Friday, May 13, 2016

Maya Journey: Naming our Baby Girl

Naming Our Baby Girl!
At the ultrasound on March 8th when we were introduced to the possibility of chromosomal abnormalities the doctor asked us if the baby had a name.  Normally we come up with fifty different lists and once the baby is born we stare at him (or her) for a while and try and figure out what name is the most fitting.  In this case, once we knew for sure that our baby girl had Trisomy 18, the doctors explained that could mean very likely that she may not survive to term.
We came to realize that this pregnancy, baby swishing around in my tummy, may be the only time we get with her and we wanted to connect with her as soon as possible.  We chose the name Maya Grace for our baby girl.  Maya just sounded so happy and one of the definitions is goddess of spring which just seemed so perfect.  A friend of mine brought a gift of tulips (one of my favorite flowers) and mentioned how if we planted the bulbs they would come back the next year, and although I have understood that tulips don't last very long, they are very beautiful.  I decided that wherever we live we will plant Maya tulips to enjoy each spring. Grace is my great grandmother's name and I have felt a connection with her despite never actually meeting her in person.  We also felt connected with the name Grace because it is by the grace of God that we are made better people.  And gosh despite all of my faults and weaknesses being revealed all at once, it is my hope to be a better person and a stronger family because of Maya.
Our latest pictures of Maya baby:) Oh how I love to look at these!


The doctor also gave us the idea of celebrating Maya's milestones even before birth (like every week when I get those "your baby is the size of a..." email.  So we decided to have a cake in her honor for one of those such weeks.

(Note the "M" cake behind the insane boys).

More later...


7 comments:

  1. Gillian, I cried so much reading your blog, this journey you are going through and the strength you and your family have, is something I needed. I love the name you have chosen for this beautiful baby girl.
    I literally Lol'd when the Dr. Said you were old, because my mom was almost 37 when I was born aND my friends mom was 41 when she was born. You're not old!
    You have such a beautiful family. Thank you for being such a wonderful example to me and for continually teaching me. I'll be paying for you and your family.

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  2. Gillian, I cried so much reading your blog, this journey you are going through and the strength you and your family have, is something I needed. I love the name you have chosen for this beautiful baby girl.
    I literally Lol'd when the Dr. Said you were old, because my mom was almost 37 when I was born aND my friends mom was 41 when she was born. You're not old!
    You have such a beautiful family. Thank you for being such a wonderful example to me and for continually teaching me. I'll be paying for you and your family.

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    1. Mirisha thank you so much for your kind words and I am glad that you were touched by our continuing story. Thank you for the prayers! (we need it)

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  3. My heart is with you, and I have been praying for strength, love, and faith through this. Maya is so loved by you and the circle of people around you. Our heavenly father has grand plans for sweet Maya. I love you.

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  4. Gillian, my thoughts and prayers are with you and the family as you face this challenge. I know Heavenly Father loves you and will guide you through. Sometimes we feel we face insurmountable challenges, but when we get to the other side of the challenge, we see how God blesses our lives and carries us through. Love and miss you all.

    Barb

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  5. I loved seeing that your little Maya's middle name is Grace! That is going to be our little girl's middle name too! It was supposed to be Isabelle's but one day when I was pregnant with her Kiah and I were out on a walk and passed a rose bush. We stopped and smelled them and it reminded me of my mom, her favorite flowers were roses and she always told me about how her rose bushes were doing at home. So I changed her middle name to Rose to remind me of my mom. Anyway I love the principle of grace too, such a beautiful enabling power. My prayers continue to be with you guys. Your post about your original doctor and then about your awesome medical team both brought tears to me eyes for different reasons. I'm so glad you found such a wonderful team of people to love and help you all!

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