After our visit to Jackson, TN today and our Doppler sonography, the doctor discovered that baby Alastair’s anemia levels might be a little more elevated from last week, so the doctor has encouraged us to go ahead and celebrate a birthday. We will be meeting baby Alastair in the morning around 10:30.
Our journey for the last three months has been so strange since I discovered that I had Fifth’s Disease (Parvovirus B19). This virus if it crosses the placenta ( which is rare) can cause anemia in the baby which can lead to fetal hydrops in the heart which can lead to death. The Lord has certainly shown us that a cleft lip is really no big deal in the light of something as serious as the baby having Fifth’s Disease. We are so thankful for God’s goodness and faithfulness in this process. Because, I had Fifth’s so late in the pregnancy, I have been able to have an almost full term baby!!! What a blessing!!! Baby Alastair is estimated to weigh almost nine pounds!!!
I can’t wait to see God’s plans unfold for this little one that He knew before the foundations of the world. Landon and I made a guess several months ago about when Alastair’s birthday would be. I wrote on my calendar “April 18 - Baby Alastair”. I love that God is a faithful, loving, communicating Father.
Our kids are so excited about in the morning!! God has used the kids to speak to me so often in this process. In moments when I have thought about Alastair’s cleft lip, Adoniram will tell me, “My baby (baby Alastair) is soooo cute!” Arabella has faithfully prayed for healing, which I know God has done for baby Alastair in ways that we may never fully know or understand. Adalaide enjoys telling me that I need to stop eating because my stomach is getting so big.
Thanks so much for all of your phone calls, texts, and prayers - they have been such an encouragement to our family. Our waiter at lunch even prayed over us today. He had no idea about the news we had just heard about anemia or that we were believers, yet he quickly put his hand on my stomach and prayed, “Heavenly Father, bless this baby.” Landon says that he really knew how to get a good tip!!! Either way, I was still amazed to think about the God of the Universe reigning over all and still having his Hand in the middle of our little life. He has truly blessed us with great doctors, helpful family and friends, and a supportive church.
In the morning, please pray for the doctors to have wisdom as they continue to monitor baby Alastair’s anemia (he may need a little blood transfusion - which wont be a big deal) and that he will not have any hydrops from the parvovirus. Also, pray for peace and smooth feedings for baby Alastair as we deal with a cleft lip and maybe cleft palate.
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”
Psalms 91:1,2
