One Year Ago Today - A Message to Family and Friends

Some people say that your life changes when you have children.  That once they are in your life, you are no longer living for you, you are living for them.  For me, it happened before they even entered this world.  For me, it happened one year ago today.  You see, one year ago today, I was 23 weeks and 6 days pregnant with twins.  One year ago today, I began my fight for Layla and Jenna.

From the moment I found out I was pregnant with twins, I became very familiar with terms that are all too common with twin pregnancies...high risk, preterm labor, maternal fetal specialist, NICU, etc.  Even though I was equipped with this knowledge, I still didn't think any of it would happen to me.  I was healthy, I was young...well, maybe not that young, but I was healthy.  I knew that with a twin pregnancy, there were potential complications that were out of my control, but I figured that if I continued to take care of myself, this pregnancy would be smooth sailing.  For 23 weeks and 5 days, this was the case.  However, on the 23rd week and 6th day things changed.

On Dec 21, 2009, I was hospitalized for preterm labor.  In layman's terms, Layla and Jenna were on the brink of a dangerously early arrival.  Now, we all know this story has a good ending, so I don't want to dwell on all that happened during that week long hospital stay or the months of bed rest that followed.  However, as I sit back and reflect on the journey that began that day, I can't help but feel overwhelmed with gratitude.

I can't even begin to describe how appreciative I am for the people in my life.  I will forever be indebted to each one of you who carried me through to the end.  Every time I look at my sweet baby girls, I will always remember the part you played in bringing them safely into this world.

To my friends...you all are unbelievable!  From the visits, phone calls, and emails you sent to the books, magazines, movies, and games you brought over, I never once was bored laying in bed.  I never went hungry either...I can honestly say that Trey and I have never eaten as well as we did the months you delivered a hot meal to our home several times per week.  You made me remember just how important friends are and I hope you know you mean the world to me.

To my family...where would I be without you?  Knowing I have your love and support helped me get through the day.  Anything I needed, I knew I could count on you.  You tirelessly helped unpack every last box when we moved into our new house.  You shopped for baby necessities, since I had nothing prepared.  You registered for me.  You packed my hospital bag.  You cleaned the house.  You cooked for me.  You did my laundry.  You laid in bed with me just to keep me company.  You braved the treacherous snow storm to sing me Christmas carols and bring me carrot cake when I was stuck in the hospital on Christmas Day.  The list goes on and on...I have no doubt I have the best family in the world.

To my husband...all I can say is wow.  Most men could not have done what you did.  People often thought I had it hard having to be on bed rest.  What I had to do doesn't even hold a candle to what you did.  I can't even imagine the amount of stress and pressure you had riding on your shoulders during this time.  From selling a house to buying a house, not to mention orchestrating the entire move, you did it all.  You solely took care of Toby when he became very sick, giving him various medications eight times per day, chauffeuring him back and forth to the vet, tube feeding him all of his meals, while continuously ensuring me that he would be okay and that I didn't need to worry.  You continued to work hard at your job to provide for our family and you never stopped treating me like a queen.  All of this was done with a smile on your face and love in your heart.  I am truly grateful to be married to you and that Layla and Jenna have a man like you in their lives.

To say I am thankful is an understatement.

They say it takes a village to raise a child, but I feel like it took a village just to bring these precious babies into the world.  I could not have fought the battle without each and every one of the kind gestures, thoughts, and prayers from friends and family.  I wish I could think of a better way to express my gratitude, but from the bottom of my heart, thank you!