“I am with you always.” Matthew 28:20
In early October 2018, during our 21-week ultrasound, doctors discovered that our baby had a significant heart defect and referred us to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. While in Iowa City, we learned that our baby boy also had enlarged kidneys and a shortened cerebellum. Because multiple anomalies often point to a genetic condition, we agreed to an amniocentesis. Just a few days later, our sweet boy was diagnosed with Trisomy 13—a rare chromosomal disorder considered incompatible with life. To say our lives were turned upside down would be an understatement.
Over the next few months, we prayed and tried to prepare ourselves for what lay ahead. Despite the high miscarriage rate associated with Trisomy 13, we held on to hope. All we could do was pray for the chance to meet Matthew alive, and if we were granted that gift, we knew we’d be grateful for any amount of time: minutes, hours, days, or months.
On January 30, 2019, we traveled to Iowa City for our routine 38-week check-up. We could never have imagined that the next time we’d return home, everything would be different.
Matthew made his arrival at 4:09 a.m. on Thursday, January 31. The next 33 hours were the most incredible, joyful, peaceful, and sorrowful hours of our lives. Matthew graced us with 33 unforgettable hours on earth. In his final moments, he showed us how strong he truly was. He seemed to know his time was limited, and he gave us everything he had, every precious second.
God called Matthew home at 1:25 p.m. on Friday, February 1, 2019. Despite our heartache, there was an overwhelming sense of peace, in the room and in our hearts. We knew Matthew was now in the arms of Jesus. We found comfort in believing he was welcomed by a baby brigade of those who had gone before him. And while we build friendships here with other parents who have experienced loss, we know our babies are looking down on us, together.
We cannot begin to thank those who have walked alongside us during this difficult journey, especially our No Foot Too Small family. And to the incredible team at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, we are endlessly grateful for the compassion and care you showed our family.
Kaleb + Haley Admire
Watch our episode of the No Foot Too Small Podcast: Celebrating Matthew | Trisomy Awareness Month
IN HONOR AND CELEBRATION OF MATTHEW, DONATIONS CAN BE MADE HERE. ON BEHALF OF THE ADMIRE FAMILY, THANK YOU FOR YOUR GIFT.
