Over the last three and a half months one story has been left untold, my mom's. I am sure she would prefer it continue to remain that way, however, we are incredibly grateful for everything she has done and want to share!
The morning I went into preterm labor Matt and I called our parents as soon as we knew what was going on. Normally my first phone call would have been to my mom, however she was in Chile visiting my brother Ryan!
Matt called my dad (who was also traveling) who called my grandparents who emailed Mom! Mom happened to check her email that afternoon in between site-seeing and called us immediately. Even though we assured her I would be ok and she didn't need to cut her trip short, Mom and Ryan spent the afternoon rearranging Mom's flights. The following morning (a day before her scheduled departure) she got on a plane in Chile and headed for Minot. She got in Monday evening exhausted but happy to be here. The minute Mom walked into my hospital room there was a different vibe. All of a sudden all the tension was lifted and both Matt and I were able to relax a little.
The morning Bryce and Zoey were born, Mom was able to be with Matt while I was in surgery. I don't know what it was like in that hallway but I know that I was able to focus my energy on the babies instead of Matt and Mom. They had each other to cry with, pace the halls, laugh with, and hug once they heard the new that the babies were ok. From what they told me, they were like little kids: anxious and excited. (I would love to see the security videos.) When I came back to my room Mom and Matt were able to tell me every detail about my children. It was very reassuring to hear from them that the kids were doing well.
The first week we visited the babies as often as we could. After I was discharged, Mom drove me to the hospital whenever I asked. She never questioned the time of day or what else was going on. She made sure I was also taken care of: helping with laundry and cleaning, getting me up and down stairs, making food, and so much more.
Then we got the news about the evacuation and the kids going to Fargo. Mom stayed calm even through all the chaos. I know we were all scared and worried but Mom took my hand and told me it was going to be ok, she would make sure I was with Bryce and Zoey as much as possible. I don't think she will ever know how much those words or her actions that night helped me through one of the hardest days. As we waited for the arrival of the plane Mom stayed right beside me. Even after we got the news that I would be able to fly with the babies, Mom stayed beside me and waited to start the drive to Fargo until I was in the ambulance headed toward the plane. Without hesitation she drove the five hours to Fargo at night to meet up with us and make sure Matt, Bryce, Zoey, and me were ok.
During the next eleven weeks, Mom stayed with us and helped us through the trials of the flood, being away from home, and having babies in the NICU. Mom was able to keep all the family updated so we could focus on the kids, be one of my biggest supporters as I struggled with breastfeeding, stay with me in Fargo while Matt had to work in Minot, and help us begin the rebuilding process on our home after the flood. Even with all of this, Mom would tell you that she was just enjoying time with her grandbabies.
Mom continued to stay with us for a week and a half after Bryce and Zoey came home. She helped us adjust to having them at home, stayed with them while I ran to the store for last minute things we forgot, helped with the first week of follow-up doctor's appointments, made sure I got plenty of sleep, and even got up for several middle-of-the-night feedings. Having her with us made the transition so much easier!
Thankyou Mom (Mimi) for all the help, support, and love! I don't know how we would have made it through the last three and a half months without your help. We truly appreciate all you did (and continue to do) for us. We can't wait to see you again in December! We love you!
.katherine.
