" I don't see anything wrong with this child!"

These were the words that Jesse and I heard yesterday. We no longer have to return to the Maternal Fetal Specialist. We have been set free. Cayden is healthy "as a lark." All abnormal findings have completely vanished. Here is a short 3-D video clip. It is not the best, but you can definitely see that he has mommy's "pug" nose and round face! I know someone else that had those features as well ~tear.~



We will continue US's every 3 weeks to monitor Cayden's growth. He was measuring in the 36th percentile, and now he is in the 29th. No worries...just means I get to see this miracle develop at every stage!!! (This was an early prayer that we had...we wanted to see the baby as much as possible!)

Jesse and I send our heartfelt thanks to all that have followed our journey and prayed with us along the way. The anxieties of the the big day are mounting, but we know the Lord will see us through.

I will leave you with a BELLY SHOT at 27 weeks!!

He has promised good to me....

The last 5 months, I have felt as if I was slowly drowning in a sea of despair and uncertainty, as a matter of fact the more I think about it, the last year and a half has felt that way. I would occasionally get myself a small breath of air before being forced back under the water...where I thought I would surely die. It never failed, I always got a small, shallow breath, but then I was right back under. This last week, I felt as if there was an anchor attached to my ankles, and once again, I was certain it was the end. But..... My chains are gone...I have been set free....My God my Savior has ransomed me!!!!

Yesterday, Jesse and I received the best news ever. We had just been praying for some evidence that God had been working in Cayden's body, whether it be through a complete healing or just the fact that the condition had not worsened. We were both on edge and with our heads barely above water when we walked into the waiting area at our specialist's. In the past US, the fluid in Cayden's chest cavity was extremely evident. However, today was different. I didn't see anything....and to confirm my sighting, the US tech also said...I don't see it anymore!!!!

The maternal fetal specialist came in to look over the pictures and he also confirmed that the pleural effusion was almost if not completely gone. There is still a small area that could possibly be fluid, but it is so minimal that we can't even tell.

We also saw a cardiologist that assessed Cayden's heart via Echo cardiogram. One of the major markers along with a thickened nuchal fold(which Cayden still has) for Down's is a heart abnormality. Jesse and I once again took a breath and waited under water for our next breath of air... The cardiologist finished the scan, and said " I don't see any sign of any kind. This is a perfectly formed heart!!!"

And from that moment, the anchor was cut free, and for the first time in a year and a half....I actually took a deep breath of fresh air. I felt like a different person yesterday, I had a weightless feeling that consumed me. God has promised good to me...and he delivered yesterday.

I don't know how Jesse and I could ever repay him for the miracle that he performed. It seems so small a price, but I will continue to praise Him for all that He has done. Cayden is a true testimony to answered prayer. So with that being said, if you don't have a relationship with Jesus Christ, please take the time to say the following prayer and mean it from the bottom of your heart. Your true salvation comes from believing that Jesus Christ is God's only Son that died for our sins.

"Father, I know that I have broken your laws and my sins have separated me from you. I am truly sorry, and now I want to turn away from my past sinful life toward you. Please forgive me, and help me avoid sinning again. I believe that your son, Jesus Christ died for my sins, was resurrected from the dead, is alive, and hears my prayer. I invite Jesus to become the Lord of my life, to rule and reign in my heart from this day forward. Please send your Holy Spirit to help me obey You, and to do Your will for the rest of my life. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen."

It is a great honor to be the mother of two living sons that are true testimonies to the love that Christ has for us.

Perseverance

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-4

We have no new news to report. Cayden's chest cavity still has fluid on the left side. We will see the specialist and a cardiologist again in 2 weeks. This is so hard for us, but we know that we have to continue to persevere through all these trials...and we know the outcome will be for the good of all. We appreciate all of the continued prayers and thoughts. The anxiety and worry levels for both Jesse and I have been much lessened, and for that we are grateful!

"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." James 1:12

an all around miracle....

Cayden Matthew 5 days after conception....A MIRACLE

his daddy...saved by the grace of God on March 8, 2008....A Miracle

his mommy....re-saved by the grace of God on March 8, 2008.....A Miracle

his brother.... forever an angel in Heaven, a testimony and saving grace for many....A Miracle

his conception (January 28).....A Miracle

his beating heart at mere 6 weeks....A Miracle

his audible heart tones at a mere 10 weeks....A Miracle

his noticeable kicks on May 7.....A Miracle

On May 19, Doctors detect heart abnormality..possible left side damage.

his completely healed full functioning heart on May 22...... A Miracle

his continued beating heart and active life....A Miracle

God is not finished perfecting this tiny miracle. My savior can move mountains, and He is mighty to save. God can beat a 30% fetal prognosis. He can drain every inch of fluid in his chest cavity. God is the ultimate and great physician. God can do ANYTHING. Please join us in prayer for another miracle on June 2.

And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him. 1 John 5:14-15

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

Dear Destiny...

I'll bless you and MULTIPLY your family, keeping my covenant of LOVE with you. Don't let anxiety steal your JOY; rather, tell ME about your worries and needs and THANK me in advance.

As you PRAY, you'll find that my incomparable PEACE overshadows all of your problems and insecurities.

ALWAYS be content with what you have, knowing that I'll never leave or abandon you. I'll supply everything you need, according to my ENDLESS riches in GLORY.

FAITHFULLY providing,
Your PRINCE OF PEACE

~from Deuteronomy 7:12-13; John 16:33; Philippians 4:6-7; Hebrews 13:5, Philippians 4:19

short and sweet....

I have sat down many times and started a blog, but I have failed to finish. I have received several emails, so I thought I better at least post something. The IV's are gone, but the vomiting and nausea have decided to stay around. They come and go....2 days good, 1 day bad....... I still haven't been able to feel our little one move yet, which concerns me, but I know it may still be too early. I have finally started to get some energy back.. I was literally sleeping all night and half the day!!!

Jesse and I are still super nervous and anxious about this pregnancy....it is so hard to not think about what happened with Braxton. The sermon last Sunday was on "letting go" and not being stuck on the "why" of our painful pasts. I cried the entire sermon, b/c I am not ready to "let go." I find it difficult to be sad about Braxton and happy about the new baby. Those two emotions just don't go hand in hand. I know that fear and anxiety are not of God, so any prayers to keep this feelings away would be appreciated.

Jesse just got lay-off papers yesterday, so July 31 will be his last day of work. He is actually very content with the situation.....he is a super hard worker, so he already has some things that he can do. I, on the other hand, am not as thrilled. I like him being home at 3 everyday, and with the prospective positions, there is no definite "off" time. I have tried to tell myself that at least it is a job, and I don't have to work. I am so thankful that he can provide for the both of us. He is the hardest working man I know, and yet I know I don't tell him enough how appreciative I am.

We have our 18 week appt in 2 weeks. Hopefully, I will have felt something by then. I felt Braxton during week 17 for the first time, and then frequently after 18.5 weeks.

I do appreciate all the emails and comments regarding my whereabouts!!! I promise to be a more frequent poster, just as soon as I get more energy back!

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those
who love him,Some manuscripts And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God

"> whoOr works together with those who love him to bring about what is good—with those who

"> have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

Much Love,
Destiny