Katie’s Story

The week before Christmas 2023, I took a pregnancy test and to my surprise it was positive. We were so excited! This was the first pregnancy my husband would be here for, as he was serving in the military during our other pregnancies. Everything went to plan, we had a completely healthy and normal pregnancy. 

Katie Meyer by NILMDTS Affiliated Photographer Melanie Rodger

On August 5, 2023, I noticed that Katie wasn’t moving and called the hospital. They told me to come in and get checked out. I wasn’t even thinking that something could be wrong. They started with the doppler and after 3 different unsuccessful attempts of finding her heartbeat we had an ultrasound to confirm. She had passed away. I knew from that first attempt of finding her heartbeat that she was gone but I didn’t want to believe it. 

I called my mom to let her know what was happening and she came quickly to the hospital. My hospital room was suddenly filled with family all around me. My siblings, their spouses, everyone came to support my husband and I. 

I had a normal and uncomplicated labor. By 10am the following morning, I was ready to push. Katie was born sleeping at 10:22am on August 6th. Everything about her was perfect. They wrapped her up in a normal hospital baby blanket and gave her to us to spend time together. Our …