My precious baby girl is an astounding six years old today! How things have changed since that day. She was born on a warm March day in Mishawaka IN. She had a pretty rough start. Her due date was March 23rd so she was a bit early. When she was born they did a bit of testing and said my due date was probably wrong and she was at the very most 36 wks. She struggled to breathe the first 24 hours and wasn't allowed in our room. She rebounded pretty quickly though and came home with us on time and healthy. Then at 4 weeks she caught RSV. This was our family's first foray into tragedy. When a baby is premature and contracts this infection it can be deadly. It started innocently enough at first- a slight cough, runny nose, cold symptoms. I had known what to look for though and immediately took her to the ER, thank God. I thought they would send us home, but her blood oxygen level was so low they admitted her right away. By the next morning, she was barely clinging to life. The hospital we were in could NOT help her and she continued to get sicker by the minute. Finally they decided to air lift her to Riley's in Indy. What a nightmare. We couldn't fly with her so we drove to Indy. Torture! Seeing your precious baby that sick was something I WASN"T prepared for. Funny to think back now, though on my optimism. I never felt even for a moment that she might actually die. Sadly, if something like that were to happen to us now, I'm sure I'd be expecting the worst. Praise God, she eventually got better. It took a good week for her to turn the corner, but she did!!! Funny thing- she's by far our healthiest child now! And what a treasure she is to us. A blessing beyond compare. I mean, just look at that sweet face. Every birthday means so much more to me now since losing Ava. I also admit to feeling a bit guilty celebrating them when my sister has lost so very much. I'm sure she'd call me crazy- but the feeling is there just the same.
Well...my husband is about to steal the computer for work, so I must wrap up. Love to you all.
15 comments:
Happy Birthday Emelia Rae! All those LONG days waiting for you to come while Gavin and I sat with your Mommy, while she was on bed rest, FOREVER and then visiting you in INDY and praying for your little body to be strong! You are such a beauty inside and out and those of us that were around when you were giving us such a scare are so proud to see pictures of you dancing and playing so healthy and strong! We LOVE YOU!!! Auntie Amanda, Uncle Brendon, Gavin and Morgan too
Holly,
You do have amazing, beautiful children! I am so happy little Emmy is 6 today. Thanks for your comment on my blog. There's nothing like sharing in His sufferings in this life, we all have our bitterness to drink don't we? However, today, I will choose to rejoice with you in this miracle who is 6 years old! Happy Birthday!!
Angie
Happy 6th Birthday to my wonderful Grandaughter!! You are truly a miracle and we love you so much!! We are missing you like crazy and can't wait to see you !!
We Love you!
Hugs & Kisses!!!
Grandma & Grandpa Grate
Happy Birthday Emmy! She is such a gorgeous little girl. You never know what a rough first few months of life she had.
Happy Birthday Emmy Rae! Auntie Kelley loves you very much. I tried to call you yesterday to say "Happy Birthday!" but got voicemail. I meant to call later, but then it was church time, etc... Just wanted you to know you were in my thoughts off and on all day long. Can't wait to celebrate on the 24th! Love you Baby girl!
awe...HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Happy Birthday
This means that my little boy will be 6 soon too...that is a scary/exciting notion.
Holly she is indeed a little princess, she is so cute and smart. I love to watch her talk and gesture. She is quite the communicator. So happy birthday to a special little girl.
Carolyn
I didn't know about your experience with RSV. Daniel ended up in the hospital with it last year, and he got pneumonia with it this year. However, he was full term, so it wasn't as bad as Emmy's for sure. Our babies are growing up!
Holly, Thanks for comment. The F-22 pilots are from DC. Can't rememeber the name of the base there. I'm not sure if your brother would've known them or not. Either way it was fun. What does your brother fly? I know they have F15's at Kadena.
Happy B-lated Birthday, Beautiful Girl! What a blessing you are to your Mommy and Daddy. God has been with you from the very beginning...what a story you have to share!
JoEllen
Hi HollY! She's beautiful! Praying for your family!
Michelle
Happy Birthday Emmy! I remember her being so sick and feeling so scared for you and Jay! What a blessing she is, praise God! Love you so much!
I can't believe that she is 6 and I also can't believe I had not posted on this one yet. She is so pretty. You and Jay are very lucky. We love you
Hey, good to hear from you! I usually check out your page and see how your kids are growing! You guys are in my thoughts, and i am praying you your family's.
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