After having trouble conceiving and multiple miscarriages, we finally did it...we were pregnant past 12 weeks! Then at 22 weeks my water broke. My husband and I knew that the chances of this ending well were slim to none. We rushed to Rochester, MN from our home in Durand, WI. Even getting pulled over on the way! We made it to Rochester and I was pumped full of every medicine to try and stop whatever may be about to happen. The doctors came in and were extremely honest about our baby's chances. Luckily, nothing happened for 10 days. I stayed at the hospital and felt like a mamma bird sitting on my nest. Little did I know that those ten days were what saved my daughter's life. On May 18, 2015 Aubrey Clare Sedlmayr was born at 1 pound 8 ounces at 23 weeks and 3 days gestation. Nothing can prepare you for what a preemie looks like who is born that early. She came out trying to cry while the huge team rushed her off to the other room to perform medical miracles to keep our daughter alive. I can not say enough about the miracle team that is the St. Mary's NICU Staff in Rochester, MN. !!! For 111 days, Aubrey fought for her life. We stayed in that NICU Wave Pool and took each wave as it came. Some were happy waves...like getting to hold your baby for the first time while trying not to bump any of the tubes keeping her alive. To watching medical personnel take multiple x-rays while you prayed for your daughters lung to re-inflate. Finally in September, it was our turn to take our baby home. She was on oxygen, but we were home...and our family of four finally got to be together at home for the first time after four stressful months. Our little miracle baby is now two years old and as spunky as ever.

Here is the link to a video we created about Aubrey's first year: