Birth

Hands down one of the most nerve racking moments of my life were the short moments before Lark was born. The fear of the unknown was about to become reality. Answers to questions we had had for months were fixing to be answered. We had so many months to prepare for her and what PFFD would bring to our lives but in that moment a flood of emotions hit me ... I was straight up scared!

I will never forget the look of relief on everyone's faces when she came out. I too felt like I could breathe again. She was here and that was all that mattered! My doctor studied her very carefully before laying her down on me. There is no moment in life like the moment new life is laid upon your chest. I think it's one of the most beautiful moments between a husband and a wife and a mother and a child. The joy and love is overwhelming. 

Because we knew a head of time that Lark had PFFD there was an extra team of nurses in the room to examine her. They quickly took her and began their evaluation. A good team of doctors can make a world of difference when going through anything medically. My OB and the other doctors within the group are amazing. She is amazing! I will forever be thankful for her attentiveness and kindness throughout my pregnancy with Lark.

Before the nurses brought Lark back to me my doctor simply said "just hold her for now, don't look at her leg, just hold her." Now of course you know all I wanted to do was remove that tightly swaddled blanket and check out the situation but I didn't and I'm glad that I didn't. After all the nurses and doctors had left the room I finally did look. With my mom and mother-in-law next to me I unwrapped  my sweet baby girl. Looking at her, her leg and hip looked like I guess I had imagined it would but it was a tough moment for me. Nothing can truly prepare you for the reality of your child having a disability of some sort. Yes there are worse things out there, way worse but any type of disability is hard and it's ok to be sad that your child will face things you wished they never would. It didn't take long for all of us to wipe our eyes and move along because how can you do anything but smile when you are looking at this loveable face.