In May of 2021, I found out we would add another baby to our family. We were so excited about this addition! During my pregnancy, there were a few complications that arose. With every difficulty, we came to the Lord in prayer. We knew that the Lord was going to protect our baby. At one point before the 20-week mark, I told my husband, Emilio, “I think the Lord is preparing me to be on bed rest.” I didn't fully know what that meant at the time. On September 19, 2021, my water broke at 25 and ½ weeks pregnant. We rushed to the hospital and met with a terrifying statistic. Most likely, she would be born within the week.

I couldn't imagine having a baby who was only 26 weeks old. We rallied everyone and prayed that the Lord would protect our baby. They were able to stop the labor, but they discovered that she had fluid all over her body. We would have an MRI the next day, and if the fluid was still there, she would be diagnosed with Non-Immune Hydrops. With this diagnosis, she would only have a 20% chance at life. We immediately stopped and prayed over our baby. We decided on a name, Hannah, because we knew the Lord would fulfill our prayers. After we prayed over Hannah, the MRI, and the doctors, I felt immense peace.

I knew the Lord was going to bring our family through this. The next day after they had read the MRI results, the perinatal doctor came in. He told me that he didn't know what happened, but the fluid they had seen previously was gone! We instantly praised the Lord. This doctor discussed with us that I would stay in the hospital till the baby was born on bed rest, and we would hopefully make it to 34 weeks. At that point, we could have a safe delivery. Wait, did he say I had to stay in the hospital until 34 weeks? For two months? But I had two other babies at home. I didn't know how I was going to handle this. It was a daily surrender of asking the Lord to give me the strength to continue. Over that time, the most challenging part was being away from my kids and husband. The doctors allowed me to go to a room once a week and spend 2 hours with my kids. I only saw them six times in the eight weeks I was there.

The same doctor that had read the MRI was the same doctor who couldn't believe that Hannah and I were still there day in and day out. I had a countdown on the wall in my hospital room, and with each week that passed, I marked off the week as we got closer to 34 weeks. Every day I had worship music playing in my room. As the nurses and doctors came in and out, I told them about Jesus and His love. I told them that He was the reason we were still there and Hannah was healthy. As we approached the 34-week mark, that same doctor said, "Well, I never thought you would make it this far." My response was, "I knew we would because of the goodness of God." Every day for those two months, I read Psalm 91, "Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty." I knew God would be by my side. He would cover me.

On November 17, 2021, at 34 weeks, Hannah was born. It was peaceful and perfect. The Lord had fulfilled His promise to our family. Hannah stayed in the NICU for one month, and on December 19, 2021, she came home to our family. Over the last year, with every doctor visit or illness, we knew the Lord would continue to protect Hannah and fulfill His promise over her life. Even in the most challenging days of being in the hospital for such a long time, I knew the Lord was right by my side; I knew he was protecting me as promised in Psalms 91. The Lord has indeed provided for us and shown us that He will sustain us no matter what lies ahead.