Appointment Update - "You are worth more than many sparrows."

Yesterday, as Jon and I took the 45 minute drive to Irvine for an appointment with Dr. Loo, the Pediatric Cardiologist, a silence fell over our car. We’ve made that trip so many times and all of those times we have talked about what the appointment would be like and how we were feeling. But yesterday was different. We were going to see if the vessel, we were told a month ago was dangerously smaller than the other one, had grown and also how big the hole between her two heart chambers had gotten. We had no words. I kept looking over at Jon wondering what he was thinking. Should I ask him? Should I let him sit with the Lord right now? I had a million things going through my head. We both sat there staring forward listening to worship the whole way with not one word.

We parked, prayed together and walked in. Every time I walk into that hospital I feel the control over my daughters life stripped away from me. Not in a bad way, more of a surrender way. As I saw Dr. Loo open the door to call us in I felt a sense of peace and joy. There is something about that man that gives me hope. He calms my nerves and makes me feel like everything will be ok. We chatted and laughed a bit as we walked down the hall to the room where the fetal echo was to take place. We exchanged stories of Christmas and vacations and were able to catch up on life a bit. Then down to business. The ultrasound took about an hour and a half.

After he finished we all sat together and went over the results. He did see that one of the vessels still measured smaller than the other but not significant enough for him to be alarmed or for him to suggest we would have to change the type of surgery she was getting. Yes, there is a hole between the chambers but it also measured very small. In fact that little hole might actually be a blessing in the few days after birth, before surgery. It might be just big enough to allow some oxygenated blood to pass over to the other chamber. She might only need oxygen and a small tube that will be inserted through her belly button up to her heart to help it pump more efficiently. This means, there is chance, mom and dad can hold her before they transfer her over to Children’s Hospital. Never in a million years would I be happy about a hole in my daughter’s heart but yesterday I was. The hole will only add about 20 minutes to her 4 hour heart surgery and should be easy to fix.

I felt a huge rush of relief come over my body. Dr. Loo prayed over us and our precious Charlotte. We walked out of his office with our heads held high. We also might have done a little 1980’s jump in the air high five as we got onto the elevator. Rejoice!!

Next, we headed down to the 3rd floor to do our first non-stress test. I will be going in 2 times a week up until birth for these tests to make sure her heart is strong enough for birth and that there is enough amniotic fluid. The test went great. She was champ. All that line dancing in my belly paid off as she performed her little dance routine for the nurses. My kid is already a little performer! As the amazingly sweet tech was checking the amniotic fluid level she said, “I see hair! She will not be coming out bald, your little girl has hair already.” I looked over at Jon and saw tears well up in his eyes. What a moment that was. “Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” (Luke 12:6-7)

Thank you for all your prayers and for continuing on this journey with us. 6 more weeks until Charlotte makes her début. Get ready world, she’s already helping to change lives! This one will be a force to be reckoned with and I am so blessed that I get to be her momma!

Guest Blog - How you can help.

THANK YOU FOR ALL THE DONATIONS! We can't thank you guys enough for all the ways you are supporting our family. We are absolutely blown away. We have enough support to get us through this for the time being, so we took the donation link down. Praise God! Thanks again for all those who supported us with finances and prayer. Continue to pray for our little girls recovery.

Love you,

The Rosene's


Hi Everyone,

My name is Amy Ernst. Over the past year my husband and I have become close friends with the Rosenes. When they found out they were pregnant we were beyond excited for them. When they were told Charlotte had a heart defect we were crushed with them and without realizing it we watched too. We waited to see how this couple we loved and admired handled such life changing news. Through this incredibly tough time they have been such an amazing example of what it means to stand firm. To love others in the midst of pain. To give of yourself when you’re not sure you have anything left. Their lives truly reflect the hope we have in Christ Jesus. All that to say, their lives inspire us and have inspired this plea.

Like most of you we have wanted desperately to support their little family in this time. I know they have expressed to us how overwhelmed they are with all the prayer and love they have received. Here is another way I believe we can lighten their load so they can focus on their sweet baby girl. They will be staying in LA, close to the hospital Charlotte will be cared for. They could end up needing to stay in a hotel/temporary living for a month and possibly more. Our desire is to start a fund for them that will cover the cost and expenses that will come with that. Knowing the Rosenes, if the roles were reversed they would be first in line to offer whatever they could. This is a new position for them and it took a little convincing for them to let me do this! If you can give anything, no amount is insignificant, please do.


You can also email me at amychristine55@gmail.com to send a check or work something else out.

Thank you guys for loving on the Rosenes with us!

Love,
Amy, Zac, and Lindy Ernst