Hey everybody,
We wanted to take a moment and write to you some exciting news we have to share. Of course, most of you already know this but in case you don't...this fall we found out that we will be having a baby! Amory's official due date is May 3 so we will see when he decides to come. We did find out in December that we will be having a little boy. (Steve was really proud of the picture and wanted to post it on the mantle.) Also, in December, we discovered that our little boy has something called Spina Bifida. Spina Bifida, in case you are not sure, is a condition that is present at birth. It can affect the development of the back bones, spinal cord, surrounding nerves, and the fluid-filled sac that surrounds the spinal cord. It is a neurological condition that can cause a portion of the spinal cord and the surrounding structures to develop outside of the vertebrae. The sac-like lesion can occur anywhere along the spine. After our last doctor’s visit (beginning of January), we did receive some great news. As far as they can tell, our little boys lesion is only affecting his lower lumbar region and below. Physically, this will cause potential problems with mobility and with bladder/bowel function. Much of our exact situation will not be clear until he is born.
We wanted to write to you and ask for your prayer support as we learn about new things throughout this pregnancy. God has been so faithful through each step. We really have alot to be grateful for. We did not know how grateful we could become for the little things that God has blessed our baby with. As of our last appointment, we have been blessed with straight feet
(sometimes club feet happen with SB), no build-up of cerebrospinal fluid on his brain, he is measuring at a size exactly as he should be, and has a strong heart beat. We really don’t mind talking about what is happening and most of the time are more than willing to give updates. Please don't hestitate to ask us for updates. We have prayed and pondered many things as we want to give specific ways in which you can pray for our little man. First, we believe in a God that can raise people from the dead and make something from nothing, so if God so desires we ask that he would heal as much of this lesion as He desires. Given God's sovereignty, we also understand that God’s ways are much higher and thoughts much bigger than ours. Ultimately, this little boys health is a part of his bigger plan. Secondly, please pray for continued health in his brain (no hydrocephalus) and that his bladder/bowel function will be unaffected.
Ultimately, we have seen God’s mighty hand at work throughout this entire situation. The stories, most too long for email, would warm your heart and confirm that God is in control of all things. We have no doubt that God is using our baby’s life already to touch and reach others. We are blessed with the best support system of family and friends that people could ask for (yes, that's you!). Beyond that, we are blessed with a God who stands by our side through it all, comforts us when we cry, and rejoices with us as we celebrate. We have learned and will continue to learn much about life, ourselves, and God as we go through this journey. Love to you all. Thanks for loving us. Get excited...WE'RE HAVING A BABY!!! :)
Love,
Steve and Am
and Baby Anderson, too (sorry...no names given out until delivery)
