We are so thankful to have our baby boy safely in our arms, and we look forward to watching our sons grow up together. They are three years apart in age.
Many of you know that we lost two babies in 2020, one at six weeks in July and a baby girl at 11 weeks in November. Due to some new health struggles, we were uncertain whether I would be able to successfully carry another pregnancy to term. When I found out last spring that I was expecting, we were nervous. We told our families and close friends so they could pray for us, but we opted not to talk much about the pregnancy for the first few months, in case it ended in miscarriage.
I had an ultrasound at eight weeks, and everything with the baby looked great, but they found a small cyst and hemorrhage. They told me there was no reason to worry unless it wasn’t gone by 20 weeks, but of course it was impossible to completely put it out of my mind for those three months.
I had a few other health issues early in my pregnancy that ended up being resolved, but they caused quite a bit of concern and a handful of appointments with two types of specialists. It was a busy time with all the medical visits, and it was especially hard to have had two losses. It’s just something that’s always at the back of your mind. I spent a lot of time in prayer, and I learned to trust God in deeper ways than ever before.
My nurse midwives were wonderful, and they knew that the first half of the pregnancy, before I was able to feel movement, would be difficult. Before I mentioned anything, they told me that I was welcome to come in for heartbeat checks with the doppler any time I was feeling nervous. I took them up on that two or three times between my monthly appointments.
After the 20-week ultrasound, we started letting ourselves get excited about the baby. I had a couple more health concerns in the second half of the pregnancy, and it was noticeably more difficult on my body than my first.
To Be Continued…
Thank you for posting this. No doubt there is enough material from the past two years for a book. Your little son will always be a visible reminder of God’s love and watchcare over you..
I also vote for a book!
I missed your baby announcement post am now seeing it, CONGRATULATIONS to your family! You must be so relieved, Ellie, to have him safely in your arms π I had a miscarriage before having my baby in November so Iβm in the newborn phase as well right now. It is bittersweet. Nights are terrible and days are a dream come true basically haha.
I cannot wait to here your birth story!
I didn’t know you had lost 2 babies. I am so sorry about that, but you’ll get to meet them one day, and they will run up to you and throw their arms around you! I hope Little Buddy isn’t jealous of his brother, and I hope they will always be best of friends.
Thank God for your two baby boys. They will have so much fun growing up together and best friends,too. God Bless.
Joan,Marion and Marilyn
Thankful you have a precious newborn π. I will be praying for your health and healing as well. Would love to see a sneak peek like the boyβs hands or feet or back of heads as you protect them on social media.
I’m so sorry you had to go through so much with this pregnancy! I know you are so thankful to have him safely home! Excited to hear the rest of your birth story!
Congratulations! Did you get vaccinated before or during your pregnancy. Do you think this caused you any of the health issues?
Thank you! The health issues weren’t due to the covid vaccine.
Thank you for sharing the first part of your birth story, Ellie. Congratulations to you and you family! π
Sorry to hear you lost 2 babies in 2020. It must have been hard.
Congratulations! I imagine it must have been a difficult experience, though it ended well. For sure it’s important to have a supportive partner, who can understand your needs, emotional needs included. π
I am so sorry for all the trials you have both experienced trying to bring a baby into your family. So much heartache for you. Your boys will always know how much they were wanted, loved, and cherished from the moment they were thought of. I am so thankful your faith held strong and deepened and that baby buddy #2 has safely joined your family. I am glad you can finally have joy, peace, and excitement about this child.
I LOVE rainbow babies!!! π They truly teach us SO much about trusting God! Praying that you are doing well and enjoying this exhausting season!