My little niece is here!

[weekycat]

A few months ago, I posted about my sister Connie, who was pregnant with my unborn niece, who was feared to have some heart problems and possibly Down's syndrome.

She arrived today, her name is Shelby. She was 6 lbs. 11 oz., 19" long, auburn hair, and yes she does have Tetralogy of Fallot, (which is really 4 different heart defects), and yes she does have Down's syndrome.

She will be needing open heart surgery between 3 and 6 months of age, I can't quite imagine going through all that at that age, but maybe it's better. She won't have to get up and walk around, she won't have to worry about not lifting more than 10 pounds, she won't complain about not being able to drive, and I don't think they'll make her use that awful spirometer thing .

Anyway, keep little Shelby in your prayers, and I'll keep you updated on her heart surgery. Meanwhile, I'm going to do some "surfing" to see what I can learn about both the heart condition and Down's. Thanks!

 

[Ross]

Welcome to the world Shelby.

Mom and dad are going to need a lot of support and help I'm sure. Everything she has to go through is going to be very tough for all concerned.

I think your right about having it done at a very young age. At least she won't remember most of it like we do. That could be a big blessing in disguise.

This will be interesting. Please let us know whats going on with her when you know.

If I may be so bold as to offer a recommendation for a surgeon- Dr. Roger Mee At The Cleveland Clinic.

http://www.clevelandclinic.org/staff/getstaff.asp?StaffId=455

 

[sylviayasgur]

hi jean!
congratulations!!! what a pretty name, shelby!
i'm sorry she has so many things to contend with at such a young age. fortunately, she probabley won't remember any of it.
there are so many fantastic surgeons out there who are proficient at this type of children's surgery.
i'm sure shelby will be well taken care of.
i actually know several kids at my daughter's school who had open heart surgery as babies and are now in their teens and going strong.
please send our best to her parents and let us know how it all goes.
be well, sylvia

 

[bvdr]

Hi Jean,

I don't really know what to say. You have had such a tough year already. Somethings we just can't understand and this is one of them. I have a young friend who has a child with different yet similar problems. He is autistic, mentally ********, and has cerebal palsy. He also has had many many medical problems and is now 8 years old. Somehow this child is very loved by many people and has touched many people's lives including mine. I pray that even in these hard circumstances than joy will be born. I've seen it before and it can happen again.........................Betty (bvdr)

 

[Georgia]

Congratulations on Shelby

Congratulations on Shelby

I'm sure she's a darling baby; and when the surgery's done she'll do great.

I know very little about Downs, except that HUGE strides have been made in the education and medical treatment of these youngsters. I know that when I was a kid it was a rare Downs child who wasn't institutionalized from birth. And now they're sought out as newborns for adoption. I know from a couple friends whose younsters were Downs children that they're considered among the most loving and enjoyable of babies, toddlers and young children.

And I am sorry that there's further stress on your family. Please know you're in our thoughts and prayers.