MOMS Study Prenatal Surgery Results

Many of you know that we looked into having surgery to repair Melody's back before she was born.  The idea sounded crazy, but we learned so much about spina bifida by just looking into it.  Ultimately, Melody and I were not candidates for the surgery as I had delivered both our other daughters at 36 weeks.  We trusted God's hand in whether or not the surgery would be available to Melody, and are at peace that it was not what was best for her.

This month the results of the MOMS Study (as it is called) were released.  In case you are interested, I've added a couple of links.  The results of the study are positive that it can be beneficial to the child.  While it was in clinical trials, you could only have the surgery as a part of the trial.  I'm assuming this means the surgery will now become more available to those who elect to have it.  However, the criteria for having the surgery will still be pretty strict, so it will still not be available to many. 

Here is an article in the Washington Post:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/09/AR2011020906090.html
Another article in the New York Times:
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/10/health/10fetal.html?_r=2&scp=1&sq=spina%20bifida&st=cse

Happy Tears

In parenting there are many things that bring happy tears.  This past weekend Hannah, Melody and I had the opportunity to travel to Idaho and visit my Mom and Dad.  On our 4 plane flights and car rides, I had the chance to ride beside Melody in her seat.  Usually I am driving when she is in her car seat.  But, this was a wonderful chance to be beside her.  Melody would stick her little hand out and hold mine.  Melt my heart moments.

But, these pictures make my eyes fill with happy tears: 

I've been doing these exercises for a couple of weeks, but I've never seen it.  Melody is actually bearing weight on her legs!  Yes, I'm helping her and she can't stand independently, but this is such a wonderful step.  The still photos don't show it, but Melody bends her knees up and down and really enjoys this exercise.  It is such a precious gift to see your child do something that  you weren't sure would even be possible.  Not too long ago Melody wouldn't even respond when her legs touched the floor, so to feel her push and try and stand up is amazing.  We are so proud and we are so very grateful.