Baby's Birth Date: December 31, 2006
Baby's Weight: 5 pounds, 5.2 ounces
Baby's Height: 17.75 inches
Mechanicsburg, PA

My son wasn’t due until 2/6/07, but I was experiencing some bleeding and they wanted to check things out."

"When we arrived, they had been waiting for us and we were quickly escorted to a room. I was examined by the doctor and told that I was completely effaced."

"They did not believe I was at risk for early delivery but said they wanted to monitor me for 24 hours and then send me home on modified bed rest. As a precaution, I was given a steroid to help my son’s lungs develop."

"My husband and I were very scared and we had a great deal of questions. My nurse, Anne Stahl spent a great deal of time with us answering all of our questions. If she didn’t know she told us, 'I don’t know.' We very much appreciated her honesty. She went through several different scenarios of what could have caused the bleeding and explained the potential concerns of each."

"Anne was off at 7:00 A.M. Prior to leaving she let me know who my new nurse would be and informed me that another doctor from my practice was now on call. By this time the bleeding had stopped and things seemed to be returning to normal. Anne returned at 7:00 P.M and was again assigned to me. I had another bleeding episode around 10:00 P.M."

"Anne quickly went to get the doctor. He informed me that I may have to stay and additional day and that I would most likely be put on bed rest. Around 11:00 P.M. I was given medication to help me sleep and it was suggested that my husband go home to get rest as well."

"Around 2:30 A.M., I woke up with enormous pain in my hips. I tried to get comfortable but nothing worked. Finally, at almost 3:00 A.M. I rang my nurse bell. Another nurse entered and asked what was wrong. I explained my pain and she went to get Anne."

"Anne arrived and at that moment my water broke. I unknowing, thought I was bleeding again. Anne quickly informed me of what was going on and before I knew it there was a team of doctors and nurses in my room."

"Anne asked for my phone number and quickly called my husband requesting he return to the hospital immediately."

"On December 31, 2006 at 3:20 A.M., my son Henry was born. While those 20 minutes are mostly a blur, I recall the doctor telling me I had to push immediately! Anne stopped him, reminded him that this was my first pregnancy and calmly gave me direction. She was encouraging, understanding and kind."

"Most people hear I was in labor for 20 minutes and immediately comment on how easy it must have been. I say that physically yes, it was not difficult but emotionally it was challenging."

"The worry of my son arriving prematurely, my husband not being present, the lack of understanding what was happening and the little time to process it all was difficult. I thank Anne for all she did to make my incredibly quick delivery a precious memory."

"Anne showed Henry to me quickly and then he was taken away to the NICU. He spent his first two weeks there."

"Just like Anne, the NICU nurses were amazing. They showed us so much compassion. Henry was first assigned to a nurse named Maureen. Maureen was also on duty the night prior to Henry’s discharge. I will never forget her tearfully saying goodbye to my son. The NICU nurses are truly angels."

"Henry is now a happy and healthy 8 month old."

"Thank you to all of the nurses who worked with us during Henry’s first two weeks. We will never forget your kindness."