A New Journey

My first pregnancy was filled with lots of excitment. I never felt the baby move. I had to have ultrasounds ever few days and stress test. Well when she got here she was fine and bigger than they had thought 6 pounds.

My second pregnancy I thought or had hoped would be without complications. It was until I had a AFP test and got the results. 1 to 161 chance of DS. The dr said not to worry that false readings happen all of the time and go have a level II ultrasound. Was scheduled for that and it was a long hour or even longer. The technician took her time and it didn't help that the baby(Savanna) was moving all over the screen. The tech couldn't see any markers and we ever given the option of amnio. We declined because I had had a miscarriage before Savanna and didn't want to go through that again. So I went on through the pregnancy feeling fine and even better that Savanna moved all of the time.

My water broke nine days early and off to the hospital we went. Finally she arrived and I felt like the dr and nurse were acting different than when I had my first. Savanna didn't cry or make any noise and then all of the questions came. What were the results of my AFP, what were the results of the level II. I didn't want to answer those questions only to make sure that Savanna was fine. She went into resp distress and was transferred to a hospital an hour away. The ambulance that came to get her had more technology in it than the hospital that she was born in. The dr discharged me and I walked out of the hospital 4 hours after having her.

Savanna stayed in NICU for one week. She was fine other than not breathing so good. She would hold her breathe and turn blue. She was feeding okay. We received news that her heart was good and no other problems.

I think it was God's way of letting us see what Savanna would be like by not showing anything on the level II. My husband didn't know if he could handle things. He had the mindset of the 60's. Funny thing that he went through the grieving process and healing faster than me. I was behind. I was scared and didn't know what to do.

Savanna continues to display all that she can do. She remembers us that we don't need to put limitations on her. Her big sister(6 yrs) loves her and doesn't ask any questions. It has gotten to the point that I forget she has ds.

I have a wonderful job in Early Intervention helping other parents deal with the news and helping them make educationed decisions on the types and frequencies of services.

If you made it this far thanks. Now the rest is history. Thanks for your interest.

Thank you for sharing you and Savanna's story

I think it was God's way of letting us see what Savanna would be like by not showing anything on the level II. My husband didn't know if he could handle things. He had the mindset of the 60's. Funny thing that he went through the grieving process and healing faster than me. I was behind. I was scared and didn't know what to do.

I totally think we had the same grace in not finding anything out specifically before her birth. It was what we needed, and it made the shock and grief so much less. Healing came quickly with her little face looking up at us and just the busyness of moving on to keep us going.

I can never grow tired of hearing these stories
Thanks for sharing

Thanks so much for sharing Savanna's story.

Nice to meet you and I enjoyed reading your story of Savanna!

Thanks for allowing us the know the story of your Savanna!!

Thanks for sharing your story, Jeri.