Ann Arbor, Michigan (MI) - Full trisomy 13
 

" I hope Mollie serves to offer hope to those just embarking on their journeys, prenatally and beyond. " ~Lynne Havlik

 Update 1-17-07
Well 2006 ended with the celebration of Mollie's 1st birthday, and 2007 began with the wonderful news that on January 3rd our sweet foster baby Fatou, officially became

Mollie Faith Havlik.

The news of her adoption brought much excitement. The children were screaming and jumping up and down, Dave and I had tears, and Mollie just looked at all of us as if to say "What is all the fuss, I knew I was staying the day I came"!!

At one year of age Mollie is eating strained foods and drinking thickened formula from a bottle. She rolls to get to everything she wants. She is not yet sitting up but her head and back control are very good. Although her vision is low she loves to watch TV, especially Barney and the Wiggles. She smiles when a song she likes comes on. She plays in an exersaucer and can rotate a full circle in it, as well as manipulate all the toys on the tray. She also plays in a Johnny Jump with extra support around her trunk.

She puckers to give kisses, and wraps her arms around my head.

She was recently given a clean bill of health from cardiology. She has never had apnea or seizures. She weighs 17 pounds and her head growth is right along the curve. She is truly a miracle to us, and we cannot imagine not having had the chance to know her. Each day watching her reminds me that no one can pre-determine what the outcome will be for any of these babies and we should never allow anyone to diminish the hopes we have for our sweet babies.

Lynne mother of Mollie Faith full T-13 One year old

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7-8-06

Dave and I are foster parents.  In January 2006 we got a phone call about a 2 week old baby girl who had been diagnosed with Trisomy 13.  I am a nurse and practiced in neonatal ICU for 13 years. I was familiar with the diagnosis.  We were told the baby had 2 weeks to 2 months to live.  She was being discharged home to hospice.  No follow up was necessary I was told, "her condition is in no way compatible with life" the doctor told me.  I brought her home with the intention of helping her to leave this world as comfortable as we could make her.  Mollie is full Trisomy 13.  She did not have cleft lip or palate, her heart is normal, as are her liver and kidneys.  The plumbing all seems to work great!!  She has no vision in her left eye but she does see some out of her right eye.  She has 11 ribs and is missing two vertebrae, her feet are not rocker bottom, she has 6 fingers on each hand and 6 toes on each foot. Her tiny hands are somewhat malformed but she is learning to use them.

Mollie is now 6 months old.  She weight 11.5 pounds (she only weighed 3.14 at birth) She smiles, and giggles when we tickle her. She eats cereal from a spoon like a pro.  She rolls from back to front.  She watches her mobile and puts her tiny fists to her mouth, as well as her teething toys.  She is spoiled!! and responds to everyone in our home.  She sleeps through the night.  We have had some rough times (particularly with the medical community), but overall we have been blessed.  

She is a treasure that I would not have wanted to miss knowing.  Mollie recently became available for adoption.  We resisted because we are both 50.  This week we decided that Mollie is a forever part of our family.  We will adopt her.  We have 7 other adopted children, some with special needs.  They are so thrilled that we are keeping her. Our journey with her has been challenging, however she had done remarkably well.  I hope she serves to offer hope to those just embarking on their journeys, prenataly and beyond.  If I can be of any assistance to anyone please let me know.
 
Lynne  iamakidney@yahoo.com
...privileged to be Mollies Mommy

Dave and Lynne Havlik
Ann Arbor, Michigan