This is a very unique post that I have never done before. Last spring I had the honor of meeting and photographing an absolutely stunning maternity session for Sheila and her husband Jason. They were soon expecting their first baby, a girl, and they were so excited to meet her. Cecilia was born in July and came to my studio when she was about 12 days old. Cecilia was just like all of the other newborns that I have in my studio, adorable, squishy, and slept great! Cecilia’s story, however, is very unique and I have invited her Mommy, Sheila to share her story with everyone. So, let me turn this over to Sheila……
“My husband and I both wanted a family. After a struggle with getting pregnant, we were thrilled when we found out in October 2013 that I was finally pregnant. My pregnancy went great and luckily I missed out on the morning sickness. On January 28, 2014 (my 33rd birthday) we found out we were having a girl! We were over the moon! Everything continued to go well and on June 30, 2014 (a day after my due date) my water broke at home. My contractions were immediately 3 minutes apart and 30 seconds long and it was a race to the hospital.
My labor did not go as I had planned. During a contraction, our baby girl’s heart rate dropped. The doctor said if it happened again, that they would need to do an emergency C-section. About 2 hours later, her heart rate dropped again. I was wheeled to the OR and prepped for an emergency C-section. At 5:29 pm on June 30, 2014, Cecilia Marie was born. (Nothing can describe the feeling of knowing that you helped create this beautiful little person!) I thought that everything was going to be smooth sailing from that point on, but again I was wrong. Cecilia had to be taken to the NICU because she was having trouble breathing. They didn’t know the exact cause, but they wanted to monitor her and make sure she was okay. After almost two days in the NICU, she was finally able to come back to my room.
On July 4, 2014 we were told that we were finally going home! I was so excited (and nervous knowing that I was responsible for this amazing little person!) Then the news came. Our pediatrician came in to discharge Cecilia and was doing one last exam when he turned to my husband and I and said, “Did anyone tell you that Cecilia has a heart murmur?” My husband and I looked at each other in a state of shock, shaking our heads no. An echocardiogram was ordered and we were told that it would be a while before we could be officially discharged. The echocardiogram was done and we had to wait for the results from the cardiologist.
The cardiologist came by later that afternoon to tell us that Cecilia had a hole in her heart. Her official diagnosis is Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD), a congenital heart defect where a hole occurs in the wall that separates the heart’s lower chambers. This allows blood to pass from the left to the right side of the heart. The oxygen rich blood gets pumped to the lungs instead of back out into the body. This causes the heart to work harder. A small VSD may close on its own while a larger one may need to be repaired with surgery. We were told that Cecilia’s VSD was moderate to large in size. It had a 50/50 chance of closing on its own. We were told the symptoms that we needed to watch for (fatigue, excessive sweating, and poor weight gain) and we were finally discharged.
On the drive home, the reality of what we were facing began to set in. I cried while my husband called his family to tell them the news. We now just had to wait and see what was going to happen.
The next few months consisted of visits to the pediatrician for weight checks & the cardiologist to monitor her heart. Cecilia was only showing poor weight gain, but doctors weren’t sure if it was because of her heart or if she was just going to be small. We began measuring and recording everything she ate.
Last Wednesday I took Cecilia in for a weight check and the pediatrician noticed that she was struggling to breathe. He called the cardiologist and we were told to come in immediately. After doing another echocardiogram and EKG, it was determined that the hole in Cecilia’s heart was much larger than they originally thought. The hole was not going to close on its own and needed to be repaired quickly.
Cecilia will be having open heart surgery in two weeks. The success rate for this surgery is very high, but as a new parent it is a very unnerving thought of having your baby go through major surgery. As a mom, I feel that it is my duty to protect my child and keep her safe. I feel helpless. I know this is what she needs, but it still scares me beyond words. We have a fantastic support system and I know that the surgeons and medical staff will do what is best for my baby. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers. She is a fighter and we will get through this, but I feel that all the extra thoughts and prayers can’t hurt either!”
I truly believe in the power of prayer, so please help me lift this family up, and help me show them the amazing support we have for them. We are all cheering for Cecilia and her recovery. <3
Rachel Lucero Wells - May God watch over your little Angel, we pray the He guides the surgeons the day of her surgery. We also pray for peace and comfort to the both of you. Know that God will be with you every step of the way. Here is a little saying that I say when things get tough, "The will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect you. "
May you feel God's presence. Cecilia, you are a fighter at this very young age, we pray for your fast recovery.
Pamela McNally - Bill and I are praying for you and your family and the surgeons who will do your sweet baby Cecilia surgery. Sending our love
Joanie Groshans - May God's love and grace be with you and bless this baby with good health. we pray for the surgeons that God will guide them.
Jennifer Brett Giurlanda - Beautiful baby girl, we are praying for you!
Sandi Owens - I had an atrol septal defect (hole in the upper right chamber of my heary) when I was a baby. They did not do surgery until I was 13. That was 52 years ago. I pray everything goes as well for her as it did for me.
Meghan Weiser - Please God look over sweet baby Cecilia and her family during this difficult time. We love you from your Kansas family.
Arbrie Marie Johnson - Praying for all of you and a speedy recovery.
Mary Kay Baumgartner - We pray for you, your family, and all of your Doctors. May God be with you and protect you.