Thursday, December 18, 2014

Bowen Eugene McDonald

December 2, 2014

Our doctor informed us that as long as the placenta is within me, there is a non-invasive blood test that can be done to test for any genetic or chromosome abnormalities, as well as determine gender.   Jesse and I agreed that no matter the cost, if we could know one thing in this lifetime, we feel blessed to have the ability to know if you are a boy or a girl.

Now we wait (up to 21 days) for the test results.  Knowing is worth every minute and every penny!

On another note, the clock is ticking.  The longer we wait for my body to pass you naturally, the greater the risk of sepsis and infection so my doctor is recommending surgery.

I want so badly to pass you naturally so daddy and I can at least hold your precious little body.

December 4, 2014

It has been (almost) two weeks since your heart stopped beating.  I can't blame you for not wanting to come out!  I don't want to let go of you either, but it is time (for surgery).

I feel defeated.  I feel like I have failed you.

Late yesterday evening Jesse and I went to our parish and sat in adoration to spend some peaceful, quiet, alone time in prayer.  When we left our parish, it was drizzling and this morning it was pouring (keep in mind it hasn't rained since September)!  Stupid as this may sound, I felt like heaven was weeping with me.

I am in unfamiliar territory.  I have a new OBGYN who delivers at a hospital that I have never delivered at.  I am terrified.

Maybe this was all a part of God's plan to help get Jesse and I get through this because I have never felt so much true compassion from hospital staff, from complete strangers.  EVERY single person on this day from check-in to check-out acknowledged you as a human being, acknowledged you as OUR child.

As I was wheeled out of the hospital empty handed, the skies had calmed and the sun was peeking through the clouds, almost like you were telling me, "Mom, I'm here.  I made it!"

December 8, 2014

The last six weeks or so 2:30 am became OUR "date" time.  It was just the two of us alone, no distractions, just peace and quiet.  Like usual, I poured us a glass of milk and reached into the graham cracker box.  Only this time the box was empty.  I lost it.  I sobbed and I sobbed.  Just another reminder that you are gone.

December 10, 2014

Last night I started bleeding heavily with large amounts of clotting and painful cramping.  The doctor sent us to the ER this morning so that we could have a thorough ultrasound to make sure I was ok.  Turns out, everything was ok.  Though visually terrifying, this was my body's natural way of ridding of any remaining tissue.

Upon leaving the ER we received the best news we've had in weeks, "it's a boy!".

Bowen Eugene McDonald
Bowen because your daddy always wanted a "Bo" and I wanted an "Owen".  
Eugene because you have two of the most wonderful great grandfathers (who happen to share a same name) up in Heaven with you
Eugene Stanley Beben
Carl Eugene Creger 
December 15, 2014

We picked up your casket, picked out your burial plot, and selected a funeral date...I don't really have much else to say.

Monday, December 1, 2014

Last Days Together

Friday, November 28, 2014

It seems common to internalize and privatize miscarriage, and that is 100% fine.  It is a hard and incomprehensible act that we may never fully understand.  However,  I choose to publicize our story because this is OUR LIFE.  This is OUR REALITY.  Just as it was with Gwen, we cannot cope on our own.  We are human and we need your prayers.  We have received an outpouring of love and support since my last post.  For that, we thank you.

Saturday, November 29, 2014

It has been one week since they "say" your heart stopped beating.  I knew it wouldn't be easy, but Jesse and I ventured out to do some shopping to get our mind off things.  "How far along are you?" strangers asked. "3 months" I say (with a forced smile) as I turn my body with the hopes to avoid anymore questions.  Pregnancy seems everywhere.  Everywhere but within me.

It's only been 5 days since our appointment when we learned you could have passed, 5 days.  Like it was with Gwen,  our world seems to have stopped and everyone else's just keeps moving on.  I know in time this will hurt a little less, but the thought that you could be gone is so new, so fresh, and so very painful.

Sunday, November 30, 2014

The next 24 hours seem like an eternity as we sit and wait to see you on the ultrasound tomorrow.  It will be our confirmation ultrasound to determine what steps come next.  We have prayed for you,  we have grieved for you, and I have rubbed my belly more in the last week than the last three months.

Still no symptoms.

Monday, December 1, 2014

The ultrasound confirmed that your physical body remains within me, but your soul indeed has gone to Heaven.

Until the time comes to physically part, I will cherish our last days together... love you.