| Hi, my name is Christine. On June 3 of this year, I lost my precious Nora Elizabeth. The pregnancy had been difficult for me but uneventful as far as the baby. My children were so excited over their new baby brother or sister, they could hardly wait. My baby was so active, the most active out of the three children. The baby would kick so hard and somersault, she was so very alive. The kids would joke about me swallowing a rattle so the baby would not be bored. One day, her tiny foot popped right out of the top of my swollen belly. Abby, my youngest at 3, told me that I was going to pop. She would spend hours just talking and singing to the baby. My oldest, Corey at 7, also would stare in wonder at the baby growing so rapidly in my belly. The children had to endure bed rest and me being sick but they knew it was worth it to have this bundle of joy. I even had my special moments where I would talk and sing and tap to music. One day the baby tapped back and lightly brushed my fingers. A moment now etched in my mind and heart for it was to be the last time I played with my baby. I was in and out of the hospital for contractions and pain but the baby's heartbeat always was strong. On my last prenatal the heartbeat was a little weaker then before but nothing to be concerned about I was told. I started becoming sick to my stomach in the following days. And then June 3 came. The day had started like any other except I could not detect any movement. I waited and ate breakfast but still nothing. I called the doctor and she said to come up to be checked. My husband and I went, leaving our two older children in the care of grandparents. I left them, hugging both, telling them I was only going to get checked and would be back. Never did I think the day would end differently. When we got there I was nervous but thought maybe I had just missed the kicks, I was 37 weeks and having irregular contractions, so I thought I was getting ready for labor. Several nurses tried in vain to get a heartbeat. I was becoming very agitated and started to cry. They told me to calm down, this was normal. After what seemed hours, the doctor was called in. She ordered an ultrasound machine to be brought in. When it was, she said the words that I will never forget, " There is your baby, and she has died." My world shattered in front of me, I screamed and cried, I felt as though my heart had been torn out. I didn't want to believe it but had to face it as decisions needed to be made. We called family who lived 900 miles away and told them the devestating news. I called my mom and she just cried. Even though she was so far away, I would remain in phone contact with her through my entire labor. She was my best support.. I could not believe this was happening to our family. We called home and told the children so that they would be prepared. My son, age 7, wanted to come but we told him later. We had made the decision that they could see the baby but I wanted to labor first. The doctor induced labor and gave me an epidural so that I would not have any pain, the grief was enough she had stated. The nurses were incredible and supportive. At 9:30 pm after laboring hard, I delivered a beautiful baby girl,6lbs, 4oz and 21 inches, we named her Nora Elizabeth. Only the nightmare would not end there. Right after I delivered I passed out. When I woke up 8 days later, I found out that I had ruptured my uterus vertically which was highly unusual. I had major surgery in which I almost died also and was put on a respirator for the 8 days. I apparently was heavily sedated and have no recollection of that time in ICU. I would spend another week in the hospital. My husband would have to deal with all the decisions, the funeral home, cemetery etc. It was a difficult time for him to lose his daughter and almost lose his wife. I had to walk with a walker because I was so weak from the massive surgery. Thankfully my husband had the presence of mind to hold off the funeral until I was released. The day before the funeral, my husband, my mom and I went to the funeral home and asked to hold our baby. I will always treasure that time that I had to hold my angel and remember that forever. My children did have a chance to see their baby sister when I was in ICU. I am grateful for the husband I have and his thoughtfullness during this situation. We as a family are mourning the loss of our little baby girl. I also found out that I cannot have anymore children due to the injury to my uterus. This also has been very painful, a double loss. I have found support online and in books. I also found peace in making a website for my daughter to honor her memory. Thank you for letting me share my angel's story. She will forever be remembered in our hearts and in our lives. She will always remain an active part of our lives. Our children will always love her as their baby sister who now lives in heaven. Forever she will be missed. This website is in memory of our beautiful daughter, Nora Elizabeth. |
