Tomorrow my miracle baby will celebrate her 10th birthday. Double digits! Not sure where the time went but during the week leading up to her birthday my husband and I always think back to May 4th, 2003, the day our little miracle came into the world.
All babies are a true miracle but with Kailey we truly believe she had a guardian angel watching over her. Kailey was born 4 weeks early which technically is not considered pre mature but what we didn’t know was that she was tiny and had not been growing for atleast 3 weeks. When I entered the hospital (during SARS) the Doctor assessed me and looked at my husband (Eren) and said “your baby is breach, tiny and your wife’s blood pressure is through the roof. Your wife and baby are in grave danger”. Those are words Eren will never forget. We both went into shear panic and fear. How did I go from a perfectly normal pregnancy to grave danger? Why wasn’t my baby growing? What would happen when she was born? I have never been so terrified in my life.
We were told that I had to have an emergency C-section but that they couldn’t do the surgery until my blood pressure was lowered. At 220/80 I was at serious risk of a stroke. Even after hours of aggressive treatment my pressure was still very high and the Doctors were getting increasingly more worried, that was until Kailey took matters into her own tiny little hands! At 12:30pm she decided it was time to enter the world – the Doctor tried to stop her and yelled at me that “I cannot deliver this baby naturally”. They rushed me to surgery and asked Eren to leave the room while they prepped me for the C-section. In the 3 minutes that Eren was out of the room Kailey decided she was not waiting for anyone and forced a natural birth. Three pushes and our miracle baby was here! Poor Eren missed the birth but a wonderful nurse held my hand and hugged me as I delivered our tiny miracle baby.
Eren walked in with tears running down his face to hear that he was the proud father of a 2lb baby girl. I remember looking over my shoulder to see these tiny little arms flailing in the air and tiny peach fuzz on her little head. I was so filled with joy and fear all at the same time. They rushed her off to the Special Care Nursery and told us that the next 24 hours would be critical. If she made it through the night that would be a good sign. Kailey spent the next month in the hospital under the wonderful care of the loving nurses and Doctors. We were told that she could come home when she hit 4lbs, my mission as a Mom was to fatten her up as fast as I could.
Leaving her at the hospital was so incredibly hard, every night I wept for her wishing she could be home with us. We spent our days and nights by her side, nursing her, holding her and loving her , praying that she would be healthy and thrive. I watched as other Mom’s held their babies, many who were fighting for their lives, many who had to travel to be by their babies sides. We were blessed that we lived locally and could get to the hospital to be by Kailey’s side, but for those who can’t they turn to Ronald McDonald Houses.
May 8th the 20th McHappy Day® will take place. McHappy Day raises funds for children’s charities across the country such as Ronald McDonald Houses. McDonald’s® Canada community involvement efforts are yearlong. Since 2004, the company has raised more than $36 million for Ronald McDonald House Charities® (RMHC) Canada by donating 10 cents from the sale of every Happy Meal. McDonald’s Canada covers all of RMHC’s administrative and operating costs, making it possible for 100 per cent of every directly donated dollar to go to Ronald McDonald Houses and their programs.
RMHC Canada is the national organization that supports Ronald McDonald Houses and Ronald McDonald Family Rooms across the country, which provides families of sick children a home-away-from-home or a place of peace and calm within a hospital.
Ronald McDonald Houses help give sick children what they need most – their families.
In the time it takes to grab a coffee or eat a meal, you could make a big difference in a child’s life. $1 from every Big Mac®, Happy Meal®, and hot McCafé® beverage you buy will be donated to Ronald McDonald Houses and other local children’s charities across Canada.
Receive updates on McHappy Day® by “Liking” McDonald’s Canada on Facebook and follow McDonald’s Canada on Twitter.
Our miracle baby is turning 10 tomorrow and is the tallest girl in her class, she is a happy, healthy and beautiful…we are forever grateful for the wonderful care and love we received during our time in the hospital.
18 Responses to McDonald’s McHappy Day – May 8th
No question my wonderful granddaughter has a guardian angel. Those were very scary times and our family was certainly blessed.
I know five families whose lives were made easier through Ronald McDonald House….they were able to focus their entire attention on their ill children and not have to worry about accommodation. RMH is a very important part of our community…continue to support it whenever you can.
wow. it sure hits home for me! thanks so much for sharing your story kathryn!
I remember every moment Kathryn, especially since I only saw Kailey a week after she was born and then had to wait another almost 4 weeks until she came out of the hospital, because of SARS (no visitors were allowed in). It was the hardest month of my life but holding my beautiful granddaughter in my arms when she came home was the payoff I had been waiting for. I wholeheartedly support Ronald McDonald House and all the wonderful work they do to provide a safe and comfortable home for families with sick children.
Beautiful story Kathryn (still bawling lol) Kailey is GORGEOUS! so glad you hared this…
You and your family are very blessed! Thanks for sharing your story in support of RMH – a truly amazing organization.
Oh my goodness Kathryn, I’m sitting here with tears rolling down my cheeks. What a beautiful, beautiful story (with such a happy ending).
Although I think about that time often, it is indeed rare to read about it on the internet! Thanks for the story babe, it is amazing how far she (and we!)have come. (although Kailey kinda looked like Kailey, even then). I plan ot buy a big mac tomorrow (it’s the least I can do for a great cause…tears dried, I can get on with my day
Thanks everyone – not easy to put my feelings down on paper (or online) but feels great to support such a wonderful cause. Thanks for reading and leaving your thoughtful comments (especially to my hubby
)
What an amazing and inspirational story. Your daughter looks beautiful and healthy. May she keeps bringing you nothing by joy and love.
Aww Kath. Thanks for sharing such a personal and beautiful story of miracle, life and love.
Being an aunt of a niece whom I love so dearly that was also born 4 weeks early and high risk for premature birth, this very much hits home.
These miracle babies are such lil’ soldiers and teach us so much about living each day with every breath, thankful and happy.
This is a beautiful and very important cause.
I am happy to support it and will definitely be at a local McDonalds tomorrow to pay my support with my family!
Thank you for sharing your story. You are so lucky to have such a beautiful gorgeous girl. Obviously, she’s a little fighter!! She also has a fabulous birthday, which she shares with my own special daughter.
WOW – I am speachless – my heart was aching for you then I saw that photo of that perfect 9 year old beautiful girl!!
Your story sounds so similar to mine – happy to see such a strong and beautiful little girl she grew to be!:)
You taught me such strength during that time. I’m so proud of you for writing this story…she is truly a miracle and such an amazing young lady and a great friend to my boys. xox
Remember it so well. We were all shocked and then could do little to help because we weren’t allowed anywhere near the hospital due to SARS. From looking like a doll in Maddi’s arms to now being as tall as her, despite the 2 year age gap, it’s been great to watch her grow up healthy and happy.
Wow. Of course I’ve heard the story but secondhand and in pieces. That must have been so scary but kailey was meant to be. Kath and ers you are very strong and that experience only made you that much stronger.
Wow I remember you calling me from the hospital as she was born as if it was yesterday. 9 great years have past and look how far she has come. xoxox
Ahhh! Kath! This story makes me cry! Little One was preemie and a miracle baby. Kailey’s story hits close to home. Big hugs for you and your fam! She is such an awesome girl! Happy birthday to her and happy “birth day” to you!