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2 Years Later

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Exactly 2 years ago to the day, Jim and I were told I would have to live in a hospital until Mattie was born. Just typing this out makes my heart hurt a little. We were devastated. We kept looking at each other wondering how this happened to us, what would happen to Mattie, how were we going to get through this? I have re-read my carepage blog a few times since then. Even now, 2 years later, I have no idea how we did it. I chalk it up to courage, faith, and an amazing support system of family and friends, but it was not easy. I do not wish that experience on anyone.

For those of you that started to follow our story after Mattie was born, it was a rocky road to start with. My water broke at 17 weeks pregnant. We were told several times that we need to have a late term abortion. Obviously that was never going to happen, so I went on bed rest until Mattie was born. Initially we thought Mattie was going to come at any minute, but she surprised us all. Once I was 23 weeks pregnant (6 weeks after my water broke), the doctors finally put me in the hospital since Mattie would be old enough to save (viable). I lived in the hospital for 55 days. Each day never knowing if that was going to be the day Mattie would be born. She had a 12% chance of survival. Mattie was born 92 days after my water broke. It was a miracle! She came 9 weeks early and was 3 pounds 14 ounces.

5 Days Old
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17 Days Old
17 Days Old
Last Weekend
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Two years later, do I regret our decision? Will Mattie regret our decision? The latter haunts me daily. Tonight I held Mattie and we watched Baby Signing Time. She was signing along with the movie and occasionally would look up at me and give one of her million dollar smiles and I know I have no regrets. The past 2 years have been a journey we never expected to be on, but we are here and doing it, mostly with a smile on our face. Mattie has taught me more about life in her short time than I ever thought was possible. Miracles do happen. Maybe Mattie is not perfect, but who is? She is our miracle. Everyday holds the possibility of one 😉

With hope and love,
JJJM

Again

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Time seems to be slipping away from me these days. January is just about over and I have no idea where the time went. This was the month in review:

“Joba go blow your nose” “Jim, can you take Mattie to the Dr today” “What was her temp” “We need more medicine” “Do you think he needs a breathing treatment” “Joba has a fever again” “It was just a matter of time before we got sick” “Mattie needs to go to the doctor again” “Joba, go get a Kleenex” “Can someone wipe Mattie’s nose?” “Cover your mouth when you cough” “I need to cancel therapy this week, Mattie is sick AGAIN” “Jim, Joba just puked” “I am done, over it, quit”

Seriously, someone has been sick everyday this month and usually it is more than one person in this house. I have cleaned, disinfected, sanitized, aired out, and washed everything a million times. Yet we somehow manage to keep passing it to each other. Just when I thought we were all on the mend, I end up sick AGAIN this week and Joba started running a fever AGAIN tonight. It is starting to get ridiculous.

Luckily, Mattie is (crossing fingers) not sick at the moment especially since her eye surgery is scheduled for tomorrow at 8:45am. Dr. G will be doing strabismus surgery to correct her slight cross eyes. She will be outpatient at All Children’s Hospital.
I promise to post again this week on Mattie’s surgery, the outcome, and the amazing language/signing skills that have developed this month. Until then, please keep her in your prayers and positive thoughts.
With Love and Hope,
JJJ & M

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Goodbye 2012

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Our Holiday Fundraiser was a great success. We raised $1,756 that will go directly to Mattie therapies! We sold 173 ornaments along with 31 hope totes and 13 key chains! That does not include the generous monetary donations and jewelry sales that also came in during this time. Wow!!! Thank you all soooooo much!

Where did the year go? We went from Halloween to Christmas in the blink of an eye. Mattie has had so many accomplishments this year. I am so proud of how far she has come. I have been thinking about some resolutions and goals for Mattie with New Years fast approaching, but decided that I did not want to have any for her. We will continue our journey one day at a time knowing that everyday holds the possible of a miracle.

2012

Jim and I hope that everyone has a fantastic New Year! Thank you for all your support this year. You are truly amazing!
Here is to an amazing, hopeful, loving, successful, no regrets 2013!

With love and hope,
The Spinner’s