Our Very First Blogoversary

One year ago today, I began the world of blogging. Little did I know what a huge impact this blog would have on Eric & I, family & friends and people we have never met before. The love, prayer and belonging that we have received through this website is just amazing. It's not easy to live a year in a medical bubble, not really living life the way you did before. This blog has made that time easier for us. Connecting our family to those of you that care. Introducing Caleigh to those of you that wouldn't have known her otherwise. Knowing that we aren't exactly alone out there. And learning of other miracle children that have made it through similar situations.

This post makes 159 entries to Caleigh's blog. I started out with a paper journal at 18 weeks of pregnancy when we got the diagnosis of Gastroschisis, but I found it hard to add the photographs I wanted. You know me, lover of all things photography...... Here is the very first entry I ever posted:

Gastroschisis

A few days after we got back from vacation our doctor called us and said that some of the blood-work that I had done before we left came back abnormal. So we went in and they did a sono. I was 18 weeks pregnant at the time. Our doc wanted us to go to see a high risk pregnancy Dr. So we had to wait 4 days not knowing really what was wrong. We went to the new doctor and she told us that our baby has Gastroschisis. Which is when the stomach is closing up, around 5-8 wks of pregnancy, and it doesn't close all the way leaving a hole with bowel outside of the belly. This isn't life threatening or a long term problem. They don't know what causes it either. It usually occurs in first time parents and young parents about 1 in 5000 births, but they just don't know what the cause is. Our baby will be born at least a month early if not sooner and it will go straight over to Cooks for surgery to put everything back inside and then to the NICU where it will stay for at least 4 weeks learning how to eat normally. Things have been pretty crazy lately, but we are staying really positive about everything. We have been shopping for nursery furniture and staying busy with everything baby! They think we are having a girl but aren't sure. Our little peanut isn't really cooperating. Our next appointment is on July 5th and I will let everyone know an update then.

I love how planned everything was supposed to be! 'Born at least a month early, stay in the NICU for at least 4 weeks, & not a long term problem' It's just funny to me looking back. That positive denial still gets me through each and every day.

I have been told numerous times that we should turn this blog into a book. I plan on doing something to that nature. Mainly for Caleigh to have something in print. If any publishers are reading this let me know....LOL.... No seriously, I do plan on making at least one copy.

This blog has been a therapy for me. Somehow putting all the details in writing, getting our story out there; has really changed how I feel about our new way of life. I think this is the best scrapbook anyone can have for their child. Can you imagine if I tried to go back now and remember everything that has happened! I can't even remember what went on the week before much less 6 mths ago!

After making it a year in the blog world, I think I will stick around a little longer. As long as Caleigh needs me too, and as long as I don't get a real therapist! Now, I think I will celebrate by staying in my pj's all day, playing with our baby girl and definitely staying out of the Texas heat.

Happy Blogoversary!