On 6/1, Baby Rowan (22 mos) was in an accident and suffered second and third degree burns on over a third of his body. He was admitted to U of F in Gainesville, 2 hours from our home in Jacksonville, where he was stayed in the PICU for 21 days and the Med Surg Unit for an additional 27 days. He underwent 9 different surgeries before he was discharged on 7/18. We are so grateful that he is home, but are still adjusting to his intense schedule of care and appointments.

A mere 2 weeks later, Kristen was admitted to Baptist Hospital in Downtown JAX. She is currently 29 weeks pregnant with our 3rd child, and her water unexpectedly broke on Saturday, 8/2. She will remain admitted in the Antepartum/Postpartum unit until the baby is born as the pregnancy is now considered to be high-risk. The ideal goal is to wait to induce labor at 34 weeks on 9/6. There is a risk that the situation could become emergent before that, but we are trying to stay hopeful that she will have a safe delivery without any further complications. After the baby is born, we expect for it to have a (hopefully short) NICU stay.

We are truly at a loss for words in response to the events of this year, especially after having a second major medical crisis only 2 weeks after Rowan was discharged from his hospital stay. It’s an understatement to say that we have appreciated how this community has supported our family’s practical needs, whether through meals, errands, or finances. They have been essential at keeping our family afloat these last 2 months and will continue to do so until our family of (soon-to-be) 5 is home safe and sound.