First Post...

Aly @ 26 weeks

I will start this blog about midway through the process.  At some point we may give some more details leading up to our first appointment and more details related to the appointment itself but I wanted to get the first post up. On 07.18.2014, Christi was 26 weeks, and we took our first trip to Texas Children's Hospital in Houston, TX to have an ultrasound, MRI and to see a neurologists and a neurosurgeon.  We received some great news and some possible bad news at the end of all our appointments.  The great news is that Aly has a occipital meningocele instead of an occipital encephalocele like they originally thought. Definitions below. 

• Encephalocele - sometimes known by the Latin name cranium bifidum, is a neural tube defect characterized by sac-like protrusions of the brain and membranes that cover it through openings in the skull. These defects are caused by failure of the neural tube to close completely during development.
• Meningocele - is essentially the same thing as the encephalocele except it only has the CSF - cerebral spinal fluid and meninges.  

Aly's being a meningocele and not having any portion of the brain protruding from the skull is a HUGE answer to much prayer.  We were originally informed in earlier appointments at the 18 & 22 week ultrasounds that the cele or protrusion did contain brain matter.  

The possible bad is something that is not worth mentioning.  So much of this process is a waiting game at this point until Aly comes.  They will then be able to examine her more closely and run tests.  Christi and I (and this applies to you as well) have a choice to make, do we worry about things yet to come?  Do we allow the bad things that may come, to consume our thoughts and feelings?  I'm not saying run from reality or deny facts as they are but I will say that worrying about those future possible bad things will not add to our lives. Philippians 4:4-9. Instead of worrying, we are thankful.  Thankful to God for our three boys, thankful for Aly's life in the here and now, thankful for family and friends.......find those things that really matter and be thankful. It is not easy for me but HE is faithful and HIS peace......there ain't nothin' like it.

I will update again in the next few days and let you know more information about the "Strong Like Aly" shirts for sale, pictures from our Houston trip, and specific prayer requests.