#HeadbandsforHarper
It's been a life changing week to say the least. My wife called into the doctor on Thursday April 27th thinking she just couldn't shake a sinus infection. After a stay in the emergency room over night she was transferred immediately the next day to OSF in Peoria. What we thought was a sinus infection turned out to be an extreme case of preeclampsia. Two weeks earlier all of her levels were completely perfect - this happened out of nowhere and came in fast.
She became a permanent resident of OSF for what we thought could be the remainder of the pregnancy (August 4th due date). As I said before, this came fast and it hit her hard. This hit her so hard that she developed a life threatening illness called HELLP Syndrome. I will let you do your research (and I hope you do) but the only cure is delivery.
We delivered our beautiful baby girl Harper Elle Spalding on 5/4/17 at 7:37 a.m. - exactly 3 months early.
We are thrilled & our hearts are full of love - but there is the constant reminder that our daughter is in the hands of the NICU center at OSF for the next 3 months. This place couldn't provide more comfort and confidence.
Harper is doing extremely well for how early she was born - and though we expect many happy days - we fully expect days where our nerves are completely gone and we run out of tears.
Karigan Spalding, as expected - remains the strongest woman I have ever known. To say she was sick would be an understatement - and her ability to bounce back and be as well as she is right now is absolutely amazing.
We wanted to not only share our excitement with everyone but present a bit of awareness. Because just as our lives have changed as swiftly as they did - it can happen to anyone - and we can only pray for a positive outcome for everyone.
We have had close family, friends and co workers that have been aware of this since that Thursday in April - and from the bottom of our hearts - we cannot thank you enough for the love, support and constant blessings you have given us.
Hold everyone close to you as close as you can - and enjoy every minute of your life.
Love,
The Spaldings
