New Friends

Parker early on

When I began keeping up with our blog, my intent was to keep our families up to date on how everything was going with the pregnancy.  They are all 11 & 14 hours away from us in Arkansas, so I hoped it would be a way for them to watch Parker grow and change frequently since we couldn't see each other on a regular basis.  After our 20 week anatomy scan when we found out about Parker's cleft lip and palate- it also became a way for me to educate everyone on what that meant, how it would be repaired, and what we could anticipate.  Like keeping a journal, it surprisingly also became a way for me to work through the emotions of what we were expecting.  I had no idea what a blessing the blog would become!

It is so sweet to look at these old pictures- he looks so different now, yet the same.

Parker's lip looks better and better each week

In less than a year, I am amazed at how many people have looked at our blog after researching cleft lips and palates.  I have had some really great emails and messages from people who gave us encouragement through their own experience. We've also been touched to see that communicating our experience has been an encouragement to other people who are just starting their journey in dealing with a cleft or other similar circumstances.  

Parker's lip repair looks remarkable!  We are so pleased with his results and know it will continue to look better with time.

The sweetest thing to result so far is a new friendship with a family here in Columbia of all places!  The day I went into labor, my friend Rachel had been researching cleft lips after learning that week of her son's cleft at their 20 week anatomy scan.  She was surprised to find someone in her own town who was going through the experience.  The day Parker was born, she and her husband also met with our MFM OB, Dr. Brown, for additional scanning.  Dr. Brown had just met Parker that morning in the hospital, and they talked about him (small world!).  

Rachel and I started emailing, and our friendship began!  Now, her little man, Robbie, is 2.5 months old, and is anticipating surgery on his lip with Dr. Chen next week.  Parker and Robbie had their first playdate last week- and it was such a treat!  I forgot what it was like to hold a 2 month old (only 15 lbs to Parker's 20!).  He is absolutely precious- and so handsome!  Spence and I marveled at how similar he looked to Parker just 4 months ago.  We also surprised ourselves by talking about how something that seemed so scary and devastating just under a year ago, now we describe as "not a big deal."  Yes, our son will have several surgeries, we use specialty feeders, and we are beginning speech therapy- but it all seems normal and so minute.  Parker is perfect in every way.  It has been so refreshing and encouraging for me to meet Rachel and Robbie and share our circumstances, emotions and experiences together.  You never know how God will use your circumstances for good and blessings!

Our friends Rachel & Robbie!