24 weeks 5 days, (yes every single day matters)! 1lb 6 oz., 106 days in the NICU. Tipton Laelle Marie Gatian.

29 weeks, 3lbs 8oz. 65 days in the NICU. Graylee Scott Gatian.

Both have amazing stories and the Lord has blessed us with them!

Being a NICU mom was something that wasn't in my "Birth" plan. Heck, I didn't even have a birth plan, but this is not what I would of imagined!

At 19 weeks we found out Tipton had Spina Bifida. At 24 weeks we had fetal surgery to correct it inutero and they did! Only when they closed her and me up, something happened and we had to re-open and deliver. My littler girl fought hard for life and won. She's now 4, with a beautiful spirit and beyond amazing!

3 years later we decided to try again! And we had Graylee. At 29 weeks on the day, my uterus decided it was done, and completely opened at the scar site I had from Tipton's surgery. I was already at the hospital with abdominal pain, which saved both our lives. He just turned 1 and brings me joy daily!

In the NICU; I watched Tipton open her eyes for the first time. I had my first Mother's day. We had Graylee's first Christmas. The NICU was my home. I'm thankful for the nurses that turned into family. I'm thankful because today my babies are alive and thriving!

I'm thankful the Lord chose Me, to be their mom.