******Update*****

As many of you know, Ayla Rae arrived early on November 13, 2024, and spent her first 9.5 weeks in the NICU. She came home in January and was still on oxygen until March—but we are overjoyed to share that she is now completely healthy! She weighs 20 lbs, has the most amazing personality, and we’re watching her get ready to crawl any day. She loves avocado and blueberries and lights up every room she’s in.

This journey hasn’t been easy for our family. In addition to Ayla’s NICU stay, I had to undergo another surgery in July for a double hernia caused by pregnancy. Recovery took more than six weeks and limited what I could do to help the kids. Cory and I have been tested and proved that we can truly rely on each other, between Ayla’s early needs, my recovery, and caring for our other children.

We are forever grateful for the support, prayers, and kindness from everyone who has followed Ayla’s journey. Your generosity has helped us in ways words can’t express. While we’ve made incredible progress, we’re still catching up financially and could use help covering ongoing life expenses. Every share, donation, and message of love makes a difference and reminds us that we’re not alone.

Thank you for being part of our story. Your support means the world.

*******************

Hi Friends and Family!

Thank you for taking the time to read our story

My name is Michelle, and I am excited to announce that I am the proud Auntie of Warrior Princes Ayla Rae!

Born 11/13/2024 18:44- 3lbs 10oz 15" long, 8.5 weeks premature.

Please partner with our family in prayer as we walk through this joyful, yet scary time.

I know this season can be a financial burden- with the holidays, Christmas gifts, and electricity bills SKYROCKETING, but if you feel led to, the family would be forever grateful for a donation. I will also share Amy Crystal's Venmo (@Amy-Porter-181). if you are uncomfortable sharing using GoFundMe.

Most of all, we ask that you continue to keep Ayla, Temperance, Hadleigh, Jason, Cory, and Amy in your prayers.

Prayer is powerful, and we serve a Mighty God.

Any words of encouragement are also welcome.

See below for Miss Ayla's story as shared by Mommy- Amy Crystal

"Ayla’s journey fighting to stay in me (Mama) started mid October when I was rushed into emergency surgery for a ruptured appendix. We were so scared we would lose our baby and yet she thrived during it all. We are so grateful for the surgeon and the nurses that fought hard to save my life and keep our baby healthy and inside my belly.

After surgery I had a long recovery and Cory was hardly able to work to provide for us. I needed him for everything. My body wasn’t healing and it hindered our life severely. I couldn’t even hug my son without having so much pain.

After going back to the ER the surgeon notified us that there’s nothing they can do. I still had a severe amount of inflammation in my body and since my daughter was still growing and kicking I was going to have to wait until she was born for it to heal. Giving anti inflammatory medication for pregnant women is dangerous and could risk our daughter’s life. I was set to get no relief, and we were devastated and not sure what to do.

Then on Saturday, November 9th after enduring one of my most painful days since surgery my water broke.

Cory rushed me back to the hospital faster than I can even comprehend, and they were able to calm down my uterus with medications and keep me pregnant.

I was expected to live in the hospital for the next few weeks and induce labor at 34 weeks but little miss Ayla had other plans.

After 4 days of being hospitalized, at 3am on Wednesday 11/13, my contractions had started. After seeing how consistent they were I was given a shot that completely stopped labor. But a little later proved that Ayla was determined November 13th was GOING to be her birthday.

Minutes after the nurse and doctors shift change the contractions slowly started again. In the afternoon about 4pm it was clear I was in active labor. I was dilated to a 3 and shortly after we got to the delivery room she was out. Less than 3 hours later.

When she came out and was thrown on my chest, she let out a cry and Cory and I both cried uncontrollably, feeling nothing short of relief and joy. It was a miracle, Ayla was as healthy as a 31 week baby could be.

It’s been a rough and scary journey. It’s been hard to juggle our children, their emotions, our emotions, our financials and being there for Ayla. Our expenses have piled up, and we just want to get our life back on track and feel some normalcy so we can bring our baby home when she’s ready. "