The Gift of Emily

As a mother of a special baby girl, I am embarked on a journey which will be full of challenges but also full of love with my newborn girl, Emily. I have decided to create this blog to jot down our journey together, Emily and the rest of the family.

Emily at 5 days old, looked prefect to us.

It's been the most trying times for hubby and I to find out the most dreaded and feared news any parent can have and the daily ordeals that will be laid upon us. Emily was born to us on 23rd March 2012, a full month plus 1 day before her due date. Doctors didn't notice anything different with her and we were both discharged the next day. The first 2 weeks, she was afflicted with jaundice, which is quite common. On her 8th and 9th day, she got the usual phototherapy treatment for 2 days at a private hospital and the paediatrician was the 1st to notice and tell us Emily was different, she may have a genetic disorder. Everything went downhill for me after that, all types of fears, worries, regrets and even anger went through my mind.Why? Why did I have to have one more child when I already have 3 healthy kids? Why were my prayers for a normal, healthy baby not answered? Maybe the doc was wrong, maybe we can get a miracle and she will be cured. We continued to pray daily, prayed in church and asked Father for blessings. We were undecided and reluctant to send her for further tests that may prove our fears beyond doubts. So we brought her home. We did not know how to tell our families, our friends...

Finally, I consulted the government clinic doctor when we followed up on her jaundice case if she thought my baby has the disorder and upon checking they referred us to the paeds in a government hospital. We went to the paeds and they did a more thorough check up and admitted her to the NICU ward. Lots of things are being checked now as she is in the ward. Results are still upcoming but some preliminary facts are already present. She is being treated for infection in her lungs and she is on antibiotics. The most important issue now is my little Emily has congenital heart problem. The seriousness is yet to be determined, more tests are to be conducted  by cardiologists. Whether she will need surgery urgently, later or not at all, we will find out after that.


We also announced this to close family and friends this news. We have been getting messages of love and support. Personally, I am still trying to grasp the truth and hoping against hope that miracles can come true, if God is willing and my Emily will be healthy and normal. I cry a lot, and sometimes, I don't know how to feel. I am taking it one step at a time. I know, and have been told, God has His plan for each of us and Emily is His gift to us. I know this but I have to learn to accept it and only God can give me and my family the strength to face it.

Emily is 19 days old today.