We were eager to see our little girl on the ultrasound screen at our 17 week appointment, especially after receiving abnormal test results for chromosomal abnormalities in the weeks prior. We knew we loved our little baby no matter what God had planned for her. At this appointment, the doctor discovered that the amniotic fluid was unusually low. She seemed a bit alarmed but encouraged us to have the routine 20 week ultrasound done by the high-risk doctor. The appointment was scheduled early at 18 weeks, and there we found ourselves sitting in the genetic counselor’s office discussing another test result indicating that our baby was at risk for a neural tube defect. We were then led into the ultrasound room and met with the fate of our baby.

We were given the devastating news that our baby had several cysts on her kidneys. This is what led to the diminishing of the amniotic fluid. We were told that her lungs would not develop since there was no fluid for her to breathe and swallow, resulting in her heart eventually just stopping. The doctor continued to explain our baby’s fatal diagnosis and that she probably would pass away in the womb within days or weeks.

Although we were given the option to terminate the pregnancy, through much prayer and seeking God’s wisdom, we chose to carry our baby for as long as God had planned. As days turned into weeks, and weeks into months, we remained hopeful that God can do anything and that His plan is perfect. We chose to celebrate and cherish each day He allowed us with our sweet Gabriella, rather than mourn and grieve over something that wasn’t done yet.

Fifteen weeks after receiving Gaby’s diagnosis, God decided it was time for her to join Him in heaven. On May 24, 2015, at 7:12 PM, Gaby’s soul went to Heaven during the delivery and her silent body was placed in our arms. She weighed 2 pounds, 3 ½ ounces and was 14 inches long. The entire labor and delivery was the most peaceful, calm, and beautiful moments we have ever experienced. Words cannot describe how it felt to experience God’s presence in that delivery room that day. His beautiful works were shown through Gabriella.

We spent the next two days at the hospital making memories with Gaby. Beautifully precious moments were made in that hospital room that can never be replaced. We are so happy to have spent those days with her and will cherish it for the rest of our lives. Despite the sorrow we have in losing our daughter, we are given much joy in knowing that she is in the best hands; the hands of our Lord and Savior.

After an autopsy and a multitude of chromosomal testing, doctors concluded that Gaby had a very rare condition called VACTERL Association. VACTERL is an acronym representing the first letter of one of the more common findings seen in children with this condition. It occurs in 1 in every 10,000-50,000 births (how’s that for odds!) Fortunately Gaby did not have any vertebral abnormalities and the chances of us having another baby with VACTERL is 0-2%. Click here for more information about VACTERL Association.