30 Days of Hope | Skyler

"My sweet Skyler was born at 31.5 weeks in December 2021. As a mom that used the “Count the Kicks” app, I didn’t log any kicks for over 24 hours. She was usually so busy so I was definitely getting concerned. My husband and I went to the emergency room in the early morning hours and nurses noticed that her heart rate was dropping as I was having contractions at 31 weeks! I didn’t even know that was possible!

They told me that they had to continue to monitor her heart rate so I was admitted. This was not in the plans, as I had just picked up my dress for my maternity shoot that was scheduled for later that week. However, by noon, the nurses were handing me the phone to speak with my doctor. I couldn’t stopped crying as she said the words, “We have to take the baby out today”. Skyler Nicole was born 2 pounds and 15 ounces via c-section. She stayed in the NICU for 25 long days. My husband and I learned so much about the NICU and the incredible job that the staff does for each of our little ones. We are forever grateful to them.

Visiting Skyler in the isolette was TOUGH. Going home each day without her was UPSETTING. There was FEAR each time we waited to hear what the nurses and doctors had to report during their rounds. JEALOUSY when I saw other moms taking their babies home. There were TEARS as I drove home without her in the car seat. There were even MORE TEARS when I was told she needed physical therapy.

But there was JOY in bringing her breast milk everyday. There were BUTTERFLIES every time I was able to hold her. There were SMILES and LAUGHTER when we read books to her. HAPPINESS as the tubes were removed in between visits. There was APPRECIATION for the nurses. There was FAITH when we put oil on her feet each night and prayed over her. There has been LOVE from day 1.

Skyler is currently 2 and brings us to much joy each day! She’s busy, loving, and has the cutest laugh. I can’t wait to tell her about her journey into our arms when she gets older." NICU Mama, Ericka