Hi! I have the privilige of being the mom of the most wonderful baby boy. 

When he was born, it became clear he had some kidney problems. He was diagnosed with hydronephroses and megaureter on both sides. This meant we could be in the hospital a lot. Due to urine staying in his body and causing infections. He was probed at 2,5 weeks old to check if he had vesiceureteral reflux. At the time he didn't. He got a major infection because of the probing and we had to stay in the hospital for ten days. 

Then, on Easter, we noticed his tummy became really swollen and hard. We drove to the emergency room immediately. There it became clear that the hardness under his skin was his bladder. It had become huge and couldn't drain on it's own. He needed to be probed again and we noticed he was better right away. Then they did tests and he was diagnosed with a neurogenic bladder. And now, his body developed the vesicoureteral reflux. He needed to have surgery. They made an ostomy. They cut his skin under his navel and they cut his bladder. They sowed them together. He doesn't need a bag, it empties in his diaper. But we have to use incontinence pads, because the diapers don't even keep him dry for half an hour. 

This was done on april 23rd. Since then we've been in the hospital twice. Once for 4 days and once for 7 days. Both because of infections caused by bacteria entering his urinary tract through his ostomy. This is going to be our reality for the years to come. When he's one, he will be operated on his ureters. They will be reïmplanted. And when he's 3, he'll be operated to create an ostomy in his navel. He'll never be able to pee naturally. This will be his life. He is such a happy little man though. Taking everything with a smile. The most wonderful little boy. We are so grateful for the happiness he brings us. And he will never, ever be too much. The reason I'm trying to stay as anonymous as possible is because I want to give him a life as normal as possible. I don't want him to be recognized because of his health struggles. It will be his story to tell, if he chooses to some day. Not ours. 

A lot of tests still need to be done. Neurological tests, urinary tests, lots of scans. All to find out where it comes from. 

In between the expensive urinary pads, his daily antibiotics, doctors appointments, hospital stays and various tests, we find ourselves in financial struggles. I'm not able to work as often as a would like, because I have to stay with him in the hospital. My husband has begun to work night shifts to earn a little more money, but it just isn't enough. 

We realise that there are kids who are a lot sicker. And that there are worse situations then ours. And we knew beforehand that kids cost money. But our savings were used up for our IVF and we just didn't prepare for this. If you could spare even a little, it would help us a lot. Thanks!

With lots of love,

A proud mom and wonderful little boy. ❤️