When we found out that our precious little one was going to have a cleft lip at our 20 week ultrasound, we were blown away. I just remember getting back to our car and breaking down. How could this happen to us? And more importantly, how could this happen to our little one? The how's turned into why's and anger and frustration. God how is this your plan? Why is this your plan? Well, I now know part of the answer. Not necessarily why little Abigail has cleft, but at least why God let us know so soon.
We met Abigail's Cleft team yesterday. It was ok. This is just such an emotional roller coaster that hearing the same thing over and over gets to us. The team is VERY NICE and VERY COMMITTED to us and Abigail's needs. We believe we have selected a surgeon, but are not completely sure. Keep this decision of ours in your prayers so we will make the right choice.Abigail is doing Awesome with her NAM. We would not be so far along or so far ahead of the game if it wasn't for God letting us know and preparing us for what is ahead. Today we went in for our first adjustment and already the results are amazing. Because Abby is so young (11 days) our dentist is able to make more movement, more quickly. Not only that but we will probably have another appointment on Friday for her next adjustment! Because we knew ahead of time we were able to be on top of our game. Below are some pictures of Abigail. Below the picture I have some captions so you know what you are looking at:
This is Abby's NAM. I have labeled what they call the buttons. These are what stick out of her mouth and rubber bands attach to them to keep the NAM in place.
This is just a top view of her NAM.
This is after our adjustment. You can see the adjustment molding right next to her premaxilla (her lip and gums). They will continue to add this molding until her premaxilla is all the way centered.
This is just a better daddy-daughter picture than I had up before. You can also see that Abigail's gaurd dog is still earning his stay!
5 comments:
What a sweetie. I am so glad Abigail is doing well with the NAM. Ahhhh...those memories are fresh ones for us! Her NAM looks good....and you are right, you have a real advantage in knowing about Abigail's cleft just in terms of getting everything set up. Just think...she is ahead of Reid by over 2.5 months, and Reid did great. Abigail will be in SUPER shape! Her skin is so plyable and moveable. As Reid grew older, the skin was not moving near as much..just because that is what happens. So, Abigail is ahead of the game and doing AWESOME! Love to her....and blessings to all of you! Take care of each other!
Abby's looking great. You are so right about knowing ahead of time. We found out at about 22 weeks, and even though our Abby's palate was not affected, (other than her alveolar ridge) and she did not need the NAM, we just felt so blessed to have had the time to prepare for her arrival.
I sit here reading with tears of pride and joy over all 4 of you...and so privileged to be a part of all of you...I continue to pray for you daily and sometimes hourly. Abbey looks good and sounds like the progress is comforting and encouraging....always know when you make a decision and it doesn't sit well...you just have another opportunity to make another decision...no decision is wrong!!! You are profound parents...no wonder Abigail picked you two!!
Love
MOM/Grandma
I'm glad she is doing so well with the NAM! That makes things so much easier.
oh my goodness...what an adorable little lady. Don't you love all the bows and ruffles? I am glad the four-legged family member is keeping up his end of the bargain!
We didn't use the NAM, so I can't offer any advice-but I do wish the best of luck with it. I completely agree with knowing ahead of time. We, too, found out at 20 weeks and I can't imagine now knowing. We were able to grieve before she came and celebrate once she got here (along with feeling really "stupid" for grieving!
Adalynn's cleft has done nothing but teach me to be a stronger person, mother, and wife. She has already taught me and so many others so much. Little Abigail is doing the same thing!
best of luck!!!
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