In February 2009, we found out we were pregnant, expecting our first child. Our due date was the 30th November, we were both so excited, and were looking forward to being parents and bringing our new arrival home for Christmas. At twenty weeks, the pregnancy was going really well, we were booked in for a fetal anomaly scan on the 30th July. We were told the baby's heartbeat was good and strong and that all the measurements were normal. When the doctor started scanning the baby's head, it seemed to be taking her a long time. The doctor then said she couldn't get a proper image of the baby's head and advised me to go for a walk and get a coffee, that it might change the position of the baby. While we were out having a coffee, I said to my husband that I thought something was wrong. He just thought I was worrying too much and tried to reassure me that everything would be fine. But I had that gut feeling in my stomach.After a while we returned to the clinic to continue with the scan. The doctor prodded and poked for at least twenty minutes trying to get a good view of the baby's head. The silence in the room was deafening. And then, the look on the doctor's face said it all. I started to cry and asked the doctor 'What was wrong with our baby?' We knew that the outlook wasn't going to be good. The doctor explained that our baby had a lot of fluid on her brain a condition known as 'ventriculomegaly' and that the 'cerebellum' was small for the baby's gestational age. We were told that the possible causes for this could be a blockage, a primary brain abnormality, a chromosomal abnormality, or an infection. We were then advised about the different tests that could be performed such as an amniocentesis and a MRI scan. We were both in complete shock. Could this be really happening to us? All we wanted to know was 'Is our baby going to make it?' We left the hospital that day feeling completely devastated and shocked. It was every parent's worst nightmare.The following week we returned to the hospital as we decided to have the amniocentesis and the MRI scan performed. A week or so later the initial amniocentesis result revealed that there was no chromosomal abnormality. So we were happy with that news. We then decided it was time to find out the sex of our baby. We were told it was a girl, so we called her Anna, a name both of us always liked and wanted for our first daughter. As the weeks went on, we met with a number of neurologists and pediatricians to find out if Anna had any hope of surviving and if she did survive what quality of life would she have. The MRI scan then revealed that the corpus callosum in Anna's brain was absent. A few weeks after that the full amniocentesis result revealed that Anna had a chromosomal abnormality. We couldn't believe it. Our hopes and dreams were shattered. We were given a very grim picture by the doctors and were told that Anna might die in-utero, during delivery, or if she were to survive, she would have a very poor quality of life. As the weeks moved on we went to the hospital for regular scans. The fluid in her brain got worse every week and we were told that her little lungs weren't doing well, so this added to our fears. Things just seemed to be getting worse all the time. Her heartbeat was always good and strong though. She was a real little fighter. The obstetrician decided to bring me in at 37 weeks for induction. I will never forget walking into that delivery ward, looking at all those machines that were awaiting the arrival of my little one. It terrified me. It was a long and difficult labour, and at 1am on the 5th of November the big push was on. I was so determined to get her out. When her head came out, I expected to hear a cry, and when I didn't, panic set in. But the doctors told me that it wasn't until the chord was cut that we would hear her cry. A few more push's and out she arrived at 1.15am. The chord was cut, but the room was silent. Our baby was born sleeping. She was so perfect, 53cm long, weighing 8lbs, blonde hair like her mammy and the image of her dad. We were so proud but sad at the same time. We were told that she had just passed away a few minutes earlier. I always hoped that we would get a few minutes with her, just to see her eyes open, or hear her cry, but it wasn't meant to be. We took her home on Friday the 6th, where we held her in our arms and cherished every moment we had with her. We got to be her mammy and daddy for two, very short, but memorable days. She got to meet her grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and neighbours. We took loads of photos of her and her granddad brought her on a tour of her home, where she should of spent her life. Anna's Story moments24

On Sunday 8th November, we laid her to rest in our local cemetery after a beautiful but sad ceremony. It has been a difficult few months since and every special occasion brings tears and pain and hurts so much. But hopefully some day we will find peace. Anna fought until the end, went in her own time, and didn't suffer, so that brings us some comfort in the sad times. We know a piece of our hearts went the day she left us. And we also know that our little angel is with us everyday and someday we'll meet again. Until then, Rest in peace Anna,Love Forever and Always, Daddy and Mammy. Alan & Anita DalyIn Memory of AnnaWe were ever so happyThe day we found out, That our little star was on her way out. We had plans, hopes and dreams For a future with you, To join us along our road too. Soon we found out it wasn't to be, Our special star might have to leave early. We will never forget that day you arrived, How pretty and perfect you were, But your eyes were closed, there wasn't a sound, You were sleeping peacefullyWith the angels around. We will never forget you, As we know you're not far.Watching and guiding us from afar, Our special angel, you're our star.moments25