Wednesday, January 9, 2008

Update!

Finally a new post...you've all probably stopped checking for updates by now. I've never been one to update too frequently, but lately I know I've been extra terrible at it. It’s weird and a little scary to me that it’s already 2008. I’ve looked forward to 2008 a little apprehensively because it undoudtedly will be full of life changing experiences for us. I'm 31 weeks along now with a baby girl that has been diagnosed with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, Atrial Septal Defect, and a chromosome abnormality called Turner Syndrome. We found all this out about 2 and a half months ago. It's sort of surreal to be told all that when you think everything is coming along just perfect. Surreal at first, then frightening. It's been a rollercoaster ride so far with lots more ride to come. I was first told I'd probably lose her soon after we found out (around 18 weeks) to being told now that she'll be born and have 3 open heart surgeries with a very unsure outcome. We're now playing the 'waiting game' to see what that outcome will be. We have tried to simplify this trial by placing things in the Lord's hands, knowing that is all we can do. We know she has a plan, and that that plan includes her being with us forever, if not for this short time on earth. I know that the hard parts are yet to come, but this has blessed us so far. Life has been very simplified for me latley to two things: the Gospel of Jesus Christ and my family. Everything else that I get caught up in is unimportant in the long run. I know I have a far way to go, but I'm grateful to have been able to learn some important 'life lessons' from all of this. I've had lots and lots of support and I'm grateful for good family and friends that have been there for us. Thank you! My plan is (hopefully) to use this blog to keep people updated on all this. We'll be spending some time in the hospital (St. Joe's in phoenix) and will hopefully keep updates on this blog for those inerested that we don't talk to all the time. I found a website of a little girl who had the same diagnosis as our little Bela and while parts were difficult to read and see, it was finally a light of hope for us to read her story and see her living today. Hopefully we can provide that to someone else going through something similar.
Other than that major update, we've been doing great. We had a wonderful Christmas in California and had fun spending time with family. We got to meet Charlie (Danny and Lauren's) for the first time and fell in love with him. It was easy to feel that heaven is close to us when Charlie was around. The weather was of course perfect and we spent Christmas Eve at the beach. I know that might be wierd to some of you, but that couldn't be any more perfect to me. :)
Benson continues to be such a good boy...he was a little naughty in California, but it must've been because his schedule was so off cuz he's been great ever since we got back. He's a complete homebody lately and NEVER wants to leave home. About 10 minutes into any outing he's asking for Benson's house. I guess I'm sorta a major homebody too, so he probably just gets it from me. He's a sweetheart and I'm lucky to have him.
My camera decided to quit working in the middle of November, so I don't have very recent pics, but Tanner got me a new camera for Christmas so I'll post some new ones later. A quick update in pictures of a couple events I never posted...Here's my superman for Halloween...

He turned two in November and loved every minute of the birthday celebrations. We took him to the train park in Scottsdale and chuckie cheeses..he still talks about his choo choo train birthday party.







9 comments:

Strive to Thrive said...

Avery! So glad to see a post from you... I've been thinking about you and praying for you so much! I know you're going through tough times, they are truly very scary and difficult, but your little girl is meant to come to your family and bless your lives with her sweet spirit!! There is nothing like having a very special angel sent straight from heaven. We'll keep you in our thoughts and prayers as you approach her birth. Love, Julie (Wendy Warnick's cousin)
p.s. you may want to think about opening a caring bridge page for your little girly girl. It's a great way to keep in contact through medical trials. www.caringbridge.org (just a thought)

Brooke and Brett Martin said...

Avery- what an amazing journey. I'm grateful I got to learn about this. You are amazing and strong. There are a lot of people that realize the gospel and their family are the most important, but very few who actually live it. Good for you...I wish we had more of you around. I will be keeping peaking in on you and your updates. I'm so glad I popped in.
We got our kids the same skooter for Christmas. They honestly have been in absolute HEAVEN with them. They are great.

Bowman Family said...

Avery~
I came across your blog while blog hopping. I hope that is okay. I don't know what to say in situations like this epescially since we have not seen each other in years. You will be in my thoughts. My sister in law went through a similar situation in March last year. She like you has a strong testimony of the gospel, which is one of the greatest things you can have in times like this. You have a wonderful family and I know will be taken care of.
I was thinking of your family the other day, when my in laws told me that they have been called to be a mission president. We find out next month were they will go.
Again I will be thinking of you.
Melissa (Galt) Bowman
if you even remember me.

La said...

Ave-I feel so lucky to have you as my sister in law. I hope you know that and know how much I love you. (And Bens and Tan of course) Can't wait till we get to see you guys next. Always praying for you and Bela, La.

Dana said...

Avery I am so happy to see a new update from you. I feel like we have been playing phone tag and I sure miss talking to you (and Jordan misses Benson terribly)!!! It sounds like you had a great Christmas - and on the beach no less :0) I hope to talk to you soon.

Dana

Erika said...

Hi,

HLHS mama here. Our son is almost 2 and has had the first two surgeries. We're looking at the third this spring/summer.

Please, please, please feel free to email me with any questions or just to chat! His website is http://www.babysamson.com.

S and K said...

Hey Ave-
I'm so glad you are back to the blogging world! I'm just as bad with updates! Love the cute pictuers of Benson, that kid is just too cute. Ethan would love to play with him! So lets get together soon!

Sally Jensen Interiors said...

I am so grateful that I live so close to you and that you are my friend! You have been a great example to me during this little journey. The selfish person that I am is going to want to be updated on your situation as much as possible and the not so selfish person will want to help as much as possible so I'm glad that you have this blog as I know it will be hard to call people.

ashley said...

hi ave! so my mom told me about your little girl (the mom's love to give updates ya know!) and i have had you in my prayers. you really are amazing and i am sure that you are the best mom for your little girl with the best outlook and faith. hope you guys continue to do well and i will be thinking and praying for ya.