Wednesday, November 11, 2009

The Best/Worst Week Ever

I have hesitated to write about the last week. The events have been so personal and delicate---Most of the story is not even mine to tell. But enough people have asked about dear Reachel and Coco, that I thought I'd tell what I can and maybe calm a few hearts.

This is Coco Noelle Bagley.
She is perfection.
An angel on earth.
Words cannot express the feeling of heaven she brings to a room.
She arrived in our home at only 4 days old. Adoption paperwork needed to be finalized in Arizona before Coco could leave California. Sometimes that legal stuff can take awhile, so the men traveled on to AZ to earn the money while Reachel and I lingered here to discuss how to spend that money--mostly on all things baby with shopping trips for the sweetest layette.
After a few days, Reachel awoke feeling ill. It progressed quickly and within hours it was clear she needed help I couldn't give.
We headed to the ER and my trusted friend, Faith met us to take the babies.
That first night in the Hospital was wretched. Obviously more so for Reachel than me, but I felt incredibly helpless. At times she would lose consciousness and when awake, she was in so much pain. The doctors seemed to be grasping at straws to figure out why her vitals were so critical and their answers never felt right. They said she would be fine in a few days and not to worry our husbands out of state. Yet her abdomen was swollen and her color nonexistent.
To make a long story short, they finally discovered her Fallopian tube had burst from an ectopic pregnancy and she had lost 1/3 of her blood internally. She needed a blood transfusion and emergency surgery. Her surgeon said we were within hours of losing her. I have no doubt about that.
I picked up Morris and Coco and headed home alone that second night. I felt so guilty for having her to myself. Her mother should have been able to hold her, love on her. She is just incredibly Angelic-- that's the only way to describe her. I however felt grateful for the privilege. This time last year my arms were so empty. My heart so broken. While I do at times still feel those things, I am overwhelmed with gratitude. Gratitude for friends. Gratitude for family. Gratitude for a merciful God who knows our needs--our need to grow--our need for comfort. Heavenly Father heard the prayers of many and Reachel was preserved. I know that was his plan all along, as looking back there is no way to ignore the sequence of events---the small miracles that led to the change of doctors who discovered her internal bleeding. There is no way around those facts. There were no coincidences.
Reachel is feeling great and already has a 6 inch scar to prove her stripes as a mother. They all headed back to Arizona yesterday, and it was hard to see them go. But I'm so glad they are finally getting to start family life with Coco in the comforts of their own home.
That tiny earth angel brings heavenly angels wherever she goes.
Dare I say, those angels saved her mother's life.

Coco Noelle and Auntie Em

14 comments so far:

Katie said...

What a week! I am grateful everyone is doing better. You are an amazing friend and support.
Coco is adorable! So sweet.

R and R said...

Coco is just perfect. Little newborns bring such a beautiful spirit with them when they come to this earth; I am so glad you were blessed to be with her.

Corie said...

What a blessing!

{april kennedy} said...

What a beautiful blessing for you both. I am glad you were there for Reachel and Coco was there for you!

I have been thinking about you a lot these days. I am glad comments were open so I could tell you.

What a sacred and beautiful experience that will stay with you forever and help to heal your heart.

xo,
April

JM said...

Yikes! No wonder you haven't contacted me lately. What a blessing to both of you that you were able to be with Reachel during a critical time. Angel Em to the rescue! I miss you so much..see you soon?

olive branch said...

Ah Em, I had no idea of your recent events. I am so grateful for miracles. What a special friend in your life, a powerful life experience you were granted and oh, what a special baby. Thomas and Sheldon were her spirit guards before little Coco was sent down.

Alisa Larson said...

Wow - that is one crazy week! I'm so happy they were able to adopt her, she's gorgeous. My cousin just adopted a baby girl in CA too. They are loving every minute. And, and I might add - YOU look gorgeous in that picture too! Love the new hairdo!

Lyndsay said...

I am so glad they were with you!!! Just unbelievable. You look gorgeous in that photo.

Reachel Bagley, Stylist said...

Thank you for taking me to the hospital and not letting me lay down in the ER lobby and sleeping in the uncomfortable hospital chair so I wouldn't be lonely and taking care of Coco and in summary saving my life.

I love you Emmy!

Reachel

PS: The haircut is even hotter in person.

Sarah said...

Oh my, that must have been such an overwhelming, scary thing for all of you to go through. I'm so glad Reachel was able to get the care she needed. Such a beautiful, precious baby, she does look angelic!

3watkins said...

Hey How are you? Thank you for your comment on Stratton's epilepsy blog I appreciate it. I love your blog it is inspiring:)Sara

Leigh Steele said...

Coco is magically gorgeous. The story? Heartwrenching, beautiful, and miraculous.
You are a dear, dear friend.
Glad the family is happy, healthy, and together!
xoxo

Maughan Crew said...

I just needed to let you know that I am thinking about you today.

Janae said...

Hey sweetie,
It sounds like things have been crazy for you. I'm glad to here things are well. Happy Holidays!

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