We knew there was a chance that the baby I was carrying inside of me could have a cleft. For my husband's side of the family - almost all of them have clefts. That is, both unilateral and bilateral. I started doing lots of research before we were married.

We wanted to find out if the baby I was carrying, would have a cleft or not. I was 15 weeks pregnant and ready for the ultrasound. This ultrasound told us more then we ever imagined. We found out that Marcy would have a bilateral cleft, the same day that we found out that she was not alone in there. Yep, you guessed it. Marcy is a fraternal twin to sister Marie! She's also a little sister to Joseph and just a month ago, big sister to Renay; who, by the way does not have a cleft.

Now that we know there is a cleft, we are all about finding out what to expect. We met with the genetic counselor and found out that we have a 50/50 chance of clefts in any future children. I read all I could find on clefts. Most importantly, how to feed and care for a baby with a cleft. We met with our team of doctors. Dr. Mann reassured me that I was as prepared as any Mom could be. Marcy was born at 36 weeks 3 days weighing a great 5lbs 1 oz and healthy as can be.

She is now 2.5 years old and has had many surgeries, but most people can't even tell that she had a cleft, until she gives you her heart-melting smile. She will be having surgery in the next couple of years to finish gum work and possibly some nose
work. We have had our ups-and-downs. Like, the nights of constant vomiting, until I got the hang of feeding her. Her
complete aversion to any solid food, and her rapid weight loss before finally gaining weight.

*Crystal Bandlow is a volunteer Angel, and can be emailed at: crysp4259@yahoo.com