After two an a half years of miscarriages, doctor appointments, surgeries, and countless prayers by countless people, Mark and I are super excited to share we are 20 weeks pregnant with a baby GIRL due in June! This is truly a miracle :).
As many of you know, we experienced four miscarriages. After our first two, we were referred to a specialist who found I had a very minor uterine abnormality that could be partially corrected with surgery. We were excited to hear this news because this meant something could be done to potentially increase our chances of a successful pregnancy. Choosing to have the surgery or not, though, was a bit of a tough decision for us. Here’s why…
- The uterine abnormality was so minor that the doctor wasn’t even sure himself that it was causing the miscarriages. He said he’d seen women with much more severe uterine abnormalities than mine have successful pregnancies.
- The surgery was minimally invasive and low risk; however, there were obviously risks associated with it, as there are with every surgery. If something went wrong during the surgery, my body could have had an even more difficult time carrying a child or, worst-case scenario, my body would be unable to carry a child. This is what really scared both of us. I just kept thinking, “If I have this surgery and my uterus is irreversibly damaged causing us to NEVER be able to have children, will I be able to get over it (especially since our doctor couldn’t be sure the abnormality was causing the miscarriages)?”
We stayed in constant prayer, and it wasn’t until two miscarriages later that we truly felt at peace with the decision to have surgery. I truly believe the Lord was with us throughout all of this, helping us make these decisions.
Typically after having a miscarriage, you have to wait 2-3 months before trying to conceive again. After our first miscarriage, this wait felt like an eternity, but we became used to it. After our fourth miscarriage, though, when we decided it was time to have the surgery, our wait was double. We had to wait 2-3 months after our fourth miscarriage before having the surgery, and then we had to wait another 2-3 months after the surgery before trying to conceive again. I was so disappointed when the doctor told us this.
I thought the wait would be so difficult, and it definitely was at times. I read my Bible and prayed so much, so, so much. FINALLY, I stopped allowing my life to revolve around having a child and started to accept that my life’s purpose is instead to serve Jesus Christ. The wait became much less difficult once my focus shifted!
2 Dear brothers and sisters,when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. 4 So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. (James 1:2-4)
My surgery was in May 2014. Everything went extremely well.
In September 2014, we had a positive pregnancy test (If you’re keeping track, this is pregnancy #5). Our emotions were very mixed! We were excited and hopeful, but also still extremely nervous. Of course, we were hoping and praying that the surgery worked and that we would be able to carry this baby to term.
Around 6 weeks, I started bleeding. I was so afraid I miscarried again. After all, this is what happened with my last two. Through my uncontrollable tears, we prayed and prayed and prayed the Lord would take care of this child and would also help me calm down and trust in Him, regardless of the outcome.
At our ultrasound the next day, the sonographer said something about a heartbeat. I didn’t hear exactly what she said, and I nervously asked her to repeat herself. She said, “There’s the heartbeat. Do you see it there?” Oh the tears!!!! We had NEVER heard any of our babies’ heartbeats. Plus, I was expecting another miscarriage. I can’t even explain to you the emotions I experienced. Again, lots of prayers – prayers of praise and thanksgiving, also prayers asking the Lord to keep our baby strong and healthy so that we could raise him/her to know Jesus.
Of course, though, there had to be something funky going on. We couldn’t just have a normal pregnancy 🙂 (I wasn’t smiling at the time). Over the next several weeks there were worries of abnormal growths in my uterus and even a partial molar pregnancy. These things certainly concerned me, but, more importantly, they helped keep my prayer life strong.
At 8.5 weeks, we were referred to another specialist who was almost sure this was not a molar pregnancy and said she was “very optimistic” about this pregnancy.
At 9.5 weeks, another specialist reviewed my sonogram pictures and found I had developed placental lakes. These can potentially cause problems – the baby may not get the nutrients he/she needs, so he/she will no longer grow at a proper rate. Even though the doctor did not seem concerned, I was. This was the focus of many of my prayers.
At 12.5 weeks, the placental lakes were still there, but the baby was growing perfectly. This was such an answer to our prayers! I can’t even explain to you the relief we felt after this sonogram.
Now, at 20 weeks, it seems the growths and placental lakes are gone and that Baby Girl is developing perfectly! We absolutely know this is the Lord answering the prayers of sooo many people. It seems like each week I learn of someone else praying for this baby and us. It brings tears of joy to my eyes every time. If you are one of the prayer warriors, thank you so much! This child has been showered in prayer from before she was even conceived. How amazing is that?! We serve such an awesome God!
We continue to pray for the Lord’s protection over this child, as well as Mark and me, and trust in the Lord’s plans for our family, whatever those may be.
Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. (Ephesians 3:20)
Amen!
Congratulations!!! What a blessing children can be! Ralph and I couldn’t be more excited you and your family!
Thanks so much, Sabrina!
I grew up with Mark and have always been friends with the family and stayed in touch off and on throughout the years! Although it’s been quite some time, I ran across this blog on my FB news feed and while at first I was going to congratulate yall and move on to the next feed.. I felt led to read your story!! And what a blessing it was!! Your faith is inspiring! As a fellow sister in Christ, I am encouraged by your testimony and will be joining you and others in prayers for this sweet precious Baby girl AND for you two to continue strengthening your faith and seeking to be Godly parents. As you embark on this privileged journey of parenthood, Stay strong and continue to give God all the Glory! He has rewarded your faith by blessing you with your hearts desire and I believe you will raise her to know Him! With all that said, congratulations and may God continue to shower blessings on your family! -lots of love – Whitney
Whitney, thank you so much for this message :). We are so appreciative of your prayers for us and our little one! We will definitely continue to give God the glory and do our very best to raise our baby girl to know Him!
Continued prayers for you and your family. I read this article on Tricias fb page a few months ago and had no idea that you were the one until last week in class. May God continue to bless you. You are going to be a wonderful mother.
Thank you so much, Nikki!! We truly appreciate the prayers :).
Hello! I just discovered your blog and read every word on this beautiful and heartfelt post. I knew you were a special, special person many years ago. God’s plan for you is unfolding each day and your willingness to follow His plan is truly inspiring. Please know, I will pray for you, your husband, and your miracle baby.
Mrs. Aumann! I’m so sorry for my delayed response. Thank you sooo much for your kind words! They made me smile and nearly brought tears to my eyes. We also truly appreciate your prayers. Prayer is so powerful!
We now have our miracle baby…I’ll be posting about her soon :).