One Month: Piper Grace part 2

Yesterday I began to tell you about Piper's congenital heart failure, and what the past month has been like for Todd and I.  Once Piper had been in the NICU for a few days, things started to look better.  She was eating well, and resting, but then on the day she was 1 week old things got bad again.  Todd and I could tell right away that something didn't seem right with her.  She was very lethargic, refusing to eat, and basically just laying there and not sleeping.  That night we received about four different phone calls from the Dr.s giving us bad news after bad news.  Piper's gut (intestines, and colon) were not working properly.  They first realized this when she had a bloody diaper, and then further investigated with x-rays.  

The next morning we realized how severe this issue was.  She was taken off milk and was only receiving fluids through an IV in her head.  She also had to have a tube put in through her mouth to suck out anything that might be in her stomach.  They wanted her to stay this way for several days to see if her gut could recover.  If it did not, then they would have to perform surgery and remove a large portion of her intestines which is very risky.  

Piper's weight started to drop and she went down to 3.14 lbs.  Her heart issue was no longer a top priority.  She was now fighting for her life over this intestine issue.  

Todd and I were helpless.  We didn't know what to think, say, feel.  Watching our daughter gag on a tube and not be allowed to eat was probably the hardest think we've ever had to see.  But she did recover.  Apparently her gut was not mature enough to handle the amount of milk she had been given, and reacted violently.  Now she has been eased back into feeding and is taking her bottles pretty well.  

Those few days were very intense for me.  

There have been many occasions in my life were I have cried out to God, but not quite like I did during that time.  Knowing that I was a mom, and feeling like a mom were two totally different things.  I couldn't do anything to help my little girl... at least that is what I thought.  But then I was reminded that I could storm God's throne on Piper's behalf, and what better advocate than her mom.  

God reminded us that He was still in control of the situation and was just as present then as he ever was.  Thankfully things have gotten better since that day and a lot has happened, but that will be in another post on another day.  

One Month: Piper Grace

She has arrived!  My sweet little girl, Piper Grace, was born one month ago today.  

She is the most beautiful baby girl I have ever seen, and is so sweet too.  

Todd and I are so in love with her.  

But this past month has been the hardest of my life.  

Piper was born via c-section at 39 weeks.  Although she was considered a full-term baby, she was very small at 4.2 lbs.  Immediately the Dr.s were concerned, and realized her blood sugar was very low.  Soon after she was taken to the special care nursery to be monitored and given fluids.  Unfortunately that was not the end of Piper's health issues.  A few days later, on what seemed like a random chance, the Dr realized that Piper had a heart murmur and was very concerned.  Within the hour we were told Piper had two large holes in her heart and that the staff at Durham Regional was not able to handle it.  We were then told that Piper would need to be sent to Duke via ambulance to await assessment to see how severe the defect was and if she would need immediate open heart surgery.  I was able to ride with her, but upon arrival had to leave her and wait for the Dr.s report.  

 I cannot express to you how hard those 30 minutes were.  Todd and I had no idea what was going on; if Dr.s were performing surgery, just listening to her, doing x-rays.  We were at a loss.  Finally someone came out and told us that the situation did not warrant immediate surgery, however, she was considered a critical care baby and would be intensely monitored until they could get a better grasp on her heart condition.  

We were able to go back and visit with her for a while, but eventually had to go home without our little girl.  

I do not mean to be dramatic by stopping here, but there is so much more to all of this than I can write in one post.  I know that most of you have been keeping up with Piper's updates on facebook, and have been praying for us.  Please keep praying.  We covet your prayers and are moved by your encouragement.  This whole situation has been hard and trying, but I hope that through what I have to say here in the days and weeks to come, and through other conversations that God will use Piper's life for His glory.  

Pregnancy Facts

Ok, so these are not necessarily facts for all preganant people, but they are for me. Just a few things I have learned about over the past 8 months.  Oh the joy.

WARNING:  if you are a boy, you may not want to read this entry.  So proceed with caution.

1.  There is such a thing as 2nd and 3rd (maybe 4th) breakfasts, lunches and dinner in the same day.  Dont judge. 

2.  Remember these? (sorry it's so long)  http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=898745022&tid=onpn001496&kwid=1&ap=7&sem=true&mkwid=pNC00f  Yea, they are now my best friends.  Really.  Each pair has a name.

3.  Two words: Mucus plug.  (I wont go any farther.) 

4.  Panty liners need to just have a permanent home in your closet.  And while you are at it, suck it up and go ahead and buy extra underwear, and forget the pretty ones. Go for comfort.

5.  Yes, you can always get bigger.  There is no cap on that.

6.  Crying and laughing will happen when you least expect it, and at the worst times.  Just get over it and perfect your, "What are you staring at?" glare while rubbing your stomach. 

7.  You will rub/touch your stomach consciously and unconsciously.  (Hopefully I will not do this too much after I have the baby.)

8.  No matter how many times you get a pedicure, swollen feet are still not pretty. 

9.  When they say there will come a time when you can no longer see parts of your body because of your stomach, it's true.  Get a mirror.

10.  It is perfectly acceptable to exagerate your waddle and pregnant belly in order to be first in line at the buffet, or sit in the front passenger seat of a car.  Blitz!

Mother's Day!

I got to celebrate Mother's Day!!  You have no idea how much it makes my heart happy to be able to say that I'm a mommy to a baby girl.  I know that she is not born yet, but given the journey that I have been on to get here, I will enjoy every second of being pregnant and the fact that I'm going to be a mom.

My wonderful husband made the whole weekend amazing.  On Saturday I got to celebrate Piper with my first baby shower, and then Todd took me to Cheesecake Factory (one of my favorite restaurants).  Man, was it good.  Then Sunday morning, he woke me up with gifts and breakfast in bed.  (Whew, I love that man.) 

I had picked out a couple of neckalces on Etsy that I liked and Todd choose to get me this one. 

I lurve it!!  Seriously have not taken it off since Sunday.

He made me cinnamon buns.  I think I may have licked the icing off the plate.



I had such a wonderful Mother's day!  I am so thankful to God for blessing us with a little girl.  He is so good.  I am also thankful for the wonderful examples that God has put into my life of what a mom looks like.  My own mother left a legacy for me to imitate, and later I was blessed with another mom in Carol. Then two years ago, God blessed me again with the best Mother-in-law ever.  All of these women have had such a godly influence on me and shown me what it is like to be a godly mom, in an ungodly world. 

Here is a quick snapshot of what 32 weeks looks like. 

Todd, thank you so much for giving me such a wonderful Mother's day.  I love you so much and I'm so thankful to be having this little girl with you!

Celebrating Piper: My first baby shower

This past Saturday, my sweet friend and co-worker, Kristi, threw a baby shower for me and our other co-workers to celebrate Piper!  I was so excited.  I've never been thrown a baby shower before. ;)

Everything looked so cute and perfect, which wasn't hard for her to do since she is an event planner. 

All the food was amazing!  She even made little mini banana pudding cups.  Too bad I didn't get a picture, but they were awesome! I think Piper gained weight at this shower.

I loved this pendant!  It was totally my style.  I even asked her if I could have it and put it up in Piper's nursery.

My lovely friends and co-workers.



Presents!



How adorable is this?  Close line of dresses for Piper!  Love. The girls joked about how they picked out Piper's clothes.  They knew if there was an adult size and I would wear it, then they should get it for her. 

Kristi, thank you so much for such an awesome shower!  I had so much fun, really.  I'm so thankful for your friendship, and the fact that I also get to work with you each day.  I love all you ladies and the relationship I have with all of you!  It was a wonderful party, and I know that if Piper could, she would say Thank you!

Maternity Photos

I just wanted to post some photos that Todd took of me at the beach.  We are wanting to get some professional shots done, but I think some of these turned out well enough that we may just save the money. Plus we are going to the beach again in a few weeks and will probably take a few more photos. What do you think?

Vance and Mary Katherine

My brother got married!!  I cannot express to you how happy I am for both of them.  I have been praying for my brother's future wife for a long time, and God answered my prayer exceedingly abundantly.  Katie is the perfect fit for him.  I'm so excited to call her my sister!   

It truly was one of the sweetest wedding's I've ever been to.  They were able to get married in the same place her parents were married, and by the same pastor, her grandfather.  It was so evident throughout the day the love that was present between both families.  My brother and I have known Katie her whole life, and have always thought she was a wonderful, godly girl. 

The bride and I

Waiting... :)

Reading a letter that my brother wrote to her before the wedding.

Happy bridesmaids!  One of my other sisters, Sarah.

Todd and I looking dapper.

Katie and my dad doing the waltz.

The night ended with sparklers and cheers.

Vance and Katie I love you both. 

I cannot wait to see what God does with your lives together. 

Of course there was a photo booth, and Todd and I had to show off our gangsta skillz.  Just for your viewing pleasure.  And yes, that is a kill shot.

Two Year Anniversary: Part 3

One night while we were at the beach, I challenged Todd to a round of putt-putt.  I was pretty confident that I could beat him, so we made bets, and did a lot of trash talking the whole time.  Well, I can now say that I am the putt-putt champion!  I won by one stroke!  Woo hoo!

Here are some random shots of the epic game:

If my lips look a little blue, it's because I just drank a blue-coconut slushy from Sonic.

Todd was trying to distract me from winning.  Didn't work.

Ok, so my husband is hott. 

Blue Steel.

Any Lost fans out there?  What does this remind you of?

Two Year Anniversary: Part 2

So after we visited Charleston, we decided to head to Myrtle Beach for a few days.  We are lucky enough to know people who own houses there, and one of them let us stay for a few days for free.  Awesome!  One of the things Todd and I love is the beach.  We get slightly obessive with taking pictures of while we visit.  So enjoy the montage of photos.



Two Year Anniversary: Part 1

Todd and I just celebrated our two year anniversary, and decided to take a trip to Charleston, SC since I have never been there.  We had such an awesome time mostly because we relaxed and didnt abide by any schedule.  We spent most of our time in downtown Charleston walking around, and then took an awesome carriage ride around the historic residential portion of the city.  (If you ever go to Charleston and have never done this, you should make a point of doing it.  It is worth it, I promise.)  We also ate lunch at the famous Hominy Grill. (This is where an episode of Man vs. Food was taped.  We even sat in the same section he did!) 

So below are pictures of our weekend part 1.