Our story began when we found out we were expecting twins in June 2006. Our world was rocked when my water broke after only 26 weeks of pregnancy.
For almost three weeks Bennett David sustained himself in utero with trace amounts of amniotic fluid. His active twin sister, Ellie Grace, was thriving. This was just the beginning of the many sacrifices Bennett would make not only for his sister, but for all of us that love him.
At 28 weeks and 6 days pregnant they delivered our two precious miracles by emergency e-section. It was clear from the beginning that Bennett was struggling to survive and that Ellie Grace was going to survive. At 7 days old Ellie Grace was breathing completely on her own and at two weeks old they were just beginning to wean our little hero from Nitric Oxide, blood pressure meds and finally the ventilator. At three weeks of age our little man was on the nasal cannula and catching up to his twin sister who proclaimed herself as the “miracle preemie” at birth. We thought we had escaped all of the trials and tribulations most parents of premature babies′ experience. We had no idea that this was just the beginning of our journey.
After six months and 1 day of life, we sent Bennett David Kahl back to his eternal home. There is a deep void in our hearts for all of the hopes and dreams we had for Bennett and Ellie Grace together. However, we will be eternally grateful for every single minute we spent with Bennett David and for every lesson we learned from him.
As for Ellie Grace…she was discharged from the hospital less than 6 weeks after she was born. Today, Ellie Grace is a healthy, happy 2 year old. She is walking, talking and eating. She weighs 26 pounds and is 32 inches tall. She IS a miracle baby and we are thankful for every single minute we spend with her!
On January 6, 2009 I was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis. A mandatory newborn screen of our babies would have revealed they were carriers prompting me to get tested earlier. March of Dimes is currently lobbying for advanced newborn screening to include testing for CF.
"I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers."
Ephesians 1:16
The mission of March of Dimes is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality.
