Berlo Babies 3 Give Back to the Place That Gave Them Life

Al and Emily Berlo met by a rather chance incident, riding down the highway one day. It's one of many unique stories in their adventurous life together. Both active duty Soldiers, they endured long deployments in combat zones and being separated for well over two years in the very early part of their marriage. Their sacrifices for this country's freedoms is not one to be taken lightly; but that is only part of the story.
Thanks to the Creator who has given great advances to modern medicine, Emily became pregnant through In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) weeks after Al began a deployment in Afghanistan. The weight of becoming a mother for the first time was on her shoulders - and hers alone - throughout the duration of the pregnancy. Numerous shots, medications, and doctor's appointments, as well as her duties as a Soldier, were difficult but filled with joy. Finally, she would soon hold her own children in her arms.
The day that the first ultrasound was done, Emily was delighted to announce to the world: There were THREE babies growing in that tiny 5'2" body! A few weeks later, the announcement was shared via Skype with Al that there were two girls and a boy! Oh, the joy!! But, a surprise? No. The Creator had paved the way through dreams before the fertilization had even taken place. Those who had dreamed already expected that word of one boy and two girls to be fulfilled.
The babies arrived via C-section after Emily developed HELLP syndrome at 26.5 weeks of gestation. As she was wheeled back to the operating rooom she whispered to her mother, "I didn't think this through very well!" But, she had. She dreamed of the births of these precious children and had planned just as much - even more so! - than most first time mothers. Al was still serving in Afghanistan on this day, but Emily was surrounded by family and many more whose prayers were being fervently whispered around the world.
The babies were whisked away into NICU soon after they arrived. The next several months were filled with highs and lows; some days they seemed to make amazing progress, only to take two steps backwards the next day. Al was granted a 14-day emergency leave about a week after their arrival, but had to fly back to Afghanistan on Father's Day. Many friends and family visited the hospital over the months. The girls eventually made the milestones necessary and were allowed to go home within a few weeks of one another, at ages 3.5 and 4 months.
Gabe continued to fight his fight in the NICU. His lungs weren't keeping up with the rest of his body's growth, and he often fluctuated between the need for an oscillator, a ventilator, and even - for five precious hours! - just a CPAP. There were days of great joys! He was becoming the center of attention in the NICU and was royally spoiled by those amazing nurses. Other days were full of stress and bad news and prayers for strength and peace.
On January 18, 2014, Berlo Babies 3 shared with their fans on Facebook: "We have entered into end of life care for Gabe. There is nothing more medically that can be done for him. We are letting Gabe tell us wen he's ready to leave us, but we don't expect it to be much longer." As a nation came together to pray for peace and understanding, Gabriel Todd Berlo passed away in his mother's arms on January 19, 2014.
Gabe taught the world so much. He reminded us of a Creator that gives us a path we don't often understand for a purpose we may never understand - but that He DOES have a plan to prosper us and not to harm us (Jeremiah 29:11). Gabe reminded us about precious moments - the things most would normally take for granted. A grape blow pop brought him such delight that many of us now grab one to savor in a moment we would normally let pass by. He taught the medical community in his NICU so much. He was the first baby to undergo a tracheotomy surgery in that hospital and the nurses learned with hands-on experience; in the future they will be able to use those experiences for the good in other babies' lives.
The only "bad" of the whole story is the emptiness that exists when a little one earns his angel wings. The positives don't always outweigh that badness and the hard moments seep into days and weeks and a dull ache that will never leave persists. But it is our sincere hope that Gabe's life can continue to influence the world.
The care all of the BerloBabies3 received at Centennial Hospital's NICU in Nashville, Tennessee, was above reproach. But, more importantly, the staff became a part of the family. The nurses cared for the babies with such tenderness and taught family members how to handle as much of the care as possible. They calmed the roughest seas in critical moments, laughed with shared joy, and prepared Al and Emily for life at home with the kiddos. Their love was never more evident than during Gabe's last few days, his memorial service, and their ongoing communication with the Berlos.
There may be nothing more close to an angel on earth than these amazing NICU nurses and doctors. The encouragement, education, and relationships that were fostered during the babies stay have forever impacted the lives of the Berlos and those who live life out with them. It is the desire of the Berlos to help this NICU continue to care for babies in ways the hospital isn't able to fund, specifically in the ways that mattered most to Gabe during his life there. At this time, funds will be used to purchase Zaky Hands, mamaRoos, and books. Zaky Hands help the babies to feel as if they are being held when it's not possible to physically do so. MamaRoos are a unique "swing" that are soothing and appropriate to use with preemies, whereas other swings are not. When Al and Emily weren't able to hold Gabe, reading him a book bridged a gap between them that otherwise seemed impassible. As funds continue to flow in, additional purchases of bottles and mobiles will be made.
These items are not cheap; a simple Google search will show that. But, they are important. They help to alleviate unneccessary concerns during an otherwise worrisome time. Every penny helps to make another baby's experience at Centennial NICU an incredible journey, just as it was for BerloBabies3. Thank you for your prayers, encouragement, and donations. You are helping make a difference and helping to keep Gabe's life meaningful and we cannot thank you enough for that.