Jamie & Joel Saaranen

On July 30th, while on a family weekend getaway to Phoenix, Jamie experienced a placental abruption at about 26 weeks gestation. Thankfully, she was only 5 minutes away from a hospital that could stabilize her and the baby. Once stabilized, they were moved to a bigger hospital that specializes in premature babies. Though the goal was to keep Jamie pregnant for many more weeks, it quickly became apparent that the risks to both Jamie and the baby were too high and the decision was made to deliver the baby via cesarean section at just 26 weeks gestation. So, on August 3rd, fourteen weeks earlier than planned, Olivia Poppy Rose Saaranen was born, weighing 1 lb 14 oz and 14 inches long. We are praising the Lord for his protection over Jamie and Olivia and for placing them in Phoenix, only minutes away from the best medical care!

But the journey has just begun. Thankfully, sweet Olivia is doing remarkably well and is already nearing the 3 pound mark! She will remain in the hospital for quite some time to continue to grow, grow, grow! Jamie and Joel are so grateful for all of the prayers covering their family and they ask for continued prayers for their sweet, TINY, “Poppy!” After taking off four weeks of work to be with Jamie and the baby, Joel has had to return home (about four hours away from Phoenix) to get back to his job and Jamie is staying in Phoenix to be near Olivia for the foreseeable future. Their three older children, dogs, and beloved “Nana” have been relocated to Colorado to be with Jamie’s parents. As you can imagine, Jamie and Joel are beginning to feel the financial strain of being away from home, traveling to and from the hospital, traveling back and forth from their home four hours away, paying for meals, and all of the “life continues on” bills etc. If anyone wants to help Jamie & Joel out, aside from prayers, they’re in specific need of financial assistance to help relieve some of their stress during this time. Thank you!