I am strong because at 12 weeks pregnant with my first child I chose to adopt my three year old niece and one year old nephew after tragically losing my best friend, my sister.
I am strong because I managed to still work full time as an RN in the NICU while going through a huge loss, being pregnant, and a new mom of 2, soon to 3.
I am strong because after threatening pre term labor, and being told I would never make it to 37 weeks I held out to 37 & 1 day.
I am strong because despite my insane grief I managed to mother 3 children and help the oldest 2 through their grieving.
I am strong because even though the odds were stacked against me, I pumped for 10 months and my daughter got my breast milk until she was 14 months old.
Mostly, I believe I am strong because my sister is watching over me and her children, and sends her strength to work through me every day.
Pregnancy and birth photography by Nikki Evans Photography.
Recommended Reading
I Am Strong {Casey}
Focusing Through the Ring of Fire: An Unmedicated, Natural Birth
A Natural Hospital Birth, A Peaceful Miscarriage at Home, and A Future Homebirth Coming Soon
The Story of Aurora- One Woman’s Successful Frank Breech Vaginal Hospital Birth
{I Am Strong} Making Peace with the Epidural
The Birth of Sicily Rose {Postpartum Hemorrhage, Vanishing Twin Syndrome}
Finally, Relief! {A Painful Pregnancy, Spinal Injury}
A Mother Will Overcome {I Am Strong}
Loss, Rainbow Baby, Heart Surgery {I Am Strong}
39 Comments
Jeralyn
You are more then strong, you are amazing!
Ingrid Jones
Wow! Tears, and chills! Amazing!
Rosemary Vorih
What a beautiful but sad and and while a strong and sensitive story, with more joy to come Good to luck such a deserving family. Please keep us informed.
Rosemary Vorih
cheryl
you are one amazing woman. Best to your whole family
JDay-Sully
Bless you. What an amazing story. You are a beautiful family.
Angela Landry
You are an amazing person. And you are right you are strong and your sister I’m sure would be proud.
Bronwyn Cain
You. Are. Amazing. Bless your family.
Tracey
Beautiful!
Meg
You are amazing!! this story touched me deeply. bless you.
Bri
Kisses and hugs. Wow. That is sooo much work. So amazing. Xo
Brie
You are an UNBELIEVABLE person, and such an inspiration. I’m sure your sister is smiling down on you with all of the love and admiration you deserve. Thank you for your wonderful, beautiful heart that you are sharing with this world. Many hugs sweet Mama, and congratulations on your new addition and your beautiful family. God bless.
Sarah
Beautiful. Thank you for sharing your story. You are strong and amazing!
Bianca
You are amazing. Thank you for sharing. Chills and tears. Bless your family.
Shannon
Wow. Incredible. Those 3 children are blessed to have you care for them.
Renee Eastwood
You are one amazing woman !!! I look at you daily and how you devote your life in taking care of all three children. I admire you so much… Words could never explain the person you are,,,,, your actions and love takes care of it all !!! Your sister looks down on you with a strong smile and knows those babies are in good hands…. !!!!! You are a blessing !! Glad you walked into my life .
Mama
All of my babies are blessed, both generations. Love you Katydid, Pooh is watching us all, and is so very proud of you.
Lise
What a beautiful heart you have. I am so touched. What a blessing you are for those beautiful kids
Natalie
Thank you for sharing your story. You truly are an amazing woman and I feel inspired by your strength.
Lacey
Love ya Katie.
sommer
this is so beautiful! Caring for your sister’s children as your own is such a wonderful thing, you are very strong!
Nikki Yoches Perret
Absolutely beautiful! What a great life you are giving those babies, this is the most selfless act of love there is. I admire you beyond words, your strength is amazing! Much love 🙂
Stacey Milton
Katie, even though I only recently met you and Ben in person, I am filled with admiration for you both.
You both have more strength, courage and determination than I could only dream of having. You have three beautiful children who are so very fortunate. Both Addie and Smith are very blessed, and I know you will keep Laura alive in their hearts forever. God Bless both you and Ben.
Holly
so much love to you Katie!!
SquashMama
You are truly amazing 🙂 <3
Brittney Williams
You are such a strong and amazing woman! I admire you and your courage to keep fighting and not sink into giving up!! Be strong and remember you have beautiful angels that surround you and your family daily!!!!
Thank you!!!
Jennifer Moore
You are strong, you are amazing, you are inspirational, you are generous, your decisions and actions are more than admirable … I have tears running down my face from reading your story and the story of your family. Lots of love and best wishes to you all. May the Goddess continue to work through you. Blessed Be! )O(
Monica McDaniel
Katie, I am soo proud of you. “Strong” is an understatement. Your sister was an amazing woman and you are even more of an amazing woman because of it all. 🙂 much love, respect and “awe”…mon
Deborah
Stay strong sweet lady for The Lord has great blessings in store for you!!
Martin Foret
Unbelievable!
Denise kennedy
Katie, as sisters we give our love as wives we give our devotion as moms we give our lives what a treasure you have been for 3 blessed children You are cherished
jen
wow. I am amazed
Mindy
I am crying. You are amazing! And, that picture of you holding your new babe with mascara running down your cheek is absolutely perfect!
Tara Roddick
YOU ARE AMAZING
Amy
This is such a beautiful story – thank you thank you thank you for sharing it with the world! Your family is beautiful and YOU are AMAZING. Three little ones are very blessed to have you as a mom, and to have a loving mother/aunt in Heaven.
Elizabeth
You are amazing and those babies you have are lucky to have you as their mama.
Gioia Mama ARtist
Yes, you’re strong and an amazing person and despite your grief your family here and upthere are really lucky to have you!
Take care!
Gioia
Jen
Such a great read! You are amazing!
Anthony
You are very strong and have done incredible things for you and your family.
BabyDevelopmentSuccess
This is inspiring, thanks for sharing!