On October 25, 2018, Eliza Bahneman and her husband’s lives were forever changed when their beautiful daughter, Bella, entered the world. Although Bella surprised them by arriving a few weeks early, she brought immeasurable joy to their lives.
Pregnancy is a unique and transformative experience. Eliza and her husband embarked on this incredible journey, filled with excitement and some trepidation. The magical nine months brought about a range of emotions and reflections on the wonders of having a child.
Having a support system during pregnancy is invaluable. Eliza was fortunate to have her sister, sister-in-law, and close friends going through pregnancy at the same time. Being able to share the joys and challenges of pregnancy with them was a blessing.
As the due date approached, Eliza and her husband eagerly prepared for the arrival of their little one. The room was perfect, filled with anticipation and love. The family couldn’t wait to meet Bella and discover the traits she inherited from both parents.
Eliza had heard stories about the challenges of nursing, which made her anxious yet excited to bond with her child. Thankfully, her pregnancy was relatively smooth, with normal test results and ultrasounds.
But, as fate would have it, Bella decided to make her grand entrance a month early. Eliza’s water broke in the early hours of October 25, 2018, catching them off guard. They hurriedly made their way to the hospital, their minds racing with both excitement and worry.
The labor had its complications, and Bella’s pulse rate dropped throughout. But with the support of her loved ones and the medical team, Eliza found the strength to push through. After a 12-hour labor, Bella finally arrived, weighing five and a half pounds. She was a tiny bundle of joy, with a folded ear that characterizes newborns.
However, amidst the joy, Eliza noticed something was different. She felt a sense of unease and confusion in the room. Concerned faces surrounded her. More specialists entered, taking notes and discussing the situation.
Questions flooded Eliza’s mind. Why were people encroaching on this intimate moment? What was happening with her daughter? The silence in the room shattered her heart, leaving her feeling broken and scared.
Bella was quickly whisked away to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Eliza longed to hold her newborn, to comfort and protect her. Instead, she was left feeling empty and questioning why they were facing such hardship.
In the NICU, Eliza and her husband faced a new reality. Wires surrounded Bella, a reminder of the medical journey they were about to embark on. The days were filled with tests, evaluations, and heartbreaking choices. It was a delicate balance between managing motherhood, pumping milk, and processing the overwhelming amount of information.
Support from family and friends became their beacon of hope. Eliza’s best friend, who worked in the medical field, rallied support from top surgeons and professionals. They were guided by experts and connected with resources to give Bella the best care possible.
After weeks of being in the NICU, Bella was finally discharged to go home. Eliza and her husband became not only parents but also Bella’s nurses, equipped with the knowledge to care for their precious daughter. Despite facing numerous challenges along the way, they drew strength from the training they received in the NICU, saving Bella’s life on multiple occasions.
Bella’s journey continued with surgeries and therapies tailored to her specific condition, Treacher Collins syndrome. Through it all, she attended early start programs, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and even a music class designed for children with hearing loss.
Though their journey may be different from others, Eliza wouldn’t trade it for anything. She has learned valuable lessons about strength, love, and the unpredictability of life. Bella’s network of support grows each day, and they have found solace in the routine they have created.
To Eliza and her husband, Bella is not just their daughter; she is their inspiration. They remain strong for her, providing the care, love, and support she needs to thrive. Their unwavering love proves that every child, regardless of the challenges they face, is truly a precious gift.
Thank you for sharing your story, Eliza! Bella is a beautiful and extraordinary child, just like her parents. Stay strong, and may your journey continue to be filled with love and resilience. 💕
