This past week has been so amazing! First off, I want to tell everyone that Cory and I got engaged! He took me to a wonderful dinner at a restaurant that has the most beautiful view of the city. At the end of dinner he got down on his knee and presented me with a gorgeous diamond ring. And of course I SAID YES!!!! There is no one else I would rather spend the rest of my life with :)
The next day we had several appointments at the hospital. Cory's parents joined us which was really nice to have them there. They got to see his ultrasound, which so far Aiden is growing at a steady rate, his heart and everything but the Omphalocele looks normal! We also met with one of the NICU doctors and got a tour of the NICU ward. It was a very encouraging experience. She said every case is different but typically they are able to do surgery by three weeks and get to come home after they start eating and gaining weight steadily. It was definitely hard to see all the little babies in the NICU ward and imagine that is where Aiden is going to start his life. However, the doctors and nurses seem to be really caring and knowledgeable. I know our baby will be in good hands.
We ended the week with Aiden’s baby shower. Cory's mom was so sweet to throw us a really great shower for our friends and family in Chicago. It was so nice to see everyone who came and to meet new family friends. The decorations were soooo cute! It was all jungle and sports themed, perfect to match his nursery. Everyone was very generous; we are so blessed to have so many amazing people in our lives. I know not everyone could make it and we totally understand. We look forward to having a meet and greet for Aiden sometime next year.
This was one of (if not THE) best weeks of my life and I have so much to be thankful for this year. I am thankful for Cory, he has been so supportive and strong through all of this, and he keeps me strong and positive. He is the love of my life. I am thankful for his parents, Sandra and Pat, and his family for all their support and for loving me and accepting me into their family. I am thankful for my family for ALWAYS being there for me. I am thankful for my cousin and friend Kara for being the driving force behind our fundraising and all her support, she has been amazing. I am also thankful for all the friends and family who have been so caring and generous by donating through our Gofundme page. We love all of you and no words can describe the gratitude we feel for the support we have received through this difficult time.
The next day we had several appointments at the hospital. Cory's parents joined us which was really nice to have them there. They got to see his ultrasound, which so far Aiden is growing at a steady rate, his heart and everything but the Omphalocele looks normal! We also met with one of the NICU doctors and got a tour of the NICU ward. It was a very encouraging experience. She said every case is different but typically they are able to do surgery by three weeks and get to come home after they start eating and gaining weight steadily. It was definitely hard to see all the little babies in the NICU ward and imagine that is where Aiden is going to start his life. However, the doctors and nurses seem to be really caring and knowledgeable. I know our baby will be in good hands.
We ended the week with Aiden’s baby shower. Cory's mom was so sweet to throw us a really great shower for our friends and family in Chicago. It was so nice to see everyone who came and to meet new family friends. The decorations were soooo cute! It was all jungle and sports themed, perfect to match his nursery. Everyone was very generous; we are so blessed to have so many amazing people in our lives. I know not everyone could make it and we totally understand. We look forward to having a meet and greet for Aiden sometime next year.
This was one of (if not THE) best weeks of my life and I have so much to be thankful for this year. I am thankful for Cory, he has been so supportive and strong through all of this, and he keeps me strong and positive. He is the love of my life. I am thankful for his parents, Sandra and Pat, and his family for all their support and for loving me and accepting me into their family. I am thankful for my family for ALWAYS being there for me. I am thankful for my cousin and friend Kara for being the driving force behind our fundraising and all her support, she has been amazing. I am also thankful for all the friends and family who have been so caring and generous by donating through our Gofundme page. We love all of you and no words can describe the gratitude we feel for the support we have received through this difficult time.