Some Background

Welcome to Cailin's blog!

So, a little background before Lauren provides an update on where things stand today...

After being diagnosed with a rare and frightening complication at 12 weeks gestation, Lauren pushed through an additional 12 plus weeks of a very, very difficult pregnancy and gave birth at 4:50 AM on 9/14/07 to our little darling, Cailin Hope. She had gestated just 24 weeks and 5 days, and weighed in at only 1 pound, 6 ounces. While the emergency delivery was terrifying, both mother and baby made it through well.

We didn't have a name at the time of her birth and lack of Internet access in Lauren's hospital room sent me in search of a name book. We came upon Cailin, which the book described as both a Scottish and Irish name. Lauren and I both have Scottish heritage, and per the book the Scottish version of Cailin means "triumphant people," which seemed perfect for our little angel for whom we have so much hope. Thus "Cailin Hope" seemed the perfect choice.

As for this blog; we'll update it as much as we can, and we certainly welcome any comments. Share private comments via e-mail, and feel free to post public comments on the blog. Just be aware that they are public comments, and available for all to see.

We will balance our desire to share information with the need to protect Cailin's privacy, and to ensure we're not sharing things that will embarrass her when she's reading this for herself later in life!

Thank you all for your support, well wishes and prayers for Cailin!