Dana Griffin-Graves made us feel all the feels last month when we watched her surprise her husband, Arkell, with news that she was five months pregnant. The couple had been trying to have a baby for 17 years and endured four miscarriages and one stillborn birth, all of which made Arkell's stunned reaction and tears after seeing a literal bun in the oven all the more poignant.
But their story took an unexpected turn yesterday. At 24 weeks, just five weeks after learning she was pregnant, Griffin-Graves went into labor after complications and delivered their son, Kaleb. The 41-year-old new mom has been placed in critical care because "her body has endured all it can take," her husband posted on Facebook. No word yet on the condition of their son, nicknamed "Baby Bun" in honor of Dana's adorable pregnancy announcement.
Still, it seems like the couple is focusing on their child and relying on their faith to stay positive. "We are believing God," Arkell Graves wrote on Facebook. "It's always been in His Hands, so we hold on to Him. Please keep us in your prayers today and always. We apologize that we are unable to answer every call, text and message, but please know that we appreciate you. Help us thank Him in advance for the miracle that is about to happen. "ª#"ŽDeliveryDay"¬"ª#"ŽKeepPraying"¬"
The outpouring of love and support on their Facebook page has been tremendous, with words of encouragement coming from people around the world, including Australia and England. Some have even shared stories about their own micropreemies and how they're thriving today. Hopefully, the Graves are finding comfort from their many fans (myself included), who want nothing more than happiness and health for the new family.
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Bonnie Gibbs Vengrow is a New York City-based writer and editor who traded in her Blackberry and Metro card for playdates and PB&J sandwiches—and the once-in-a-lifetime chance to watch her feisty, funny son grow up. Follow her on Twitter, Pinterest, and Google .
