The Geneticist

It has been a busy couple of weeks around here, aside from every day life, Miss Nora has had a 21-month growth check (she broke the 20 pound mark - in fact she's just over 21 pounds!), we had our 6-month post-placement visit with our social worker (may blog more on that some day ... or, maybe I won't ... lots to process with those visits), and today we went back to the Children's Hospital for a visit with the Geneticist.

I will be honest, this was an appointment that I had been dreading since the day we made it, months ago.  Until the appointment was done this afternoon I hadn't realized how preoccupied I was, wondering if there were any unknowns with Nora (of course, there are a lot of unknowns and finding anything new wouldn't change a thing), but I worry as most Mamas do.  My worry was for naught as the Geneticist feels that Nora's cleft is isolated and that her development and general health show no signs of any syndromes, disorders, etc.  Praise Him!

We received the pre-paperwork for this visit a couple of weeks ago, I put it aside for a few days as the thick packet appeared daunting.  When I did get to work, it took me a mere 3 minutes to complete all of the paperwork as it was largely questioning pregnancy and birth of Nora, both of which we know nothing about.  While it is hard to not be able to answer these questions, this was another reminder that got me to think about and pray for Nora's birth parents.  I mourn for them, not seeing this little girl blossom, not hearing her first word, not hearing her belly laugh, not chasing her as she wanders (and thinks she's hilarious doing so) at her brother's spring concert.  I mourn for the milestones they are missing.  But, I am thankful for this gift that we have been given because of their sacrifice, because they clearly loved and wanted a different life for their daughter.  So thankful ...