Baby’s Anatomy scan: Week 20
This week has been a journey. I went to an imaging center in Wilmington, NC to have an anatomy scan done of our second child. We were very excited for this appointment because the anatomy scan includes the revealing of the baby’s gender. (Exciting, right?) But, because of the Covid-19 situation, Luke (our almost two year old) wouldn’t be allowed to accompany us. So Sam stayed home with him as I went to the appointment that is 1.5 hours away. The plan was for the technician performing the ultrasound to not tell me the gender, but have it written in an envelope for us to discover together once I got home.
But oh, how that didn’t pan out as we had planned. The tech couldn’t find the baby’s genitals as baby was in a position that wouldn’t reveal the gender. So she took the images of the organs, bones, etc. and gave them to the doctor to evaluate. I had no idea anything was wrong until Dr. Odibo came in and said, “We see some concerning things about the baby. First, the baby’s chin is very small.”
In my mind, I’m thinking…okay that doesn’t seem like a big deal, but I’ll keep listening.
“Also, the baby’s neck is tilted back so far the head is touching the back. And the back itself is curved and bent back so far that the head is almost touching the butt.”
Okay, wow, that sounds terrifying. My hands are gripped together; squeezing and twisting the one another as I grapple with what I’ve just heard. She adds:
“We didn’t see the stomach.” (I found out later that this may be because the baby isn’t able to swallow the amniotic fluid, and they basically find the stomach by looking for amniotic fluid in the baby.)
Dr. Odibo adds, “The hands are in an odd position and the feet are clubbed. All of these joint contractors lead me to suspect the baby has arthrogryposis (AR-THRO-GRY-PO-SIS). We will need to do further testing to confirm this and see what is causing the baby to be in this very unnatural position.”
In between this discussion and having blood work drawn, I call Sam to share with him what I have been told.
Someone calls me back to draw blood to test for 28 chromosomal abnormalities. It’s going to take until my next appointment on 4/28/2020 to get the results back on that. Once the blood draw was over, I check out and get to the car.
God’s grace carried me home safely. Thank the Lord for shock and adrenaline to get through tough situations. The ride back went by fast as I was on the phone updating family members, through tears, with the appointment details.
Dearest Mallori, you don’t know me but I have known you since you were in your Mom’s womb! You see, your precious Mom was my best friend from Kindergarten thru high school. I have loved her and her entire family for most of my life. And I have followed all of life’s adventures with you, Dana and Drew. And now Luke….who has been such a blessing to all of you.
My heart aches for what you are going through with this pregnancy. All of the emotions and physical challenges. All while trying to keep everything “normal” for Luke who cannot yet understand. Know that I am praying for you, for all aspects of your pregnancy, for your health, for strength and courage to face the outcome knowing Our God is in control and can heal all things.
Stay strong in your faith, lean in on those around you who love you immensely, hug Luke a little tighter and see the future in his eyes, and love Sam more deeply as he is hurts too.
Much love and prayers for you, my best friend’s Little girl!
Chris Trott Seay
Chris,
Thank you so much for your kind words and prayers. I can see why you are a great friend to my mom as you are such an encourager. We are getting through this with with the Lord’s strength and it’s been incredible to experience. Yes, we have cried, but overall, we have good days.
Warmly,
Mallori
Mallori
My heart goes out to you and all of your family!! I will be praying for you and your family!
I worked with your sweet Mom when we were both young teachers starting out at the old building of Swansboro Elementary.
Let God guide you through this, one day at a time! Lean on Him. Trust Him, even when you don’t understand.
Beth Dail
We sure will, Beth. It’s the only way we will get through this with our sanity. God is faithful and has and will continue to carry us through this.-Mallori
Mallori,
I’ve known your mom, dad and both sets of grandparents for many years. Not sure if you remember me from Dr. Knelson’s office. I just want you to know you and your family have been in my thoughts and prayers. Rely on God and your faith. Know that the days, weeks and months ahead, you will be in our prayers!
Thanks for reaching out, Ms. Penny. We appreciate you and your prayers. –Mallori
Dearest Mallory and Sam, there just are no words to take away the emotional pain or make you feel better, but you know this is in God’s hands and you have an army of friends and family praying for you and your baby. Just know that you are loved.
Sandy Kellum
Thanks Mrs. Kellum. We are so thankful and encouraged by you and so many others by reaching out and lifting us up during this time. It’s been a huge blessing to us. I hope the next time I see you is at Ski Beach!!–Mallori
Dearest Mallory & Sam,
God created you to fulfill His purpose. This journey is not a test of your faith; it is a deepening of your faith to lead you both into a fuller trust and hope. Luke’s joyful spirit will keep being a reason to smile through the tears for now. Know you are loved and in my prayers.
Libby Pickett
Thanks Ms. Libby–that is so sweet of you to say. Knowing the obstacles our baby is facing makes us all the more grateful for Luke. He is such a joy! Thank you for reaching out and remembering us in your prayers. –Mallori
You know you are my little sunshine!!! Love ya so very very much!!! Nana
I do know it!! Now when I hear that song it makes me cry happy tears thinking of you and your sweet Nana love. XOXO Love you, Nana!