Dearest Lily,
I can't believe you're going to be 12 years old. How did the time fly? I started his blog when I was just a girl myself, married to your daddy, but without a clue what life as a mommy might be like. Best.Thing.EVER!!! It truly is and has been the greatest joy in my life. I feel so blessed to have been appointed your Mom, and to get to watch you grow into such a beautiful young lady. Every day has been a joy, from the first step, to the cartwheels, from your first bite of rice cereal to your own amazing culinary creations. Your bright sparkle, caring empathy for others, creative mind, nurturing soul and boundless spirit have created the most amazing young woman, and I couldn't be prouder of the girl you are.
Anyone would tell you that the meaning of your name is so fitting to your personality, but just in case you didn't know the meaning:
Lily - a symbol of purity, innocence and beauty
Grace - God's favor and love toward mankind
Happiest of Birthdays Lily Grace, I love you to the moon (or Gallifrey) and back!
Wednesday, February 5, 2020
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
1 year ago
First, let's start this off with a birthday wish for your Aunt Lolo!! Happy Birthday Laura, we love you.
This morning I was creating the monthly report at work, and remembering back to one year ago on this date, doing the exact same thing in the office, thinking that the mouning sickness was definitely the worst part of the pregnancy. Oh, how I was mistaken!!
That morning I received a phone call at work from Dr. Zacharias' office, telling me that the Dr. himself would be calling me shortly. How many times does a doctor call the patient himself? That's never a good sign, and it wasn't. Dr. Zacharias explained to me the test results from the Echo I had done earlier in the week were not good! The aortic valvular stenosis that I was born with just went from mild/moderate to Very Severe/Life Thretening. Would you be okay? Only God knew!
The next 2 months were filled with Doctors appointments weekly, sometimes even more often. Of course, I needed a second opinion, unfortunately, the results were the same. I became familiar with all three Maternal Fetal Medicine Dr.s, (hi-risk specialists). The emotional roller coaster was much like the new Verbolten ride at Busch Gardens, dark, fast, and I had no idea what was going to happen next. One of the appointments made was with Dr. Love, a charismatic big black man, who asked me to bring Chris along for the consult. I did, and I soon realized why he asked for Chris' presence. A word was spoken that day that changed everything. The roller coaster just dropped below me and I felt like I was floating on a bad dream. Dr. Love said I needed to heavily weigh the idea of ABORTION. He stated that it was very likely one of the two of us would not survive to the end. 'Would I be willing to leave your big sister, and your amazing Father behind without a mother and wife' he asked.
The next few weeks continued to be stressful despite being my favorite time of year. Christmas day was the start of our third trimester. Although I hadn't started showing any symptoms, all the doctors agreed that the third trimester was going to be the worst. I was on high alert for any signs of heart complications. Everyone around me was cautious as if walking on eggshells because I was so fragile.
I really tried to give it all to God, because this was much more than I could handle. Only God could keep my mind so calm and confident when the world around me was dredful with skeptisism.
The doctors decided it would be in our best interest to bring you into this world before I naturally started labor. On March 6, I went in for an Amniocentesis, to see if you were developed enough come out, you were not. We repeated the test one week later, and results showed that you were going to be okay. On the morning of March 16th I was admitted to Henrico Doctors Hospital about 5am. You and I both survived, thanks be to God!!
In the social world of Facebook, the messages just kept coming. The onset of love, support and prayers were absolutely amazing. I think there must have been thousands of people praying for you and me over the entire month of August. It was unreal the amount of times I heard "my smallgroup is praying for you" from someone I didn't even know. There were nurses that followed us through our hospital stay just to see if we were doing okay.
Although you spent about 10 days in the NICU, you were a fighter and pushed your way to health. On March 26th, we got to bring you home. What a joyous day that was.
So, what about the heart issue? Well, that was obviously not a problem during the delivery like the doomsday doctors thought it would be. Fortunately, Dr. Chiwon Hahn, a very well respected heart surgeon met me while I was in the hospital with you. It was decided that we would wait 6 weeks, and then I would go back to the hospital for the open heart surgery. That was May 8th, and again God had us in his hands. I came right back home on May 13th (Mothers Day) with my new heart valve, and double bypass. What a blessing to come home to my family of four and the rest of the village and know that God wasn't quite done with me.
Gray Cooper Hollomon, now that you've been around 6 months, I just want to say welcome to this world. I am eternally grateful for you and your sister in my life. I am so blessed.
This morning I was creating the monthly report at work, and remembering back to one year ago on this date, doing the exact same thing in the office, thinking that the mouning sickness was definitely the worst part of the pregnancy. Oh, how I was mistaken!!
That morning I received a phone call at work from Dr. Zacharias' office, telling me that the Dr. himself would be calling me shortly. How many times does a doctor call the patient himself? That's never a good sign, and it wasn't. Dr. Zacharias explained to me the test results from the Echo I had done earlier in the week were not good! The aortic valvular stenosis that I was born with just went from mild/moderate to Very Severe/Life Thretening. Would you be okay? Only God knew!
The next 2 months were filled with Doctors appointments weekly, sometimes even more often. Of course, I needed a second opinion, unfortunately, the results were the same. I became familiar with all three Maternal Fetal Medicine Dr.s, (hi-risk specialists). The emotional roller coaster was much like the new Verbolten ride at Busch Gardens, dark, fast, and I had no idea what was going to happen next. One of the appointments made was with Dr. Love, a charismatic big black man, who asked me to bring Chris along for the consult. I did, and I soon realized why he asked for Chris' presence. A word was spoken that day that changed everything. The roller coaster just dropped below me and I felt like I was floating on a bad dream. Dr. Love said I needed to heavily weigh the idea of ABORTION. He stated that it was very likely one of the two of us would not survive to the end. 'Would I be willing to leave your big sister, and your amazing Father behind without a mother and wife' he asked.
The next few weeks continued to be stressful despite being my favorite time of year. Christmas day was the start of our third trimester. Although I hadn't started showing any symptoms, all the doctors agreed that the third trimester was going to be the worst. I was on high alert for any signs of heart complications. Everyone around me was cautious as if walking on eggshells because I was so fragile.
I really tried to give it all to God, because this was much more than I could handle. Only God could keep my mind so calm and confident when the world around me was dredful with skeptisism.
The doctors decided it would be in our best interest to bring you into this world before I naturally started labor. On March 6, I went in for an Amniocentesis, to see if you were developed enough come out, you were not. We repeated the test one week later, and results showed that you were going to be okay. On the morning of March 16th I was admitted to Henrico Doctors Hospital about 5am. You and I both survived, thanks be to God!!
In the social world of Facebook, the messages just kept coming. The onset of love, support and prayers were absolutely amazing. I think there must have been thousands of people praying for you and me over the entire month of August. It was unreal the amount of times I heard "my smallgroup is praying for you" from someone I didn't even know. There were nurses that followed us through our hospital stay just to see if we were doing okay.
Although you spent about 10 days in the NICU, you were a fighter and pushed your way to health. On March 26th, we got to bring you home. What a joyous day that was.
So, what about the heart issue? Well, that was obviously not a problem during the delivery like the doomsday doctors thought it would be. Fortunately, Dr. Chiwon Hahn, a very well respected heart surgeon met me while I was in the hospital with you. It was decided that we would wait 6 weeks, and then I would go back to the hospital for the open heart surgery. That was May 8th, and again God had us in his hands. I came right back home on May 13th (Mothers Day) with my new heart valve, and double bypass. What a blessing to come home to my family of four and the rest of the village and know that God wasn't quite done with me.
Gray Cooper Hollomon, now that you've been around 6 months, I just want to say welcome to this world. I am eternally grateful for you and your sister in my life. I am so blessed.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Week 8, The Storm
Rewind-2 1/2 weeks back to July 21st. We drove up to the lake house that evening. There is a great video of your mommy & daddy teaching Lily what the big news is. (PS, I promise you will not be named Bill Clinton per Lily's suggestion). We arrive to the lake house; Nana & PopPop were surprised to see us. Lily rushed to the potty, and on her return told Nana, "I have a secret...I'm gonna be a big Sister". Nana looked at me for confirmation, and with a smile and a slight nod from me, both of them cheered.
The following night, with pre-arranged dinner plans at Grandma's house, we added Nana & PopPop to the car and drove back to Richmond for a scrumptious dinner. Chris began offering each person a glass of wine, and when it came my turn, I respectfully declined with a "thanks, but I can't". Pam, standing right behind me, and overhearing that comment said to me "what, are you pregnant?" Yes was the immediate response. Pam then blurted out, "well, when were you going to tell me?" This was it!!! PS, as Lily learned early on, Mommy's favorite drink is a glass of wine. Oh, how it's going to be a challenge to not have another glass for 8 more months. You are so worth it.
Now for the storm:
The same day I discovered your presence, we lost AC in the house (which would be fine if we lived in the arctic, but in Richmond, Va, not so pleasant). The day also consisted of us hearing from the shop that our minivan was in (a $7,000 fix was a bit terrifying). 6 days later, still no AC, we closed on the new house. With 4 professional movers and a few friends and family, by 8pm, we were all settled in the new place, which is across the street from the old one.
So, in the past two weeks, we've lost AC in the new house for a few days, we've learned that morning sickness has nothing to do with the time of day. On the contrary, it has been affecting me 24-7 for 9 days now. We've reinstated small group gatherings at our house, and we've barely made any progress on the house, however, as everyone keeps telling me, there will be plenty of time. Your Uncle Nick celebrated his birthday yesterday in Haiti, and we look forward to welcoming him back on Saturday. On to sadder news, we lost a great man this last weekend, which was one of your Uncles best friends (Coz Johnson). Tonight is the funeral. Prayers go to your Uncle who is going to learn of this heartbreaking news while on his Missions trip.
Lots of prayers going to God lately for all the tough times, but there remains one thing that I am overwhelmingly excited about, you!
The following night, with pre-arranged dinner plans at Grandma's house, we added Nana & PopPop to the car and drove back to Richmond for a scrumptious dinner. Chris began offering each person a glass of wine, and when it came my turn, I respectfully declined with a "thanks, but I can't". Pam, standing right behind me, and overhearing that comment said to me "what, are you pregnant?" Yes was the immediate response. Pam then blurted out, "well, when were you going to tell me?" This was it!!! PS, as Lily learned early on, Mommy's favorite drink is a glass of wine. Oh, how it's going to be a challenge to not have another glass for 8 more months. You are so worth it.
Now for the storm:
The same day I discovered your presence, we lost AC in the house (which would be fine if we lived in the arctic, but in Richmond, Va, not so pleasant). The day also consisted of us hearing from the shop that our minivan was in (a $7,000 fix was a bit terrifying). 6 days later, still no AC, we closed on the new house. With 4 professional movers and a few friends and family, by 8pm, we were all settled in the new place, which is across the street from the old one.
So, in the past two weeks, we've lost AC in the new house for a few days, we've learned that morning sickness has nothing to do with the time of day. On the contrary, it has been affecting me 24-7 for 9 days now. We've reinstated small group gatherings at our house, and we've barely made any progress on the house, however, as everyone keeps telling me, there will be plenty of time. Your Uncle Nick celebrated his birthday yesterday in Haiti, and we look forward to welcoming him back on Saturday. On to sadder news, we lost a great man this last weekend, which was one of your Uncles best friends (Coz Johnson). Tonight is the funeral. Prayers go to your Uncle who is going to learn of this heartbreaking news while on his Missions trip.
Lots of prayers going to God lately for all the tough times, but there remains one thing that I am overwhelmingly excited about, you!
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Lily "the big sister"
June 21, 2011 2:34am: I peed on the stick. "The most advanced piece of technology you will ever pee on". The word "pregnant" appeared boldly. My heart skipped a couple of beats.
Told Chris & we laid in bed talking for the next hour.
First call: Becky, left message.
First in-person: Wally, he said I was already glowing.
Second person: Sharon, big hugs.
Now, to tell the family....hmmm, more to come on that.
Told Chris & we laid in bed talking for the next hour.
First call: Becky, left message.
First in-person: Wally, he said I was already glowing.
Second person: Sharon, big hugs.
Now, to tell the family....hmmm, more to come on that.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Aloha & Your Television Debut
Hey love,
I can't believe how blessed we are, but next week, we are packing our bags for Honolulu, Hawaii.
Only 26 months old, and you're going to get to leave the continent. Here's a thought for you, Hawaii is a US State, however, since it is not part of the US land mass, what continent does it belong to? There are seven continents, and clearly, Hawaii is not it's own. So, if that is the case, where do all islands fit in to the "continent" category?
Okay, so enough of my geography questions. How awesome is it that we're going to be in Hawaii. Your PopPop is making it an almost free trip, thanks to Uncle Sam too. It will be your Mom, Dad, Nana, PopPop, & Lola going with you. Your Dad has never been to Hawaii before, and it's been over 20 years since I've been. I dred the 24 hour day of flight there and back, but hopefully it will all go well.
One last thing, Sunday morning, instead of Church, we had our "Rise Richmond" Day, where we work in the community. Our small group chose to work in Carytown, helping to clean the trees and dig dirt, and place new mulch down. Well, just as I suspected, you loved playing in the dirt with us. I wasn't going to keep you in Cartwheels & Coffee with the other kids, because I wanted you to experience giving to others, and to the community. I guess News Channel 8 found you irresistable, and you and Me and Daddy, were filmed to represent our Church. Now, it was only about 3 seconds, but nevertheless, it was our debut on Television together.
Well, that's all for now. See you again soon.
I can't believe how blessed we are, but next week, we are packing our bags for Honolulu, Hawaii.
Only 26 months old, and you're going to get to leave the continent. Here's a thought for you, Hawaii is a US State, however, since it is not part of the US land mass, what continent does it belong to? There are seven continents, and clearly, Hawaii is not it's own. So, if that is the case, where do all islands fit in to the "continent" category?
Okay, so enough of my geography questions. How awesome is it that we're going to be in Hawaii. Your PopPop is making it an almost free trip, thanks to Uncle Sam too. It will be your Mom, Dad, Nana, PopPop, & Lola going with you. Your Dad has never been to Hawaii before, and it's been over 20 years since I've been. I dred the 24 hour day of flight there and back, but hopefully it will all go well.
One last thing, Sunday morning, instead of Church, we had our "Rise Richmond" Day, where we work in the community. Our small group chose to work in Carytown, helping to clean the trees and dig dirt, and place new mulch down. Well, just as I suspected, you loved playing in the dirt with us. I wasn't going to keep you in Cartwheels & Coffee with the other kids, because I wanted you to experience giving to others, and to the community. I guess News Channel 8 found you irresistable, and you and Me and Daddy, were filmed to represent our Church. Now, it was only about 3 seconds, but nevertheless, it was our debut on Television together.
Well, that's all for now. See you again soon.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Where have all the Shephards Gone?
Okay, another Chicken soup for the Mother's soul to tell.
Last week, we were driving from Grammy's house to ours, a usual path, and we come to a red light at Monument & Glenside, the corner where the infamous Nativity scene is every Christmas. For a little backstory: despite the beauty behind the nativity story, this particular scene has always been a bit of a laughing matter between your Daddy and I, as the figures of Mary & Joseph, the Shephards and the Wise Men are all floating a foot above ground. Freaky. Anyways, I spent the better half of 2 months explaining the story every time we drove by. Okay, so back to last week. The figures have been gone for 2 months now, but you have occasionally asked the question "where did they go". Well, last week, I answered you're question with "Where did who go?" Your response was unfathomable. "The shephards" you said, as though you've been talking about them for years.
You make me so happy Lily. You really are such an amazing little girl.
Last week, we were driving from Grammy's house to ours, a usual path, and we come to a red light at Monument & Glenside, the corner where the infamous Nativity scene is every Christmas. For a little backstory: despite the beauty behind the nativity story, this particular scene has always been a bit of a laughing matter between your Daddy and I, as the figures of Mary & Joseph, the Shephards and the Wise Men are all floating a foot above ground. Freaky. Anyways, I spent the better half of 2 months explaining the story every time we drove by. Okay, so back to last week. The figures have been gone for 2 months now, but you have occasionally asked the question "where did they go". Well, last week, I answered you're question with "Where did who go?" Your response was unfathomable. "The shephards" you said, as though you've been talking about them for years.
You make me so happy Lily. You really are such an amazing little girl.
You POOPED in the POTTY
I could sing a joyous song today. THIS IS BIG!! The road to potty training has begun.
I must be honest, I was a little sad that it didn't happen on my watch, you were at Grammy's today, but I'll get over that. It doesn't matter where, as much as the fact that you did.
I am so excited.
Tonight, we are going to take you to Chuckee Cheese to celebrate this big day!!
Here's to lots more poops in the potty!
I love you babe.
I must be honest, I was a little sad that it didn't happen on my watch, you were at Grammy's today, but I'll get over that. It doesn't matter where, as much as the fact that you did.
I am so excited.
Tonight, we are going to take you to Chuckee Cheese to celebrate this big day!!
Here's to lots more poops in the potty!
I love you babe.
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