An Unforeseen Tribute- The Name Stetson

My husband and I had a running list of baby names for years just hanging out in the notes app on my phone. Never, up until the beginning of this year, did we anticipate using any of them. Stetson was a name that was amongst the list. Stetson Rhett was the only name that was put together as one, being a first and middle name. Directly after Stetson was born, nurses rushed back into my room while delivery doctors were still trying to wake me and hook me up to IV's and immediately rushed myself and my husband to see Stetson as Neonatologist doctors were unsure if Stetson would make it. One of the many nurses who wheeled me back to the NICU asked us if we had a name for our baby. When we finally arrived to his room in tears- looking at him so little and struggling, the nurse said, "I think you should choose a name right now so we can talk to him by name and encourage him." We had thought of other names from the time we found out we were having a third and still so undecided but when she told us that, my husband and I looked at one another and instantly remembered the name in my notes- Stetson Rhett.

My husband was in the military for 10 years as a Calvary Scout. A Stetson is a traditional Calvary headgear that was typically worn by Calvarymen- now we added this name to the list because it was unique. I had never met anyone with the name Stetson before, but I also thought it was such a fitting name as my husband did wear Stetsons during his time in service. Being an active military family meant so much to us. We had some of the best and worst times of our lives while he was in. Both of our older kids experienced that lifestyle and had so many opportunities that many others don't get to. I am very thankful that my husband is now a Veteran and gets to spend his days with us as a family. The name Stetson will always allow us to remember this era even if he wasn't yet a part of the active time.

Since then, the name Stetson has come to mean more than any of us would have ever imagined. As a 23 weeker, born at 595 grams, our baby boy has fought daily and has such a strong personality just like my dad did when he was here with us. If you are new to reading my blogs or don't follow me on social media, then what you don't know is that I unexpectedly lost my dad last Summer at just 54 years of age. He played such a huge role in my life and how I came to be who I am. I fully believe Stetson was sent here in my dad's place as a reminder that an end of life, brings one that is just as strong, powerful and memorable. My grandpa, dad's dad, passed away over 20 years ago. My dad took that loss very hard as my grandpa was the one who kept our family together. When he passed, my dad inherited this cowboy hat that my grandpa would wear ever since I was little. My dad wore this cowboy hat to my wedding where he gave my hand to my husband. He cherished this hat so much. When he passed my mom had me bring this hat with me back to Colorado where it was hanging in my living room and now hangs in Stetson's room. During our daughter's first High School Homecoming, she asked to take photos with it before heading out for the night. It wasn't until that day, the very moment she carried it to the spot where they would take photos that she stopped in her tracks and said, "Mom look!" When she flipped this hat over to look inside, we see the name STETSON right there in front of our eyes.

I know It's hard to believe that I have never paid attention to the inside of this hat after a whole year of it being in my possession. But I promise, this never crossed my mind. I find myself loving the name Stetson even more than I did before. Choosing a name that randomly came to thought and having it end up being such a significant tribute to so many of us is more than I could have wanted for our miracle baby.

With today being Veteran's day and what would be my dad's 56th birthday, it was the perfect day to share the meaning behind Stetson's name that came fully to our surprise. As I sob sharing this story, I pray this helps someone believe in the power of miracles and joy even after loss. Happy Veteran's day to my husband and all who currently and previously served. And a big happy HEAVENLY birthday to the my dad, who will always be remembered through our boy.

As of this weekend, Stetson is back on the CPAP as his apnic breathing was a bit too frequent for his

teams liking. He is now almost 4 and a half pounds and his doctors did not find anything too concerning on his MRI that would suggest any additional support would be needed now. Today he lost a little bit of weight and had undergone an Echocardiogram. Please follow. along for updates on our sweet boy.

Thank you for being here and praying for our baby's journey.

-TheHotMessBrunette