May 6-14, 2017 is Cleft Lip and Palate Awareness week in the U.K. As far as I know, there isn't a week set aside specifically for this in the United States, so I figured we would participate in the U.K.'s! As common as cleft lip and palate are, it is amazing how many people don't know what it is or have never heard of it. I know God has a plan for my sweet Hudsyn and he's working through her... we don't shy away from people who want to ask questions or who look twice. I want her to know how tough she is and I want her to be confident. She is beautiful just the way she is and I want her to be able to talk about what she has been through. I only hope that by her daddy and I talking about it throughout her life she will know these things and will continue to do so...

So, what better time than awareness week to learn a little bit about cleft lip and palate??

A cleft lip is a separation of the two sides of the lip. The separation often includes the bones of the upper jaw and/or upper gum. A cleft palate is an opening in the roof of the mouth in which the two sides of the palate did not fuse as the unborn baby was developing. Cleft lip and/or palate can occur on one side (unilateral) or both sides (bilateral). It is possible to have only a cleft lip, only a cleft palate, or both.

Hudsyn was born with a bilateral cleft, left side complete with a significant premaxilla (which is the little heart-shaped part in the middle). Her palate is almost completely open and she has no uvula (the hangy thing at the back of your throat). I have tried time and time again to get a picture of her palate but have had no luck.... she's so stubborn!










According to Mayo Clinic, researchers believe that most cases of cleft lip and cleft palate are caused by an interaction of genetic and environmental factors. For most babies, a cause is never discovered.

Cleft lip and cleft palate correction is not all cosmetic. The condition can affect feeding, hearing, speech, orthodontics, and jaw growth which can lead to multiple surgeries well into adulthood.

Cleft lip and/or cleft palate is the fourth most common birth defect in the United States. Documentaries often make it seem like only individuals from foreign countries are affected, but this is not true. While clefts occur more often in children of Asian, Latino, or Native American descent, there are still many others affected. Cleft lips are twice as likely in boys (with or without the presence of a cleft palate) while cleft palates are twice as likely in girls (with the absence of a cleft lip).

With all of the technology available to us today, most parents-to-be are aware of their child's cleft prior to their birth - often as early as the 20-week sonogram. We were not aware, and were extremely shocked when Hudsyn was born. This sweet princess, however, has taken everything she has been dealt in stride and is one of the toughest little girls I know already! I cannot believe how different she looks now compared to the day she was born.






























Some days I struggle knowing what all she will still have to endure but then I look at her and see her determination and stubbornness and I know God knew what he was doing when he chose her! He has BIG plans for her! 💕