My daughter's birth was the greatest moment of my life. She is the first on my side of the family. When she arrived we had no indication of what was to come. She had a Apgar of 10 and was pink. The following day our doctor came for a typical new birth examination. She said Izabella had a murmur, however this was normal. It did not surprise us because my dad has one.
The next day, the doctor said her murmur was getting louder and she was sure it was nothing but we wanted to check it out. The following day she went for an echo. That night we got the call that would change our lives. Our doctor was shocked and could not believe it but Izabella had Tetralogy of Fallot. She told me that they would be taking her to the NICU for observation.
I was there all alone. I don't remember calling my husband and parents but I did. They returned to the hospital to be with us. I spent most of the night going to the NICU with different family members. The next morning, a cardiologist named Dr. Young came to explain the condition and what would happen. She said I could take her home but explained about her spells and what to do and watch for. Amazingly, Izabella never had a spell. She was not a typical TOF baby.
At 3 months, Izabella had her complete repair. I really do not remember the day. All I wanted was for it to be over and see my baby. Izabella did great! After 10 days of Izabella and I being in the hospital, we came home.
It is now 17 months later and most people would never know. She is a little spitfire. I am so proud to be called her mother. All I can say is, "watch out world!"
