Final Amnio Results, Strecker Baby #3

Dear Family and Friends,

Yesterday we heard from our Dr. Jones. She started the conversation with, "I am sorry to tell you that I do have bad news...." The amniocentesis confirmed last week's ultra sound. Our sweet girl has full trisomy 13.

From this point, we just have to wait and see how she grows. Her growth pattern will give us better indicators of how to proceed. We are committed to her life and bringing her dignity. Despite the amnio findings saying, "Trisomy 13 is a severe non-inherited chromosome abnormality that is not compatible with prolonged self-sustained extrauterine life." We are indeed committed to her.

Will you commit to praying for her by name? We have named her "Kavanah" (def. spirit of intention or a profound awareness that God is present, desiring to speak and work through us at every moment.)

We have indeed seen the Lord's hand in this. From the connection of my MN perinatologist to our Milw dr. to many other things. But, I must confess that I certainly do not understand it. My head knows that the Lord does not operate with Plan B but this feels like one of those moments that my heart is challenging the rational of that Plan. Like, really, is this Plan A???

I have had several people ask me how this will effect the procedings with my health. We are blessed to have a great doctor. We are trusting that my health carry us through. It is a prayer concern, obviously, with my history. Pray specifically that my blood pressure would remain low (ok...low for me :) We will be balancing my ability to sustain a healthy body and pregancy with the growth and development of Kavanah.

I will try to update as I have thoughts. I think this might be a better way to communicate with you all. Inevitably, I was missing people when I tried to send out emails. I apologize if any of you were omitted.

Some web sites that have been helpful for me are:
http://audreycaroline.blogspot.com/2008/01/beginning-of-story.html (I especially love the play list of songs at the end of each entry of Audrey Caroline's life.)

www.thehealingpowerofprayer.com/natalia.htm

http://livingwithtrisomy13.org

Feel free to contact us as the Lord leads you.

We covet your prayers.
With love,
maegan for jim, mara, asher and Kavanah!

Asher's reformed hair cut & first experience with lickin' the bowl!