On February 6, 2012 we went to the doctor for the big ultrasound. Knowing there was a problem before going, I was admitted into the hospital where we spent the next 10 days trying to keep her in. On February 16, 2012 I gave birth to a baby girl, Hannah Elizabeth Rich. She weighed 7.8oz and was 8 inches long. Because I was only 22 weeks along she didn't make it. Hannah lived for an hour and thirty five minutes and passed away..
....and just like that she was ripped from our arms.....
This by far was the worst day of my life.
God has been faithful though. He has walked alongside us even carrying us at times. I am so grateful that one of the doctors accidentally told us what we were having and that we were able to talk to Hannah and call her by name. I'm grateful that we were able to pray over her. I'm grateful that she never once experienced pain in her life here on the earth from a scraped knee to being discouraged or having her feelings hurt. I'm grateful for my husband who I have grown closer with and who has walked through this with me.....I have never felt alone during this whole time. I am extremely grateful for my family and friends who quickly rearranged their lives to help us get through the last month. I am grateful that we have a great big God and that He has showed me and told me that this was not His plan nor His will and that he Loves me so much.
I have tried to stay away from the "why's" and the "what if''s" as I know I will never receive any answers. Everyday has gotten a little bit better as I have stayed close to the Lord. I spend at least an hour a day just praying and soaking in the Holy Spirit. Sometimes it's all at one time and sometimes it's through out the whole day. This is the only way that I have found peace, joy, and HEALING. I cannot tell you how much healing I have received during these moments.
We are not quitters! As soon as we can, we will start trying to get pregnant again. We know that Hannah would want siblings and we planned on having more than one child. The next pregnancy will be completely different as I was diagnosed with having an incompetent cervix and I will have to be on bed rest through most of the pregnancy. During the second trimester I will have a procedure done called a cerclage to make sure that my cervix stays closed for 40 weeks and that we have a healthy baby that comes home with us when we leave the hospital. The doctor as well as everyone else believes we will get pregnant again soon. We are praying that we get pregnant soon, but God's timing is perfect.
....and just like that she was ripped from our arms.....
This by far was the worst day of my life.
God has been faithful though. He has walked alongside us even carrying us at times. I am so grateful that one of the doctors accidentally told us what we were having and that we were able to talk to Hannah and call her by name. I'm grateful that we were able to pray over her. I'm grateful that she never once experienced pain in her life here on the earth from a scraped knee to being discouraged or having her feelings hurt. I'm grateful for my husband who I have grown closer with and who has walked through this with me.....I have never felt alone during this whole time. I am extremely grateful for my family and friends who quickly rearranged their lives to help us get through the last month. I am grateful that we have a great big God and that He has showed me and told me that this was not His plan nor His will and that he Loves me so much.
I have tried to stay away from the "why's" and the "what if''s" as I know I will never receive any answers. Everyday has gotten a little bit better as I have stayed close to the Lord. I spend at least an hour a day just praying and soaking in the Holy Spirit. Sometimes it's all at one time and sometimes it's through out the whole day. This is the only way that I have found peace, joy, and HEALING. I cannot tell you how much healing I have received during these moments.
We are not quitters! As soon as we can, we will start trying to get pregnant again. We know that Hannah would want siblings and we planned on having more than one child. The next pregnancy will be completely different as I was diagnosed with having an incompetent cervix and I will have to be on bed rest through most of the pregnancy. During the second trimester I will have a procedure done called a cerclage to make sure that my cervix stays closed for 40 weeks and that we have a healthy baby that comes home with us when we leave the hospital. The doctor as well as everyone else believes we will get pregnant again soon. We are praying that we get pregnant soon, but God's timing is perfect.
You and Shawn are beautiful examples for all of us! Megan, Jack & I all love you two. Just this past Sunday, Jack saw you before 9:30 worship across the lobby and is eyes lit up as he said, "Dad, there she is, the lady from the party!" ;-)
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