May 2, 2008

A Little Leone in Heaven

On Thursday, April 3rd, we learned we were expecting a new little bambino/a. Another little Leone!

Our surprise and health concerns (given my pregnancy-induced stroke history) quickly turned to great jubilation as we realized the gift we'd again been given. Rather than adding to our family by adoption, as we were considering, we were now going to be adding by birth once again. Six little Leones.

The kids were thrilled. Kathleen, our nine-year-old, cried tears of joy, a new experience for her. Talk quickly centered on names, room arrangements, and much more. The pregnancy hormones kicked in for real a week later with the usual nausea and the quick-popping abdomen. We spread the news earlier than usual this time, as we hoped friends and family would join us in praying for a healthy pregnancy.

Three weeks later, on April 24th, we received the overwhelmingly sad news that our baby had no heartbeat. It was estimated that our little Leone had died within just twenty-four hours of the OB appointment where the lack of heartbeat was revealed. She (or he) was 8 weeks gestation. This was our first miscarriage.

Anna Marie, our eleven-year-old, had joined me for the ultrasound. We had prepared her that ultrasounds don't alway reveal good news, but of course, we never expected the outcome we'd receive that day. Thus, Anna Marie and I together were the first to hear the news.

We saw, on the ultrasound, a perfect little baby at the very early stages of development. The spine was distinct. The head was prominent. And although I think I could detect arm and leg "buds," there was also still a bit of that early "tail" shape to the bottom end of our little one. But there was no movement. No heartbeat. No sign of life.

A follow-up ultrasound the next week would confirm things definitively for us.

We are full of emotions. The little one whom we already loved will never enter our lives in the same way that our other five children have. But this little one already has a special place in heaven and can intercede on our behalf to God. We have a treasure in heaven, and we know we are blessed. But we are human, and the tears still flow.

I have a beautiful bouquet of a dozen long-stemmed red roses from my dear husband and a magnificent spring bouquet of tulips and lilies from our great friend Claudia. The flowers helped put a smile on my face during a time that felt so strangely bleak. They came just as the lovely congratulations-on-your-pregnancy flowers from my mother-in-law had faded.

We hope to bury our baby next week. Our children have decided that our baby was a girl, and have named her Mary. Whether she's a Mary or a Mario, she's dearly loved by her parents and siblings and won't be forgotten. We hope she'll pray for her siblings and parents here on earth.

10 comments:

love2learnmom said...

I'm so sorry to hear that, Elizabeth. We'll be keeping you in our prayers!

Meredith said...

Tears in my eyes and prayers in my heart. I'm so sorry.

Cheryl said...

I'm really sorry, Elizabeth. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.

Kris Delaney said...

Oh, Elizabeth, I'm so so sorry. I'm hearing all of the news for the first time now. Please know that we will keep all of you in prayer. We know how difficult this is. We also add a little prayer of thanksgiving for this little Leone, now in heaven for all of eternity. He/she will intercede in wonderful ways for your beautiful family. God bless, Kris

Allison said...

Oh...so sorry....

Kirsten said...

Elizabeth, This is the first time I am seeing your blog. I am sorry that this is the first post that I read. I am so very sorry. May the Peace of Christ heal all of you during this time and give you comfort. God Bless.
Kirsten

makingsevenheaven said...

Oh Elizabeth and Joe! I'm so sorry to hear about your precious wee one. Know I'm praying for you all. Be comforted by the fact that you have your own little saint in heaven interceding for the Leone's! We are reassured by our baby "Judah" who is up there greeting your sweet one! Chris

Sandy said...

Love and prayers for your family, Eliz. .....

Mary Vitamin (Helen) said...

I'm so sorry Elizabeth.
I'll remember you and your family in my prayers tonight.

Pamela said...

Elizabeth and Joe,
You have been in are thoughts and prayers and I pray for peace in your heart. I hope the Leone Baby Found our little Gootee baby and together are just having a great time. Both in Heaven for all eternity what a great feeling knowing they are both safe in the arms of are Lord.

Blessings,
Pamela