“My growing womb so carefully formed every inch of you, tirelessly knitting together a beautiful, perfect human. My anxious heart was yearning for you to be welcomed earthside, and as delighted as I was to have you in my arms, I couldn’t help the fear that crept in. ⁣ ⁣ You see, my body did this once before; but as hard as it worked and as determined as it was, our first daughter was born still without ever taking a breath. Magnolia, a perfect angel, left this earth before entering our arms. We opened our grieving, shattered hearts to the possibility of bringing you home, our rainbow baby sent from above. ⁣ ⁣ Those two pink lines, like the ones we’d seen before, meant excitement for what was to come, but also paralyzing trepidation for what may not. For 9 months we held our breath. We prayed. We asked your big sister to guide us and to watch over you. But what if Heaven wanted you too? Dozens of unexpected trips to the hospital, the piercing sounds of machines beeping, the shuffled feet of nurses with calm voices, but worried looks all led to the day we were going to finally meet you. ⁣ ⁣ It was a crisp, quiet February morning as large snowflakes fell from the sky and dampened our hair and faces as we prepared our journey to the hospital. At 9 months pregnant, my belly could barely be zipped into my coat. I held my hands close to you, feeling every kick, every movement, not knowing if it would be your last or if it would lead to the beginning of a beautiful life with you.⁣ ⁣ We entered the delivery room and the magic began; ice chips and needles, poking and prodding, the sound of your heartbeat playing so rhythmically on the monitor, nurses holding hands, deep breaths and big pushes. And before I knew it, there you were. Your lungs filled with air as my soul filled with love that could stretch across a galaxy. You made it earth side, yet the presence of Heaven was so evident as Magnolia’s gift had finally arrived. Welcome to the world, Marigold.” ⁣ -Holly’s Arrival Story