“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”
The Apostle Paul – Romans 8:28 ESV
Hello! My name is Lauren. I’m not sure exactly what brought you to this blog. Perhaps you have suffered a loss, or you know someone who has. Regardless, I’m grateful that you’re here.
First off, a little about myself. My husband, Baylor, and I are high school sweethearts and got married in 2016. Kids have always been a part of our plan, and we were so excited to learn that we were expecting our first baby on March 4th, 2020. At a routine 20-week anatomy scan, we discovered that our baby girl had defects in her heart and brain. Subsequent genetic testing led to a diagnosis of Trisomy 13. We were given a very grim prognosis, but sought to cherish each day that we were given with her, no matter how many there were. We clung to the words of Psalm 139, that our daughter was fearfully and wonderfully made and that all the days of her life were already decided by God.
Our daughter, Eden Rose, was born on October 15th, 2020. We got to hold and love on her for 44 precious days before ushering her away to the arms of Jesus. About a year later, we welcomed Eden’s little brother, Jude, into our family. I now spend my days caring for him and working as a physical therapist.
My motherhood journey has looked much different than I ever anticipated when we decided to start a family. I am still learning what it means to mother my baby who isn’t here anymore, while at the same time being a mother to a baby who is here. It may be difficult for many to even recognize my identity as a mother in its entirety. On the outside, I live the life of a mom of one, yet I am actually a mom of two.
I write to share about my experiences with navigating a prenatal diagnosis, parenting a child with complex medical needs, child loss, and challenges with parenting amidst grief. My hope is that fellow grieving moms will find validation and hope, and others will come to recognize the unique aspects of life after loss.
Thank you for being here, friend.
Love,
Lauren