This is Danielle and her mom, my sister. Danielle is my niece, but she's really more like a sister to me. We're actually closer in age than I am to my own sisters. Danielle is a stay-at-home mom like me, and her girls are close in age to my kids. Her oldest daughter is 7 and her younger daughter is about to turn 4. I adore Danielle and her family – no one is more dedicated to her family, no one makes me laugh more. She's a young mother, but she's taught me a thing or two about parenting with joy and purpose.
Danielle and her husband, Cliff thought their family was complete with the two girls. They thought they'd enjoy life for awhile, then maybe adopt in the future. God had other plans for them, though, and early this year Danielle shared that she was expecting. After the initial shock (as in post-vasectomy shock) wore off, they were so excited to learn a baby boy would be joining their family.
On Monday, at 22 weeks pregnant, Danielle thought something might be wrong. Her gut instinct proved true – she was leaking amniotic fluid. And so in the course of just a few hours, Danielle went from being home with her girls, figuring out the final details of her Brownie troop's cookie orders to looking at complete bed rest in the hospital the remainder of the pregnancy.
She'll be 23 weeks on Friday.
At 24 weeks the baby has a fighting chance for survival.
At 33 weeks, her doctors would start entertaining the idea of delivery.
In an ideal situation (if you can call anything about this situation ideal), she's looking at 10+ weeks of complete bed rest, away from home, away from her family. I can't imagine the way this must pull their hearts in so many painful directions – wanting to be home, wanting to tuck your girls in bed and be with your husband – and yet so desperately wanting to do whatever it takes for your unborn child that you already love dearly.
Thankfully, she's surrounded by an incredible support system of friends and family. I don't believe you can ever have too much support, though, especially when the road seems so very long ahead of you. Danielle has more faith and conviction in her little finger than I possess in my entire being, but even the strongest of faiths needs lifted in dark hours.
Can I ask for your help? If prayer is a part of your life, can you lift up Danielle, her family, and this precious baby in your prayers? And if you feel called to help out in other ways, I'd be so thrilled to help match your genorosity with their needs. I know right now their greatest need is help with gas money. Her husband would love to bring the girls to visit every day if possible, and they are not close to the hospital.
If any of you reading know of some good resources for Danielle, or perhaps someone who has been through a similar experience, I know it would help her tremendously.
Lastly, Danielle reads this blog. I would love nothing more than to fill the comment section with kind words for her. She's got a lot of time on her hands these days – let's give her good stuff to think about!
Danielle, you've always been the first to lift others up, to make them feel better. Now we're here to do the same for you.
Sarah Partain says
Angie and Danielle,
Our son Amos (who is now 4 and a half), was born at 30 weeks and 4 days, due to a placental abruption. Thankfully, and in God’s plan, we were already on our way to the hospital to have some stress testing done, so when I got there, they saw that my contractions were coming every 3 minutes and that our baby was in distress. They delivered him via emergency csection later that afternoon and there we were, with a baby. He ended up staying in the hospital for 8 weeks and many times, the nurses and doctors would say that even though the equipment in the NICU is good and helpful, that there is nothing like a mother’s womb.
So I just wanted to encourage you as you sit and grow your little baby, that you are doing the best work possible and even though it’s hard, that you can do it. Just take each day at a time and trust that God is caring for you and your baby and your family.
I hope things go well for you, especially in the coming weeks.
I will keep you all in my prayers and hope to see that little guy’s smiling face some day!
–sarah
Katie says
I’m not a mom (yet). I don’t have any idea what you’re going through at this time. I will keep you in my thoughts.
I also don’t have much to offer by way of help since I’m a full time student, but with Mom in the hospital, Dad and kids might need help getting food on the table some nights and I am more than willing to help make that happen. Angie, please let me know what I can do. I can take a night a week or every other week and get a dinner to you for them if that helps.
*HUGS*
Angie Six says
Katie, that is such a kind offer. I will keep it in mind. They live near Fort Wayne, and have plenty of meals right now, but you know how that can change as time goes on and people get busy. I plan to drive up to visit later in April. I may get in touch with you then and see if it's convenient to send something up with me. Thank you so much!
Just Heather says
Prayers going up for Danielle and the rest of your family. I pray for strength, health and financial security through this ordeal. I don’t have much of my own to give right now, but if I can help any with money saving ideas, just say the word. It’s what I do!
lesley says
I was so anxious reading this. I thought you were going to say she or one of her kids were diagnosed with cancer or something. I guess I’ve got cancer on my mind… a local 11 year old lost her 5 year battle with cancer this week.
I pray everything continues for a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. To put things into perspecitve, as hard as it may be, 10 weeks will be nothing when you think about the life will soon come into the world.
aunt suzie says
Texas love coming your way, Danielle. Bless our big hearts, prayer warriors and girlfriends are lift you up. God is mighty and He can do anything. You, sweet sister, are being prepared for something mighty! MUAH!
Michelle says
Just reading this started to make me cry. I was lucky and have a healthy 4 1/2 month old son. However, my husband and I went through a lot to have him. We went through 2 1/2 years of infertility with one miscarriage with fertility treatments. We had come to terms that we could never have kids and then we just got pregnant 3 months after stopping trying. God does deliver blessings!! He was born at 37 weeks due to being induced as I had really high blood pressure (work stress) and perfectly healthy except for jaundice. I know this can in no way compare to what you are going through but I can completely understand how badly you want something and how difficult it must be on your family. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers that God will deliver your baby boy safe and healthy!
Nana Ana says
Oh, Angie…you did it to me again. Haven’t been on the computer since I got home Wed and then I see this…I didn’t even get past the first few sentences and had to bury my face in my hands and found myself instantly sobbing. I’m trying to be strong. And then I read your incredible story and how you know exactly how to put everything in the perfect, exact words. Thank you. This means more to me than you will ever know. I am praying for Danielle and “the Boy” s health, also for Cliff and girls. I pray for strength and patience for their family. The separation will be the hardest. I pray for Cliff that he doesn’t burn himself out. Thank you to everyone in their support circle. Your love, support and sacrifice of your own personal time has amazed me beyond comprehension and words. I told Danielle my hope is this boy will stand 6’4″, 200# lbs at his HS graduation, wearing a shirt that says, “I WAS A PREEMIE”. A nana can always hope! Love you, Ang, for putting this story out and the way you have about everything you do! Owe ya’, sis!
Leeannncole@gmail.com says
Danielle, it’s your Mom’s friend LeeAnn (the hairstylist). I just want you to know that I am keeping you and your family close in thought and prayer. You embody the tenacity and strength that I see in your Mom and Aunts! Hang in there, sweetie. Big Hugs!
Leeannncole@gmail.com says
Danielle, it’s your Mom’s friend LeeAnn (the hairstylist). I just want you to know that I am keeping you and your family close in thought and prayer. You embody the tenacity and strength that I see in your Mom and Aunts! Hang in there, sweetie. Big Hugs!
Angie Six says
I may pick your brain for ideas at some point. They've been through Dave Ramsey's FPU, so living within their means is something near and dear to their hearts as well.
Angie Six says
I totally didn't mean to infuse extra drama in all this! But yes, we're all praying that the end result is a healthy baby. I think any of us mommas would do whatever it takes to make sure of that.
Angie Six says
Thanks so much for sharing your story, Michelle, and congratulations on your baby boy!
Angie Six says
Oh seester, I love you too! You're so kind. I know this is hard on you, too. You know we're all here for you as well.
www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=517437585 says
& now you made ME cry!!
www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=517437585 says
I would seriously be lost without this girl and her amazing family.. it hurts me so bad to not be near during this – but I am rallying up and trying to help as much as possible from 973 miles away! I LOVE you Danielle .. <3
Danielle Stalling says
Ang,
Wow.. did you know I could be speechless??! Not something I experience very often 🙂 but to be lifted up by you in such a way was so humbling. You said so many wonderful things, but I feel like you are that mom that I look to and admire. I thank you so much for sharing our story and rallying support. I can physically feel the prayers on me and my little man. Dark hours do come, but God’s provision and strength is so powerful; and many times that comes through people just like you and everyone reading this blog. Prayer can sometimes be underestimated, but it is the most powerful weapon we have been given and I thank all of you for exerting that power on my family’s behalf. I trust in God’s promises and eagerly anticipate His blessing in this situation.
Angie, I am continuously overwhelmed by you and Mike’s generosity in my family’s life. Time and time again you two have stood up and supported us and loved us beyond measure. My heart yearns to return the favor, but I thank God that He has that taken care of for you One Day. No treasures here, but many rewards There. **I adore you and love you so much. Wish I were spending this weekend with you instead, but I do feel your love here!**
God Bless you all and Thank you.
All my Love and Blessings,
Danielle
Jenn says
Danielle,
I’m a friend of Angie’s from her days in Nashville. Keep baking that baby boy of yours!
Jenn
Angie Six says
That's what I wanted for you by writing this – for you to feel the love and support of people all around you! Hang in there, sweet girl.
Esther Mishoe says
Danielle,
My husband Arthur and I are also friends of Mike and Angie’s (also from Nashville). One of our neighbors was on complete bed rest for 6 months before her healthy girl was born Christmas week. She was at home but still difficult for an active adult. We’ll be thinking about you during this time and Angie promised to keep us informed with your progress. Take care of yourself and that little one.
Esther
Angie Six says
Esther, thank you so much for your care and concern. If you and Arthur are ever back up our way, be sure to let us know!
Esther Mishoe says
Angie, checking back to see how Danielle and baby are doing. Can you post an update? Thanks.