Berkley's Arrival

     Hey y'all! My first post... Never in a million years would I have thought I would do something like this. But God is telling me that sometimes we go through experiences so we can share our story for the greater good.  I've always thought that some things were better off left private than the whole world knowing. I felt very strong about that as I went through fertility treatments. (More on that later.) I even felt that way just a couple weeks ago when our son, Berkley, was born prematurely at 24 weeks, 2 days. Then after talking to a few moms and seeing different post/questions on social media, I realized there can never be enough support. Why hide Berkley's journey? So here it is. I hope that this is some small way will inspire you,  give you hope, or show you that sometimes faith in what we cannot see is all we have. I know in his 24 days of life, Berkley has taught me so much about love, hope, and faith. My husband, Wes, and I are blessed to be his parents. We have watched a miracle from day 1 fight to be here, fight to overcome statistics, fight to live. From this grew, Be Brave Berkley.

     Berkley Miller Stutts was born on Saturday, April 1, 2017 at 2:36 p.m., weighing in at 1lb 14oz and measuring 12 in long. I was 24 weeks, 2 days pregnant. I went to the doctor that Thursday morning because something just wasn't quite "right". {God working #1} I was sent to our local hospital and about two hours later found out I was dilated to 6cm. WHAT?!?!? Believe me, I had a panic attack right then and there. How could this happen? There were so many questions. The next two days are one big blur. I was started on magnesium and other medicines immediately at ECM as they tried to stop my contractions. I was given several shots, one of which was a steroid shot to help Berkley's lungs mature. (This was the biggest concern due to him being just 24 weeks.)  I was transferred to Huntsville Hospital's Women and Children's center by ambulance. We were so blessed to make it here as they are better equipped to handle premature babies with their Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).  {God working #2} The doctors and nurses  at Huntsville were great. They were able to get my contractions to slow down and we made it to Saturday before Berkley was delivered. (More on Delivery day later.) Due to the steroid shot needing 48 hours to be beneficial for his lungs, our immediate goal was to make it to 2:32p.m. Saturday before delivery. Berkley said hello to the world 4mins after our goal at at 2:36pm. {God working #3} Are you seeing the pattern? God always provides for us. It was not in our plan to deliver Berkley at 24weeks, but it was in God's. He lined up everything for us in order to have Berkley here with us. 

     Why did we not share a lot of information in the beginning and get upset when others did? When a doctor looks at you and tells you that you have to be realistic about delivery, that your son is 24 weeks old, and the statistics stack against him - you get scared, real scared. When you know there's a 50/50 chance that he may not make it through delivery or through that first day. There were a lot of tears and a lot of prayers. My son is a miracle and no matter what we face over the next few months, I'll never forget that whimper as he was laid on my chest. Almost 2lbs of a God given miracle. The nurses had prepared us that he would probably weigh a little over a pound, maybe 1.5 pounds  and that we would not hear him cry or anything at delivery due to his immature lungs. Well, there he was right before our eyes at almost 2lbs and giving me a small whimper to tell me he was going to make it. God, again, showing me not to lose my faith. He's in control. 

     I keep a journal that I write to Berkley in every day. I'm going to catch you up as this is day 23 of the NICU journey and tell you some things in between. I hope you gain some strength and hope from our journey. Joshua 1:9

To my precious son, Sleep sweet. Grow big. Be brave. I love you.