When Adam and I found out we were expecting our first child in December of 2018, we experienced a whole gamut of emotions that frequent first time parents - joy, excitement and nervous anticipation. I went on to have a very easy first and second trimester with no complications and no red flags. Without warning, my water broke on June 15, 2019 at 29 weeks 1 day and I was hospitalized for PPROM (preterm premature rupture of membranes). Fortunately, the doctors were able to slow my contractions and hold off labor for 10 days. Thanks to an incredible OB, nursing and NICU staff, we had an amazing delivery experience despite the circumstances and our perfect 4lb 1oz baby boy was born on June 25th. Beau was whisked away to the NICU a few short minutes after he was born where he was put on a bubble C-PAP, a central line and g tube were placed, and he started bilirubin light therapy. We spent the first 40 days of Beau's life in the NICU and the care we experienced there was unmatched. Respiratory therapists, speech language pathologists, lactation consultants, neonatologists, nurse practitioners, nurses, an opthalmologist, physical therapists and dieticians all played an integral part in Beau's care team. We were fortunate enough to have access to the highest level of care and were able to stay extremely engaged in and informed of our son's care. We are forever grateful for the staff at Covenant Children's in Lubbock, for the labor & delivery team, antepartum nurses, high risk specialists, and NICU staff. Because of their care, knowledge and technology, our boy is thriving today! Upon finding out we were pregnant with our second child in the spring of 2021, my OB came up with a game plan to aid us in preventing preterm delivery with the goal of a full term pregnancy. I took oral progesterone for the first trimester of my pregnancy, we started hydroxyprogestrone shots at 16 weeks and I had biweekly appointments to check on our baby girl. At 24 weeks, I started showing signs of preterm labor and had an emergency cervical cerclage in hopes of preventing another preterm delivery. The cerclage did exactly what it was designed to do and was removed at 37 weeks without issue. At 39 weeks 2 days, we delivered a beautiful, healthy, 8lb 5oz baby girl. We are so thankful for our OB/GYN and the Maternal Fetal Medicine physician who oversaw our care during this pregnancy and who acted quickly when complications arose to help us achieve a full term pregnancy. We walk for Beau and Claire and for other mamas and babies who experience pregnancy complications, preterm labor, preterm delivery and the NICU. We've chosen to support the March of Dimes to further research for preterm birth and to support maternal and neonatal health. Together we can make a difference so that mothers and babies are able to receive the best possible care.