G&G Wood Visit Carsen for the First Time

Grandma and Grandpa Wood made it down to see Carsen for the first time.

Fun Times

We have had so many things happen lately, that I've been a slacker at blogging! Starting with Valentines day, Emerson FINALLY started walking, so cute!

We've had my sister and her two kids here for their spring break, we were able to do some fun things, I hope they had a good time!

At the Birmingham zoo, it was a cold day!

Paityn and Emerson, it was so nice to have the kids be able to walk around with Emerson! They are such great helpers!

Keihlin and the Lorikeets, look at that cute face.

Emerson having a much better time, the first time she ever saw the Lorikeets she was 10 months old, and hated them!

Paityn getting the nerve up to feed the flamingo's, she finally did it!

All bundled up, did I mention that it was COLD?

Warming up in the van, watching a movie

Grandpa Hatch and the kiddos

At the Tennessee Aquarium

taking a break, having some lunch

The Latest

As some or all of you that read this blog may or may not know, our little Carsen has been diagnosed with Down Syndrome. Down Syndrome is a chromosomal disorder caused by the presence of all or part of an extra 21 chromosome, she has three, rather than two, 21 chromosomes. Carsen has, what's called a Robertsonian Translocation 21 on 14, translocation accounts for about 4% of all cases of Down syndrome. In translocation, part of chromosome 21 breaks off during cell division and attaches to another chromosome, typically chromosome 14. While the total number of chromosomes in the cells remain 46, the presence of an extra part of chromosome 21 causes the characteristics of Down Syndrome.

We have been reassured with wonderful news that Carsen's heart is in perfect condition. The reason this is good news, is because in about 40-50% of people that have Down Syndrome have serious heart problems, and other health problems, so far we are in the clear.

This Down Syndrome diagnosis was definitely tough news to take just hours after our little angel was born. We have come to terms that we will just have a new "normal" if there is such a thing. We are so in love with this little angel and will do everything in our power to make her life as wonderful and fulfilling as possible. She is a complete joy and we can't wait for everyone to meet her. We cannot tell you how blessed we are that God entrusted one of his most precious angels with us.