Sweet Caroline

Caroline Grace entered this world on May 11, 2015 weighing 6lbs and 1oz. We heard her soft cry, saw her pink skin… but most of all she was breathing.
We didn’t know how much time, if any, we would have with our daughter.
At 23 weeks gestation, we discovered that Caroline had Trisomy 18, a chromosomal abnormality that resulted from her having three copies of chromosome 18.
Trisomy 18 occurs in about 1 in 7,000 live births. However, it is more common in pregnancy but due to the serious physical defects associated with the condition, many babies don’t survive. About half the babies who are carried full-term are stillborn. Of those that do survive, less than 10% live to reach their first birthday.
Caroline is 3 months old. We celebrate her birthday every month.
She is a fighter. She is OUR miracle.
When we received her diagnosis, we vowed that we would always follow Caroline’s lead. God not only chose us to be her parents, but he chose her for us. His plan was intentional.
Caroline has several anomalies ranging from loss of hearing, facial paralysis, microphthalmia, clenched fists, weak muscle tone, rocker bottom feet and severe heart defects. She cannot eat orally and has to be fed via an ng tube.
Due to her severe cardiac issues, she may need surgery in the future.
We will follow her lead.
She is gaining weight, slowly opening her hands, attempting to hold her head up, and learning to use a bottle. All of these milestones are often taken for granted with a new baby. In our household, we celebrate the small things.
Caroline may never eat orally, walk or speak. But, then again, maybe she will.
No two children diagnosed with Trisomy 18 are alike.
Medical professionals, and society, have noted that these children are “incompatible with life”. Caroline has a brother and sister who adore her. Parents who chose to give her life. She is loved beyond belief. Every day we get to spend with her is a gift. Although, we don’t know how long her journey will be here on earth, we do know that she is very much compatible with life.
Follow Caroline’s Journey on facebook or on caringbridge.
Thank you to Jamie Oldenburg Photography for your time and talent.