Thirteen Already?

It was a normal Wednesday night and we went to bed. I was 34 weeks pregnant with our third child. I woke much earlier than normal not feeling well. I got out of bed around 5:45am. I was not sure what exactly was wrong but I soon realized something was very wrong. Jeremy was not feeling the greatest as his stomach was a little upset. I did not say anything. Part way through my morning I called my sister. I did not call my mom because I think I knew what she would say and do! 

I realized that my water had broken, not sudden but definitely broke. I was not due for six more weeks. It could not be so!

I called my OB's office and then Jeremy. We had an appointment that afternoon. We went to the appointment then we were rushed over to the hospital for a room. The testing confirmed I was not going to stay at our local hospital to deliver this baby. Our baby girl's lungs were no where near ready to breathe outside of the safety of my womb.  It was also confirmed that her umbilical cord was around her neck twice (our doctor saw that on the ultrasound). My wonderful neighbor/friend did not even hesitate to keep my older boys until we could get things figured out. They loved Miss Bill Bill so that choice was easy.

My parents did exactly what we asked them not to do. They began their trip here to WV. However, I had to tell them (as they were halfway here) that we were being transferred to WVU Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown, WV. 

I arrived at WVU around 10pm June 27th...............16 long hours after labor had begun. I was miserable. Jeremy had driven so fast and my parents followed. It was a dark, dreary, rainy night. Jeremy and my parents sat around my bed.

The head of pediatrics came into our room and give us a very grim outlook for our baby girl. She was struggling. 

I do remember that Jeremy's parents arrived sometime on the 28th. The hours were long and all ran together. We all sat and waited for progress. Many doctors came and left my room. Then I was taken to the delivery room.  It was explained that they needed to be sure they could take our baby immediately to the NICU.

At 9:33pm, June 28, 2002 we welcomed a beautiful baby girl into our lives. She was whisked away from us as quickly as possible. She was struggling. She was gray.

Rebecca was resuscitated twice. It was quickly decided she needed intubation. I was finally allowed to see my baby girl at 3am. Oh my! She was beautiful! I was heartbroken to see her first tear. She was on the vent and unable to verbalize anything. That tear ran down her face and pooled into her ear. I remember crying as I saw that.

Those first few days were difficult. She struggled with her blood pressure, bilirubin, and her lungs. She was so bruised from the trauma of birth. Her face was black and blue. Her eyes were blood-filled.

Everyone was amazed how quickly she improved. She was removed from the vent after only 3 days. Her lungs were still not mature but she was improving. I finally was able to hold my baby.

She came home on July 5th. Just one week later! God performed an absolute miracle in our baby girl. Rebecca Rose was our sweet baby girl.

I am still amazed as I watch this daughter of ours. There could not be a more blessed family than ours. Rebecca has blossomed into a radiant young lady.

Beautiful for a wedding!

She passed me in height a year ago and now stands at 5' 4" tall. She is the most selfless girl I know. She gives and gives anything to anyone. Material things mean nothing to her (which I admit can be frustrating to a mom who spent a lot of money on a new necklace that she willingly gave away). 

Just a month or so ago at church, Rebecca sat with a Chinese college student who was leaving to  go back to China the next day. We had met her just two days before. The family that Rebecca was sitting with are friends of ours and as soon as church was over they told me that they believe Rebecca is a missionary in the making. I guess Rebecca just sat beside this student and talked to her and then shared her Bible with her. I was almost moved to tears that this family saw that about our girl.

We have watched her grow up. We have watched her sacrifice so much over the past few years. Yet she only wants to give more. Rebecca takes all change in stride. I know I would not have been so understanding as a teenager having to give up my bedroom to a stranger then share a bedroom with a rambunctious toddler nine years younger. Yet, she never complains and is usually the first one to offer help.

Always willing to be a great sister.

Silly!

I see so much of myself in her. Not necessarily the good things. She is stubborn and bossy. I remember as a little girl she would say, "Mommy, where are our boys?" She really thought she was in charge of them. The funny thing is........mostly they listened to her instructions!

Rebecca is a unique combination of Jeremy and me. She loves to help me clean and cook. She loves to wear a pretty dress/outfit and have her hair fixed. Yet she knows all about The Lord of the Rings, Star Wars,  and is not afraid to play with bugs of all kind!

She knows her Nerf guns and is well versed in handling any weapons.

She is one tough girl!

She has a great sense of humor!

Since she shares a bedroom with Mariah, quite often we will hear stories about them in the morning. Mariah sometimes crawls in bed with Becca. Since it is early, Becca will not allow her to come over to our bedroom and instead she snuggles with her until they both fall back to sleep. Becca protects her siblings. She always has.

Jeremy and I realize that once a boy comes around and begins to realize her great qualities, she will be snatched up. But it will be on her terms! 

These are the reasons we chose to take this girl to China with us to meet Selah.

It was the perfect match! Becca is the best sister and friend.

We are such a blessed family to have this sweet teenager of ours. She is one very special girl whom we love more than we ever thought possible! 

Happy birthday Rebecca Rose! You are loved and cherished!!!!