A Name

With the D&C, we didn't opt for genetic testing. I had hoped they would be able to test the remains only to find out the gender. They couldn't do this without full chromosome analysis. I really felt that was unnecessary, and would probably reveal more questions than answers. So we will have no medical confirmation of gender.

I told Mark early on that I thought this baby was a girl. This is all we have to work with, so that's what we're going with . I don't want to forever refer to the baby as "it" or "him/her." So we needed a name. She was a person. I know not everyone names their lost children. This is just one thing I need for my healing.

When I thought about a name, I immediately thought of "beautiful." We needed something that means beautiful. That last ultrasound picture was perfect and beautiful in my eyes. The name we settled on is Bella Hope.

Little Bella,
You were beautiful and perfect in every way. With you we felt a hope that we haven't had for a long time, and we only pray we can have again someday. Please hug and kiss Grandma Lucy, Gabe, and all of your other brothers and sisters. You have forever changed the shape of our hearts. We love you and miss you like crazy.