Just 1 More..

When you think that God has given you everything you could ever need in your life He blesses us with "Just 1 More".

What I thought was going to be a "routine" maternity visit, became more than I had bargained for. I'm so glad my mother was with me. I was 4 cm dilated. I was also 32 wks pregnant. My heart raced, and I began to pray that God would protect my child no matter what was about to happen. I was sent to the Labor and Delivery floor and the nurses proceeded to administer shots in my upper arms to stop contractions. I was hooked up to monitors immediately. It all went by so fast, I was still in a daze trying to mentally process what was happening to me. My regular OB doctor was not in and the "on call" doctor had to deliver. I bawled my eyes out. I was not ready to give birth. God knew what was going to happen before we did and He had a huge hand in it all. My contractions wouldn't stop and once I became 6 cm the most horrible pain began to happen. There was no time for an epidural and my husband and family were in route to the hospital. After my husband arrived, I was at 7 cm and getting closer and closer to delivery. I remember keeping my eyes shut, concentrating, eating ice chips, and once I was at 10 cm climbing the railings on the hospital bed, my knuckles were turning white from holding on so tightly. Labored breathing,screaming, moaning out in agonizing pain. I keep saying "I cant do this, I'm getting tired. Just Please God give me strength" With my chin to my chest I gave one last push and the most horrifying moment happened, no cries..silence. After suctioning out her mouth and nose a soft weak cry came from my daughter. On to my chest she went, her eyes opened and we met. I cried and she smiled at me. In that moment I knew God was not finished with me yet nor my child. After being put on the warmer, she began to turn blue around her mouth. Immediately oxygen was placed on her nose and mouth and a nurse pushing an incubator clear box entered my room. Her lung had collapsed and she was premature. They whisked her away to the NICU. I lay on the table being cleaned up as the tears poured out of my eyes. I got a shower, put on a clean gown and robe, slipped on my house shoes and yes I Walked to the NICU. I was going to see my baby, and even though it hadn't even been 2 hours after I had her I was determined to see her. I saw her everyday and I pumped for her everyday. I longed for that maternal bond with my daughter. God taught me patience in these visits. Some days were worse than others and then there were really great days she made such progress. I'm so thankful to the staff at St.Vincent's in Birmingham,Al. They really took excellent care of my child and truly cared for myself as well.

Meet Libby Louise. Libby Lou for short :)  

Born 6/10/16  Weight: 5lbs 10oz. Length: 19in.

Libby remained in the NICU for 24 days. God challenged us more than ever with this last child. I had her naturally. God gives us moms strength we never knew we had. It was an experience I would never forget! My heart is so full and I am so blessed to be a mom again. 

Thank You Lord for my sweet, strong child.