01/28/02

As the first, and very quick, entry into my new Internet Diary, I would like to announce the arrival of Morgan Ina Crowe to the Crowe family.  Morgan was born at St. Dominic Hospital in Jackson, MS, at 9:25 AM CST on Sunday, January 27, 2002.  At birth, Morgan weighed 7 pounds, 3 ounces and was 18 3/4" long.  She has quite a bit of dark brown hair and blue eyes.  Initially, the consensus says she has her father's eyes, mouth, and maybe nose, and her mother's chin.  The arrival of Morgan was greatly anticipated by our friends and family and was a bit of a surprise, as we chose to not find out the sex of our child during Ina's pregnancy.  Yet the arrival of this beautiful gift from God also brought some unexpected and saddening news.  Morgan shows multiple signs of Down's Syndrome.  Doctors ensure us that she has a strong heartbeat, good muscle tone, and is very healthy.  But the roller coaster  of emotions of giving birth to our first child and being dealt this unexpected obstacle is not easy for any of us today.  While we both see a beautiful angel sent from heaven, we must also come to terms that she will not be entirely like the children she will grow up with.  My soul is overcome with emotion of sadness for Morgan because she may never have the opportunity to live a 'normal' life.  But I also know and firmly believe that God has chosen Ina and me for this role.  Not out of punishment for some trivial sin or a wake-up call.  No.  God has chosen us to nurture this young life because together we are invincible and strong in our faith.  Together we can do anything.  The love and support from family and friends has been an incredible boost to us both.  We can never thank you all enough for your love and prayers.  I have so much more to say, but my newborn angel is at the hospital waiting for her daddy to swaddle and hold her.  More on the story of Morgan Ina Crowe to come...