As many of you already know Niki unexpectedly had to go to East Alabama Medical Center on the evening of Sunday July 10th secondary to sever abdominal pains. Her exact words to me were "I swear I'm dying headed to hospital". Because of the amount of pain she was in this was about all I could get out of her. No real explanation which worried me even more. Of course these are not words any family member wants to hear especially when there is an unborn child involved as well. You immediately begin to worry about not only your loved one but also the little miricale who is helpless inside your loved one who's wellbeing determines her fate. At the hospital the main goal was to get Niki's pain under control (which took almost a full day) and determine the cause. The words gallbladder and bowel obstruction were tossed around. They finally came to the conclusion she had pregnancy induced acute pancreatitis due to EXTREMELY high triglycerides. This is a rare condition only affecting 1 out of every 10,000 pregnancies. Coincidentally 10,000 was also the number of her triglycerid level. Normal levels are between 100-200. Anything above 500 increases your risk of heart attack and stroke. They described her blood as milky as you can see in the picture below. It was clotting before it could even be tested. They also determined Niki developed pneumonia and required oxygen. Her hemoglobin levels are decrease and white blood cells have increased signaling infection. Because of the rarety and severity of her condition UAB wanted her in their care immediately. In the middle of the night they made quick arrangements for Niki to be taken by life flight helicopter to UAB. Once arriving at UAB several teams of doctors began her treatment plan which involves oxygen, pain meds, and most importantly plasma exchange to remove the triglycerides from her bloodstream. Because of the elevated triglycerid level oxygen cannot adequately travel to her pancreas via blood steam. Niki has began to feel much better following 2 plasma exchanges and currently has a catheter in her neck that will continue to stay there in case she may need more treatments. She continues to have pain secondary to the pancreatitis that sometimes even radiates up into her left shoulder. Her triglycerides are below 1,000 and she has begun a "clear liquid" diet. She has been transferred out of ICU into a long term high risk floor of the hospital where she will stay until Lydia is born. At this point they estimate she will be there for about 3 more weeks. Lydia is doing great so far and has been a rock star throughout this whole process. However, expenses are adding up very quickly. UAB has already approached them with a bill and they have only just arrived. Niki and Reggie are both unexpectedly out of work. Reggie plans to try to return Monday if possible. They not only have medical bills from 2 separate hospitals and one expensive helicopter ride but parking in downtown Birmingham is very expensive as well. Reggie is having to buy all his meals on the go and gas for driving back and forth from their home which is over a 4 hour drive round trip. Because of these expenses we are asking for your help. Many people have asked in what way they can help and I believe aside from the amazing amount of prayers that are covering their family financial support is second on the list at this time. Please do not feel pressure to donate. This is for people who feel led to give and help in this particular way. Every single dollar will help and is very much appreciated. The donation goal that has been set is a very rough estimate of their expenses. It could possibly be way more or very doubtfully less. Thank you every single one who has been praying and we thank you and ask that you please continue to pray until Niki and Lydia make it home safe and sound. There is still the road to delivery ahead and we pray only good things are to come.