Olivia’s Story
Chandler began contracting, and with each contraction, Olivia’s heart rate began to drop. A biophysical profile showed concerning results. After attempts to stop labor, the decision was made to deliver.
Olivia was born via C-section on the morning of February 14, 2022 — Valentine’s Day.
They did not know how much time they would have. Seconds? Minutes? Hours? Days? The uncertainty was overwhelming.
But when Olivia was placed on her mama’s chest, fear melted away.
She was tiny. She was peaceful. She was perfect.
Her 51 minutes on earth were filled with love. She met her big sister and brother alive. That time together was nothing short of a miracle.
After saying hello and see you later to those who loved her most, Olivia was placed back into her mama’s arms. Within four minutes, she took her final breath.
It was so peaceful it felt like she had simply fallen asleep.
Through Olivia’s life, during pregnancy and in those sacred moments on earth, Jimmy and Chandler experienced the Lord’s favor and provision in ways they will never forget. They know, without a shadow of a doubt, that carrying and loving Olivia for as long as God allowed was the right decision. He aligned every detail so they could witness the beauty of His plan.
God gave purpose to their pain.
They would relive it all, the good days and the hardest days, if it meant they could love Olivia again.
She was so worth it.
Because of Olivia, Jimmy and Chandler saw firsthand how important compassionate bereavement care truly is. In moments of unimaginable grief, families deserve more than medical treatment, they deserve gentleness, dignity, and support that meets them where they are. Love Like Olivia was created to honor Olivia’s life and legacy by helping ensure that families experiencing pregnancy and infant loss are cared for in a deeper way. Through this foundation, Olivia’s name will continue to bring comfort, purpose, and love to others, reminding grieving families that they are not alone.
In August of 2021, Jimmy and Chandler found out they were expecting their third baby. They were overjoyed and full of excitement as they looked forward to growing their family.
At around 12 weeks pregnant, they chose to do genetic testing simply to find out the baby’s gender early so friends could plan a gender reveal. On October 5, they received the phone call that would forever change their lives. The test results came back positive for Trisomy 18.
They also learned they were carrying a sweet baby girl.
They named her Olivia Louise Gaiennie.
By the end of that week, a maternal fetal medicine specialist confirmed the diagnosis. Olivia not only had Trisomy 18, but also a severe heart defect called Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome. They were given the grim reality that her life would likely be very short.
The months that followed were filled with every human emotion imaginable. They began walking the strange and painful road of grieving someone who was still alive. They knew their time with Olivia was borrowed, yet as Chandler’s belly grew, so did their love.
Each day, they chose to cherish her. Every kick. Every hiccup. Every quiet moment. Her big brother, Mac, and big sister, Adaleigh, made sure Olivia’s life meant something big. She was loved loudly and intentionally.
On February 13, 2022, Chandler went to labor and delivery after not feeling Olivia move. With an anterior placenta her kicks were sometimes muffled, but this time felt different. After being placed on monitors, Olivia initially looked okay. Chandler stayed for observation.
Within hours, everything changed.