Prenatal Testing? Thanks, but no thanks!

December 27 marked one year since the doctor first called to tell me Down syndrome was a possibility.  I remember the day pretty clearly.  It was cold and snowy and I was home from work on Christmas vacation.  Originally I had two doctor's appointments scheduled for that day.  A check-up in the morning with Dr. Jones and an ultrasound at UAMS in the afternoon.  Both were cancelled due to the snow so I was snuggled up in my bed taking a nap when the phone rang.  

I was surprised to hear Dr. Jones on the other end but to be honest, I had completely forgotten about the blood work that had been drawn just a few days prior.  The news that my quad screening came back 1:163 was the last thing I expected to hear.  

The next several months were a whirlwind of emotions.  I never officially received a prenatal diagnosis and many times since Claire's birth I was angered at that.  But in November when my dear friend Bethany asked me to write a blog post for her Thankful Project I reflected on the time since Claire's birth and her diagnosis and realized I was no longer angry.  I was actually thankful that I didn't know. 

Today with easier and less invasive prenatal opportunities I want to share my experience and why I'm personally thankful that I did not have a prenatal diagnosis.   Read my post here: Daily Dose of Gratitude Blog Post