85 stickers tell the story of one mother's 85-day journey in the Perinatal Specialty Unit

When Lisa's water broke at 21 weeks, the mom of seven thought she would be home within 48 hours. Then the maternal-fetal medicine specialist sat down beside her bed with different news: she would need to stay until she reached 34 weeks.

"I think I was in a bit of denial because I kept asking the same questions to make sure I understood," she said.

Lisa asked what would happen if she experienced a prolapsed cord at home versus in the hospital. By the time the physician finished explaining the worst-case scenario, Lisa had made up her mind. Her husband, Ryan, agreed.

"Ryan said, Lisa, you're not leaving," she said. "It was wonderful to have him be a part of that huge medical decision."

The Perinatal Specialty Unit at Ascension Sacred Heart provides 24-hour monitoring for high-risk pregnancies. A team of maternal-fetal medicine specialists, neonatologists and perinatal nurses manages complex cases where early intervention can mean the difference between a premature delivery and a full-term birth.

Twelve weeks or.85 days, any way you counted it, that was a long time to be away from her family.The next day, charge nurse Tiffany gave her advice that would shape her remaining time there.

"This is your home. You make it your home," Tiffany told her. "Bring your own bedsheets. Bring pictures of your family."

Lisa took the advice to heart. Her daughters bought stickers from the dollar store. Each morning, Lisa placed one on her door. Her church youth group made signs. Her father wrote her a poem. Artwork covered the walls.

"I made up my mind that day," Lisa said. "This is going to be a happy place. This is not going to be a sad story."

Ryan took family leave to care for their other children. Every Monday, he drove up to spend the night. The unit offered Tuesday morning gatherings where mothers on bed rest could meet. Lisa connected with four other women, all expecting boys. They became close friends.

Visits from Swirl, the unit's facility dog, provided unexpected comfort, particularly after hard conversations with doctors.

"It met a need that I didn't know I was going to need," she said.

Lisa spent her birthday in the unit. Thanksgiving too. The morning of her cesarean section, 85 stickers lined her door. Her son Nicholas arrived in time for Christmas. He spent three weeks in the NICU.

Today Nicholas is a thriving 3-year-old, one of two boys bookending six sisters. Her children still talk about those holidays in the hospital.

"My children, even all these years later, say that Thanksgiving was the best," Lisa said. "We created all of these unique memories."