Cleft Palate Results

We had a follow up ultrasound today on baby boy. We got a pretty good look at his lip. He has a left side, Unilateral cleft measuring 5 mm long and it goes all the way to his nostril, so the nose is possibly involved as well. The Dr was able to capture an image of sweet boy with his mouth open and felt from what she saw that the palate is indeed involved as he seemed to have his tongue tucked up in a little hole in the roof of his mouth. (Though she still can't say 100%) We have yet another ultrasound in 6 weeks for another look as he gets a little bigger.

The good news is that his heart looks beautiful! His brain, kidneys etc. all seems to be perfect as well. We are very encouraged to have that re-confirmed today. 

Our next steps are to finally set an appointment with a Craniofacial plastic surgeon and start building our plan of care for baby boy. The surgeon will also help us put a team of people in place to assist with any feeding issues which will likely involve baby boy being fitted for a retainer like device that will plug his hole and allow him to eat without spewing milk out of his nose or aspirating. Thankfully they also make special bottles, called Haberman Feeders, that we can use that will also help make things a little easier on him. At this point, I am trying to mentally prepare myself for the likelihood of having to use special bottles for him instead of being able to nurse. If you're a man reading this, I'm so sorry (LOL) if you're a Mom, you probably get how sad and disheartening this thought is for me. To keep it positive though, no one has yet to mention a feeding tube! I'm also trying to keep it positive with the realization that he CAN and will (Lord willing) have Mommy's milk regardless of feeding method...it may just take a lot more effort on my part to get it to him. 

I'm grateful that we were able to see that there is more than likely an issue with his palate. That was my prayer - that if there was something there, we would be able to see it. In fact I was praying that very thing as the Dr. was trying very hard to get Babe to move and show us his mouth. I'm grateful that God answers the "little" prayers. Shaun and I are ok. I am defiantly struggling with feeling sad today. I felt prepared walking in, but my heart sank when she gave us the results as this probably means more than one surgery and a longer road to "normal." 

Prayer Request: wisdom in finding the right team of surgeons and medical professionals.

To end on a positive note, Our baby is healthy! Thank you, LORD! We have been overwhelmed by the amount of friends reaching out to us and praying for us. You all are helping make this journey a more beautiful one. Thank you for being a part of our life and our story. **Please know that if I haven't responded to you yet, I will as soon as I am able.**