On April 28th, I started out semi-normal, with normal morning sickness, swelling, etc. A few hours into the day, I started to notice some very intense swelling. I made a teledoc appointment and immediately was told to go to L&D at Grandview to be monitored. Previous weeks before, I was diagnosed with a blood infection that I was on strong antibiotics for. When I got to Labor and Delivery, very shortly after, I learned my liver and kidneys weren’t working properly and my hypertension had turned into HELLP syndrome. I thought I would be in the hospital for at least 8 weeks to get to 34 weeks, but Maylee Jo had other plans. She was born 4/29 at 26 weeks and 4 days. On Maylee's second day of life, she had a traumatic day and suffered a pulmonary lung bleed, which resulted in a Grade 4 brain bleed and recently discovered a PDA. Maylee is in the NICU and has a very long road ahead of her, but she’s a fighter and even gained a nickname in the NICU as “Feisty Mae.” Having 4 other kids at home and traveling 1-2 times a day over an hour and a half away is difficult as this was an unforeseen circumstance. We have used all our vacation and extra savings this past month being off work and traveling in multiple vehicles.

Any amount or just simply prayers and encouragement to get through this time would be so much appreciated.

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:26❤️