GETTING TO AKRON

(Sept 27th) My mom was able to visit right before I was moved out of the labor and delivery room. They mentioned I would likely be able to leave by noon that same day. I was exhausted and in pain. I tried to rest, but every part of what had just happened continued to replay in my head like a bad dream and startled me awake. I had no appetite, but finally ate some breakfast. Once I realized I was not going to sleep, I told staff that I was ready to go. My mom and brother drove me to Akron, where I definitely felt a little better being with Aaron and seeing baby.  

Aaron’s FB post shortly after I arrived to Akron: “Sometimes plans change, and when they do it happens rather fast.  The last 24hrs feel like nothing short of a whirlwind.  Gabriella Faith Hoptry decided to make her grand entrance last night at 0328.  Due to her being impatient (some would say like her mother) she thought 25 weeks was long enough in the pool and it was time to see what life is all about.  Coming in at a tiny 2.2lbs, Gabriella did let out a couple disgruntled cries before she was placed onto the ventilator to support her very fragile lungs.  She was then flown to Akron Children’s Hospital where she will likely spend the next 15 weeks fighting to get stronger and more independent. After what could only be described as pure chaos, Rachel has been released from Ohio Health and was able to join Gabriella and I in Akron.  

Rachel and I appreciate the calls and messages. We also appreciate everyone who has stepped up whether it be to help with watching Hannah, or driving to Akron to make sure I got a decent meal.   

Happy Birthday little one, thank you for making sure I met my deductible, and lost what little hair I had left. We love you and are counting down the days until you can come home with us. 

Ps…  I felt that since Rachel could not make it to Akron initially, that gave me naming rights.  For her first day she was affectionately referred to as Optimus Prime.”

It was a very strange feeling looking into that isolette at a human that small. I felt like I needed to convince myself she was a baby and was mine. We suddenly were faced with being away from Hannah, planning for where she and the dogs would be and finding where we will stay here in Akron. We tried the first night in the hospital room, as many couples do for the whole stay. There is one couch that turns into a bed and one recliner. Between the lights, equipment beeping and Staff in and out of the room, we both had difficulties sleeping. Aaron had been told by hospital staff about Ronald McDonald house, but we still had to have background checks and application processed. 

(Sept 30) My FB post a couple days later:

“We decided to take two days to sleep in our own beds and be with Hannah. It was so hard to be away from the hospital, but at this point there is not much more than touch and a swab in the mouth that we can do with Gabriella in the isolette here. Forming a schedule for Hannah and deciding where she should go for the week days and weekends has been a huge stressor. Thanks to family and friends, I think we have a plan and will be able to get Hannah to preschool most days. We are back in Akron with Hannah staying in a hotel, but got the call about Ronald McDonald house having availability the beginning of next week. Unfortunately Hannah cannot go in the NICU room, so we will need to find a way to play tag and switch out as often as we can. 

I have no words to explain what happened the past few days. I tried to write out a story, but the details are hard to face and confusing right now. 

Gabriella is going to have ups and downs as we have seen already by her need to be intubated again. She has been on bilirubin lights, then off, and I have a feeling she will be back on them soon. They placed a PICC line as I was arriving and thankfully got it on the first try, which means they will be able to remove her umbilical lines that needed to be removed soon. Lots of tests and adjustment of meds/nutrition. I am doing my best to pump often and bring in breastmilk for her too.

I am struggling to explain/understand my feelings and grief, but Aaron has been a huge support with communicating and organizing what I need to help me feel better. I wanted to thank everyone that has reached out by text, FB, phone, sent up prayers, given gifts, given donations and stopped by to see us. Accepting donations is not comfortable and not what we want to do, but we are amazed by the assistance people are offering. We are grateful for the friends and family we have surrounding us that have shown a huge amount of love in all the ways.”