Thank You

The visitation last night went extremely well. When making the arrangements, the funeral director asked how many people we expected to come. We said, "maybe 50". According to the guestbook, there were well over 200 people that came out to show their support! Chad and I are in awe! Thank you sooooo much!

The disappointments from the meeting last week have been completely justified. Thank you to all who "intervened" on our behalf, including those who prayed.

After all the errands and events of the last few days, I have become quite sore. I will be taking a few days off from "blogging" to rest. I hope to also put all the memories of December 28 on paper, I can't wait to share the details with all of you! Chad and I are doing very well emotionally, spiritually, and physically. I know that is in large part due to all of your prayers! We can't express in words just how grateful we are for you. EVERY SINGLE need, desire, and prayer that we have had over the last four and a half months has been answered! Even down to my desire for Dylan to have lots of hair. What? His Mommy is a hairstylist. :) God has blessed us beyond our wildest dreams.

I will share a little story to hold you over.

For the first 3-4 hours of Dylan's life, he talked NONstop. I'm sure he would've been quite the social butterfly, just like his Daddy. There were a couple of times where he was more "upset" than just wanting to be heard. According to my research, most babies with Trisomy 18 aren't able to suck. Their muscles aren't usually strong enough. When Dylan was "upset" I would stick my pinky in his mouth, and he would clamp right down! His little tongue would tickle my finger. He did this for Daddy too. One of my favorite moments.

Wishing you all a VERY blessed New Year!

Love, Nicole

Visitation

Visitation is open to the public. It will be tomorrow night, December 30th from 6-8 PM at Cook's Funeral home in Grandville, located off of Chicago Dr.


Thank you all again for your comments and prayers.

Here's a little somethin to hold you over...





















Aren't they handsome???

We're Home.

I'm back! Thank you sooooo much Katie for being such a huge help today! Love you!


Chad and I got home a little while ago. We are doing well! Thank you so much for reaching out to us, loving us, and praying for us! Dylan lived for exactly 7 hours. 7 perfect hours. The best 7 hours of our lives! There are many many stories to share, but they will come in due time. For now, a picture will have to do. Allow us to proudly introduce Mr. Dylan James Wynsma...

Visitation times will be posted tomorrow.

With all our gratitude,
Nicole & Chad

Carry her to HIM.

this is a link to the entry on my blog i posted about Dylan; and I wanted you all to read it too. Please click here.

~Katie

Dylan is in Heaven now.

Dylan went to be with his Heavenly Father just moments ago. Please continue to pray for Nicole and Chad as they say goodbye to their son.

Dylan James you have left your footprints on the hearts of so many people who love you. You have impacted so many lives of people you never even met! You are a brave, special little boy. Oh how much you will be missed but oh how we are rejoicing that you are happy and healed completely in the arms of Jesus.

Nicole you are so brave and strong through this. Your faith in God has been a true witness to hundreds of people you have never even met! We are crying with you and pray for a peace that passes all understanding. Dylan is so lucky to have you as him mommy.


~Katie

Strong little boy!

Dylan Update:
It's Katie again.

Little Dylan gave everyone a couple scares but he is still fighting! Praise God!

His heart rate is strong, but slowing. Please continue to pray for this sweet new family of three.

His is so very handsome and has bright blue eyes and is 15 inches long.

Join me in prayer:
Father in Heaven, our hearts are heavy today but rejoicing at the same time. We praise You for Dylan's life and thank you for the gift You have given all of us. Lord, in Dylan's final hours draw near to Nicole and Chad and draw near to all of us who have fallen in love with this little boy. Please grant comfort and peace. We love You and are trusting in Your grand plan.
Amen.


Blessings,
Katie

He's Here!!

HE’S HERE!

Dylan James was born at 6:49 am! 3 pounds 12 ounces.

Good morning every one, this is Nicole’s friend Katie. I will be passing along updates as they come.

I just talked to Nicole around 8 this morning, Dylan was cooing in the background, what a sweet sound!

Mom and Dad are doing great! Our prayers came true for Chad to get the chance to know his son, he’s already been pooped on!

They are enjoying their special private time with him.
Please continue to pray for Dylan and his new family during this special time they have together. I will post an update again when I receive one.

Thank you for your compassion, love, prayers and support on behalf of the Wynsma family.

Prayer Request

No, I'm not in labor.

My prayer request is for the funeral home director that Chad and I met with yesterday. Well, the request is actually for me, that if I ever have to talk or deal with him again that I may receive patience and tolerance for such an uneducated and inconsiderate man.

I'm not sure where to even begin, and I'm not sure you even need all the details to grasp just how unpleasant an already dreaded meeting went. We were there to make "pre-arrangements" for Dylan's visitation, to get some decisions made ahead of time and become aware of things we needed to consider.

The first half hour, at least, was spent looking at the "wrong" book. He had been showing us prices/items for services for that of an adult. Talking in circles, and changing his story and pricing quotes every 5 mins. Though we are grateful for companies that donate their services "free" of charge for situations regarding the death of an infant, that was not why we were there. We chose them because they came with a recommendation. We were there for a meeting, on a Friday afternoon, because this is a path we were chosen to be on. Though reduced rate services are nice, we still want our son, our sweet precious firstborn who is very sick, to have just a special of a service as he himself is. We were made to feel as though the director felt we were there just because they offer their services free of charge, which we just so happened to be UNAWARE of when I contacted them. It was very apparent that this guy has not dealt with infant services very often.

After already leaving several times, and at least a half hour into the discussion, the director leaves again. He returns with the more suitable book for us to be looking at, labeled something along the lines of "infant" services. Finally. Some decisions could be made, though I don't feel all the options were given to us either because he wasn't aware of them, or he assumed we wouldn't want them because they weren't "free". Though nothing was mentioned by us of wanting a "free" service. When asked about a showing a slide show, the director said thiers would only hold about 25 pictures, and he had to add, "that's about the maximum amount of pictures people will actully sit and watch anyways".

Our meeting together ended with him sharing stories of several of his family members. Stories of two different couples. One couple lost their first two pregnancies early on due to the onset of premature labor. Then he concludes with a story of another related couple whose first child had a chromosomal disorder. They had a second child who also had a chromosomal disorder, and they then decided to abort the pregnancy. While my heart breaks for these families, was this very appropriate to be sharing with a couple who's there because their first child has a chromosomal disorder? It took every ounce of patience I had not to get up and walk out mid-conversation. It's a good thing Chad had been sitting between me and the door. I couldn't make this stuff up even if I tried people. And, I haven't even included all of the inappropriate side comments that he had also made.

Now, I know I'm quite hormonal, emotional, exhausted, and perhaps a bit on edge at the moment, however, this already tragic situation was made worse. I pray for forgiveness for wanting to ring this man's neck. I pray that until he becomes more educated and aware, more families who may have to say goodbye to their children all too soon, will not have to work with him when planning their child's services.

So, my prayer request is that I will receive patience when dealing with the funeral home again. That Dylan's service will be just as special as he is, and that we can look back at it with no regrets. And, oh yeah, a softened heart, so that I may receive rest and peace for the upcoming days ahead.

***As a side note for those of you who know me well, on this man's desk was a picture of two all white cats staring at me the whole time I was in the office!!!***

Merry Christmas to Us!

Our Christmas went ok yesterday. Chad ended up getting sick early on, and I of course just wasn't feeling peppy or energetic. But just as our gloomy day was coming to an end, Chad was able to feel Dylan kick for the first time! It made me so happy I cried my eyes out! Wishing you all had a much more Merry Christmas than we did!

Over much agony and debate, and getting the advice from some beloved family and friends, I have decided not to list the specific day for the induction here on my blog, though if you must know, it's very close. My reason for doing this is to maintain the little bit of privacy we have left. We greatly appreciate your thoughts and comments that you leave here on the blog, and are even more grateful for the prayers you say on our behalf. Your thoughts and prayers bring us much comfort and peace. Please don't take this the wrong way, but once at the hospital, we want to limit the number of visitors. We feel it will be a very difficult time for us, and would like to keep those moments private. But because you have all been faithful followers of the blog, I don't want to leave you totally in the dark. So once things progress, I do have a very Special Person designated to post a few short updates for you all...

In case you have a few spare moments, and are wondering what you can do for us, here a few specific prayer requests:

1. Rest for both Chad and I before the BIG day.

2. An uncomplicated delivery, bringing no harm to me.(Besides the obvious of course!)

3. That Dylan's birthday would be TOTALLY with peace and mercy. That we as a family can draw nearer to Him and to each other.

4. And lastly, though a selfish request, I'm begging for mercy on this one...for us to meet Dylan alive. But mostly that Chad can have the chance to look into his Sweet Boy's eyes.

There will be a visitation once Dylan passes that will be open to all who wish to come. I will post the date/time on the blog and in the local paper as well.

Thank you for respecting our privacy, but mostly for all the love and support you have shown us all along the way. We love you all, and may God bless you for all the ways you have blessed us!

Love,
Nicole, Chad, & Dylan

"I will say of the Lord, He is my Refuge and my Fortress, my God; on Him I lean and rely, and in Him I trust!"

Psalm 91:2

One More Week

Dearest Dylan,
I have so much I want to say to you, but it's so hard to build up the courage to say them. My heart breaks for you. I want to keep you. I want to hold you forever and watch you as you grow. I want you to outlive me, and have a family of your own. I wish you weren't sick, and I hope you don't feel pain. I want you to be healed and continue to live on with us. But, you're not mine. You are a gift given to us by the One who may ask us to give you right back after we hold you. I will gladly, and proudly give you back, but it won't be without pain or without suffering. It will be the hardest thing I think I'll ever have to do. But I'll do it.

You make me so proud. You continue to fight, to thrive, even though all of us are struggling to comprehend. You were created because of a mistake your mommy and daddy made, but please know God had your life planned out all along, and you were never a mistake. You have brought us joy and hope and love. You have taught us patience and endurance. You have brought us strength we never knew we had. I pray for a moment to look into your eyes and tell you just how much I love you.

Your daddy and I have tried to give you all that we could. Oh how I'll miss being able to talk to you and feeling you wiggle whenever I want. I don't know how I will get through this next week, knowing it may be the last we have with you. I look forward to celebrating Christmas with you. I look forward to finally kissing your sweet cheeks, but oh how scared I am of the journey before we meet.

Thank you Baby Boy for blessing us with your presence.

Until we meet...

Love, Mommy

Home Sweet Home

Chad made it to Wisconsin and back without a hitch! Thanks for your prayers! He made it home just in the knick of time. This is what we woke up to over here in Michigan! It's so bad they can't even plow yet! So much for the million things to do today to get ready for next week!

Update on Big Red

Here are some pictures of God's Mercy. The pictures don't even display half of it though. It's even more amazing in person. As a side note, the semi truck also had to be towed away from the scene.

I thought I would update you all on Chad's truck situation, being that this is the one week anniversary of his life being spared!

We were able to move swiftly through the insurance process (thank you for your prayers!). His truck will be "totalled", something we were hoping for being that it would be a minimum of 35 days for it to be fixed otherwise. However, apparently "full coverage" insurance doesn't really fully cover a loss. There will be out of pocket expenses, but still incredibly cheap compared to the priceless value of Chad's life. Good thing God gives full coverage! Chad has the next truck picked out, unfortunately it is located 5 hours away. The plan is for him to go and pick it up in the next couple of days. I am praying Dylan holds out on his debut until his daddy makes it back home with the new truck.

Speaking of Dylan, he has made it to "full term" status! He amazes me everyday. He has been able to celebrate Thanksgiving, my birthday, and Chad's birthday with us. Some days he moves more than others, and he was full of energy on his daddy's birthday. Did I mention he made it full term??? 17 weeks since we found out that he was sick. Most babies don't even make it this far. Given that he is still growing and dancing in there, even with the early signs of labor that happened six weeks ago, I'd say he's got his mommy and daddy's very strong will. I am so grateful for all this time we've had with him. Yes, there have been days that I just emotionally didn't think I could go on. I have wondered if it would be easier if we weren't aware of his condition. But who am I kidding, I'm an obsessive planner. I have been given plenty of time to plan out everything I'm able to, and will have no regrets when we look back on this time of our lives.

Blue Topaz

I am an extremely detail oriented person, to the point of driving those around me crazy with my constant need for questioning, and over-analyzing most decisions I make...life impacting or not. I am always needing/wanting to discuss issues until I receive the insight or peace I'm looking for.

A couple of weeks ago, during our meeting with the NICU doctor, the idea of needing a possible c-section was mentioned. All along, since the first meeting with my OB-GYN, our plan has been to have as natural a birth as possible...no needles, no iv's, no epidurals, no c-sections. When the NICU doctor mentioned that Spina Bifida can sometimes be associated with an abnormally large head, and possibly for my safety, I made need a c-section, I panicked. I had thought about this for around a week. Anxiously, frantically, trying to decide what to do. An induction may allow for a natural delivery, being that Dylan's head would have less time to grow as large. But how would I deal with the guilt of an induction if heaven forbid Dylan did not survive the birth? The anxious thoughts just kept coming. I scheduled a follow up appt with my OB-GYN. She sees no reason why Dylan's head would be too big. Before I could even tell her all my fears/worries, she looked through her calendar and set the induction date. When the date was said out loud, an overwhelming sense of peace filled my heart. Dylan's birthday (this is assuming he doesn't decide to come on his own time sooner than scheduled), a day I will never forget. My doctor, whom I respect and trust, said that with all the unknowns surrounding Dylan's birth, this would be something to take off that list. I would still be considered full term, and with the amount of time Dylan has had in the womb, his lungs will be mature.

I was at peace, but still fearful being that all along I did not want to induce or have any intervention. After again, a week long of debating, questioning, and analyzing, God gave me the peace I was looking for, yesterday in fact.

That is part 1 to the story. Now for part 2.

Ever since we found out about Dylan's fatal condition, I have wanted to get a special birthstone ring. One with his birthstone in it that I can wear on my right hand. Obviously, I would not be able to pick out the ring until we knew what month he would be born in.

Now that we know Dylan's birthday will be sometime in December, I could begin looking for rings. December's birthstone is a Blue Topaz. I was digging in my jewelry box yesterday and came across a ring I thought I had lost.

A blue topaz ring in fact. Taking a closer look, I noticed it has two hearts on either side, with small diamonds in the middle of each. My heart sank. I'm a sucker for symbolism and physical signs from God. If you have goosebumps, just wait...I'm not done.

Do you know who Else's birthday is in December? Chad's. Do you know who Else's? My Grandpa James. Do you know who gave me the ring for my 16Th birthday? (Most likely not, but I'm sticking with the theme here). My Grandpa James and Grandma June! 9 years ago, I had picked out ring that would also happen to be the birthstone of my very sick son and my soon to be husband. A ring with their birthstone in the middle and two hearts on either side. A ring that symbolizes Dylan is not a mistake. A ring that symbolizes God chose his name. A ring that symbolizes more than I could ever put into words. I would love to share a picture of the ring with you, but I'm unable to figure out how to get a clear picture of it on my camera.

I would also love to hear any ways God has made Himself physically known to all of you!

God Bless!
Nicole

No more questions asked God. Dylan's birthday will be in December.

"I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us"
Romans 8:18

So...who does he look like??? :)

Praise and Prayer Request

I can't believe it's not even 8 AM yet, and I already have an answered prayer and am in need of more prayers for the day.

I'm not sure where to start, so I'll begin with a new habit I started about a month ago. With my baby being sick, and expecting his life to not be very long, the shortness of how life really is has become so real to me. In the process, I have begun praying over Chad every night. Something he wasn't aware of, until today. My prayer is to protect him and keep him safe from any harm, evil, or danger. My prayer is for our wedding day. That we will both be there, happy, healthy, and ALIVE!

This morning, I was awakened to hearing the news that Chad was hit on the driver's side of his vehicle by a SEMI TRUCK! The semi was turning left, and Chad had a green light. It happened around 5 AM this morning, as Chad was finishing his plow route. Let me give you all some relief right now by saying besides the inconvenience of having to empty out handfuls of shattered glass from his pockets, Chad doesn't have even a scratch! Praise God! Praise God! Praise God!

In Chad's words, "the driver's side had the most impact". Some of his windows were shattered, and his door was bent in to the point of touching his leg, but he doesn't have even a scratch!

Now comes the prayer request. As I have mentioned before, Chad owns his own landscaping/snowplowing company. Being the beginning of December in Michigan, we will be getting A LOT of snow. Chad's not sure how long his truck will be out of commission, possibly a month. My prayer request is for us to be able to move swiftly through the insurance process and that maybe the snow could let up for a few days while we come up with a plan. Chad does have full coverage insurance, and the semi truck driver did get a ticket, admitting to be at fault. But the means by which Chad makes his living is now out of order.

Thank you for your prayers!

Nicole

Day of Favors

Today was an awesome day. For the first time in months, I sat up at the front desk. "Check in" is my job title, but I have isolated myself back in a little cubicle answering phones for the last few months. It was just too hard now that I'm obviously pregnant to be asked over and over by oblivious patients, "When are you due?". Today for some reason, I chose to sit up front.

About 4:15 I was informed that the insurance we were planning to set up for Dylan was denied. A rep from the company called me to come in @ 5:00, her office is right down the road from mine, and she would stay late to see me. She had me re-fill out the paperwork, and she will personally process it, and believes we will get accepted now.

Around 4:20, Mary, the dear ultrasound tech who has done all our scans, approaches me and informs me the office was "demo-ing" a 3D machine. She told me she had one more patient to see, and then told me to come back. I apologized and said I probably wouldn't be able to, being that I just set up a meeting @ 5:00 with someone else that was willing to do me a favor. She said, ok, come back now. Needless to say, I had a 3D ultrasound today! Pictures to come.

Funny how my morning devotional today was about "waiting, expecting favor today".

Again, the blessings that have been put in motion for us during this most difficult time are indescribable.

Praying for God's favor in all your lives this week. Be still, and see things, big or small, that God is doing on your behalf.

"For surely, O Lord, You bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield."
Psalm 5:12

Pictures

I was so excited to go to the mailbox today, yes in 6+" of snow even. Today we received our maternity photos in the mail! I can't thank our photographer, Lindsey Deyoung, enough. Like I said before, she came in on a Friday night to donate her time and talent for us! The pictures are amazing and I will treasure them forever.

Lindsey is based out of Grand Rapids, Mi and I would highly recommend her. Her website is www.deyoungphotography.com.

Thanks again Lindsey!

35 weeks

I saw my doctor yesterday. There have been no advancements towards labor. As long as my water doesn't break, she thinks I should make it another few weeks. Dylan has a good strong heart beat still. I am waiting to hear back with confirmation from her, but I believe we'll set up an induction for the end of the month. She will be out of town for a few days before Christmas, which I was unaware of, but am ok with. So, about 3 and a half more weeks and we should be able to meet Mr. Dylan! It's a bittersweet anticipation. I can't wait to finally see what (or should I say, who) he looks like, but there's also the thought in the back of my mind that 3 and a half weeks may be all we have left with him.

I thought for sure Chad was finally going to feel Dylan kick last night, but no such luck. Chad had his hand on my belly, and Dylan kicked like 3 times (!) while Chad was talking, but Chad didn't feel anything. I think Chad has a hard time doing 2 things at once, such as talking and feeling for a kick, but oh well. Chad will just have to wait to meet him face to face.

Well, that's all for now! Have a blessed beyond belief weekend!

"My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will never be shaken."
Psalm 62:1-2

Well it's been a pretty amazing week. No reason in particular, except that it was spent with my little baby boy! I don't think there were even any emotional meltdowns this week!

In spirit with the holiday season, I thought I would share some of the many reasons I have to be thankful for...So here goes:

1. This week I was able to spend my 25th birthday with my favorite boys, Dylan & Chad. It was a very peaceful day, unlike the ones leading up to it.

2. All of my prayer requests have been graciously answered...My doctor is back in town and does not have anymore vacations planned for the next month...yay!

3. I am thankful to have a Mom that has been such a strong rock of support no matter how difficult it may be for her. I don't know what I'd do without her...

4. I am thankful to have a baby that has survived 35 weeks, when most babies with chromosomal abnormalities don't make it past the first 12.

5. I am thankful to serve a God that knows exactly what it's like to have a Son, and have to watch Him die. I know He knows exactly how I feel.

6. I am thankful for those special people that are willing to listen or talk about my baby with me, no matter how uncomfortable/unnatural it may be, but more importantly are also in tune enough to know when the times are that I don't want to talk about my sweet baby.

7. I am thankful, no matter how shallow/cosmetic it may be, that I have NO stretch marks! Though, it wouldn't bother me if I did, but hey, I'm taking joy in the small things too!

8. I am thankful for all the ways God has blessed us...in more ways than we could've ever dreamed of, including who He chose to care for us medically and even though we are in trying economic times, Chad is blessed with a job that can support us.

9. I am thankful to know that though most babies with Trisomy don't hear very well, ours does. He moved more in an hour last night while his Daddy was talking loud than he has in a week!

10. God has turned one cause of my anxiety into an overabundant blessing. I was so worried that our baby wouldn't have anything to wear, being how small he could be. Well, let's just say this kid has more outfits/special blankets than he might even be able to wear! Don't worry though, I will make sure his picture gets taken in them all.

11. I am grateful that this is not how life is intended to be. That we have a reason to still hope and still love.



Thank you all for your support and prayers, I truly believe we wouldn't be as blessed as we are, if it wasn't for all of you! I am praying for peace and joy for all of you through this holiday season. May you all be blessed for the countless ways you have blessed us!