My name is Brooke and I am married to Josh. We have a two and a half-year-old daughter, Harper, who is beautiful, energetic, creative, loving, and happy. I am 20 weeks pregnant with our second daughter, Breckin Elizabeth. Two weeks ago, we were all in the ultrasound room at my OB's office to find out that she was an active little girl! It wasn't until an hour later, talking to my doctor, that we learned there were some abnormalities found. With a very concerned tone, my doctor told us we were going to be seeing a maternal-fetal specialist the same week to have a more detailed ultrasound.
Thankfully, the doctor was able to get us in the next morning. We had the longest, most detailed ultrasound and once every inch of our daughter was examined, we met with the doctor. He told us that our daughter did in fact have two major abnormalities: one is called Dandy-Walker malformation in the brain, and the other is called hypoplastic left heart syndrome. As soon as he said the last one, my heart sunk, and the tears began. Being a physician assistant, I know a little about HLHS, and knew it is one of the most serious congenital heart conditions. I then went down the hall to get an amniocentesis to check for any type of chromosomal or genetic abnormality that could have caused these problems. (We later found out that everything was normal with the amnio! Praise God that there are no further complications!)
That evening, a thousand questions and thoughts went through my head. All the ideas and dreams I had of this pregnancy being normal and uneventful, and of our baby being normal and healthy, were shattered. All evening I struggled with my emotions and couldn't seem to stop the tears. I couldn't even enjoy being around Harper because I was so sad for her baby sister. I was so overwhelmed with my thoughts and all the information we had received that day. I just kept thinking, "Why does God think I have the strength to go through something like this?"
Once I had somewhat digested our news, I started to tell our friends and family, and informed all the girls in my bible study. I wanted as many people as I knew to start praying for us and Breckin. After I spent a few hours worrying and freaking out, I began to feel the power of everyone's prayers. God filled me with a peace and a strength that only He can give. I am so blessed to have such encouraging, faithful, prayer warriors in my life. The next morning, I spent some much needed time with my Savior and he led me to this verse: "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10.
What amazing reassurance, that God will strengthen me, help me, and uphold me! I know that no matter what happens, God is going to give me the strength to get through each day.
There's so much more that I am wanting to write, but so as not to make this blog post a mile long, I'll continue on other posts. I will try to post as much as I can especially when I have any new updates to give family and friends. We are so thankful for what God has already done in the life of our sweet Breckin, who is active, growing, and continuing to develop. Please continue your prayers as they are so powerful, and much appreciated!
Love,
Brooke
Breckin says, "Hi!"
Brooke, that verse is exactly what you need to claim today and the days ahead. Don't let anything or anyone (Satan) rob you of the joy of this precious baby. God will give you all you need. Breckin will be a joy of all joys. Prayers your way!!
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