In January of 2009 we found out that we were expecting our first child. We both were so excited when we saw the test come back positive - two actually. 

On January 19 we went in for our first appointment. The doctor checked Niki, and much to our surprise did an ultra-sound. We all were aMAIZed that we could see anything as we found ourselves staring at what looked liked a little "peanut" with a strong heartbeat. 

We had a couple of bumps along the way, but nothing out of the ordinary. The doctor had us check Niki's blood levels at one point to make sure they were in line with where they were supposed to be. You never know how much you can love someone until the thought of losing them crosses your mind. But the tests came back normal. 

On May 18, we went in for the gender ultrasound. It was the day we found out we were expecting a girl. When I saw her for the first time it made my knees weak and almost made me cry. She looked perfect. I finally got to see the little girl I would get to rock at night. The one I heard in Niki's belly. She was beautiful!  
We took a much needed vacation when Niki was 32 weeks to South Carolina with family. On a Monday night we all were sitting watching T.V. and laughing at Maizy pushing our cell phones off Niki's belly. Little did we know that was the last time we would feel or hear her.

The next morning Niki woke up with a bad headache, and told me that she didn't feel Maizy move around. I told her that wasn't like our girl. As the morning went on Niki still wasn't feeling good so we came back upstairs from the beach to lay down. After a little nap still no movement. As parents we were starting to get worried. "Why isn't our lil Maizy Lynn moving around?"               

We made a call to our doctor back in KY. He told us to go to the local hospital to get an ultra-sound. We agreed, and plus it would be nice to see how big Maizy is now. We arrived at the hospital in South Carolina and the nurses pulled out the doppler. They appeared to be having trouble telling the difference between Niki's heart beat and what seems to be the baby's heartbeat after all Niki's heart rate can get well over 140. We were both feeling a little overwhelmed at this point, but doing our best to stay calm. I remember that they moved below Niki's belly button and I swore that I heard Maizy's heart beat. They asked me if I was for sure because of how high Niki's heart rate was. I was a little shocked at that question, that's when they said they were going to do an ultra-sound. 

They called in the doctor on call to do an emergency ultra sound. I was pumped to get to see Maizy, but the moments that followed turned out to be all but exciting. I'll never forget this day! They turned on a monitor that was no bigger than a 12-inch t.v. The doctor started at the head, then for some reason moved to the feet, slowly working back up. I couldn't help but notice it was a still grey screen. She came up to what I thought looked like the chest, stopped there, put the doppler down, looked at us and said the words that NO PARENT wants to hear, "I'M SORRY THERE'S NO HEART BEAT."

At that moment I felt like my life flashed in front of me. I asked her if she was kidding, and demanded she repeat the scan again only to see the same result. I instantly fell into my wife's arms and started to cry. Our Treasure, Our Angel, Maizy Lynn was gone at just at 32 weeks.


We flew home that day, and the next morning checked into the local hospital. They did another ultra-sound to confirm the diagnosis. They took us upstairs and put us in our room where we met the best nurse in the world, Heather. She stayed with us from beginning til end, and made sure we had everything we needed and Maizy was well taken care of. She truly was an Angel sent to us.

On July 31, 2009 at 10:07 a.m. we finally got to see our baby girl the way we had imagined her to be. She was so beautiful. 3lbs 11oz, 18 inches long. She had a full head of dark hair and was just perfect. 

Not a day goes by that we don't think about our baby girl. We know that she is constantly sending us signs! We love you so much Maizy Lynn! Forever and always, Your Mom and Dad
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