An ‘Aggressive Love for Life’ Regardless of Life’s Challenges: This Mom’s Story of Faith and Love and Hope in a Post-Adoption World
Shelby is now 6. It’s hard to believe, but Shelby was born 7 years ago on April 21, 2007, in St. Louis, MO. Shelby has cerebral palsy; she wasn’t expected to live past five. Shelby was born with trisomy 18, often called Down’s syndrome. She is legally blind and suffers from multiple medical problems. Shelby is completely deaf in one ear due to a congenital defect in her inner ear. She has a rare genetic syndrome called “Down syndrome with deafness.”
Shelby was born at 30 weeks premature. Shelby was full-term, at 33 weeks and 1 day. The umbilical cord stump became wrapped around her neck which resulted in a rare, life-threatening condition called “hemorrhagic shock.” The cord was not severed; thus, Shelby didn’t die. She only suffered from severe, short-term brain damage. Shelby weighed only 1.7 lbs. when born.
Shelby’s developmental age according to the most recent assessment is 23-27 months (2-3.5 years). Shelby’s medical problems, as well as her disabilities, can be traced to the lack of an accurate prenatal diagnosis.
Shelby’s developmental age according to most recent assessment is 23-27 months (2-3 years).
Shelby’s developmental age according to the most recent assessment is 23-27 months (2-3 years). At the time of Shelby’s birth, she received her first medical checkup. At that time, the doctor found no abnormalities. Shelby was immediately placed on a special care nursery.
At the time of Shelby’s birth, she received her first medical checkup. At that time, the doctor found no abnormalities. Shelby was immediately placed on a special care nursery.
This was a major milestone for Shelby, and she had to have her blood tested to make sure she wasn’t allergic to certain foods. Shelby was also vaccinated to prevent tetanus and pertussis.
Shelby was a premature
