Well, by now, Raquel and Eliana are probably at home.

Eliana did not spend one moment in the NICU. She not only weighed 6 pounds and 10 ounces, but she was 18.5" long. She was born at 9:47 a.m. on April 3, 2009.

Amazingly, after trying to lose this pregnancy in the early weeks, Raquel carried Eliana to 37 weeks and 2 days.

Raquel wanted for everyone to know just how much she appreciates everyone's prayers. When Eliana was born, there was a great deal of healing, joy and crying -- for things lost and things found.

We now have at least three among us who have suffered extreme loss and gone on to carry a baby to delivery with life beyond. Please know that this is my prayer for all of the ladies on this site.

Congratulations, Raquel. We will look forward to seeing the pictures of your beautiful baby girl!

Love,
Cat w/3 Kittens
Caidan, Carina and Caeleigh
Born at 31 weeks, 1/8/04.
It is better to have loved and lost, than never to have loved at all. In memory of Carina, who was greatly loved.

Cat, I just have to say what a wonderful person you are to give us updates on Raquel, and also for your kind words of inspiration. I apparently am having an emotional day and reading the posts tonight is really helping me to cope (and cry!). My best to you, and a huge CONGRATS to Raquel Hugs, Nan

Nan~
In loving memory of my beautiful girls:
^Shelby Lee^, ^Megan Aimee^ and ^Lynne Barbara^,
March 6, 2009, born at 20 weeks, 0 days.
http://rememberingourtripletangels.blogspot.com/
http://forumforgrievingdads.com/

Nan:

I don't know if this would help any, but you might wish to do a search on rruvalcaba and check her first messages here. That was a while back, and she has gone through an awful lot.

Steff and thebrg also have carried babies to healthy, happy outcomes following the loss of their triplets. In fact, Steff was at a shower for Rachel this afternoon and I was supposed to be there, but unfortunately never received the information on where it was being held.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that things do get better. Steff has three children now -- including surviving triplet daughters and her son, Adam. Rachel has a baby girl, and Raquel also has a baby girl.

And, the pain becomes more bearable. It gets woven into the fabric of our lives and, eventually, becomes a part of who we are, for better or worse. I think that most of us on this site get comfort from each other and then we grow to the place where the loss becomes a strength and a deep-seated love for the children that we have grieved for.

You are in my prayers tonight for peace and comfort. Your loss is so fresh, but I promise you that it does get better.

Cat w/3 Kittens
Caidan, Carina and Caeleigh
Born at 31 weeks, 1/8/04.
It is better to have loved and lost, than never to have loved at all. In memory of Carina, who was greatly loved.

Thanks for the prayers and advice I went back to Raquel's posts and wow, she has been through so much. I am amazed how strong she has become after all of the heartache and it is so wonderful that she finally has her baby girl. I will continue to read and learn from all of you wonderful ladies.

Nan~
In loving memory of my beautiful girls:
^Shelby Lee^, ^Megan Aimee^ and ^Lynne Barbara^,
March 6, 2009, born at 20 weeks, 0 days.
http://rememberingourtripletangels.blogspot.com/
http://forumforgrievingdads.com/