Family and Friends,
Well, it’s been a long day and rather anxious for both of us as we’ve waited for doctors and results, etc.
Results were rather inconclusive for ruling out Down Syndrome- actually, the ultrasound showed another possibility for it- and though the doctors considered it another mild risk, our risks have significantly increased today.
Our odds of this baby having DS is 1 and 8 right now. Quite honestly, Joel and I are expecting it and praying for strength. We know the Lord can work wonders and at birth, give us a perfectly “normal” child if He wills it. The great news is this baby shows no major physical abnormalities that correlate with Downs (i.e. legs, arms, brain, heart and facial features look good). Many DS babies have heart defects at birth and so far, this baby shows a perfectly healthy heart.
The doctors suggest that we remain hopeful- and we will. Joel and I will not continue with further testing (amniocentisis), as that test risks miscarriage and infection for me and the baby.
We know of several people who’ve been told their baby is to be born with DS and at birth, is not. God is bigger than test results and He is faithful to give us what He wills for our lives. We see these next five months of not knowing for sure as a trial- a testing of our faith.
The Lord promises us in James 1: 2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Did I mention the Lord has given us a son? It’s appropriate that the Lord gave us the name Seth Joel a few weeks ago- it means “chosen by God; the appointed one.” We’re praising God for our little Seth- we’ll take him no matter how he comes.
Please pray with us in the coming months that the Lord would give us peace, that we would be anxious for nothing, that we would take every thought captive and that our sweet Seth would bring glory to the Lord!
We love you,
Em and Joel
Jamy & I love y’all so much and are praying for all of you!! Seth is beautiful…loved the sonogram pictures and we CAN’T WAIT to meet him!! See y’all in a couple of weeks.
Can’t wait to hold Seth and kiss him! I’m thrilled to have another wonderful Skaggs boy!! 🙂
Yippeeeeee!! Seth is too young for Margaret but the PERFECT age suiter if Kuck baby #2 is a girl!! Can’t wait to meet the little doodlebug.
Yay for a boy in the family! Can’t wait to see Ella’s reaction to a baby brother 🙂