On Friday, July 7, 2006...our little girl was born to my wife and I. She was really early, but is in fantastic health for a 31 week old premie. Her name is Grace, and she is breathing, pooping, and peeing on her own. She's eating more food than most infants that come at her age and holding it all down. We have so much to be thankful for.

She is our first child and I am so wrapped up in the moment. The entire week has been nothing short of a miracle...in addition to the miracle of birth itself.

My wife didnt even know she was contracting early (not Braxton Hicks contractions). And our OBGYN happened to accidently schedule an appointment for Emily one week earlier than she had meant to. Furthermore, she had Emily take a non stress test that revealed the contractions...and the OBGYN to this day doesnt know what compelled her to do so...because it wasnt a test she normally schedules.

After the surgery, the OBGYN found that the baby's cord was 4-5x sorter than what is considered normal...and if the baby had been delivered any way but c-section, the cord might have very well burst. My wife (who also had gestational diabetes) had an abnormally small placenta as well. But none of this was picked up on the ultra sounds.

What it all comes down to...is that had our baby stayed in the womb one more week, she would have most likely not lived. The circumstances that lead to the doctors discovering a problem was surely divine intervention. Our doctor was so shaken by everything that she told us (when it was said and done) she had even considered abandoning her practice because her heart couldnt take what this pregnancy put her through. We are so appreciative of all she did. We just continue to pray for our baby's continued improvement and wisdom for the doctors caring for her.

I dont think I've ever been in prayer so much in my life. This was such an emotional roller coaster for my wife and I...and has certainly bolstered our faith. God has blessed us with a peace through all of this, and a ultimately with a new love in our lives. I just wanted to celebrate her coming into the world with you all. Thanks for your thoughts during this time.

congrats, hope everythings turns out for the better.

wow, that's really amazing.
best wishes to you, your wife and new child [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

curious, did you name her Grace because of the events or had you picked it out before hand?

Congrats to you and your wife, I wish you the best with your new family.
Apt name for the sprog, too [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

Thanks for the kind words. [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img] My wife had been sitting on that name long before we ever met. I had no complaints when she picked it out...seeing as it was a family name on my side as it was. At this point...I couldnt imagine a more fitting name.

My wife was so strong. She was laughing with joy (or perhaps anesthesia) during the c-section. I was the one crying my eyes out. [img]/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img] But I did suprise myself. The doctors asked if I wanted to look over the partition and see the delivery...and I didnt give it a second thought. I was out of my chair beside Emily, and looking over. What an amazing sight to behold! To think that something so intricate (for lack of a better word) could be created like that in my wife's tummy in such a short time...blows my mind.

Congrats Miles! I'm glad everything came off so well [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

congratulations to you and your family. [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

Congrats to you and your family.

Birth is friggin' mind-blowing, especially when it's your own. Congratulations!

That's so wonderful. Best of luck and best wishes to you and your family [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

Great to hear everything worked out, congrats [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

If fate is a reality you got in abundance man, best of luck bringing the little one up [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

Congratulations Miles!

- BoBo

Congrats buddy, i'm sure you'll be a great dad.

Grats man, great to hear they are both ok.

congratulations miles, a very special story indeed

More polycounters need to have baby girls, so in the future the game industry will have more ladies!

Congrats man, incredible story, you and the wifey will make great parents I'm sure.

Congrats... I have two daughters of my own and although the beginning years are difficult, they are very enjoyable. I'm now hitting the stage where they are becoming teenagers, and I'm wishing I could turn them back into infants [img]/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

An Update:

Grace has been home from the NICU for three weeks now. She has been doing super! And my wife is doing great as well. I love being a dad. I dont sleep as much as I used to...but I'm finding I dont really need it as much as I thought I did. I can't wait for the journey to unfold and I thank God for this opportunity.

Im so happy for you miles. I we both have baby girls with the same birthday! My little princess was born july 7th 2002. It's so funny how a little life can change yours so drastically.
Congrats Miles, I hope she's getting nice and fat. (your daughter that is not your wife [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img] )

Congrats... good to hear things have turned out so well. Enjoy it [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

Congrats miles,glad to see its working out well.

haha, ghost.

Thanks guys. The support from you all has been great.

God bless and congratulations, Miles, didn't see this thread earlier, but I'm sure your deep in the mysteries of parenthood by now [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]