On the day before Thanksgiving in 2019, AJ and I found out we were getting what we always dreamed of - we were going to have a baby! The next few months were filled with nervous anticipation, and a lot of scares/rough patches along the road. Things finally began smooth sailing around 18 weeks, and at 20 weeks, we found out we were having a girl. We couldn't be more excited, but I was told to take it easy because they were seeing an abnormality on me that they wanted to see a week later. Despite that, I started to gain confidence that all would be alright, and started planning nursery and registry items to help pass the time.The day before the follow up appointment, at exactly 21 weeks, my water broke. 

Our incredibly brave fighter Elle held on though, remaining perfectly healthy. At exactly 22 weeks, I developed a fever and was admitted to the hospital, where I was going to stay until it was time to deliver. Eleanor was monitored and continued to be perfectly healthy. We hoped I was stuck, alone without visitors (what a time for a pandemic), for the long haul - hoping with everything we had that Eleanor and I would stay together for as long as she needed to develop healthily. 

Everything changed the night of 22 weeks and 2 days, when the cord prolapsed and neither Eleanor nor I were safe with her staying with me. At 22 weeks and 3 days, our daughter, Eleanor Rae Peterson was born still. 

We will forever continue to fight so that no parent must endure the loss of their child, and that is why we will continue to support the Star Legacy Foundation in her honor.