When Bella made her early arrival on October 25, 2018, Eliza Bahneman and her husband had no idea their lives were about to change forever.
Bella wasn’t just a little early—she was a surprise in every sense. And from the moment she arrived, she proved to be one-of-a-kind.
Eliza remembers the joy and excitement of hearing those magical words: “We’re pregnant!” Anyone who’s ever been through the journey knows the rush of emotions that come with it. For Eliza and her husband, the excitement was mixed with nervousness and a little anxiety. But luckily, they had the support of family and friends who were also expecting around the same time. They shared the highs and lows of pregnancy, and it made everything a little easier.
But life, as it often does, threw some unexpected twists their way. Sometimes you’re ready for the change; sometimes, you’re not.
As the due date approached, Eliza and her husband eagerly prepared for their new baby. The nursery was set, and the family couldn’t wait to meet the little one. Eliza wondered what traits Bella would inherit from her and her husband. She also had some fears about motherhood, like the challenges of breastfeeding—but she was ready for the adventure.
Despite being initially labeled high-risk due to a heart-shaped uterus (which later turned out to be nothing), Eliza’s pregnancy went smoothly. Regular ultrasounds and tests reassured them everything was on track.
But then, in the early hours of October 25th, everything changed. At 1:15 a.m., Eliza’s water broke unexpectedly. She rushed to the hospital, unprepared for the early onset of labor.
The labor wasn’t easy. Complications required Eliza to stay in a specific position to monitor Bella’s heart rate. Exhausted from the epidural and Pitocin, and feeling nauseous, Eliza kept going—supported by family, friends, and the medical team.
After what felt like an eternity, Bella finally made her entrance. But instead of the usual celebration, the room was filled with a strange silence. Fear crept in as Eliza realized something wasn’t right.
It wasn’t until she saw Bella that the truth became clear. She looked different. What should have been a joyous moment was now filled with confusion and worry. Specialists rushed in for consultations and exams, leaving Eliza and her husband with more questions than answers about Bella’s future.
Bella was quickly taken to the NICU for further evaluation, but in that brief moment before she left, Eliza held her daughter close, vowing to protect her no matter what.
The next few days were a blur. Bella was diagnosed with Treacher Collins syndrome, a rare genetic condition that affects facial bone development. Their time in the NICU was filled with uncertainty, fear, and emotional rollercoasters. But through it all, they felt supported by family, friends, and a dedicated medical team.
Bella’s resilience shone through, and the love and support from their community became a source of strength. Today, Bella continues her journey, undergoing surgeries and therapies, and teaching her family invaluable lessons about resilience, love, and family.
Though their path has been different from what they expected, Eliza and her husband cherish every moment with Bella. She’s a living reminder of love’s power to overcome anything life throws their way. And as they navigate this new chapter, they are grateful for the lessons it has taught them about the true meaning of family.
What lesson has your family taught you about resilience? Share your thoughts below and pass this story along to anyone who needs a little inspiration today!
