Loving Fiercely
Something was not right.
Allyson had had some struggles with her pregnancy but all indications were that the baby growing inside her was strong and healthy. He was very much alive and kicking. Then one day, just three weeks before her due date, he stopped moving. Allyson and Jay went to labor and delivery for a "fetal well-being" unltrasound.
They ran another test and he passed the ultrasound but the heartbeat wasn't spiking as it should. "No need to worry" they were told and were sent home.
Allyson knew something was wrong and the next day she was back at labor and delivery. More tests were run and soon she was being prepped for an emergency C-section.
Soon after, little Nolan entered the world. Unlike the noisy, squalling, little wrinkled turnips that get plopped on Mommy's tummies in hospitals everywhere, Nolan was silent.
He was silent because his tongue was at the roof of his mouth and there was no clear passageway for him to breathe. Nolan has Treacher Collins Syndrome--a disorder in which the facial bones do not develop fully in-vitro and some deformities result, like a cleft palette and very tiny ears. For the full story, go to CaringBridge.org
Nolan had a tracheotomy when he was five days old and has a feeding tube and a hearing aid but when you look into his eyes, you see a bright little boy, full of life and ready to take on the world. He sucks on his hands, kicks and smiles at his mom and dad.
On June 22, I did Nolan's 4 month portraits andI am very grateful Jay and Allyson said I could share them with you.
"He is a very strong little guy, with a clearly developed personality and
a bright future ahead. Most importantly, God knew him before he was
formed in my womb. He gave him to Jay and I for a purpose, and we will
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