We just had our first visit with the geneticist, Dr. Miles. We knew that T18 was not something that we passed to Carleigh, but it was nice to hear an actual geneticist tell us that! She said that T18 happens randomly and there is absolutely nothing we could have done to keep her from getting it. We were worried about our son being a
carrier or that our brothers and sisters could be affected. We are thankful they won't be!!
Now we understand a little more about how the Trisomy happened, as far as the way the cells divided. Dr. Miles was very positive toward us and what we're trying to accomplish with our little miracle - something we appreciate VERY much! She told us Carleigh is an individual and no matter what the statistics say, she is still our baby. We get to make the choices that we want for her and also, it is going to be up to her on how long she is with us.
Dr. Miles said that Carleigh making it through the pregnancy, labor, and delivery shows that she is stronger than many other T18 babies. Most don't even make it through the first few months of the pregnancy!!
Also, we are not classified into the 1 in 1000 chance for Spina Bifida, as Carleigh's is caused by the T18. Spina Bifida can sometimes be prevented by taking Folic Acid. When I found out she had SB, I felt maybe it was my fault because I didn't get enough Folic Acid. It's nice knowing that no matter what I did or didn't do, it did not cause Carleigh's problems.
Now we can just concentrate on helping her grow and letting her know she is VERY loved!!!
The Life of An Angel: Carleigh Lauryn Grace