Thankful for small miracles...

As I sat here this morning reading over the updates on Tricia, I couldn't help but weep as I was overcome with many emotions. To know, even a fraction, of what they will face in the NICU pulls at my heartstrings. However, to know the miracles they will witness, in addition to those they already have, is just as overwhelming. Please continue to pray for this new family of three.

As I said, reading through the start of their NICU journey brought my own personal journey with the NICU to the surface. If you've spent even one day hunched over, peering down into an isolette at the miracle you were given, then you know the emotions I'm referring to. The rollercoaster rides. The one step forward but two steps back routine. The desire to stay at their isolette 24/7 but the real physical need to eat, sleep, and spend time with your other children who are waiting at home. And these are just a few of the many many emotions faced by NICU parents. The one thing I'm certain each of us have in common is how thankful we are for the small miracles we were given.

When we decided to start our family, we never thought in a million years that we would experience any complications. We were healthy, active and young. I was certain I'd follow everyone elses footsteps and have the perfect pregnancy. Looking back, I giggle. I now know that every person, pregnancy, labor, delivery and baby is different. Oh, how much I have learned through my experiences.

My pregnancy with Jacob was very routine until the third trimester. He was my longest pregnancy. He was born three weeks early, healthy and able to come home with me. You can see his story here.

Austin was the start of terrifying pregnancy journeys. I haven't written his story yet for a few different reasons but I'm getting there. Although the pregnancy was full of complications, and he arrived five weeks early, he was healthy and able to come home with me as well. He was also our largest baby, born at 6lb 13oz.

Katelyn continued the trend of terrifying journeys. Hospitalizations, bedrest and medications had become the norm when we spoke of my pregnancies. After trying to sustain the pregnancy, my water broke seven weeks early. More hospitalization time and then the word that they were going to deliver. Arriving six weeks early, weighing a mere 4lb 6oz, Katelyn was born. She was also our first NICU baby.

My pregnancy with Emilee was quite a shock for us and more so for those around us. It was met with great hesitation from some, which is what we expected. Therefore, we decided not to share the news with those around us for a few several weeks. We had beaten the odds with the previous two high risk pregnancies. Many asked us why we would do it again knowing the risk we were taking. Looking back, I realize that sometimes the risk is worth taking. Wouldn't you agree? The previous trends continued with my pregnancy as they had with the others. Hospitalizations, a cerclage, medications, bedrest and we even added the terb pump and home monitors. My water broke nine weeks early and we were hospitalized once again. After a few days and receiving steriods, an amnio was performed. A uterine infection developed and delivery was a go. Miss Emilee was born eight weeks early, weighing slightly less than her sister, 4lb 4oz. She was my own 4x4. She was our second NICU baby.

Jonathon was the most surprising pregnancy for me, I think. I had started back to school, ready to pursue my career. Our family was complete, or so we had thought. Once again, the pregnancy followed a path similar to that of Emilee's. We opted for another cerclage, hopeful that it would allow us to carry a little closer to term. That didn't happen. My water broke seven weeks early. Jonathon was born via c-section weighing 5lb 1oz. He was our third NICU baby.

And since we know the old saying, Three strikes and you're out, we opted to be certain another pregnancy was not going to happen. I had my tubes tied during the section and 17 months later a hysterectomy. We're certain now that our family is complete. :)

When I remember the journey we took with each of our pregnancies I am reminded just how important Faith is. And I am thankful for the small miracles that I was able to witness.

My journey allowed me to grow in so many ways. I was able to grow spiritually as I had only Faith to hold me over at times. I was able to become more knowledgeable in the areas of pregnancy and preemies. I have been able to use my experiences as something positive for others who are going through something similar. After Austin's birth, I became a volunteer through Sidelines. I have had the honor of attending the labor and births of friends and family who wanted some extra support. I have learned that my true passion in life is to become a nurse who is able to help others and witness miracles along the way.

Now before I get any more sappy, I will end this by asking one simple thing.

Please continue to pray.

Much love,
-B