OHSU- bringing home Benjamin.

April 28, 2013

28 weeks pregnant

Admitted for hospital bed rest.

Our last family picture before I enter the hospital.

Family visits to the hospital.

May 24, 2013

We celebrate 16 years of marriage with Thai Basil takeout, a love song playlist, and a hospital sleepover.

I have never loved someone more.

June 5, 2013

The night before our scheduled c-section.

My last night ever being pregnant.

I left candy and a note for the hospital staff that I had grown to love.

And, a little note to my beloved surgeons.

After much persuasion they allowed Todd into the OR just for the delivery.  He was squeezing my hand as little Benjamin entered this world.  Our eighth perfect baby, born at 33 weeks 6 days gestation.  Todd kissed my head and was ushered out.  I closed my eyes and 

thanked God with my whole soul for His gift.  Then I fell asleep praying with my might for the surgeons who were operating on me.

June 7, 2013

After 180 bags of blood products and hours of surgery, my heart was strong but my body was so swollen with fluids they couldn't stitch me up.  My bladder was tissue paper and my insides were pretty bad.   After hours of surgery, they turned me over to the trauma unit unsure I'd make it through the night.  Trauma doctors wrapped me in saran wrap and secured my abdomen with an industrial sling used for patients with severe abdominal injuries.  Despite the dire outcome, Todd never doubted I would make it.  I felt his strength, his faith and his surety.  He saw me surviving and I saw myself through his eyes.

In reality this is what I looked like...

While I was fighting, Ben was being loved by grandpa, grandma, aunt mil, and sweet nurses.

June 10, 2013

I held Ben for the first time.  It was a difficult, beautiful moment.

Sweet nurses, CNA's, housekeeping, doctors, residents, friends, and family filled my life with love and prayers and great hope!  My soul was lifted!  

This cute fella made me want to get better!

June 16, Father's Day

After meeting with hospital children's therapists, we had the kids come see me for the first time and two at a time to meet their little brother.

There were setbacks, but we pulled through.  I started running laps...

And finally was strong enough to come home!!!

Today is one of the best days of my life!!

I am coming home!!!

Life--- life is sooo good!

Thank God!  

Thank wise doctors!  

Thank YOU!

And oh, please hug your loved ones tight. 

Today is a gift!!