Wednesday, December 15, 2010

It's a Girl!

Michaela Grace Labrador

We got lots of good pictures of her today, and it's certain that she's a girl! I am beyond thrilled. The anatomy scan was very thorough, and the perinatologist and technician checked her heart, brain, and areas of blood flow. Everything was perfect. They told me that she weighs 9 ounces at this point. Michaela had her face pressed up against the placenta, so I will have to go back in a month for another look at her profile. They will be looking for signs of cleft lip or cleft pallet. The doctor said that the umbilical cord is not attached to the placenta in the ideal place, but she didn't think it would present any problems. They will see me monthly to monitor that.

As we (my parents and I) walked out of the exam room, we ran into Dr. Dourron, my reproductive endocrinologist. He was there with his wife, their toddler and their six-week old baby. My mom had just asked me if I was going to call him and tell him that the baby is a girl. I said I thought I'd wait and send him a birth announcement, but there he was. I was able to share the good news with him, and he gave me a big hug. I'm sure that kind of news must be very rewarding for him and his staff to hear after all the things they do to help these babies come to be.

After the appointment, we met my sister for a celebration lunch. This will be my sister and my BIL's first niece or nephew. I'm very excited for them. There are five grandchildren on Michael's side of the family, but my sister and her husband have the only children on our side or his side. It will be a new experience for them. And my nieces are so excited to have a cousin - their only first cousin.

Anyway, this means that all the little girl things - including some beautiful Asian dolls - will be brought in from the garage and put in the white vintage dresser I bought for another little girl five years ago. I just need to feel well enough to do that! Hopefully these migraines and the nausea will go away soon.

Today is another example of how the Lord will turn our mourning into dancing. He is so faithful and good. If you are struggling with trusting Him in any part of your life, I encourage you to give it over to Him. He will lead you to a place of joy and hope. I am a living testament to that.

24 comments:

  1. Oh Joannah! A little girl! So glad you were able to find out- the lot of us were going crazy with you in the waiting! =) Michaela is such a lovely and perfect name. Much, much happiness indeed!

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  2. I guessed boy- but I was sure I was wrong! I'm so excited for you! I LOVE the name! I know her Daddy is so proud of how brave you are to give him this precious gift!

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  3. Praise GOD for this little girl! Sharing the excitement with you! Michaela Grace is such a lovely name. I am just so very, very, very happy for you. Hugs, Sarah

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  4. Perfect name choice. Just perfect and beautiful!

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  5. SO happy for you. Love the name and very thankful for a healthy baby.

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  6. So happy for you and MGL, she is truly a blessing from God. Love the name and am sure Michael is smiling down on you both. Take care and hope you are feeling better soon.

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  7. I love the name! That is actually the first name I ever picked for a girl if we have one. My dads name is Michael and Michaela is a European name, to honor my husbands culture.

    I am so happy the scan went well. Thamk you for your testament, a reminder I needed today. xoxoxoxox

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  8. Oh Joannah, this is such lovely news. I think her name is so very beautiful and Michael must be beaming from ear to ear.

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  9. A beautiful girl! I am so very happy for you and your family.

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  10. I am soo happy for you....I guessed a girl LONG ago.....Michael is looking down and smiling big.. LOVE U my friend..
    Hugz..

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  11. You are a true living testament of His grace! Congratulations Joannah! I love her name! LOVE it!

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  12. She is just beautiful! Congratulations! Hoping you start feeling better real soon. Bet you have sweet little pink dreams tonight !

    Stacey

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  13. What an awesome miracle! I had a stong impression that she as indeed a girl. I'm glad you kept your baby things and I can't wait until the day you celebrate getting to finally USE them!

    Do you have a mailing address you'd be willing to give me so that I can send you a little something? I'm eager to sew...

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  14. Dear Joanna

    Oh what wonderful , exciting news!!!! A sweet baby girl and a beautiful name - Miss Michaela Grace!!!

    Hoping and praying that you are soon feeling better!! Congratulations and happy celebrations to you and you family!!!!!

    Love and ((Hugs))!!!
    Jan, John & Jillian Rose

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  15. Praise God and blessings to you both.

    (PS -Girls are so much fun)

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  16. Wonderful news!! Nice to meet you Miss Michaela! :) You are going to just LOVE that Mommy of yours.

    Congrats Joannah! And yes, girls are a blast!

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  17. Joannah, deep and sincere CONGRATULATIONS (which would be in order whether it was a boy or a girl). I love the name, so fitting for this joyful little one.

    I do hope your symptoms improve, you must be worn out.

    http://itiswhatitisorisit.net/

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  18. As if you don't already know how thrilled I am!! Such a miracle! Can't wait to see her.

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  19. Yay-- girls are such fun! So very glad to hear that she's healthy and happy and the name is just perfect. I hope that the nausea and headaches go away soon!

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  20. Oh Joannah,
    HAPPY BABY GIRL!!!

    Hope you feel MUCH better soon, and soon feel those magical movements.
    Michaela, lovely.
    I am so happy for you, and for this miracle.

    xox
    Kate

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  21. Congratulations. I thought you might choose that name...it is beautiful.

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  22. Congratulations on your little girl!!
    I absolutely love her name!
    I am so very happy for you.

    I have been losing a bit of faith lately.
    Thanks for this post. I am giving it to Him.
    Blessings,
    Gail B

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