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Lia Michele Shields

Our sweet little girl, Lia, was born on March 26, 2012.  She weighed 7 lbs 6 oz. and was 19" long!  What started out as an induction, turned into an unscheduled c-section due to Lia's decreasing heart rate and her not dropping.  After the c-section, we discovered that she had not dropped because she was stuck behind my pelvic bone.  She had a nice-sized bump on her forehead, and a crooked nose because of it, but now everything is all straightened out, and she is one beautiful baby girl!

The next day when her doctor came to check on her he heard a heart murmur.  He told us not to worry because its not uncommon for babies to be born with heart murmurs, and they usually correct themselves.  Well, the heart murmur never went away, so a cardiologist came to do an echo on her.  Then we heard some very unexpected news.  Our baby girl has a condition called Tetrology of Fallot.  She has two holes in her heart, the artery that pumps blood into her lungs is not wide enough at the base, and her aorta grows into both bottom chambers of her heart. (It is only supposed to go to the right side.)  Once she is strong enough, she will need to undergo surgery to correct all of these problems.  Until then, we see a cardiologist once a week to keep an eye on things and make sure she is getting enough oxygen.  They do not do this type of surgery in Wichita.  We have been referred to Kansas City or Tulsa for the surgery. but are also looking into options in Iowa to be around the support of our family.  Please keep us in your prayers!

I have been on an emotional roller coaster.  I break down and cry and think why is this happening to us?  But then I try and remember that it could be a lot worse, and that God has a plan for everything, even though it may not always make sense.  I heard a saying once 'Faith in God, includes Faith in His Timing...."

Enjoy these pictures of Lia.  I have some REALLY good ones to show you that I'm not putting on here yet, because their going on our birth announcements, and I don't want to spoil how darn cute they are!  I will be posting more very soon, so check back!

Proud Big Brother Jack! Although, he did ask yesterday when Lia was going home...

Love this!  My two babies!

This was right after we came home!  Notice her pearl bracelet!  Shes definitely mine!


Grandma and Grandpa Rosien
(More on them coming soon...they were a HUGE help last week!!)

Jack loves to help at bath time.

Combing her hair

Admiring his sister.


The Shields Family!
 We have been so grateful for all the ecouraging cards, meals dropped off, phone calls and prayers we have gotten from our friends and family!  We are especially grateful for my parents who spent all of last week down here and my in-laws who are spending this week down here while I recover from my c-section and to help with Jack.  I will be posting more pictures of Jack's fun times with Grandma and Grandpa very soon! 

Comments

Keri Hove said…
I don't think we have met yet, but we are good friends with Grandma & Grandpa Rosien! :) Just wanted you to know that we are praying for Baby Lia and the rest of your family! My husband works with your mom and we go to their church. Anyhow, I just wanted you to know we are praying for you all and especially your sweet baby girl!!
Love,
Marty & Keri Hove
April 3, 2012 at 8:16 AM
Pam the Realtor said…
Oh my goodness you have had some ups and downs! Lia is a beautiful addition to your family and I just know she is going to get thru these surgeries with flying colors. I had my daughter explain it all to me so have a better understanding of what you are going thru. Can't even imagine. Just know that I am praying for all of you!
April 3, 2012 at 12:26 PM
Terri Collins said…
Hi Ashley, I don't remember if we ever met or not, but I used to work for you Aunt Jane in Winterset. I also worked with Morgan and Jameson when they worked summers at the office. I talked to you Mom and Dad on the phone often, so I feel like I do know you. First of all congratulations on the birth of Lia and Jack is adorable. You are right, God does have a reason for everything and Faith in God include Faith in God's timing. I will keep you and your family in my prayers and have faith that this will make you all a stronger family and be thankful for the beautiful life you created in Lia. Count your blessings and keep you faith in God.
Terri Collins
April 4, 2012 at 9:34 AM
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