This last sunday (August 14th) Nichole had PROMS (Premature Rupture of Membranes). Basically her water broke extremely early. Because we were only 15 weeks along this is very bad news. The amniotic fluid is really important to the baby’s health, and the doctors have given us some tough information. At this point, the chance of survival for our baby is less than 10% with risks of cerebral palsy, deformity, and potentially damaging Nichole’s ability to be pregnant in the future. There is also a high risk for infection that can put Nichole in serious danger.
In spite of this challenging information and the inherent risks, we plan to do anything in our power to save the life of this baby. Even if there were less than 0.001% chance of this baby surviving, we would still fight.
Our Daily Heartbeat
All of this has been incredibly painful, the reality of the situation comes in waves. We have sweet moments of journeying together, and having hope, mixed with sad moments and the fear of the unknown. Overall though, have been experiencing a peace that transcends understanding as God impresses on our hearts that this is what He made us for, He knows our pain, and He is with us.
We (along with many of you) think its a girl but we don’t know for sure… We are referring to the baby as our little fighter girl. One of our favorite moments in the day is when the nurses check the heartbeat every morning, and we get to hear it too. Today we were even able to hear her moving around.
Nichole’s To Do List
This is a picture of a to do list that I made for Nichole today, this is what she looks at from her hospital bed.
The goal is to make sure Nichole holds VERY still and does almost nothing with the hope that maybe, just maybe the ruptured sac can reseal. We have decided to stay as long as it takes… This likely means we will be in the hospital for the remainder of the pregnancy. The first big milestone is 23 weeks but our hope is to carry the baby to 30-34 weeks.
Visiting Details, and How You Can Help
We are in Norton Suburban hospital room 265. We are not accepting visitors at this time and can’t promise that we will be able to respond to everyones text messages and phone calls. Trying to take it super easy, and keep Nichole very rested and still. Right now the pressing need that we have is prayer. Please be praying for our fighter girl, and for this brave mother. Beyond that we promise to be transparent about other needs that may come up. Our friend Bryce Butler has volunteered to help us coordinate anything like that. You can contact him here bbutler@sojournchurch.com or call 502-741-1303
We are very encouraged by your notes, messages and support. They really help. Thank you.
{ 38 comments… read them below or add one }
I will be praying everyday for u all!!
You are doing the right thing-stay strong! We are praying! Love you both and the little one too.
Pam and Diana
Dear Aaron and Nichole,
I’m so glad that Jesus is with you and your fighting baby girl. You’ll all be in my prayers constantly.
He is Faithful!
Deborah
So sorry to hear! Will be praying from cape town…
Nicole, your husband and your lil fighter girl are in my prayers. Through him anything is possible
Our prayers are with you. Jesus is more than sufficient to sustain you through this. His everlasting arms will be a comfort and refuge as you walk towards the cross.
Aaron,
My heart goes out to you and Nichole, bro. Just prayed for you guys.
It is a hard thing. We are sorry. And wecare praying for God’s best for you all in this situation.
Thank you for sharing during this extremely difficult time. I am praying for all three of you.
Praying for your little fighter girl every morning and evening. Praying for you, Nichole, that you can find strength and persiverance in having to be so still.
You have my prayers..May the Lord cover you, your wife and little fighter girl. Please continue to let us know how we can lift you up in prayer.
I have been praying since this weekend and will continue to more and more fervently. i will also pass it on to some family members and have them pray. In Faith…
Nichole you are a strong woman. You and your family are constantly in my prayers. Hold still and stay positive. love ya!!
Yes hold still Nichole, Aaron our hearts goes out to you three.may God grand you strength for this short season, I pray that all goes well !
LOVE your To Do List… Enjoy Jesus. Soo awesome. We are thinking of you soo very often and praying for you whenever you come to mind, which is a lot. Praying for this sweet babe in your womb. Praying for God’s divine healing to take place and of course, praying for protection for both you and baby Marshall…
Big Hugs to you guys!
Katie and Jeff
praying for you every day!
Nichole, You are so strong! I am praying for you and your sweet baby. Krista
Hey Littler Fighter Girl may our Lord use you for His Glory to show people that He is Almighty and to use your parents as well as example of Life Fighters. Hold on princess. keep Fighting family with The Lord, In The Lord, He is good and powerful!
You will be in my prayers daily!! All things are possible with Him by your side!! Stay strong in your faith and know that you are never alone!
Immanuel Baptist Church is praying, dear family.
Love you all so very much!! Praying for this baby and for Nicole’s health.
Dear Nichole and Aaron, I will be praying for your little fighter girl and you the momma, Nichole. I have personally experienced the power of prayer through a pregnancy. Our daughter Maia was diagnosed with a very serious heart condition prenatally at 26 weeks. She was ecpected to need immediate surgery right after her birth. We had people interceding for her everyday before her birth. God answered prayer. She was born full term and her CHD was much more treatable than anticipated. Of course we anticipated all that and more. God is so good. Our attitude through it all was to trust him and know that the ultimate goal was to glorify Him in all circumstances no matter what. If you would like to read our blog entries from the time we learned of her diagnosis you can go to our blog from Aug 2008 to nov 2008. I pray that God meet all your needs in His amazing and glorious ways and know beyond a shadiw of a doubt that God is so very Good all the time!!!! blessings!
I will keep you guys and your little baby in my prayers. If there is anything at all that you need or want please let me know!
Dear Parents-may God be with you …praying for your family.Nichole ,read to your baby she going love it, and will help you too.Love ….stay style and let me know if I can do anything for you .I love your to do list!Good luck!
We MUST connect! I ruptured at 12 weeks, carried until 27, delivered very sick preemie babies, and am here to tell you that by the miraculous power of Jesus, I have 2 PERFECTLY HEALTHY boys! They are now 8. Please DO NOT giveaway to fear. Jesus turned water into wine and he can grow our babies in NO amniotic fluid if He wishes. My sac never re-sealed and the highest AFI I had was 3 (that was on a good day). I would LOVE to talk. Please feel free to email me. I will be praying for you and your precious little one. Praise the Lord you did not consider abortion! I’m sure that was recommended to you…
Your family will be in our prayers. I was hospitalized with preterm labor almost a year ago and now my 26 weeker will be crawling soon. I will pray for peace of mind and spirit for you and health for your little one. If I can ever help in any way, please let me know.
God’s grace to you,
Meghan
Thoughts and prayers are with you each day! Take care and embrace all of the love and caring that your family and friends are sending your way. God will take care of you!
You are never far from our thoughts and prayers. We love you!!
Josh, Valerie, Makayla, Daniel, and Jonathan
Hang in there, guys. I’m praying for all three of you.
The Blacks are praying too.
So very sorry to hear about the complications, will be praying for all of you.
I’m Devin Maddox’s wife, and I just wanted you three to know I am praying for you all! I’m sure you all have thought about audio books, but the Louisville Public Library has a bunch!
Praying for little fighter girl as well as mommy and daddy…may He give you all the strength you are needing during this time.
We are praying for your little fighter girl and for the both of you.
Praying for you all. My heart goes out to you in this time of stress and grief. Remember that God is with you in everything and He will give you the strength that you need.
I will pray and you three will be in my thoughts daily! Your fighter girl will make it and everything will be alright! God will be with you through this trial I know that for certain.
Please know that Kurtis and I are on our knees for “little fighter girl and her mom and dad. Keep the faith, keep the joy and keep believing in God’s miracles.
I will be praying for you, Aaron, & your Little Fighter Girl. May God shower you with blessings & give you peace from fear of the unknown. Love You!!!!! <3