On May 18, 2016, my husband and I found out that our baby's kidneys were not functioning, and we were told that our baby would not survive more than a few minutes outside the womb. I was only 18 weeks along. After looking into experimental treatments, we learned that our baby was not a good candidate. At 20 weeks pregnant, we accepted the doctor's prognosis for our precious child.
Now, I am 23 weeks pregnant. I've never cried so much as I have in the last month. I didn't know the human body could produce that many tears. I have also never experienced so much joy as I have in the last few weeks, as I have felt my baby's tiny movements on a daily basis. My sisters bought me a pocket fetal doppler so we can listen to the baby's heartbeat at home. Hearing the heartbeat, feeling the movements, and seeing baby grow is so miraculous. Thank you God!
I write letters to my baby every night. I tell about my day, my prayers, and all the people that love Baby Pyper already. Hardly a day goes by without receiving a card in the mail from someone that is praying for the three of us. I have never experienced comfort from the family of God like this before. Wow. Thank you, friends and family in Christ.
Now we are just waiting. Waiting to see what God has in store. And even though there is a billion questions in my mind and plenty of things to worry about, God has given us peace. We have faith that he is working everything for our good. More importantly, we trust God with our baby. We know that he loves our baby even more than we do.
I have chosen to write because the beautiful little life that God has created is with us now! Baby Pyper is alive and that matters to us. This tiny life has a purpose.
Our next doctor's appointment is Monday. I will post updates for those of you that want to know how baby is doing, how we are doing...
(At the last appointment, the doctor said besides the kidneys, our baby looked great!)
God uses our baby to give us blessings every day. I am so thankful to be carrying this child. Thank you again for your prayers and encouragement.
In Christ,
Gretchen Pyper
Thank you for your words, Gretchen. I can't imagine what you and Josh (especially you) are going through, but know God knows and sees. We are praying for you. If there is anything we can, please let us know. We love you guys!
ReplyDeleteThank you Julie, we love you guys too!
DeleteWe are loving you three and praying continually for God's peace and comfort. May Christ be proclaimed through your living and sharing your walk with baby Pyper.
ReplyDeleteAnd we love you!
DeleteBless your heart Gretchen. So glad you are experiencing the peace that can only come from God....it is truly indescribable, as I have learned. I will pray for continued peace, comfort and strength for you and your family.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Steph. My friend sent me a song to listen to and it was "It is Well," the version sang at Scott's funeral. That made it even more meaningful to me.
DeleteThank you for sharing this journey with us, Gretchen and Josh. I can't begin to imagine what you are experiencing g with this diagnosis, but I do know what it's like to carry your baby for nine months and be scared. Our fourth child didn't have any diagnosis, he would just stop moving, and I would get scared..very scared. He's now a healthy 7 yr old and full of energy, but I'll never forget those days of fear. We will continue prayers for your family, knowing we serve an awesome God! Please keep us updated. We love you!
ReplyDeleteThis is Rebekah's sister :)
DeleteThank you, Miriam. Your love and prayers are so appreciated!
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