After welcoming our first child, Ember Lee, on May 31st we were filled with joy as new parents.  The next week brought on the normal struggles of raising a newborn, but God's grace was sufficient as Ember is a little angel.  Feeling rundown and tired averaging only a few hours of sleep a night, the new parents were just starting to get their bearings when Kassi suddenly fell violently ill one week after giving birth. Racked with pain and a high fever, they were compelled to take her to the ER where Justin was forced to leave his wife slumped over in a wheelchair at emergency triage as the nurses pushed him out the door, due to COVID protocols. She tested negative for COVID, thankfully. Apparently there are no hospitalized COVID cases here, which is good. Kassi was taking in as a septic patient and although they didn't know what was going on at the moment they knew she was seriously ill. After about two days of testing including CT scan, X-ray, ultrasound, spinal tap, multiple blood draws, urine tests, pelvic exam, et cetera, they couldn't find the source of infection.  One doctor decided to to a DNC to clean out her uterus. They discovered remnants of the placenta were left behind and her body was retaining 1400 cc of blood within her uterus. They also found bacteria that was causing the infection. After 8 IVs, countless blood draws, two iron infusions, two blood transfusions, breastmilk pumping 8 times a day, unable to get up or move her arms, hooked up to monitors and tubes, this has been tough for the new mama. However, especially after transferring out of ER, the care team at St. Joseph's has been wonderful to work with. After being separated for two days Justin finally was able to come be her support person. It took much pleading and begging. But now they are both separated from their newborn baby, which has been extremely trying. Luckily we have a support network and people have volunteered to care for baby and donate breastmilk while mom's antibiotics make her milk unsafe for baby.  There has been a 2.5-month delay in the state's new Family Leave pay so Justin must return to work sooner than expected. Currently with everything going on, he cannot work enough to maintain a stable income. We understand everyone is going through a hard time right now, and everyone has a diffrent ability to help, either with time, practical support or prayer. We appreciate all of you and are so happy to have a village to help us during this difficult time. -Justin