June 11, 2013 was the day I found out I was Pregnant! I remember it like it was yesterday. Nathan and I were so excited we were going to be parents. At our twelve week ultrasound we were in awe of our bouncing bean on the screen! While we waited for the doctor we were looking at the ultrasound photos in amazement. As the doctor walked in we were expecting like all parents do, for everything to be perfect, but that was not the case.
Logen Ella had higher amount of neck fluid. When the neck fluid is to high the doctors assume a chromosome issue. We had the genetic testing done to find out if there was any true issues with her diagnosis. We had to wait two long weeks for the results, which were the most dreadful two weeks of my life. We finally got the call that Logen's chromosomes were perfectly normal. Logen was healthy and a GIRL :)! We were so relieved.
At our 18 week ultrasound the doctors check the anatomy of the baby, and we were so excited to see our little girl again. We watched her little hands and mouth wiggle about; It was absolutely wonderful! But of course the wait for the doctor to come in after the scan is always so nerve racking for me. As the doctor walked in we hoped to hear everything was great with our baby girl, but again the news about our baby wasn't what we would've liked to hear. The doctor told us he suspected Logen had HLHS, also known as Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, and if left untreated is 100% fatal without surgical intervention. The doctor wanted us to see a specialist to confirm her HLHS, and to give us more information on the syndrome.
We booked an appointment for that following Monday so we had to wait the entire weekend to see the specialist :0. We spent our weekend crying, researching, and crying some more, I prayed to my father that this wasn't true, and that my baby girl was perfectly healthy. Sadly this was not the case, the specialist confirmed Logen's HLHS and went over some of the scary things Logen would have to go through living with half a heart.
Our baby girl would need three open heart surgeries before the age of four years old, and eventually need a heart transplant. This heart defect is so rare it only happens to one out of 5000 babies. Our world crumbled around us. After carrying Logen for five months deep down in my heart I knew I had to give my baby a chance, so that is what I will do.
Before we even knew about our child's condition her Daddy picked out her first name, Logen. Naming her after a very tough hero, Wolverine. I picked out her middle name Ella, which represents my father. Ella also means shining star :). I know she will be our little Wonder Woman, and will kick some butt making it through the tough times ahead of her. With the love and support from our family and friends, I know we will make it through this, and it will be a positive life changing experience.
Logen's care will be intense, and she will be in the hospital for some very long visits. Right now, Nathan and I are struggling to make ends meet. We have even been pushed to the point that we cannot even be in the same state right now. Nathan, my Fiancé, has moved to Florida for work, and I am in North Carolina. Because I'm half way through my pregnancy I will have to stay here for Logen's health care.
For the care she will need, traveling expenses for both Nathan and I, and everything that comes along with HLHS, it will be very hard to keep up with the bills. So, what we have decided to do is make CHD awareness shirts for Team Logen Ella! Any donation given for Logen will receive an awesome T-Shirt designed by my very wonderful and talented friend Sole Del Real!
We are so grateful and appreciative to any type of donation, and we could never thank you enough for your support. If you decide to donate please email me your address so we can send your gift. My email is: Natalie.Windus@aol.com We will keep you updated every step of the way of our little Wonder Woman's journey! Thank you so much! We love you all!