Aspen is Born Abel!

My journey to motherhood was anything but typical. It was filled with many highs and lows. After 5 years of infertility, one miscarriage, 3 IUI's, and Endometriosis, my husband and me put all our savings and prayers into IVF. With much success we were over the moon, expecting our miracle.  

Since I was high risk due to IVF and my age, I was referred to MFM for my 20 week anatomy scan. The ultrasound was amazing! I got to see my baby girl in 3D with all her beautiful features. I was so excited to share her photos that I couldn't wait for the appointment to be over. As I sat there and waited on the doctor to come in and again repeat the ultrasound, she asked me to look at her brain, which I did. She explained my little girl appeared to have Hydrocephalus and was told Aspen's brain was abnormal. I was told she would need to be delivered at their hospital and would be in the NICU for awhile. The MFM doctor referred me for an MRI to verify the Hydrocephalus diagnosis. Therefore, two days later I did. After, three very long and devastating weeks we were given the diagnosis of Lobar Holoprosencephaly (the most mild form of Holoprosencephaly). 

At 32 weeks Aspen was measuring 3 weeks ahead, with no other known issues. At 35 weeks Aspen was diagnosed with severe Hydrocephalus with a head circumference measuring 43.2. At this point MFM stated Aspen would need to be delivered at 37 weeks via C-Section. Those two weeks were the longest weeks of my life. I struggled with anxiety, depression, worry, fear and the list goes on. I was told to make as many memories as I could while she was still in utero due to her multiple diagnoses.

Due to the lack of communication and knowledge I felt very discouraged. I ended up transferring our care to a different Hospital who were more equipped to advocate for the both of us. It was the best decision I ever made.

Aspen was born via C-section at 37 weeks due to the size of her head. She weighed 9lbs. 9oz. and was 21 1/2 in. long. Her head circumference at birth was 50 centimeters. She was intubated 5 minutes after birth due to breathing issues. She was immediately whisked away and transported to another hospital's advanced NICU. A VP shunt was placed at just 5 days old. Once the fluid started to drain, images showed damage to her brain tissue. Aspen was then diagnosed with Alobar Holoprosencephaly (the most severe type) and was placed on Palliative Care. Aspen moved mountains everyday, fighting for a chance to live in this world with a mother who longed for her and father who was already smitten by her presence. She is a warrior! After 34 long days in the NICU, God answered our prayers and Aspen was discharged. She is climbing mountains and showing her worth everyday. She was born brave, worthy, wanted and so very loved. 

Born Abel came to be a part of our lives several months after being home from the NICU. I was desperate to find a community that I could relate to and fortunately I found more than that. I found a community that was uplifting, encouraging, supportive and shouted the worth of many born Abel children. Born Able became our community and we are incredibly blessed to be a part of their mission. Born Abel has given us the opportunity to share Aspen's journey. She has been featured in 6 books with many of her medically complex friends and is even a published author. 

We hope you will consider supporting the Born Abel mission with us.