Friday, May 22, 2009

Introducing.....Cayden Matthew

It has been a stressful week around here, but I am excited to introduce to you CAYDEN MATTHEW!!!

We had our 18 week ultrasound on Tuesday. Cayden was very proud to let us know that he was indeed a boy in every aspect of the word!!! He waved to us and even seemed to "pray" periodically throughout the US. Despite all this, it was a very stressful US to say the least. The sonographer didn't have much to say and when she was "done" she left the gel on my belly and said "Well, I need to go see the Dr and make sure I have everything." Let me point out that the Dr. was in his office with another patient on a different floor. I knew right away that something was not right. The minute that the door reopened...I saw my Dr. I knew then that something was array. The sonographer had her doubts about the appearance of Cayden's heart....and of course she would only whisper to the Dr. I was so close to loosing my cool!! There was also fluid in his chest cavity. The Dr informed me that it looked abnormal and that he was sending us to a specialist in Indianapolis for a second opinion.

So Jesse and I stressed and didn't sleep until today when we saw the specialist. We were really hoping for a complete healing, or to hear that everything was fixable. As much as we wanted to hear good news, I am saddened to report that Cayden in fact appears to have some abnormalities. Cayden has a significant nuchal fold (flap of skin on the nape of his neck) and pleural effusion (fluid in chest cavity.) Both of this are red flag markers for Down Syndrome. The fluid must be monitored closely to prevent lethal changes. We are optimistic because all the other soft markers for Downs were not evident. His brain, heart, bone measurements, lips, etc are all absolutely perfect. The Dr has recommended that we do amniocentesis to specifically pinpoint the chromosomal abnormality, but the risks of the procedure are not worth his life in our eyes. Yes, it would prepare us for what we can accept at birth, but honestly, I know that I can't change the outcome, so we will lean on our Faith.

We are taking the news very seriously, and we are praying for a divine healing in Cayden's body. This just isn't the picture we had painted. But, once again God has reminded us that it is not our picture it is His. We will cherish and love Cayden just the same. My fear is that others will not. As a special education teacher, I know the troubles these kiddo's face, and it pains me to know that my son may have to endure them. I don't find it ironic at all that I went to school to work with special needs children, or that I have always said I would love to adopt a Downs baby, or that we have "special needs" animals that require a lot of care. This must just all be a part of God's plan. It is still hard to accept and we are still hurting from the news. My heart aches for the son we couldn't help, and now for the son that is ill.

In light of all of this, Jesse is still convinced that the fluid in the neck and chest will dissipate, and that Cayden will be a super healthy baby boy. Would you please add Cayden to your prayers, specifically for the fluid in his chest to drain.
He is an absolute darling, and when I am upset, he never fails to give me that "I am ok" kick.

We return to the specialist in 10 days for another US to monitor the fluid. We are praying that both abnormalities are gone (this would obviously be a healing and would at least decrease the risk of Downs.) I will keep you all informed as we know more.

"For this boy I prayed, and the LORD has given me my petition which I asked of Him." 1 Samuel 1:27

19 comments:

Anonymous said...

Love the name and praying for God's will to be clear and evident for you! I pray you are able to remain calm and peaceful that God has plans to prosper you, not to harm you!

Jean's Blessings said...

Whatever the outcome-and we pray for healing-that little man will be the luckiest boy alive to have you as his momma. He's adorable!

Anonymous said...

Praying for God's peace and comfort for you all! He is a beautiful and perfect baby boy! Thinking of you always!

Krista said...

Wow- what a week full of ups and downs for you. I will pray for you to feel peace and comfort that only comes from God. What a beautiful name!

Misty said...

I'll be praying for you and Cayden. That is a wonderful name for a wonderful baby boy.

Anonymous said...

Lifting you up in prayer!!

trennia said...

praying for your lil' man.

Amanda Hoyt said...

Destiny & Jesse,
We are praying for ya'll and Cayden. I love his name and he will be loved by many.
Many hugs and prayers to you, friends,
Amanda

Jill said...

I will be praying for you and Cayden, he is beautiful!

Anonymous said...

You are in my thoughts and prayers. I am inspired by the strength I sense in your words!

Lisa said...

Destiny,

He is beautiful...absolutely beautiful!! I will indeed keep you all uplifted in prayer. Hopefully with prayer, we can have this little boy healed by God's hands before he is born.

Hugs & Prayers,
Lisa

Buttercup said...

My prayers for Cayden!

Grandma and Grandpa said...

Cayden, what a beautiful, strong name, and by God's will he will be, too. If not, I know you will love him and cherish him, all the more; as will Grandma and Grandpa. Love and Prayers to you all. May God Bless You, Destiny and Jesse. His will be done.

Kim White said...

I will continue to pray for the three of you and your family. Meg is keeping us updated on your visits to the doctor and I wanted you both to know that you are in my prayers every night.

Anonymous said...

What an awesome name! I am praying for you both and of course for little Cayden. The Lord has plans for our lives far before we are even born. I know that He is doing a work here and that He has chosen you do be a part of it. Whatever the outcome of Cayden's health, I know that the Lord has made him perfect for His plans!

God Bless your family of 4

Heidi P.

Anonymous said...

All three of you will be in my prayers. May God bless you and keep you in his perfect peace.

Anonymous said...

Hi Destiny and Jesse, What a beautiful baby boy! Looks like Jesse and Braxton! Hello to to you, CAYDEN MATTHEW!!!! GOD LOVES YOU ALL SO MUCH AND I DO TOO!!! YOU ARE ALWAYS IN MY DAILY PRAYERS AND ESPECIALLY AT THIS TIME....and for Cayden I pray for God's LOVE just to surround you at this time and continue to give your Mommy's those little jabs in her belly :) IN GODS LOVE I PRAY AND TRUST....

LOVE YOU ALL SPECIAL, AUNT JUDY

Annie Shaw said...

Oh my sweet girl!!! I will be praying for sure. I am glad to have a name for that dear little boy, too. I totally get your thoughts on this. We were told that Abbie might have been a "Downs Baby". While I worried for her, I knew it was possible that God had prepared me for that feat of raising a special child. Praising and Praying with you...and for that beautiful boy!

HJW said...

Well, HELLO CAYDEN! So nice to meet you. I am so proud of you for communicating with your mommy through your kicks...keep it up!

Father - I lift up precious baby Cayden to You. We know that You have formed him in Your image & I ask that you completely heal his body & take away the excess fluid that he has. Please give D & J the comfort & peace that they desire during this time of "not knowing." I thank You & praise You. Amen.

 
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