[Belle]

I'm sorry but this is a long story starting 60 years ago.
My sister Jennifer-Ann (Jenny) was born 60 years ago, my mothers third daughter. She was born with a double hare lip (sorry, don't know the proper name) and a cleft palate. She also has slightly cripple feet. She has web toes and the end of the toes is just a round ball with no toe nails. It looks really weird. Sorry, but I don't know how else to describe it. Jenny had 3 girls and the 3rd child, also Jennifer-Ann, was also born with the double hare lip, cleft palate and the same feet. On Saturday, Jennifer-Ann gave birth to Elani, her 3rd child. Elani was born with a hare lip, one side only,cleft palate and only one foot like her mother and grandmother. The other foot is normal. Jennifer-Ann has got such a bubbly personality and lovely husband, both of them are thrilled with their daughter and think she's beautiful. Jenny, my sister, is so upset. This is also the 3rd time that I am going though this. I feel so sorry for the little babies when they have the operations. It's more stressful for the adults than the little ones I think.
If you could please say a prayer for Jenny for comfort and a prayer for Elani when she starts with all her operations and treatments.
Jenny was born on December 20, 60 years ago. I was 3 at the time. (Turned 4 of Feb 14 the next year) I remember standing by her cot, it was a home birth, thinking, why is she so ugly. It was only later that I came to understand what was wrong. When Jennifer-Ann was born, I was with Jenny just after her birth and stood by her all though the operations. Now we have to do it all again. It's so hard.

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[ValerieT]

I'm so sorry you are going through this again. I'll keep you and your family in my thoughts, and I hope the operations are successful for little Elani (that's a beautiful name).

[Sara Arell]

I'm so sorry that your family is going through all of this for the third time, Belle. I can only imagine how difficult it must be for all of you. I've come to know the beauty of your heart here though and I know that with all of the love in your family that you will get through this. Elani is so fortunate to have you for family - what love and support she will grow up with! God Bless You all as you begin this difficult journey together.

Sending my love and hugs to you!

[Sherry Lynn]

Belle I am so sorry to hear about Elani - please know that Jenny, Jennifer-Ann, you AND Elani will all be in my thoughts AND prayers --- sending comforting hugs your way!

[MariJ]

Oh, Belle I am so very, very sorry for your family's heartache and for the difficult times to come. Sending you many hugs and keeping you all in my thoughts. I think you are right that often it is harder for the ones watching the suffering. I'm so glad Elani has so many wonderful people to care for and love her. That will get her through all of what she will go through. Take care.

[princessrunningfingers]

Belle, I am so sorry that you and your family are going through this. It is especially hard to see little ones suffering. I will be praying for you and your family.

[AggieB]

I'm so sorry you are facing this again, Belle! It must be so hard to be the support for the poor mothers. I will add my prayer for all of you as Elani goes through the surgeries. Hugs & blessings, dear.

[CindyLuWho]

Belle... I am praying for Elani, her mom and dad, her grandmother, and for you, too! I am thankful that the new mommy and daddy are focusing on Elani for who she is and thankful for her safe arrival, despite the future challenges.

You know full-well the history of the challenges these abnormalities have brought and what it takes to correct them. And that's a hard place to be in. Thanks for reaching out and letting us all lift your family in prayer to our loving God, who makes no mistakes and who formed Elani in her mother's womb with great intentionality and purpose. Hard to understand that purpose sometimes... but we know He is a loving God who cares for us more than we can imagine.

Psalm 139 (verses 13-16) has come to mean a lot to me as I have parented a child who got a hard start in life. It reminds me that none of my son's challenges are a surprise to God and that He has a plan for his life - and for sweet Elani's.

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

On a much more practical note, I am curious about the repetition of these specific issues in the family for three generations and always with the third child. Because my son has a weird genetic syndrome (that I won't get into here), we have been seeing a geneticist annually since he was a baby. This doc tracks his growth and development and keeps us apprised of any medical research related to his syndrome. Your family's situation would likely be of interest to a geneticist. It seems like it is worth noting from a medical perspective.

Love and hugs,
Cindy

[Jane in N.Z]

Belle praying for all your extended family as they go through this again

[teecee]

I'll certainly be sending prayers for you and your family members Belle. Hugs!

[CRS]

I am so sorry you all have to go through this again. I will definitely keep you all in my prayers. I think baby Elani is beautiful!

[Jster025]

Oh Belle, I’m sending prayers out right now. My heart goes out to you all. Life is so full of wonder—sometimes good and sometimes bad; but the Lord will always get us through no matter what.

[Florida granny]

I am so sorry that you need to go through all this again. You are such a loving person, that I think you must feel this a lot. My thoughts are with you and Jenny, Jennifer-Ann, and tiny Elani (lovely name!) and my hopes are that she and all of you get through the surgeries well and as easily as possible.

[PolkaDot]

Oh, Belle, I am so sorry for all of you at this difficult time in your lives. Keeping you in thoughts and prayers. Elani is a beautiful baby! She looks like she might have red or blonde hair later.

[ScrapGram]

Sending positive thoughts and prayers to you and your family, Belle. So sorry you have to go through this again, but Elani is so lucky she was born into your family because you have so much wisdom and experience to give her as she faces her medical procedures. She is a beautiful baby now and will continue to become more and more beautiful as the doctors and nurses help her.

[Amanda OutsideTheBox]

Belle,
My nephew went through this with the facial features. He had many surgeries thanks to the Shriners. He now is in his 20's and a father himself, his child did not have this. This is not your sister's fault, and what is available now to help this child is amazing. Praying for peace and terrific results with fewer procedures than in times past!

[Cheri T]

That is so hard, Belle - may God give you all the strength you need you care for Elani (beautiful name!) and get her the help she needs for her surgery. She's a beautiful baby, and has a wonderful family to love her to pieces:)
*hugs*

[Belle]

Thank you everybody for all the love and prayers. Elani was fitted with a plate to cover the hole in the palate and must now learn to suck before she goes home. She will have her first op at 5 months and then 7 months.

[tinkerbell11]

Oh Belle I am so sorry about this sweet little girl, I will hold her and your family in my thoughts and prayers, that all the surgeries she has to undergo are quick and uncomplicated !

[AmandaFace]

I'm so sorry Belle! It's tough to think about such tiny ones going through surgeries like this. I'll keep your family in my thoughts!

[KFiasco]

Prayers to you all. I think she is a beautiful baby.

Karen

[countrydi]

Sending my prayers along for the entire family during this trying time. May God wrap his arms around you all and give you peace, comfort and strength. HUGS!

[jode2771]

Oh Belle, I just saw this in addition to reading about Rikus... my heart is with your families at this tragic time... put faith in your Drs and look to the future with this little angel... you all deserve some peaceful times ahead... x

[healthyscraps]

Belle. Thank you for sharing and giving us the opportunity to pray for you and your family. He is the one who gives us strength and peace as we walk through the challenges of life. Elani is blessed to have such a loving family.

[Smiles]

Keeping this side of your sister's family in my thoughts and prayers as well.

[Jenna]

Praying for little Elani too - she is precious.