After having Regan, I will never look at statistics the same again. I remember talking to BB (my sister) after the initial phone call from my doctor about Regan’s high risk Down syndrome test results. I said to her (but mostly to myself) that we had such slim odds of any chromosomal disorder based on my age and medical history, and she said “slim chance is still some chance.” So very true, but when someone tells you odds, you tend to think you’ll fall into the majority category. There’s a reason they call it gambling when you bet against the house.
I was watching Dr. Oz today while Regan was finishing her 3PM feed (#daytimetelevision), and he was featuring a series of “Medical Miracle” stories. One of the feature stories was a boy who survived a terrible car wreck and was essentially decapitated. When he was admitted to the hospital, the doctors gave him a 2% chance of survival. He recovered after intense physical therapy and eventually walked again. This story got me thinking about our own story, and by any perspective, Regan is nothing but a miracle.
Our chances of having a baby with Down syndrome were 1 in 984. I’m going to give myself a little wiggle room here and go ahead and call this 0.1% (1 in 1000 for those who struggle with statistic math). If you were to look at this from the perspective of survival odds – let’s say you walk into the doctor’s office one day and they tell you that you have 0.1% chance of survival, and then you beat the odds and survive – what a miracle! Telling anyone your story and odds would have them flabbergasted and you’d likely spend the rest of your life praising God for giving you the gift of life. By the same token, Regan our 1 in 1000 miracle to be celebrated!
Lately I should be thanking God for my gift of a husband for being my partner through the long days. Earlier this week, Mitch got sick so I took him off any Daddy duties for a minimum of 24 hours. Needless to explain after last week’s post, the lack of sleep totally threw both of us off our game. The next morning (once Mitch was back on Daddy duty), he slept through the 6 AM alarm to feed Regan. We also happened to have a doctor appointment the same morning. Both of us woke up in a tizzy, trying to decide what to do since she had missed her first breakfast feed. I got (irrationally) upset knowing full-well he obviously did not sleep through 6AM (after waking at midnight, mind you) on purpose. Well, God has a sense of humor because the very next night/morning, I slept right through the 3AM feed and Mitch woke me up at 4AM. Of course Mitch handled it with far more grace and understanding than I did, forgiving me and taking care of Regan while I tried to find my glasses and stumble my way to her nursery. Regan also pulled her feeding tube out from her little nose, so we found ourselves performing that procedure at a time when only the birds should be awake.
This week was quite literally a wake up call to RELAX. The bottom line is Regan is continuing to gain weight and except from the hours of 9PM to Midnight (#witchinghour), she’s a happy, sleepy baby. Our little 0.1% miracle should be my daily reminder to let go and trust we’re doing everything we can to keep her a happy girl.
Regan had two appointments this week – one with Nutrition and one with Cardiology. Nutrition will monitor her weight gain and adjust her feeds as needed. Regan is up to 8lb 3oz, right on track of where they need her to be. The Cardiologist says her symptoms will dictate her surgery date, and right now her little heart is workin’ overtime. The overworking causes some fluid build-up in her lungs, which causes her breathing to be a bit labored. She’s on medicine to keep the fluid at bay, but of course the surgery will eventually be necessary to correct her little ticker. The little blessing in this is that she is monitored very closely by her doctors who will keep a close eye on her until her surgery date (and beyond).
Regan is already teaching me and Mitch to keep everything in perspective while we raise her! Until next time, friends – happy weekend!
You are an inspiration❤️. Wish I had your grace and maturity when I was first learning to be a mom. Reagan is a miracle and a blessing. She remains in our prayers.
You two are amazing- love this perspective, and she’s just the sweetest. 💗
Megan, you and Mitch and Regan are in my prayers . When I read your blog, I truly feel like I am reading a book that I can’t put down. God Has blessed you in His way. Regan truly is a miracle baby. God picked the right parents!! Much love to you❤
I knew Mitch would be a great husband and father. He was a gentle soul as her grew up always kissing me on my cheek when he saw me on holidays and summer picnics. I also knew Megan whould be a great mom as I grew to know her and watched her grow to be a member of our unique family. I am so great full to have both of you in my life and now the three of you all. ( A little Texan jargon)LOL
Can’t wait to meet Regan for the first time. I never met an angel in person. Love you all Aunt Sharon