Tuesday, August 21, 2012

where I've been...

The past two weeks have been a little... crazy ;) Our sweet girl came into the world four weeks early -- she was born last Tuesday, August 14 at 9:33 am :) I was having some serious complications and it was decided she needed to come early, for her health and for mine.
Since she was early, her lungs needed help to finish developing, so she was placed in the NICU immediately after birth. The doctors were confident about her prognosis of being able to fully develop and to be able to come home within a couple weeks. She had a few minor setbacks the first day after birth (which was expected), but made incredible progress each day after and we are grateful to God that she was able to come home yesterday!! After one week! 
We are absolutely grateful for the incredible team of nurses and our neonatologist, who were always very understanding, very patient, and very kind -- when we were asking tons of questions, when I was crying and anxious, or when I was calling in the middle of the night to check on her. 
We are incredibly grateful for an amazing group of friends and family who blessed us, encouraged us, checked on us, prayed for us, and helped us so much during this (relatively short, but also long) time. 

I am beyond blessed to have an incredible husband who calmly, lovingly and strongly led us through this. Who would stop everything and pray with me as I became nervous and anxious about what was happening. Who was patient and comforting. Who was, of course, also hurting and concerned and wasn't afraid to say it, but was quick to remind me that this was all in God's hands. And that God is our ultimate peace and comfort.

Most of all, we praise God for His graciousness to us and our sweet Hannah. For His peace, comfort, and abundant mercy during this time.

26 comments:

  1. What a precious gift! She is absolutely beautiful!!! :) God Bless!

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  2. Very beautiful. Have missed your posts but know that you were where you needed to be. Blessing to you all

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  3. Congrats, she looks so beautiful, what a gift, All the best to you!

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  4. congrats! I'm glad she is here safely and that you are both well. enjoy!

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  5. congratulations! i love her name =)

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  6. Congratulations on your sweet baby girl! She's beautiful!!

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  7. Oh the beautiful girl, she looks very well particurlarly in the last fotographie.... so so beautiful

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  8. Oh how wondeful! congratulations to you and your family!

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  9. Ashley! She is so, so, so beautiful! I love that she's her own little person too. I was expecting a girly Jimmy or Joshua. ;) I told Rob I want to come over and hold her right. this. minute! He said tomorrow. :) I'll call you. Love.

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  10. She is so very beautiful... congratulations!!

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  11. She is an absolutely beautiful baby! And despite the start, looks in the photos to be quite ready to be out in the world! Congratulations : )

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  12. Congratulations!! :) She is absolutely gorgeous!! :)

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  13. AWWWW she's absolutely precious! Congrats!

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  14. congrats! she's beautiful! happy to know you're all fine and at home :)

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  15. ashley-we prayed for you guys and your beautiful little girl! she is stunning! and look at her dark head of hair!!!

    blessings and much grace in the time of transition.

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  16. congratulations to you and god bless! she is beautiful and i'm so happy that you are both home :)

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  17. That sweet little Hannah is so precious and I'm so happy to hear she is healthy and that you are, too. Blessings to you all. Aaaah, to hug a squishy baby right now. Sigh.

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  18. Congratulations on your sweet new baby!!!!! Enjoy that lovely new baby smell.

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  19. Congratulationsand happy to know that everything is fine with you and the baby.
    Susan

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  20. oh, ashley, i am so glad hannah is now home with you. sorry to hear what all you've been through, but so thankful for a God who loves us and takes care of us and answers our pleas. thanking God for good results at your house and thankful that your family is together with a precious little angel to love!

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  21. Congratulations! She's gorgeous and perfect and arrived at the exact right moment. Enjoy this special time!

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  22. OMG, congratulations! Sooo beautiful! :D

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  23. She is beautiful! Congratulations!!

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  24. Congratulations!! So glad to hear everyone is healthy and home :)

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  25. Your little girl is beautiful. Congratulations to your family.

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