Our Story

Michael and I married as a blended family in 2005. I had one son, Davionn, whom Michael honorably reared as his own. Not long after settling in, my husband and I decided it was time to extend our family.

After 5 years, in February 2011 we were pregnant. However, the joy of being pregnant was very short lived as it was determined to be an ectopic pregnancy. We continued our journey to conceive. Then FINALLY, after 17 years of trying, it happened! We were pregnant again! Talk about the miracle that left us basking in overwhelming joy. Then to learn, at 10 weeks, we were having a boy sent us to another dimension of joy and gratefulness. We knew immediately his name would be Michael J Newkirk (MJ).

On Monday, October 23, 2023, we had an OB visit, and everything checked out great. MJ’s heartbeat was strong. There were no signs of impending issues or complications. In fact, that week, we began planning our baby shower for December since we were at 25 weeks gestation.

On Saturday evening, someone close to me asked, “How’s our baby?” To which I responded, “He’s been quiet today.” Later that day, I thought about my “odd” response and thought to myself, did I feel him kick today? To be honest, I could not recall if I had. Keeping this in mind, on Sunday, I paid very close attention to MJ’s kicks. That whole day, I talked myself out of believing I did not feel him, while saying, “It’s all in my head.” This led to us conducting some research on how to stimulate the kicks that yielded no success.

nor why it was happening. We wondered if it was a dream that we would soon awake from. We totally blamed ourselves and thought of everything possible that we could have done wrong. Especially since everything was fine one week prior.

On October 30, 2023, in that triage room, our hearts were completely shattered. The baby we prayed for, believed for, and waited patiently for was here. After 17 years, he was here, only to be snatched away within what seemed like seconds. For us, at that moment, the world stopped and nothing else mattered.

The next day, we went through the full birthing process. Into this world came Michael J Newkirk (MJ), 2lbs 8ozs, but with no heartbeat. He was so small, precious, and loveable. While holding him in my arms he only appeared to be asleep instead of deceased. I could have held him forever. I wanted him to breathe, cry, kick, or anything to show some sign of life. I wanted so desperately for him to prove the doctors wrong. However, they were correct, my son was born, but not living.

Finally, on Monday, I called the doctor’s office when I did not feel him moving after breakfast. I was instructed to go to the Women’s Hospital immediately. The CMA made me feel comfortable and informed me that I would probably be monitored for about 4 hours before being sent home. However, after the doctor’s examination, it was determined MJ had no heartbeat and he more than likely had been deceased for two days. Probably since Saturday when I noticed he was quiet.

My husband and I were in total disbelief. With sheer devastation, we cried a loud, ugly cry. We could not understand what was happening, how it was happening,

Once discharged from the hospital, a friend brought us dinner and a care package. The care package included items I did not take into consideration of needing. Some of those items were feminine hygiene products. Those were far from my mind because I did not have to concern myself with them for 26 weeks prior. This care package was such a blessing and brought about extreme gratitude. So much so we have decided to extend that same care to families with similar experiences.

In our efforts to remember him and heal from the devastation, we started The MJ Newkirk Foundation. While our time with him was brief, his name will live on. Our prayer is that this care package is as much of a blessing to you as it was for us. May its contents bring you comfort as you remember your precious baby.

Sincerely,

Michael and Tahijia Newkirk Founders of The MJ Newkirk Foundation