Two years ago today we had the best and worst day of our lives.
Two years ago today, I felt a “snap” and heard my daughter’s heart rate drop off the monitor during a routine induction.
Two years ago today, as nurses frantically inserted an IV and pushed my bed down the hall to the OR, I prayed the hardest I have ever prayed in my entire life.
Two years ago today, I delivered my daughter in the scariest fashion imaginable.
Two years ago today, I learned that nurses are heroes.
Two years and one day from this moment, I met my daughter for the first time– covered in wires, head wrapped in a cooling cap, and tube helping her breathe.
We were told she wouldn’t make it.
We were told to expect the worst.
We were told that even if she did make it through that first week, we were not out of the woods and would probably need to decide to either take her off life support or be parents to a daughter in a vegetative state.
She was baptized in my arms. It took two nurses and a respiratory tech to get her there. It was the first time I would hold her, at four days old, and the last time I’d hold her for awhile.
That week, we watched our sweet girl double in size as fluid filled her tiny body, unable to get rid of it because her kidneys had failed.
I prayed the second hardest I ever had; this time I prayed she would pee.
We ALL prayed she would pee.
And then… she did.
That was the second happiest day of our lives, despite the fact the EEG showed little brain activity.
We hated that EEG.
Then came the moment of truth– they weaned her off her seizure meds to see if her brain would wake up.
We waited and waited to see what damage almost an hour without air had done to her baby brain.
She opened her eyes.
She looked at her daddy.
Even with the doctors saying they still weren’t sure if she would make it, and that she’d probably have significant brain damage, she tried to show us otherwise.
We should have listened to that little one, trying to tell us she’d be okay.
50 days after she was born, we finally took our baby home from the hospital.
So each 4th of July, when we see fireworks, we remember our own little firecracker. And we remember to never, ever, ever, ever, EVER give up…
…or take life for granted…
…or say “no” when someone offers help…
…or forget that God does listen…
{just like those little bitty babies, even when we think they can’t hear}.
Happy birthday, dear Abby. You continue to amaze and inspire all who meet you every day. In the words of your doctor, no pressure, but there’s a reason you are here. We expect great things from you, as you’ve already pulled off what most said was impossible.
Just remind me of this little story the next time you hit your brother or throw a tantrum because you want to stay outside, you little stinker. 😉 You are two now, you know.
To my friends– those “in real life” and through the blog, old and new– thanks for sharing our wild ride journey. To those stopping by, thanks for reading a little about my sweet “Noodle”. I hope you’ll become a regular around these parts!
subscribe in a reader for your daily dish of all things lemonade.}
Lauren says
your post seriously made me cry!!! WHat a strong sweet angel!!! I hope you guys have a happy 4th and she has a happy birthday!!!!
xoxoxo
Lo
Annie says
awww….awesome post! God is good, huh?? :)….happy birthday Abby!!!
Heather - Chickabug says
Oh my gosh, TEARS!! I’m in awe of your bravery and the strength of your little girl. What a beautiful story, thank you for sharing!
Christina Dann says
Sobbing over here! Happy birthday, sweet Abby. Thank you for sharing with us.
the thrifty ba says
thanks for making me cry! she is a beautiful miracle!
Rachel says
What a heartbreaking and wonderful story all at the same time, I bawled my eyes out!
Kathy says
Babies are amazing aren’t they….and so are the doctors and nurses that care for them when they are sick.
I watched the fireworks in 1980 from the 4th floor of Childrens Memorial Hospital in Chicago.
We were the lucky ones….the ones that knew their baby was sick but would still be coming home. We prayed hard for everyone else.
I am so happy for all of you. Life is so precious. Happy Birthday little one!
Rhiannon says
a beautiful story that brought tears to my eyes! God is great and happy birthday to your little angel
Grannys Attic says
Happy Birthday Abby! You are a percious gift from GOD and so blessed to have such a sweet mommy!
What a wondeful story to share and praise GOD.
Happy 4th, Vicky
embejoetc says
Thanks for sharing this special story. I came here from SITS and had goose bumps up and down my arms as I read this story. Thank you God for this precious little girl. Amazing. Hope. LOVE IT!
nn says
Happy 2nd birthday, Abby!!! You are amazing (like your mommy!) Love you both!!!
G-Zell says
I totally crying right now. What a beautiful story. Happy fourth of july!
Som's Studio says
Wow! What an incredible journey for all of you…your story moved me to tears! Happy 2nd birthday, little one! Isn’t she just adorable!!
Happy 4th!
Hugs,
Som
Carrie says
Thanks for all the love and tears! I’m so glad you can share our story, and be a part of it too. Kathy, isn’t is so striking to watch fireworks when your child is ill? I’ll never forget that feeling. Even though Abby was so, so sick they actually gave me hope.
Hope everyone had a beautiful 4th of July!
Mama Mary says
What a precious story! Happy Birthday to Abby! My little one went to the NICU for her first week of life too, those nurses and doctors are heroes! So happy she pulled through and is now able to hit her brother and throw tantrums. Visiting from SITS btw. 🙂
cheri says
your daughter’s story is no different from my son’s, and they’re both 2 years old now. like you, i have to constantly remind myself how far he’s gone and how hard he fought to stay alive.
which means, both kids shouldnt get special treatment. when my son misbehaves, he gets the same punishment any other kid should get, because i know there is a reason why he’s alive and he should be prepared for it.
happy birthday to the little firecracker 🙂
Jen says
So many happy tears for you guys! Happy, Happy Birthday Abby! You’re such an amazing miracle!!
JDaniel4's Mom says
You have me in tears. What a wonderful story of Abby’s beginning. It is wonderfully written. Stopping from SITS!
citymouse says
What a tremendous story. I am truly happy for you and your family. I stopped by from SITS and you know how that is… never quite sure what you’re gonna stumble upon. I am very glad to have stumbled upon this. It’s a great way to start my day. I hope this year is filled with even more wonderful things for your little Abby.
simplydelicious says
I’m reading this from Layla’s link..on New Year’s Day. A beautiful story for a beautiful girl! Thank you for sharing this story again. Gives me hope for the new year!
Happy New Year!
Karen
Katherine @ Grass Stains says
I’m so glad this story had a happy ending! I had a traumatic birth with my third (my boys are 8, 6 and 2 now), and I’ll never forget the fear as long as I live. I, too, prayed harder than I’ve ever prayed (before or since) in those scary, scary hours. Praise the Lord for blessings, though! Happy new year.
Christine says
wow, what a truly amazing story.
Trish Adkins says
This is beautiful! What a miracle!
Tara @ Feels Like Home says
She shares my birthday. 🙂 And what a beautiful little girl she has become. God bless all of you!
Mychal B. says
Absolutely amazing! What a beautiful little munchkin!
Amy says
Stopping by from SITS 31DBBB. What a wonderful and inspirational story. I have a little one as well, and they are a tremendous blessing.
Tanya says
I also have a miracle baby who made it despite awful predictions about his future (or lack thereof), so your story is one close to my heart. Very happy for your family, and nice to see you on CSI Project.
Carly @Masons Roost says
I just found your blog and my eyes caught your about me section and the words “barely survived.” What an amazing little girl she is. I was so excited when I saw the picture of her eyes open. My baby was born with a heart defect and I have learned that these little bitty babies don’t get enough credit for their fight and resilience.
Nicole @MTDLBlog says
It’s amazing how resilient our kids are. NICU life is such a roller coaster. We spent 11 weeks with the twins. I’m so glad we’re both on the other side of that journey! 🙂
Nicole @MTDLBlog says
What a story! Our twins spent 11 weeks in the NICU. It is quite a journey. So glad we’re both on the other side of it. 🙂
Anonymous says
she is so beautiful and strong!!! what a blessing!
teachesol says
Wow, that brought tears to my eyes. What a beautiful little fighter you have there:)
Coley says
I stumbled upon your Blog through Pinterest, trying to learn how to make a clock. Your story had me fighting back the tears. What a great reminder to treasure each day, and to trust in Him.
andrea says
amazing story and amazing family! she is beautiful and an angel on earth xxxx
Niña says
Hi Carrie,
It’s my first time to be here in your blog.
Your daughter’s traumatic birth story made me cry…
God is good indeed.
~ following you now.
Elizabeth says
NICU nurse here, and it is wonderful to see the beginning and end to that story. I see stories like yours everyday, and everyday I am amazed at the strength these little ones and their families have. I love my job, and am thankful that God blesses me with His strength to do His work in His time! God bless and keep up the good work!
Carrie says
I’m so thankful for nurses like you that save babies like mine! It was the nurses that revived my daughter after she was born. Nurses are my heroes. Thanks for your kind words and all you do for children!
Elizabeth says
Bless you, your sweet baby & your lovely family!! You all are the reason we love our jobs 🙂
Stephenie says
Your daughter is a remarkable inspiration to us all. What a beautiful blessing.
Her story just helped me to re-center myself & quit fretting about the small stuff today.
Carrie Higgins says
Thanks so much, Stephenie. When I get caught up in the small stuff I try to step back and remember this as well. So glad her story touched you today!
Jen says
I saw your link up on Bloggertunities and found this post while exploring your site. Wow, what a life changing experience. My daughter spent her first 10 weeks in the NICU and this really brought back some emotions. Thank you for sharing your little Noodle’s story – I love happy endings! I feel the same way about my daughter that you do- you are here for a reason.
Carrie Higgins says
Jen, thanks for coming over and taking the time to find our story! 10 weeks is A LONG time to be in the NICU so I know you understand these emotions. Us NICU mamas are tied together because we’ve all walked this path, and my heart goes out to you that you had to endure it for so long. Our daughters are very strong and they’re going to do great things!
Mary says
I too have a special son. He was born 6 weeks early because I had ITP of pregnancy. My platelet count was dropping, dropping, dropping and they had to induce labor. They could not do a c-section because of the low platelet count I would not stop bleeding if they did.
Well the little guy was born and was in BIG trouble, did not breathe, heart and lungs were too immature…. lots of tension and rushing around. Only saw him through a mass of tubes and wires. He was then sent to a higher level of care at a specialized NICU.
Now my little guy is 17 and almost six feet two inches and applying to colleges, like MIT, Stanford, etc…
I understand your love for your daughter and how precious she is. She was special from the beginning and will do something special with her life.
Regards,
Mary
Carrie Higgins says
You have no idea how much I needed to hear this today. Thank you. What an amazing story and I can’t wait to see what your son and my daughter do with their lives– BIG THINGS for sure!
Cathrine Mhlanga says
Your story really touched me, I was looking for inspiration to write about how I survived the most fatal accident in my life 2 years ago today.
I was eight months pregnant when a mini van reversed in to me. I was trapped underneath for a minute and the mini can had to drive over me again to get me out.
All I could think of in that moment was how I had to stay calm for the baby and calm till I got the right medical care. By the time calls were made and I was ferried to the hospital, I was surrounded by family and friends and then I just knew I needed to stay extra positive and calm for them as well as for my husband.
It was only after 2 hours that they got round to getting me to an ultrasound and the baby was fine that my husband broke down and I was so helpless that in that moment I couldn’t get up and comfort him.
My knee had a fracture and I therefore couldn’t get up but I was truly relieved that from the impact and the severity of the accident I only had a knee fracture and bruises.
Today as I reflect I can’t stop crying cause God spared me I have a handsome son who feels my heart with love and I get to experience all this.
Prayer changes things and God is always with us even in the midst of the storm he never leaves.
Carrie Higgins says
Thank you so much for sharing your story. Isn’t it amazing the strength He gives us in our moments of need. I also stayed very calm… almost too calm… because I felt a peace come over me like I’ve never felt before. I’m so thankful you and your son were okay and I appreciate that you shared your miraculous story with us!