Our Little Miracle

On Father’s Day 2024, we received the most unexpected and beautiful surprise of our lives: we found out we were expecting a baby. The joy and shock we felt in that moment was indescribable. From the very start, we knew our lives were about to change in ways we couldn’t even imagine, and she has. She quickly became our entire world, and soon, the world of our family as well.

But this journey has not been easy. In the first trimester, I was hit with kidney stones, landing me in the hospital for days. This was just the beginning of a long and complicated road. Our excitement for our 20-week ultrasound was overwhelming as we anticipated seeing our little girl. But during a follow-up appointment, we were told there were things they couldn’t see clearly, and we were referred to Maternal Fetal Medicine for a more in-depth scan. I’d already been feeling increasing pelvic pain, and my worries began to grow. At 23 weeks, the ultrasound revealed our worst fears: my cervix was starting to dilate too early. The doctor explained that my body was not holding onto our baby as it should at that point.

We were given two choices: stay in the hospital on bed rest until our daughter comes or undergo a procedure called a cervical cerclage to try to keep her in as long as possible. We chose the cerclage, and I was admitted to the hospital right away. The next morning I had the procedure. During the surgery, the doctor discovered that my cervix was already more dilated to 2 cm. They told us it was a temporary fix and the chances of it holding long were slim. We were told that our baby girl would most likely be born prematurely.

At 25 weeks, I noticed reduced movement and some cramping, so I went to the hospital to get checked. The doctors found that the cerclage was no longer holding, and I was dilated to 3 cm. They gave us the same two options again: deliver our baby or stay in the hospital until she was ready. I decided to stay in the hospital, and was determined to fight to keep her safe and inside as long as possible. Our first goal was to make it to 28 weeks. I endured days of unbearable pain, but we pressed on. We made it to 28 weeks, then our next goal of 30 weeks, and for a brief moment, we allowed ourselves to feel hope. But then, I woke up knowing something was wrong. By the afternoon, my water broke, and labor began.

The next morning, we met our daughter. She was born at 2 pounds, 14 ounces— so tiny, but yet so strong. Despite her size, she’s showing us just how resilient she is. She has amazed us every single day with her strength, and she is fighting with everything she has.

This journey has not only tested us emotionally but has also placed a tremendous financial burden on our family. I had to reduce my work hours after the procedure, and once I was hospitalized, I couldn’t work at all. My partner, who had just started a new job, became our sole provider. He hasn’t had the chance to take any time off, and the strain has been tough. The medical bills from my month hospital stay, our daughter’s NICU care, and everyday expenses have overwhelmed us. But through it all, our daughter’s strength gives us the will to keep going.

We are reaching out now, asking for any support you can offer. Every contribution will help us get through this difficult time, allowing us to focus on our daughter’s healing and growth as we prepare for the day we can finally bring her home. Your support means everything to us, and we are so grateful for any help along this journey.

Thank you.