When the doctor’s office called with the results of my blood test, I expected everything to be normal. But, in this life, things seldom go as expected and normal very rarely exists.
“You’re pregnant,” the doctor told me over the phone.
“What?” I asked. It didn’t register.
“You are pregnant,” she repeated.
“But I just had a baby,” I said.
“Well, you’re about to have another one,” she said.
And so I am.
After the initial shock wore off, I began to worry. Some of the medication I am taking has been known to cause birth defects.
Panicked, I met my prescribing doctor, who, along with my obstetrician referred me to a high risk specialist.
“You’ll need more testing this time around,” she explained. “We’ll be looking for a heart defect, cleft palate, and issues with spine development. There’s also a risk of still birth. Overall, you have a 5% chance of facing complications.”
“That means there’s a 95% chance things will be okay, right?” I asked.
“Yes,” she said.
Along the way, I’ve had to explain that I am Catholic and will not be terminating this pregnancy no matter what the outcome might be. My care providers have been extremely supportive.
When we finally told our families, and were met with tremendous warmth and well wishes, I felt my inner strength grow. We’re not doing this on our own.
This baby is not just Patrick and my baby. He or she is not just Collin and Frank’s baby brother or sister or our parents’ grandchild. Our baby will be shared with our friends and family. Our baby will belong to the world. This baby will be a child of God, and we are prepared to love him or her no matter what may come.
For now, we pray for a happy, healthy baby. If it is God’s will, we will graciously accept His gift.
Please pray for us!