A short 15 weeks ago, I witnessed a miracle. On October 22, my baby girl was born. All babies are truly miracles from our Heavenly Father, but ours was extra special. Avery was born with
gastroschisis (warning, adult content, click at your own risk). Many different emotions came over me the day she was born, the biggest was relief. I had been seriously worried sick about her since 16 weeks in utero. Twice a week doc appts, bedrest and living in a new state didn't help. After a crazy night of labor and
quick birth, she arrived in all her glory! There was no cord cutting for Josh (either my ob didn't want to get the smelling salts out again OR didn't want to risk Joshy cutting the wrong cord!). Ave was immediately taken to the NICU and then to surgery. Once her surgeon came and told us that everything looked good, her bowels were alive and health, I broke down in tears. Our little peanut had made it, she had survived the biggest challenge of her life (and ours)!
Inside the silo you can see Ave's intestines
The NICU was a long road. It was full of many ups and downs. Each day held a new challenge. There were nice nurses, mean nurses, caring nurses, nice doctors, one arrogant doctor, nice RTs, and one smoky RT. I spent many days and nights crying and wanting to bring my baby girl home. But I couldn't.
Honestly, this was a trial for me, not for Avery. I needed (and still do) to learn patience and understanding the Lord's timing. Both of which I am still working at.
After a 45 Day stay at the hospital, we finally got to bring Avery home. When I finally got wheeled (yes, I had to be wheeled out in a wheelchair) out of the hospital with Avery, I couldn't believe this was actually happening. Every day when I would go to the hospital, I saw countless women taking their babies home when they were discharged from the hospital. My day finally came. On December 5, we took our little one home! The first night was spent constantly checking on her: was she warm enough, was she breathing, was she hungry?? Luckily for us, my mom came the next morning!
These past 9 weeks have been so fun. Avery sure does have her own little personality. She wants what she wants, when she wants it. I wonder where she got that from? She has changed our life forever and has been the biggest blessing.
Inside the silo you can see Ave's intestines
20 comments:
What a ride you've had. So happy she is healthy and strong.
she's a fighter. what an amazing story. I love the picture in the bumbo.
What a little miracle :-) I tell people about you all the time Hill. You handled everything so well in my opinion. Many people would have done things so much differently. But you were always humble about the whole situation. I really admired the way you were able to deal and cope with everything that came your way. Im so glad little Avery made it here safe and sound. She is a lucky girl to have both you and Josh as parents.
That was a sweet post Hil. She is just darling. I'm glad everything went well and she's home safe and sound! What a journey...and you guys did so well!
she's beautiful... and we're so glad she made it even if it did take some time to get her home.
She is one very blessed little girl to be in your family, and besides that the extended families have also grown through this process. We are so happy to watch the progress that she has made and also to watch how you both have become so devoted to that beautiful child. Love Ya All
She is so cute. I just love her perfect little lips. And her hair! Wow!
She's getting bigger! The last picture in the Bumbo really shows her growing up!
You and Josh handled the whole experience marvelously.
Can't wait to see you guys in just a few weeks!
They grow so fast, don't they. I love this post. You two are great parents!
Hil, you are so cute. That was the sweetest little post. You constantly amaze me. I would've died if I were in your position. You're so strong, and I am so happy things are going so well now. That little Avery gets more and more beautiful every time I see her. Love ya Hil!
What a crazy journey- she truly is your little miracle! Always remember that- there will be days...! j/k
I can't believe that much time has passed! I love that little girl!
That must have been so hard to go through! You and Josh are such great people, and you guys had such a positive attitude through all the stress. You have a beautiful family!
what a little miracle she is. wish we could meet her in person. i can't believe how different everyone's experiences are- i mean, Ellie was 8 lbs 9 oz when she was born!! it's hard for me to even remember now how small that was...avery must be the most petite, sweet little thing on the planet. can't wait to continue to watch her grow! she's precious.
and you, hil, are AMAZING. you inspire me.
What a beautiful miracle! I'm so glad that she is home with you. You deserve every happiness and I'm so glad she's here. She's a lucky girl to have you!
Wow! She is a little miracle!! You two went through a lot! I am so glad to hear that she healthy and she is so dang cute too!
Wow! She is a little miracle!! You two went through a lot! I am so glad to hear that she healthy and she is so dang cute too!
Your baby girl is so beautiful. My mom is a nurse in the NICU and takes care of babies with that all the time, and most of the time they turn out just perfect! Glad to see she is doing well. Thank you for visiting my blog!
As I read this story again and look at the tear jerking pictures, I am just so amazed at your amazing strength, and Avery's:) What a journey. I'm so glad she is now home, and with such loving parents. She is so beautiful Hil! Thanks for sharing!
Post a Comment