Our Sweet Boy Grayson James: October 2011

Friday, October 28, 2011

The Journey

One month has passed since we found out that our precious little boy has anencephaly. The news hasn't gotten any easier but the strength and peace has been wonderful. I am 21 weeks now and look forward to every moment, every kick, and every memory I get to have with our son.

What is anencephaly?

Anencephaly is a defect in the closure of the neural tube during fetal development. The neural tube is a narrow channel that folds and closes between the 3rd and 4th weeks of pregnancy to form the brain and spinal cord of the embryo. Anencephaly occurs when the "cephalic" or head end of the neural tube fails to close, resulting in the absence of a major portion of the brain, skull, and scalp. Infants with this disorder are born without a forebrain (the front part of the brain) and a cerebrum (the thinking and coordinating part of the brain). The remaining brain tissue is often exposed--not covered by bone or skin. A baby born with anencephaly is usually blind, deaf, unconscious, and unable to feel pain. Although some individuals with anencephaly may be born with a rudimentary brain stem, the lack of a functioning cerebrum permanently rules out the possibility of ever gaining consciousness. Reflex actions such as breathing and responses to sound or touch may occur.

Taken from the NINDS Anencephaly Information Page (http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/anencephaly/anencephaly.htm)

Our Sweet Boy Grayson James

Our Miracle is Here

Friday, October 28, 2011

The Journey

Family Picture

Picture Perfect

Thanksgiving

Halloween

Sweet Kisses

We're waiting baby brother

Family

Precious Children

Brotherly and Sisterly Love