Our family is about to embark on a journey that we did not see coming. As most of you know that Lauren is pregnant with our 2nd child. When we were at her 20 week appointment a few weeks ago we found out that we are having another little girl. We are both so excited about our Emersyn having a little sister. We were also given some very tough news that we weren't expecting to get. Our little girl has Spina Bifida. She has the most severe type of Spina Bifida called Myelomeningocele. Basically her spinal column has not developed properly and has allowed her spinal cord to protrude out of her back. She also has hydrocephalus( water on the brain) that is caused by the Spina Bifida. The base of her brain is being pulled down into her spinal canal preventing the spinal fluid from circulating. If nothing is done there could be very severe symptoms such as brain injury and paralysis. That night we gave our baby girl a name. Eleanor Grace Bennett(Nora). Lauren and I found out shortly after we got the news that there is a surgery that can be done that could greatly minimize her disabilities. Normally the child would have surgery to repair the opening in the back after the child is born. This surgery is done while Lauren is still pregnant. Is has to be done before she is 26 weeks pregnant. Basically they go in and repair the injury while she is still in the womb and allow Lauren to finish her pregnancy. There are so many specifications to whether we even qualify for this procedure but we found out on Friday that we do. We are 2 weeks from being past the 26 week cut off so we have to move quick. Lauren and I are flying out for Philadelphia on Tuesday. The surgery will be either next Friday or the following Monday. We will have to stay in Philadelphia for the remainder of the pregnancy. I will have to fly back and forth for work but we will have our little Emersyn with her momma in Philadelphia. This is going to be quite the journey and but we know that our God has this all figured out. Being qualified for this surgery is such a blessing. It will give our sweet Nora Grace the best chance at being able to walk. We owe this to her since we have been given the opportunity. There is risk involved with this surgery to the mother and child. My wife is so brave. She would do anything to help our little girl even if that means putting herself at risk. She's my hero. Please pray for us as we travel to Philadelphia and for my wife and child during this surgery. I will keep everybody updated the best I can.