A premature baby’s smile radiates pure joy over something we so often take for granted — life. And little Freya’s beautiful smile not only filled her terrified parents with hope, but inspired folks all around the world!
First-time parents from Minnesota, Lauren and David Vinje, were in for a bumpy ride with their first child, Freya. But God sent them the most precious sign through their premature baby’s smile that everything would be ok!
Pregnancy Gets Rocky
The pregnancy started out great. But at 28-weeks, Lauren developed preeclampsia.
"I knew something was wrong when I got so swollen I couldn't fit my hands together around my ankles," she says. "Then I started seeing flashing lights."
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Lauren was able to hold on until 34-weeks, but then she had no choice but to deliver tiny Freya prematurely via an emergency c-section.
"When I held her, it was the most incredible thing," David said. "Getting to hold a tiny little baby that has gone through so much is crazy and overwhelming and amazing."
Freya was hooked up to all kinds of machines and breathing tubes. She spent a month in the NICU. The uncertainty of how things would turn out for their preemie daughter proved extremely stressful.
But all the while, God was in control.
And just 5 days after her hasty birth, teeny tiny Freya gave the biggest, most joyous smile you’ve ever seen!
Premature Baby’s Smile Brings Hope
Freya’s beaming smile eased her parents’ anxious hearts. They knew their little girl was just so happy to be alive. It gave them the strength to hope for a miracle.
And that’s just what they got!
After her one-month stay in the hospital, baby Freya got to go home with her parents.
And she’s continued to thrive, blossoming into a happy, healthy toddler. She’s also a big sister now, too!
Credit: Lauren Vinje via TODAY
Lauren and David decided to share their little miracle with the world. Lauren posted the picture of her premature baby’s smile on social media, saying “This picture was one I looked at often to get me through the ups and downs of our NICU days. Life is so precious.”
It’s unlikely the couple was prepared for just how much their real-life overcomer, Freya, would inspire the rest of the world. Through thousands of shares and comments, people started sharing their own stories.
“This picture has offered relief and joy to us as a family, and it’s been a blessing to see it influence others in an unpredictable way.”
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The premature baby’s smile ended up uniting preemie parents everywhere in hope. What a beautiful reminder of how God can always use any trial we face to do something great!
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” 2 Corinthians 1: 3-4
h/t: The Epoch Times
Featured Image Credit: Facebook/Birth Without Fear