Kia Luardo - my 31st baby

This is Jocelyn. She is 17 years old but her boyfriend is 38. She had a miscarriage a few years ago by the same man so we (Krys, my director and I) figured out that she has been with this guy since the age of 13!

She didn't speak any English really, and seemed to be in a tough situation, so even though I had another continuity due this month, when Krys asked if I could take her as well, I said yes. She was so shy, and I only had 2 prenatals with her, but she has an amazing smile, and we got on well together.

I was called in the night of the 21st saying she had arrived and looked pretty active. It was midnight. All I can say is it is a good thing I live next door now, because I might have missed the birth otherwise. Her mom came with her, and so until now, I still have not officially met her boyfriend. (I saw him in passing at the first baby check up, but we were so busy, I didn't have time to introduce myself.)


Her baby girl (Kia) is beautiful, but was born with some of her toes and fingers underdeveloped. I was hoping by going with them to a pediatrician we refer our patients to, we might be able to find an option for surgery, but Dr. Lu said that all we would be able to do is cut a small skin tag on one hand that is attaching 2 fingers together, but because some of the fingers aren't developed past the first knuckle, there isn't much we can do. Kia still has a strong grasp, however, and breastfeeds so well.


At first, I was really worried that she might not be accepted into her family, and I spent time with Jocelyn and her mom and Kia talking about how perfect she was in other ways and showing her grasp etc. I think Jocelyn was just very tired, because she didn't show much interest in Kia. But then, at the 3 day check-up and then again at the Dr.'s appointment she took great care of Kia. I actually took them to McDonald's for an early lunch because Dr. Lu was running late, and I got to know them better.


Please pray for this family that God will continue to show Kia's family members and friends as she grows her perfection in other ways and that they may come to know the Lord in a personal manner so that they have Him to depend on. Pray that no bitterness will arise through this and that I can be a light for them in all this.


Thanks to all who pray.