As many of you know we had a baby this year, daughter number 4, Hazel Jo. She was born in September and is an amazing blessing. She was sent to us with quite a challenge, a spinal birth defect known as Spina Bifida (SB) that involves the incomplete development of the spinal cord (see sbaa.org for more info). The possible effects of this defect are vast, ranging from mild symptoms to paralysis. From what we can tell Hazel is paralyzed from the waist down and will never walk. Of the other major problems that can be caused by SB she has hydrocephalus (fluid on the brain) and has had a shunt placed in her skull to drain the fluid. We won't know about her mental capacity until she is older but at this point she is doing all the things she should be doing like smiling, grabbing things with her hands, tracking with her eyes and that is a good sign. SB can also cause lots of problems with internal organs but Hazel is blessed with fully functional organs from head to toe. At the moment she is busy doing all kinds of normal baby stuff: crying, eating, filling her diapers and waking mom & dad up at all hours! All of the parents we have met who have children with major challenges like Hazel's tell us that the hardest part of the experience is finding out about the defect. We found out at our ultra sound in May and it was a hard time for us. Since then the Lord has blessed us with acceptance and peace about this sweet little daughter that He has sent to us. We know that a lot is expected of our family to help her have an amazing and fulfilling life and we are thankful for the experience. Feel free to talk to us about her and ask us any questions. Just like any parents we are more than happy to talk on and on about our children :) Our older kids know all about her condition and so feel free to talk to them about it too.
We really hope to stay in our current location for as long as possible, we just love our neighborhood and the friends we've made here. We aren't sure how our house will be for maneuvering a wheelchair so we may end up moving in the next few years. Until then we hope that you will get to know Hazel and feel comfortable talking to us about her. Thanks for your love and support-we appreciate it more that you can possibly know!
2 comments:
She is sweet as the day is long! I just loved holding your baby tonight!
Hazel or Baby Halo as her big sister, Chloe calls her has been one of the most amazing blessings of my life. Having the opportunity to share the month of her birth with you and Lowell and the girls, Jen, will never be forgotten. I have many proud and precious moments as your mom, but nothing has compared to what I witnessed in you through her. You are beyond amazing, Miss Jen, in every possible way. It is my privilege to be your mom and Hazel's grandmother. I know your Dad feels the same way. We love you all so very much! What a precious little flower you have added to your stunning bouquet!
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