Florida, so I planned my vacation travel plans around making sure we didn't miss your wedding. We didn't stay for the reception, but were there to witness God's awesome work in your lives. We just celebrated seven years this week...time flies doesn't it? Give your hubby a squeeze and have a great week!
ReplyDeleteI wasn't at your wedding 6 years ago, however I wanted to leave you a comment to tell both you and your husband what and inspiration you are.
ReplyDeleteI found your blog by random chance and have read though the whole thing, your entire journey with your beautiful Elizabeth Ann. Every word you've written, every picture you've posted, has touched me deeply.
We just found out on June 30th at our 18 week ultrasound that our baby has BRA. Reading your blog has helped me realize, I am not alone, and my beautiful angel boy or girl will have a perfect playmate in heaven.
As hard as putting all of your emotions and feelings during this trying time on the internet may have been, I want you to know that it has made a differenace and I will continue to read.
My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your husband both as you continue to greive.