Three + one
In 2005 Amy Kay Pavlovich almost lost her first born son Sebastian after a premature birth. The first two years after that moment were a stressful mix of doctors appointments and surgeries for their small child. Although it was risky, by 2008 the Pavlovichs were ready to try and add to their family again.
The following story documents the last two months of Amy Kay's second pregnancy.
Amy Kay receives good news about the progress of her pregnancy during her last doctor's examination before the birth. Due to complications in her first pregnancy Amy Kay was under constant medical surveillance and had to have a scheduled c-section the second time around.
The Pavlovichs' good night ritual includes hugs and kisses before putting Sebastian, age 2, to bed. Sebastian's dad, Dane Pavlovich, dedicates his evenings to playing with his son.
Standing in the dining room of their future home, Amy Kay signs some of the paperwork that will turn them into home owners. With a growing family, the Pavlovichs felt it was time to move from their small apartment into a larger space.
Soon after signing the papers Amy Kay started making plans about the decorations of the new home.
Amy Kay prays with Sebastian before bed. As a minister at the First Christian Church in Columbia, Mo., she dedicates time to teaching her son about their faith.
Although Amy Kay's second pregnancy was going as planned the couple still had fears that history would repeat itself.
Despite their concerns, Amy Kay and Dane had their spirits up and they constantly encouraged and supported each other.
The night before the scheduled c-section was a sleepless one for the Pavlovichs. After an early morning arrival at the hospital, and some tests they had to wait for the surgery room to be available and ready for the delivery of their second child.
Dane Pavlovich prays before joining Amy Kay in the surgery room.
Dane comforts his wife during the c-section surgery.
Atticus John Pavlovich was born on Friday, May 2, 2008. His name was inspired by the character of Atticus Finch from the novel "To Kill a Mocking Bird." The book is a favorite of Dane's.
Atticus was born with pneumonia and spent the first few days of his life in the Intensive Care Unit. He quickly overcame the illness and his parents were able to take home a healthy and strong fourth member of the Pavlovich family.