Marlie Mariah

Imagine that your whole life you've dreamt of traveling to Italy! You have sacrificed in every way to be able to get there. You've worked hard, saved every last penny, and done everything possible to get to go. Then the day comes that you find out that your dreams have come true! You are going to Italy! You pack your bags, board the plane, and spend the next little while imagining just how beautiful and just how wonderful Italy is going to be!

But as you step off the plane you realize that you aren't in Italy after all. You are in Ireland. You are devestated! All of your dreams come crashing down around you, as you realized that all you planned for and all you sacrificed for wasn't meant to be.

But as you spend time in Ireland you begin to realize what an amazing place it is. You begin to notice how beautiful it is and how good it feels to be there. And after some time you realize that you have fallen in love with Ireland, and wonder why you ever wanted to go to Italy in the first place.

-President Miles-

Meet

Marlie Mariah Ball

Born March 11, 2009 - 6:39pm

6lbs 14oz 18.25in

She has Down Syndrome

Nothing in the 9 months of pregnancy eluded to the fact the Marlie had Downs. Jarom and I were shocked.

We know that the Lord has truly blessed us with someone who will love us in an unconditional way that few others can match and who will bring delight into our lives. We expect many challenges--but these are manageable--but we also know we are in for some truly delightful experiences.

Marlie had to spend her time in the hospital in the NICU. She had some breathing problems and they also wanted to keep a very close eye on her heart as down syndrome children usually have heart defects. Little Marlie is a fighter and was able to come home with us on Friday. She is on a monitor and we have oxygen here in case we need it. She had jaundice and was on a bili-bed but improved in just 24 hours and doesn't have to be under the lights anymore. We are continually amazed with how strong she is.

Her echocardiogram came back as good as we could have hoped. She does have 5 small defects in her heart but none of them require any intervention at this point and the Dr's are hopeful that they will all resolve themselves. We will follow up with a cardiologist at Primary Children's in a month.

TheDr also said that she has the best muscle tone that he has ever seen in a Downs baby. Downs babies are usually very noodle-like. Marlie is very strong and moves just like a normal newborn.

We are thanking our Father in Heaven constantly that she is doing so well.

We love her so much and wouldn't trade her for the world. She brings such a wonderful spirit into our home and we feel privileged to raise one of Heavenly Fathers perfect angels.

Kisses from Mommy

Proud Daddy

So far, Ireland looks pretty good!