On July 18th, our sweet girl Alaina Rose surprised us all by arriving very early at just 29 weeks. What started as a routine check quickly turned serious, and I was rushed in for an emergency C-section. We were terrified, but incredibly grateful that the amazing medical team acted quickly to give Alaina the best possible start. At just 2 pounds, Alaina is currently in the NICU, where she’ll be staying for the next several weeks as she continues to grow, get stronger, and hit those early milestones. She’s already shown us she’s a fighter, and we’re so proud of our little warrior. While we focus on healing from surgery, traveling back and forth to the NICU, and caring for our three boys at home, we’ve realized we could really use some help with meals. It’s been hard to find time to eat, let alone cook, and your support would mean the world to us right now. If you’re able to send a meal or gift card, or even just share some encouragement, we are incredibly thankful. We are so blessed to have a village around us during this unexpected and overwhelming chapter. Thank you for loving our family and cheering on baby Alaina with us. With love and gratitude, Jessica, Ari, Tyler, Dylan, Austin & Baby Alaina
We’re a family of five plus Alaina with a mix of tastes and needs, so flexible meals work best! Jessica has Celiac disease and must eat 100% gluten-free—no wheat, barley, rye, or soy sauce unless gf. The rest of the family doesn’t have dietary restrictions, so meals don’t need to be entirely gluten-free for everyone. We’ve found that meals with separate components work really well, like: • Taco or burrito bowls (with GF tortilla or corn chips on the side) • Pasta and sauce served separately (a little GF pasta goes a long way) Tyler loves meatball subs! • Grilled meat with a side of veggies and rice or potatoes • Baked potato bar Labeling items (especially if they are gluten-free) is incredibly helpful. If you’re unsure, no worries—gift cards or takeout from trusted spots are just as appreciated! Chipotle, Metro Diner, Chick Fil A, McDonalds, Chilis, The Loop, Panera Bread, Canopy Road Cafe, La Catrina, Al Dente’s, Mellow Mushroom, Grumpy’s to name a few. We’re truly grateful for anything you send, and for all the love and support while we juggle NICU life, recovery, and the chaos at home!