On June 23rd I was induced to give birth to our sweet girl. We knew she had a birth defect called anencephaly and would not be able to live for long, but we hoped to have a little time with her before she returned to heaven. My labors were not very long with our other 6 kids, but because of the shape of Maree's head this labor was different and much longer. The last time I felt her kick was about an hour or so before I started pushing, so I knew soon after I started pushing that she was gone. I felt at peace, but my body was having serious issues. My blood pressure had dropped dangerously low and my uterus had ruptured - I was bleeding to death. I was rushed to surgery and had an emergency C-section and hysterectomy. I can remember everything until they gave me something to make me "fuzzy" to do the surgery. Taylor and the hospital staff were all very worried, but the interesting thing was that I was not worried or scared in the least. I know I had my angel baby with me as well as my parents who passed away 8 years ago, and I was filled with such an incredible and perfect peace. Maybe I got a little taste of heaven.
During surgery, Taylor was not allowed in the room, so he had to go and somehow explain to our other 6 children that their baby sister was gone and that their mom was not doing well and the doctors were trying to save her. Taylor gathered the kids all close and had a prayer with them. After Maree was delivered, Taylor and the kids all got to hold her and spend time with her while the doctors finished up with me. A kind volunteer photographer took some beautiful pictures of them that night. Once I was awake after surgery, Taylor brought my baby to me and he gave Maree and I both blessings with the help of his dad. I can't remember much of what was said, but it gave me great comfort. Taylor's mother said that I had a beautiful glow that night like I had maybe been visiting with angels.
Maree was able to donate here heart valves the next morning and will possibly save the lives of up to 3 other babies - she is a hero. The nurse also told us that when my uterus had ruptured the baby had fallen into the hole and was putting pressure there so that I did not bleed as fast, so she also helped to save my life. It is amazing what this little baby could accomplish, and she never even took a breath.
Needless to say, Maree's birth did not go as we had planned or hoped, but it all probably happened the way it was supposed to. Taylor and I were blessed to be able to stay in the hospital together the entire 6 days I was recovering and hold our baby girl. Those days were priceless! Now we try to move forward with faith and hope one day at a time. Our hearts are broken, but we know that our family will be together again and our little angel Maree will be watching over all of us.
