Wednesday, July 4, 2007

Taking Steps

It's now been more than two months since we first learned of Julianne's heart defect. I thank God everyday for the comfort and guidance he's provided for us over the last two months. I pray that other expectant parents who are facing the same diagnosis can experience the comfort that we've experienced.

One of our many prayers over that last two months is that God would lead us to where He would have Julianne be born and have the first of three surgeries to make her heart functional.

Kent and I made a quick trip to Boston last week to meet with doctors at Brigham and Women's Hospital and at Children's Hospital regarding the birth and surgery of our baby girl. All went well with the meetings. We were told that although the first 6 months of Julianne's life would be the most critical, they've seen an almost 90% hospital survival rate for the Norwood Surgery and approximately 3 out of every 4 babies go on to survive that critical first 6 months. Though, Kent and I know that ultimately God knows exactly how many days he has planned for Julianne and the statistics don't really make a big difference.

So, God willing, we will go back to Boston on August 22nd to prepare for Julianne's birth. She will be born via cesarean some time between September 6th and 13th. Within the first few days of life she will have the Norwood Surgery. She will spend an estimated total of 4 weeks in the hospital, depending of course on her condition. We will remain in Boston for 1 - 2 weeks after she's released from the hospital so that she can have her first clinical visit there. Then, if all goes well, we'll return home with our baby.

Please continue to pray for Julianne's healing and for comfort, wisdom, courage and for God's provision for Kent and I.

5 comments:

A. Stac said...

Jessica & Kent,

Know that U. Jim and I pray for you-all every day. You are correct, no one knows what God has in his plans. But no matter what it is, we will be with you all through it.

We love you both.

Uncle Jim said...

Jessica & Kent,
I love this site you put together..
Now i can check in on the progress. I'm praying for you guys. God's wonderful unending love will pull you through this and the many years of teenage rebellion that lay ahead for you..
I love you
U. Jim

Kristy said...

Kent and I know that ultimately God knows exactly how many days he has planned for Julianne and the statistics don't really make a big difference.

I am awed & inspired by your trust in God's hand. Statistics don't save lives...Jesus does. Thank you for reminding me of that.

Every night at bedtime Jed & Riley & I pray for Julianne to have a new heart. I pray that her life leads others to realize the brokenness of their own hearts and points them to Jesus, the giver & sustainer of life.

ansley said...

My name is Ansley and I am in the Mom's club of Lafayette with Kristy, who has kept us up to date with your story. My first child, a daughter, was also born with HLHS and your story is very similar to mine. Here is a link to our story http://tchin.org/portraits/ashtyn-1.htm
I am praying for you and your family and remember that God is in control! I would love to talk to you if you had any questions...my e-mail is ansleybarnes@gmail.com
God Bless you and your precious baby girl!

Anonymous said...

Jessica & Kent - thank you so much for sharing Julianne and your journey with us! I will be checking the blog regularly as I pray for you all.

To God be the glory,
Ms. Sherry