If I've learned anything in my years of being a wife and mother to my own babies, it’s that IT TAKES A VILLAGE. Right now the Kliewers are about to embark on a challenging season of life, and they need support from their village. I have set up this account for Phil and Kristen to help with upcoming extra expenses, which come with having a new baby with special needs. These costs include big things, like medical bills and therapy for Julia that insurance will not cover. But also the small things that add up quick, like the extra gas going to the hospital multiple times a day, babysitting for their 3 beautiful children, money for meals they'll have to eat on the road or in the hospital, and hotel costs when Julia is staying at UCSF. When something like this happens, people always ask "how can I help". This account will hopefully help relieve the stress that comes with increased household expenses.

As all of you know, Kristen and Phil are some of the most generous people on this planet. They are always willing to help a friend in need, and would give the shirt off their backs if someone asked for it. This is our opportunity to surround them with love and support. Even giving $10 will help pay for a babysitter so they can go together to visit Julia in the months she'll be hospitalized. Thank you in advance for your generosity. It is so appreciated.

I will continue to post updates after Julia is born and below is pasted Julia's story.

With Love and Gratitude,

Marli

Dear family and friends,
Many of you know I am pregnant with our fourth and final child who is a little girl we are naming Julia. A little over a month or so ago we found out that our Julia has significant health issues that will need to be fixed right after she is born. The first issue, which is the most crucial, has to do with her small bowel which has not developed properly. It is not open and cannot allow for the stomach contents to pass through. Because of this she will be taken to the NICU right after she is born and then have surgery 2-4 days later. Once she is eating and digesting properly she will be released to go home, 2-6 weeks after birth. The second issue is that she has a heart defect that will require surgery when she is approximately 4 months old or after she recovers sufficiently from her first surgery. Due to the critical nature of this operation, this surgery will be performed at UCSF by one of the best surgeons in the nation specializing in this field.
In addition to these surgeries we were informed that these two defects were most often associated with Down syndrome which further tests confirmed. We currently are and have been going through so many emotions in the past couple of weeks and are still processing what is happening to our sweet little baby. It's overwhelming and we're just taking it day by day. Our lives will forever be changed, not in a bad way, but just different then what we envisioned. We know that there will be challenges ahead and at this point we are operating at one day at a time. Most of all we are trying to be strong for Julia and hopeful for the life that she will lead.
We appreciate your thoughts and prayers.    
The Kliewers