Tess's Story

Tess Lynn Mulka was born in February on Friday the 13th of 2009. She weighed 8 pounds 5 ounces and was 20.5 inches long. (Amazing how they fit in a belly!)




Tess was born with a cleft lip and pallet and is a BEAUTIFUL little girl! (If you are unfamiliar with oral clefts, here's a link with information: http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/cleft-lip-cleft-palate) Our first week together has had many ups and downs, but we are now on the path to greatness. Miss Tess and I have met with a feeding specialist as well as the plastic surgeon who will close her lip and pallet. She will first be fitted with a retainer, that will help her hard pallet to grow closer together and make her surgery less difficult. She'll wear her retainer for 3-5 months and then have the surgery.



Entering the life of a parent is only the beginning of a major learning experience. I'm counting down the days til Cameron comes home to meet his daughter and hold her in his arms for the first time. (If you didn't know, Cameron is my husband, a soldier in the U.S. Army who is currently on his second tour over seas) I don't think I could explain the feelings of becoming a parent, but if you are one then I'm sure you understand. I am very excited to have a family and look forward to the journey it will be!