The arrival of a miracle

The usual preparations were made for a C-section and several pediatric doctors came by to assure me that they were aware of the situation and they would do everything they could do to take care of the baby after she was delivered. All of my nurses and doctors knew I was afraid and they were so kind and caring. Continually assuring me that we were in the best hands possible. The moment finally came and I was wheeled into delivery. I remember feeling heavy, as if I couldn't breathe and it seemed like a lifetime before they got her out. They told me I had a beautiful 2 pound baby girl but I never got to see her or hear her cry. They must have given me something in my IV because the next thing I remember was waking up in recovery. I asked the nurse about Piper and she told me that they were getting her ready to go across to children's hospital the newborn ICU unit. I cried. Is she ok? I asked. The nurse explained that she had numerous issues and needed to be watched very carefully. My family came in and told me a little about what was going on. My mom, who I could tell was trying to hold it together for my sake was looking very stressed. My husband was crying and telling me that things were pretty bad.
I was trying to talk to my mom and although I was pretty groggy; I could see an incubator being rolled into the room and over to my bed. Here is your baby, the emt said to me. We thought you would like to see her before we take her to Children's hospital. I looked at my tiny child laying there. She only had half of a face. Only one eye. I was immediately worried about her condition but also could tell that she was so sweet, so tiny, so beautiful. I loved her so much and as much as I wanted to be with her. I had to let her go. I could not hold or touch her so I just said; goodbye Piper Grace, Mommy loves you.

The Christmas Surprise

On December 23rd 2006, My mom and I went to have my last Ultrasound done. We were pretty nervous about what we would see and it seemed to take forever for the tech to talk to us as she was taking pictures and measurements. She told us she had to step out of the room to talk to the Doctor and then instructed me into a waiting area. There were no others around and my heart was beating so fast. I felt as if I couldn't breathe. The doctor finally came after what seemed to me like a lifetime and explained that neither he or the ultrasound tech could see the baby well. They had hoped to be able to tell more about her abnormalities but I had so little amniotic fluid that it was impossible to get pictures. It was also unhealthy for the baby to be so low on amniotic fluid. I was scheduled for an appointment with an OBGYN at UAB in Birmingham on December 26th. I tried to enjoy Christmas for my son. My mom an my sister decided to be the ones to drive me to my appointment. I was a bundle of nerves. I had no idea what to expect and neither did my family. He did an ultrasound and then sat all of us down and told us that because Piper was not growing as she should be at this term and because I was low on amniotic fluid. He was arranging surgery as we spoke. You are going to have a baby today. We just need to get her out and start to evaluate her needs since they were not sure how severe they were.
My mind was racing and I knew this was it. I said a silent prayer that God would protect my baby and give me the strength I needed. I was then taken to be prepped for surgery.

Perfect Missy Prissy

I prayed one night that God would help us to find my son a dog. I know this probably sounds like a silly thing to pray for but I hoped that since I was asking for him and not for me that God would understand. We really had very little money, had no idea how we would afford shots or how we would house train while trying to get ready for Piper but we went to the shelter just to look. As we went down the second isle a sign caught my eye hanging from one of the cages. Inside the cage was a small longhaired, expensive looking little dog who looked very out of place at the pound. I read the sign. House trained
All shots up to date
Good with children
Pomeranian/Chihuahua Mix
All I can say is: GOD ANSWERS PRAYERS!!!! I even found out I knew the previous owners who took good care of her but moved to a place which would not allow pets. We got her for $20 and her name was Prissy. She loved us immediately and my son had a great surprise when he got home. I had never seen him this happy. He still says Prissy is the best gift he has ever gotten. She is a precious part of our family that I know our Lord led us to that day.

Getting Ready

I decided that if I still had a job, I would have something to keep my mind off of my worrying; but I could'nt go back to work so close to the end of my pregnancy so I started a project. I decorated her nursery and started picking out names. Damine and I decided on Piper Grace. We decorated her room in bunnys. Everything was pink. We had her name spelled out in wooden letters on one wall and Damine painted the letters in pastel colors. It was beautiful. I was trying my best to put my troubles aside and get ready for a new baby. I bought baby clothes, and other items for her. I washed them and put them up and felt a great sense of normalcy to my life now. I was also trying to include my son in all of these tasks so he could be excited about his sister coming home. He had seen as much sorrow and anxiety in our home as he needed to. Although I tried not to show it in front of him, I will be the first to admit that I have never been one to hide my feelings well. I was also getting ready for Christmas and I was due in January. One day right before Thanksgiving; Jameson came to me crying and told me he was so worried that he couldnt sleep. I tried to comfort him as best I could. I knew that he had probably had his own worries for a long time and didnt share them with me. I suddenly felt very selfish. I should have been more protective of him. More strong for him instead of going around feeling sorry for myself. I had to fix it but didnt know how. For several years Jameson had been asking for a dog. We decided that this Christmas, that was what he needed. A companion to help him pass the time until all of this was over.