That time a hymn changed our lives

We are so extremely blessed to have such amazing family and friends! I am trying to write back to each one of you but in the meantime, thank you so much for your words, love and support.

We are doing okay! Last weekend, we went through lots of ups and downs.

But we are feeling more up than down lately.

We are seeing a counselor at LDS Family Services to help us deal with and think about this situation differently.

We have joined a group, "United Angels" where parents of special needs kids meet with other parents of special needs kids.

We are both able to wake up each day not scared of the future but a little more excited.

A good friend of mine reminded me to enjoy the rest of my pregnancy. She was right. I have tried to do that this week. I enjoy our baby's little kicks and squirminess.

We did decide to do an amniocentesis. We get the results this weekend! We will keep you posted. We met with a different parintologist this time, whom we liked better. She was funny and put us at ease. She wasn't quite so "doom and gloom". We meet with her after we get the results to talk about what to do next. We have to meet with a neonatalogist too. Lots of doctors!

I did switch my OB. I already like her better too!

The new parintologist thinks it might be a boy! The amniocentesis will tell us for sure.

I also have written a letter to our sweet baby. I don't know if I'll ever show her but it has REALLY helped me to be excited to meet our little one, no matter what.

This is what I wrote:

Dear Aubrey, 

We are so excited to have you join our family in a couple of months. We prayed and know for certain, you were meant to join our family at this time. 

The doctors have told us your brain didn't form correctly and that you might have problems with your physical body. 

We want you to know that we love you no matter what your body is like. We know you will have a beautiful spirit. We feel very fortunate to be your parents. We are blessed and truly lucky. 

Aubrey, we love you. We will anxiously be awaiting your arrival and praying that your body will be a blessing to you on Earth. 

Love, your parents, Amy & Josh

Well, we were in church today and we sung the hymn, "Count your many blessings." The words were exactly what we needed to hear! Here are the words and my comments are in italics and crossed out :):

When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,   yes we have felt like that
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Chorus:

Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?  yes!
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear? yes yes!
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will keep singing as the days go by.

When you look at others with their lands and gold, and perfect children,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings money cannot buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.
So, amid the conflict whether great or small, it's great!
Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.


We are feeling more optimistic! We will keep you posted on what else we find out!