August 28

It has been a little over 4 weeks since baby Sayla was born. I received the photographs from NILMDTS and have finally had a chance to look at some of them. I have laughed and I have cried ALOT! There are so many pictures that show the happiness and complete joy of a mother and a new baby. So many friends and family holding her and she just looked so peaceful even though there were TONS of things going on around her. It is like she knew her time, and she just allowed us to soak up the minutes, hours, and days of her AWESOMENESS!! God has been so good to us!! We have been blessed beyond belief by so many friends, family, and so many people that we have never met. From the memorial fund, cards, emails, flowers, and those text messages just to say "i am thinking of you"...all blessings.

I have my first opportunity coming up to share my story and impact that NILMDTS had on our family. Our photographer has reached out to photographers in the Columbus area to spread information about NILMDTS and the impact this organization can have on so many families. Pray that God give me the words that need to be said to give God the total glory!!

I have uploaded some more pictures of my little Angel ...enjoy them! Also, many have asked for our address to send stories of how Sayla had an impact on your life. It is 2207 hendricks church Rd, Thomaston, GA 30286. We appreciate each and every one!

And yes, that is a picture of Sayla with a Silly band on her arm..Sage decided she had to have it...enjoy and keep us in your prayers!

God Bless,
Mommy of an Angel

Sayla Grace

Sayla Grace

The photographs posted were from an organization called Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep. They are a wonderful non-profit organization that ministered to our family on delivery day through photography. The video above ...click Sayla Grace above and when it ask for the password enter SaylaG ....is also a video put together by Tracey Young, our wonderful photographer. Enjoy the video and share please!!

I hope you can see the joy in the faces of each of us...thanks,
Mommy of an Angel

One week has passed...

It has been one week since we buried our sweet little girl. Each day this week since Tuesday, we have thought back to what was happening in our life exactly one week ago. We have felt every emotion possible and we have had our good times and our not-so-good times throughout the week. The cards have flooded our mailbox with stories of how Sayla has impacted people's lives...from Oklahoma, Virginia, and many more places. It is so AWESOME that God has used my baby girl to reach so many people. What a proud mother and father to hear that another soul has been saved because of Sayla's little life.

I keep thinking about how awesome it felt to hold her...a miracle! My grandmother explained it as " holding a small bundle of the Holy Spirit", and it was so true. I want people reading this to know that God's will was so apparent in Sayla's life and how we were able to grasp the full effect that Sayla's life was in His Hands (this is just one of the examples that I want to share).

We knew her heart condition was serious and that the heart would probably be what put Sayla in Jesus' arms. When she was delivered, her heart rate was 65 (that isn't real good). God gave her the strength to fight and bring her heart rate up to 140 WITHOUT any help from anyone (except HIM of course!!) She took a turn for the worse at least 3 more times at the hospital and I guess it still wasn't her time. I honestly think she knew she had more lives to touch!! In the 3 days that we were blessed to have her, she was never, touched by any monitor, heat lamp, or any "medical" gadgets (other than a stethoscope). She maintained her heart rate, temperature, and weight on her own. The Dr's were completely amazed that a baby with her heart condition was able to survive on her own. Some may question the decision for "no gadgets", but honestly, I wouldn't change a thing about the decisions that we made for our girl! We have total faith in OUR GOD that he had every second of her life planned and no matter what..HIS WILL IS HIS WILL!!

I can also say that only a few times (maybe 5) did she ever lay down, because someone was holding, loving, and praying for her every minute she was with us. Daniel's grandma slept on the floor of the hospital lobby, because she didn't want to miss a moment of her (honestly, the lobby looked like a fall-out shelter)!! Aunt Cona sat up with her for 4 hours reading Psalms to her (when Jesus started sharing the Psalms with Sayla, she probably told Him that He could skip that book b/c Aunt Cona had already taught her that book)!!! There were so many people that shared every minute of her life with us and we are so thankful for those moments!

I still miss my Baby Girl so much and I know there is a long road ahead!! I am not angry with God, I rest in the comfort that I WILL SEE HER AGAIN SOMEDAY. If you don't know the God that I know, please please please seek for HIM!!!! He accepts everyone!!

Thanks for your prayers and words of encouragement!!
MOMMY OF AN ANGEL,
MANDI

I don't know exactly what to say right now because today was probably the hardest day of my life. I do want to thank each of you for your outpouring of love and support throughout the last few days and the previous 9 months too. We are so thankful to have such a loving community and extended family. I have so much more to share with each of you, but just can't do it all right now. But I can't wait to share..... one thing that I do want to share is something our cousin Jason shared with us that touched me deeply.

He shared that at a youth church camp in Lagrange this week, Jason (who is a youth pastor) shared Sayla's birth on Tuesday with 115 teenagers and 25 adults. They hit their knees in prayer for Sayla and our family. Jason then shared of her death on Friday with the group and the impact her life had on so many people. They hit their knees again...this time 3 middle school boys gave their hearts and soul to the Lord in salvation. That is what my Sayla Grace was sent here to do...she planted not a seed but a garden of seeds in her little life.

I would love to hear how she has impacted or changed the lives of those who have been a part of her story and her life. Drop me a card or email and tell me. It comforts me to know these stories and rest in the peace that her little life has a purpose. I would love to add your card to her baby book roohadley@yahoo.com (email me for the address).

Again..i have so much I want to share about her life with us and the sweet things that will make you smile as we have. God planned every single detail of this life...the timing of her birth, her life, and even her passing are UNBELIEVEABLE!! I cannot wait to talk about it all... so this blog will not stop :)

Thank God for the time with my angel!
High 4,
Mandi (mommy of an angel)

Headed home with a miracle...

Well we are headed home with our precious baby girl. She weighs 4lbs 2 oz and a special angel. We still aren't sure how she will do, but as we have said from the beginning..we have her as long as God allows us to have her. Until then, we will cherish every moment with her.

We are going to show her her home, meet her cat, feel the grass, hear the rooster crow, and spend some time with her big sister and brother. Lots to do with this little angel.

Thank you so much for the prayers...i have no words for this day..miracles!!!
We love you all!
Daniel and Mandi

The Day arrived...

It is late..or really early, not sure which since the day has been so crazy. Little Sayla Grace is getting her first lesson in blogging (at 5 am). She was delivered at 12:50pm today and was a blessing from the beginning. The staff at Doctor's Hospital has been absolutely amazing... she has left our side 1 time for a pediatrician evaluation and bath time. They have tolerated the 30+ visitors (at least), chic-fil-a party tray (thanks Alicia and Trisha), and we were moved to another room this evening so Daniel would have a bed to sleep on (and I am sure bc the waiting room was WAY TOO SMALL FOR THIS CREW). MY nurse has been a Christian lady with 13 children of her on and one with a similar story as Sayla Grace..unbelievable the people that have been put in place for this delivery!!!She weighed 4lb. 6oz and 16 inches long.

As I type this we have been blessed with 17 hours of her little life... far more than anyone has expected!!! Daniel and I are both on a roller coaster of emotions, her heart and lungs are apparently doing very well. Because of her neurological delays, she is having trouble swallowing and sucking, so we are definitely not out of the clear in those areas. I told Daniel today that I wish I were able to count the number of prayers that went up for our Little angel today... I am sure it was in the thousands. Please continue to pray for Sayla because she still has a long way to go in order for us to bring her home. Daniel and I have some tough choices to make tomorrow and the following days, so we are asking God to give us the wisdom to make those choics as he sees fit to do!!

Thank so much for everyone that came to visit today and sent prayers up for us! We can definitely feel God's presence in this room and all around her!

I will post another update as soon as I can!

Thanks again,
mandi and daniel (parents of a miracle baby )

1 week to delivery... FULL TERM!

Praise the Lord we have beat the odds in one way...no one expected us to make it to full term with little Sayla! We give God all the glory for the miracle He has already worked in our lives. She has touched so many lives already and I know that our testimony will continue to touch lives forever. Who knows where this will take us in our walk with the Lord?

Sayla will be delivered on July 27th at Doctors Hospital in Columbus. We are anxious but excited to hold this little miracle girl. We are still not given a good earthly prognosis and no one knows how long she will be with us, but we BELIEVE that she will be in our hands until God decides it is time for Him to hold her..as hard as that is to grasp for me..even now!!

Thanks so much for everyone's continued love and support throughout this journey. The question seems to be "what can we do for you?"..the answer is still the same..PRAY without CEASING.. for GOD'S WILL in this life. I also ask for a special prayer for Sage. She has been very clingy and loving to her baby sister lately and I still don't know what to say to her. LORD..wrap your arms around my Sage and comfort her, help her to understand what she needs to and give her a peace that passes all understanding to cope with whaever may come her way. AMEN

We will update the blog as soon as possible to let everyone know how things are going with Sayla and family. Keep praying and God Bless!

I love you Sayla Grace,
Mommy

Doctor appt on Wed (June 30) 34 weeks

Appointment went good yesterday. Some decreased fluid on the right side of the heart, but otherwise no changes. Didn't get her weight, but did get a beautiful smile from her!!! More pictures, that I haven't figured out how to post yet, but I promise they are coming soon!

No delivery date yet, but another appt in 2 weeks and we should set a date next appt. Still looking for the last week of July. Thanks for your continued prayers, love, and support!

I love you Sayla,
Mommy

June 21st - 33 weeks

Ultrasound appointment today...Sayla Grace has grown to 3 lbs. No changes from the last blog as far as prognosis, but we will continue to pray for God's Will in her little life. Her story has touched so many lives already and will continue to touch people throughout. We will now have ultrasounds and doctor appt every week until her delivery (Last week of July, but no definite date as of yet).

Nate and Leann (my step-children) were able to go and see the ultrasound, and I am glad that they were able to be a part of this experience. We had some 4D pictures taken too. Her feet are in front of her face...as usual..and we could plainly see all of her fingers and toes. The pictures are GREAT! I hope that I can figure out how to post them soon!!

We have been so blessed to take this journey...I know that sounds completely insane to most peopke. A friend of mine made me realize...we were CHOSEN for this journey!!! God chose US to bear this trial and we intend to give HIM all of the glory for whatever may happen. We have some tough times ahead..so please continue to pray for the circumstances that are in front of us!!
I love you Sayla Grace,
Mommy!!

Doctor Update for June 1

I went to the doctor for another ultrasound today..they are admittedly, surprised to see me each time that I come in the door. I saw my little angel girl, wiggling and squirming around as we tried to get some pictures of her. Surprisingly, she has grown to 2lbs 10oz..that is up from 1lb.12 oz 2 weeks ago. That was great to hear. The not so good to hear news was that she has significant fluid around her heart and the fluid is causing her heart to struggle a lot more to function. My doctor doesn't feel that she will be able to cope much longer. We will just wait it out and let God handle the details of the dates and times. I am currently 30 weeks, so 38 weeks will be the delivery time (the last week of July), unless something happens before then. No more doctor visits or ultrasounds. Just waiting for God's plan to be revealed.

I am anxious and nervous...it seems such a short time left with her and I am not ready to give these kicks and squirms up just yet. I know, it isn't my choice, but the mommy in me is holding on to every minute that I can. I have been emotional this week (Daniel can confirm that!!! :),,guess some days are better than others. I suppose it will be that way for a while, and that is ok too.

We are trying to get some things in line that we have been putting off for a while. We want to be prepared for the journey ahead as best we can. Don't get me wrong..we are NOT giving up on a miracle at all..just planning and preparing as best we can. Some of the decisions are tough and things that I wish no one would have to make for their child. Thank Heavens for God's Grace, because I would be defeated without it.

Thanks so much for the MANY people that are spending time on their knees for our family. Thanks for helping carry the burden in your heart too. There are times that I have no idea what to pray or even how to pray, but I know that someone is praying on my behalf. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! You will never know how much that means to our family!

Love in Christ!!!

Audrey Caroline

The video to I WILL CARRY YOU - Audrey's Song....and now according to Sage..Sayla's Song!!1

Author Spotlight: Angie Smith

In 2008, Angie Smith and her husband Todd (lead singer of the group Selah) learned through ultrasound that their fourth daughter had conditions making her “incompatible with life.” Advised to terminate the pregnancy, the Smiths chose instead to carry this child and allow room for a miracle. That miracle came the day they met Audrey Caroline and got the chance to love her for the precious two-and-a-half hours she lived on earth.
Upon receiving the original diagnosis, Angie started a blog (Bring the Rain) to keep family and friends informed of their journey. Soon, the site exploded in popularity, connecting with thousands who were either experiencing their own heartbreaking situations or simply curious about how God could carry someone through something so tragic. I Will Carry You tells the powerful story of a parent losing her child, interwoven with the biblical story of Lazarus to help those who mourn to still have hope—to find grace and peace in the sacred dance of grief and joy.

In TOTAL Awh at nap time !!!

I was laying down with Sage (who loves to fight nap time) and I couldn't nap myself for thinking about something so awesome. First I want to share the words to a song that we found by a gospel group..."Selah". Yes, the Lord has led us to a wonderful group with the same name as our Baby girl. What is so wonderful is that one of the singers for the group has a story like ours. I got the book "I Will Carry You" for Mother's Day along with their CD. I can't stop listening to it. I want to post the video and link to their story because it is unbelieveable how God has basically handed this story to our family. I wil hopefully figure out how to get it to post on the blog, but in the mean time, here are the song lyrics...

I Will Carry You from the CD Selah- You Deliver Me

There were photographs I wanted to take
Things I wanted to show you
Sing sweet lullabies, wipe your teary eyes
Who could love you like this?
People say that I am brave, but I'm not
Truth is I'm barely hanging on
But there's a greater story
Written long before me
Because He loves you like this

So I will carry you
While your heart beats here
Long beyond the empty cradle
Through the coming years
I will carry you
All my life
And I will praise the One who's chosen me
To Carry YOU

Such a short time
Such a long road
All this madness
But i know
That the silence
Has brought me to His voice
And He says...

I've shown her photographs of time beginning
Walked her through the parted sea
Angel lullabies, no more teary eyes
Who could love her like this?

I will carry you
While your heart beats here
Long beyond the empty cradle
Through the coming years
I will carry you
All your life
And I will praise the One who's chosen me
To carry You

...what i am in total awh about is that it may be real soon that Jesus takes my baby girl by the hand and walks her through the parted sea, while she hears the angels sing her lullabies, and she never has to experience hurt or pain...WHAT A DAY THAT WILL BE!!! AND THE BEST PART IS ONE DAY BECAUSE HE IS LORD OF MY LIFE...I WILL BE ABLE TO TAKE THAT WALK HOLDING MY BABY GIRL'S LITTLE HAND TOO. SHE WILL BE ABLE TO GIVE ME THE TOUR OF HEAVEN!! Thank you Jesus for saving my soul and letting me be a witness to others through the trials!!! i love you SAYLA GRACE HADLEY...MOMMY!!

May 17th doctor visit

We had an ultrasound yesterday... I am going to try to upload the pics too...doctor says she (we have a wonderful female doctor) is seeing signs that Sayla may not be with us much longer....but ya know, they have said that from the beginning and I am officially 28 weeks today. Keep praying for God's Will in her life. I am so honored to have the chance to love this much!!! Sage was talking this morning about how much she loved Baby Sayla Grace....pray for wisdom and for God to comfort Sage and give her the understanding that she needs!!

Naming baby girl...

We realized we needed a name for our little angel girl...i was telling a friend of mine at the gym that I wanted a special name for a special girl. Tracey Weatherford got online and found the name Sayla. She found that the name meant "peace" and we knew it was perfect for her...Peace and Grace! That is what we pray for daily for her!!

In the Beginning....

In the Beginning...

Ok...i think I am ready to begin this journey of "blogging". I wanted to have a place to share our journey through the birth of our Baby Sayla Grace Hadley. I have some catching up to do so bear with me. I want to go backward a little to share her story.

I found out we were pregnant in November. We were both VERY surprised because (unlike with Sage and the wonderful life prior to Sage that we miscarried) there were no day counting or monthly pregnancy test in hopes that this would be "IT". We were completely thrown off guard by the news...Daniel especially!! We had the routine ultrasounds and doctor visits with a few heart rate scares, but at that time, nothing seemed too serious.

I had to go in for an ultrasound at 17 weeks due to some cramping and Daniel insisted that we find out what the gender was if they were able to tell. I went by myself, leaving Sage with mom. The doctors could see nothing wrong but could clearly tell that "IT WAS A SHE"!!! I was excited (although a little boy would have been ok too)..all Daniel could say was "Are they sure?".

Wednesday, March 24, 2010 ....the day we will never forget. I went in for a 20 week ultrasound. I ended up having to go by myself because Daniel had some work that had to be done. We figured it was just another check up because we had only been in 3 weeks prior and everything seemed fine. The ultrasound tech ( i guess that is the correct name for her) took her time looked and taking lots of pics. Soon she told me to get up and walk around because she couldn't get a few of the pics that she needed. Hoping stubborn little girl would move around for the correct pics... I did and sat back down for another try...and another and another. On the final attempt, my Dr came in and I knew something wasn't right. They talked quietly while I laid there in complete shock. I was told that some of the heart "parts" were not visible, she told me to get dressed and meet her at the office. My heart dropped COMPLETELY!

I called Daniel, hysterical. I knew something wasn't right and I had no idea what it was. I waited, what seemed like forever, in the office for Dr. Tidwell to come in. She came in with a grim look on her face.....

Prognosis was that she has some heart defects, physical abnormalities, and some possible brain defects. My world crashed down on me. She recommended us see a specialist at the Atlanta Perinatal Consultant for a follow up. The appointment was made for the following morning.

Thursday, March 25...We made the long trip to Atlanta and I am sure that neither Daniel nor I said a word for the entire trip. We saw the doctor and an ultrasound confirmed a number of defects with our baby girl! Words can not even begin to express the desperation and grief in us. We were told that she had a condition (could be a chromosome 13 or 18 defect) that was “not compatible with life”. She would not survive!! The doctor recommended a amniocentesis to confirm the diagnosis. There was an opening for 1pm, so Daniel and I went to lunch and came back for the testing. The amnio would be back the following day to give us the preliminary results, but would only confirm a chromosome defect with chromosomes number 13, 18, and 21. We waited patiently and the call came.....no confirmation on the defects that the doctor had thought, so we would have to wait 7 – 10 days for the full report. Those were some anxious days!!

Monday, April 5, 2010...the day after Easter..the call came. The test confirmed that she has a Chromosome 22 defect (an extra chromosome). This type of defect is “not sustainable with life” and actually, the doctors are not sure why she is still alive (remember this was a 20 weeks). Babies with this condition do not usually live past the first trimester and the chances of having a baby with this condition seem to be about 1:175000...yeah I know hard to believe! The plan of action is to monitor the babies’ heart rate until she passes...did this doctor know about the prayer warriors that are praying for this little miracle baby!!

Monday, April 29th..... Ultrasound appointment...Sayla Grace is up to 1 lb. 3 oz. The ultrasound tech was able to see 4 chambers of her heart (something not seen previously) and her weight is up.... (I will tell you how we found her precious name a little later). These are things that we were not expected to see and we are confident that God has His Hands on this little life. We are comforted by the fact that He gave us this child and He has total control of her and our lives at this point. Her body will be healed sometime soon! Next ultrasound May 17th!

My First Attempt...:)

This is my first attempt at blogging, so before I started the updates, I wanted to see what this "blogging" thing was all about!