When Bella made her early debut on October 25, 2018, Eliza Bahneman and her husband were in for a life-altering experience.
Arriving ahead of schedule, Bella not only surprised her parents with her early arrival but also revealed herself as a truly unique gem…
“‘We’re pregnant!’ These words bring joy to anyone planning for a family. It took my husband and me about nine months to conceive. As the due date approached, I was filled with a whirlwind of emotions—excitement, anxiety, and nervousness.
Fortunately, I had the support of my sister, sister-in-law, and a few close friends who were also expecting around the same time. Sharing the ups and downs of pregnancy with them was a blessing.
During our journey, I learned that life can throw unexpected curveballs at any moment. Sometimes we’re ready for the changes, and sometimes we’re not.
Like many expectant couples, we eagerly prepared for the arrival of our bundle of joy as the due date drew near. The nursery was all set, and our families were excitedly awaiting the newest addition. I was particularly curious to see which traits our baby would inherit from each of us. Additionally, I had heard stories about the challenges of breastfeeding and felt a mix of anticipation and apprehension about that aspect of motherhood.
Thankfully, my pregnancy progressed smoothly, despite being labeled high-risk initially due to a heart-shaped uterus, which turned out to be a false alarm. Regular ultrasounds and prenatal tests reassured us that everything was on track.
Then, on the evening of October 24th, as I was putting the finishing touches on Bella’s room and packing the diaper bag, my water broke unexpectedly at 1:15 a.m. on October 25th. Frantically, we rushed to the hospital, unprepared for the early onset of labor.
Throughout the labor process, complications arose, requiring me to maintain a specific position to monitor Bella’s heart rate. Despite feeling nauseous and exhausted from the epidural and Pitocin, I pushed on, supported by the presence of our families, midwife, and medical team.
After what felt like an eternity, Bella made her entrance into the world. However, instead of celebration, I was met with a chilling silence in the room. Confusion and fear gripped me as I realized something was amiss.
It wasn’t until I caught a glimpse of Bella that the truth dawned on me—she looked different. What should have been a joyous moment turned into a flurry of consultations and examinations by specialists, leaving us bewildered and apprehensive about our daughter’s future.
As Bella was whisked away to the NICU for further evaluation and treatment, I clung to the brief moment of connection when I held her in my arms, promising to protect her no matter what.
The days that followed were a whirlwind of emotions as we grappled with Bella’s diagnosis of Treacher Collins syndrome, a rare genetic condition affecting facial bone development. Our journey through the NICU was filled with uncertainty and challenges, but also with unwavering support from family, friends, and medical professionals.
Despite the hardships, Bella’s resilience and the outpouring of love and assistance from our community have been a source of strength for us. Today, as Bella continues her journey, undergoing surgeries and therapies, we are reminded of the fragility and beauty of life.
Though our path may be different, we cherish every moment with Bella, knowing that she is a testament to love’s boundless capacity to overcome adversity. And as we navigate this uncharted territory, we are grateful for the invaluable lessons it has taught us about resilience, compassion, and the true meaning of family.”
