Krista Phillips

Finding Joy in the Journey

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Annabelle – Day 3

As many of you know, ANNABELLE is here!

She decided to surprise us a little early, which is okay, but left mommy a little (okay a lot) unprepared, which is why I was here without my laptop and way to update people. THANKS Valerie for sharing the update for me in the comments the other day!

First, my water kinda broke on Monday night. But, being the 4th time mother I am, I didn’t want to go to the hospital until I was sure. So… I had contractions all night, had no sleep, went to work on Tuesday, and about 8:30 called the doctor. Went there about 9:30 and they confirmed that my water had broken and I needed to get myself to the hospital stat.

However, Annabelle decided she wasn’t in any hurry, so by 9:00 that night, I was still in “early” labor with little progress. However, things kicked in about 2 hours later and she was born in about 15 minutes.

Her official time of birth was 11:17 p.m. on Tuesday, July 20th. She weighed 7lb 4oz and was 20 1/2 inches long.

Unfortunately, she had some difficulties in the delivery room with breathing so I got to kiss her cheek for about 15 seconds before they wisked her away. It just about broke my Mommy heart!

THANKFULLY! Her breathing stabelized and she did so much better that she didn’t even need a breathing tube, which I’d been told before was almost a definite for her.

I’ve only gotten to hold her once. On Wednesday evening, Scott and I got to give her a mini bath, and I got to hold her while they changed out her bedding. Oh my goodness, I SO SO needed to hold my girl. It was awkward, because she’s hooked up to so many things, but both Annabelle and I breathed a HUGE sigh of relief at getting to be together.

Right now, she’s in this bubble thing to actually LIMIT her Oxygen. (Long story, but if she gets too much, which she was, fluid will build up in her lungs, so they have her atmosphere with extra nitrogen so she doesn’t get too much Oxygen)

Biggest news and prayer for today:

As of this moment, she is scheduled for her surgery TODAY!! That could change, since she’s the second surgery today, and if the first one goes too long or not right, it might get delayed.

But please please please be praying specificially this afternoon that everything will go PERFECTLY and that God would guide the doctor’s hands. A little prayer for Scott and I as we wait for news about our little one would be great too!

Now, I’ll leave you with some pictures of my cute little love!

Annabelle Lillian Faith Phillips:

She’s on her way!! (Tuesday about 11:00 a.m.)
Miss chubby cheeks Annabelle!


The white things on her arms they called “No-No’s” 🙂 They were so she doesn’t mess with her IV’s.

Mommy and Annabelle for the first time! OH MY GOODNESS It felt soooo good to have her in my arms!


Annabelle in Mommy’s arms for the first time!!!

Daddy helping with a diaper change!

daddy helping with a Annabelle’s first bath!

Here she is! Opening her eyes:-)

My precious little one!

We think she’s gonna have curly hair:-)


Peekaboo, Annabelle!!!

Her “dragon” mask:-) This allowed me to hold her so even though she hated it, it was worth it!

Mom and Dad both giving her a bath!


Mom, Dad and Annabelle!

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Comments

  1. Oh, my, Krista! What a little sweetie pie! My heart is hurting and bursting for you at the same time (hurting because I know you need to be with her). Keep us informed! We'll all be praying!

  5. Oh Krista!! She is beautiful!!! Seeing her pictures brings back memories of when I worked in an NICU with sick babies. Will be praying she comes thru this surgery and that the Drs have GOOD NEWS!!! She is soooo precious!!! Sending hugs and a few tears!!!! Hang in there – hang on to HIM!!! He's is hanging on to Annabelle!!!

  6. Praying everything goes PERFECT with the surgery! Lots of people on the ACFW prayer loop are praying for you and Annabelle! Praying for God to hold you in his arms!

  7. KRISTA!!!! She is gorgeous! Absolutely beautiful! I am so glad things have gone so well so far and am praying hard for God's perfect hands to guide the doctor's in the surgery.

    Thank you so much for the update and for the pictures! Keep us informed!

    Love you! (((hugs)))

  8. You're welcome. 🙂

    Those pictures of Annabelle are wonderful and heartbreaking at the same time. I hate that she has to go through this, but I'm so glad she's here and doing as well as she is. We, and lots of other folks from lots of other churches, are continuing to pray for you and Scott and Annabelle (and Karalynn, Lacy, and Gabby as they wonder and worry about little sister too). Please call me if you need me for anything. I love you, chick. 🙂

  10. O Krista, thank you for taking the time to update. I know it is hard to see your baby hooked up to tubes and wires. My sister was born too fast and was in a NICU like that with all kinds of attachments. YES, you will be in my prayers.

  11. Oh, Krista, thank you so much for sharing all the pictures. Boy does it bring back memories for me (since my twins were in the NICU for a month, hooked up to tubes just like that.) I know how you're feeling and will be lifting you up in prayer. Thanks for keeping us posted. I've been worrying! Sending lots of hugs your way!

    Love, Jody

  12. Oh, Krista, she is gorgeous! Congratulations on the delivery. I'll be praying this afternoon for you all.

    My parents have a few pictures of me that look exactly like Annabelle's. I had surgery to remove a tumor in my neck (about the size of a man's fist) when I was 2 days old. The doctor's told my parents that even with the surgery, I had a 95% chance of being mentally and/or physically handicapped. Look at me!

    I tell you this, not to impede on Annabelle's issues, but to offer you hope. Our God is a Miracle Worker!

  13. Congratulations to you and your family, Krista. I am so happy to see you're both safe and healthy and moving forward. I will definitely keep Annabelle in my prayers. Thank you for the update!

  15. Soo beautiful, Krista. Praying for you and for Annabelle's surgery! I love her name. May God's peace surround you and Scott as you await news of her surgery. Congratulations!

  16. Krista and Scott – she's wonderful! Lifting up lots of prayers for all of you. I know (all too well) how hard it is not to get to hold her! I'm glad they're letting you touch her as much as possible. Hope the surgery goes well.

  17. She is just beautiful Krista and my heart goes out to you and Scott and the rest of your family. Praying for healing, surgeons, peace that passes understanding, and God's presence to be manifest. Keep us updated.
    Blessings,

  19. Congratulations on the arrival of your beautiful Annabelle. I'm praying for her, her medical team, and all of you who love her so very much. May the Lord hold her in His hands and guide those of her surgeons.

  21. She's beautiful, Krista! Praying for your family, you & Scott especially, for Annabelle, the medical team taking care of her, and the surgeons working on her. May God bring peace to your heart and healing of Annabelle's heart.

  23. Thanks everyone, for the thoughts and prayers.

    Annabelle was taken into surgery at 3:00. Please keep her in your prayers this afternoon/evening.

    We don't anticipate her getting out of surgery until late this evening or into the night. Will try to update sometime tomorrow when I can.

  24. Tears of joy, Krista. What a precious gift. She's adorable, and I'm so glad you got to hold her, tubes and monitors and all.

    Praying for you and for Baby Annabelle and for her doctors.

  27. Krista – she is SO beautiful. An angel from God. My prayers are with your family during this time. If you need anything at all, please let me know.

    Kristi