Three years ago, today, our family was on a walk with our new friends. I enjoyed watching their two girls playing together. While my toddler followed them around.
We had just found out we were having another baby girl! So I imaged what it would be like to watch my two little girls playing together.
Then I received a phone call, which rocked my world.
I do not usually answer the phone when I am with friends. But for some reason, that day, I did. I walked farther down the path, while my husband and friends continued to talk and watch our girls play.
Our midwife called to talk about the ultrasound. The doctor was concerned by what he saw. Micrognathia – a small lower jaw. Polyhydramnios – high levels of amniotic fluid. The combination meant the baby may not be able to swallow – or even breath on her own.
I was shocked. But at the same time not surprised. I had noticed that the ultrasound pictures of her face looked odd. Thinking, it was just a weird angle. But why couldn’t the ultrasound tech give me one good picture of her face?
Suddenly all the pieces fit together to make a full picture. She probably had Treacher Collins Syndrome, just like her Daddy.
My dream world came shattering down. Replaced with fears and uncertainties. Wondering what this diagnosis would mean for our little Lioness. And for our whole family. Would she be able to breathe, eat, and hear? Or would we spend the majority of her first years in and out of surgeries.
I went from dreaming of my girls playing together, to praying the baby would be able to breath.
The 2 years following that day, were a roller coaster. Ultrasounds, NICU, cleft palate, bottle feeding, weight checks, physical therapy, speech therapy, hearing aids, and countless trips to the children’s hospital in the city.
Finally this past year, we settled into a normal-feeling life. The memories of how hard that season was, have began to fade. Replaced by the joy of watching my little girls play together. Something I would take for granted. If not for the phone call, three years ago, today.
