Sunday, August 31, 2008

Happy Birthday Peaches!


After the birth of two healthy daughters, I experienced two devastating miscarriages. If you know me, you know I don't like feeling like I can't do something, so I was absolutely determined to get pregnant and carry a healthy baby come what may. Ten weeks into yet another pregnancy, I was cleaning my grandparents house when I felt a sudden cramping and a whoosh. I ran to the bathroom and couldn't believe what was happening -- another miscarriage. My cute Grandma tried to help me as best as she could by providing what she had at the time -- Depends Undergarments and words of comfort but I was shocked and angry at having had to experience this again and starting to wonder what was wrong. I called my midwife and made an appointment to try and decipher the problem.

A week passed and finally it was time for my appointment. I was really upset. Not only because of the miscarriage, but I was still nauseated and feeling pregnant. I didn't know the universe could be so cruel as to make me continue to feel crappy while not being pregnant. When I told my midwife how I was feeling she suggested an ultrasound just to make sure everything had been cleared out. I didn't even want to look at the screen and view my empty uterus, but I was compelled to. And there, to our complete surprise, was a baby! A perfectly healthy looking and growing baby! I couldn't believe it! My midwife thought I must've been carrying twins and miscarried the other one. I believe Sydney had been trying to come and wasn't taking any chances, so two bodies were created and she picked the healthier of the two and the other body was discarded. The universe had been merciful and I proceeded to have a pleasant, healthy pregnancy.

Eight months later, and the most pleasant of all my pregnancies, Sydney Alisha was born August 31, weighing 9 lbs 2 ounces. She was so big she broke her collarbone upon delivery but she healed well and didn't seem to be bothered by it. She also had two knots in her umbilical cord which, according to my midwife, can cause death in an infant if they tighten during delivery. Her delivery was fast and furious because she must have known she just needed to get out of there before anything happened with those knots. Aside from that, her delivery was relatively easy and was the first time I didn't have to deal with stitches afterward so I felt GREAT!!! Angels were continuing to watch over her and me.

I consider her my miracle baby. Heavenly Father had sent me another beautiful girl who loved to smile at everybody. Her disposition was so sweet we started calling her "Peaches" right from the start. She loves anything pink, still smiles at everybody constantly, is extremely articulate and wants to be an artist when she grows up. I think she has a lot of my Grandma Foo in her, who died the year Syd was born. In fact, sometimes I wonder if my Grandma just found a way to turn around and come right back.

After Avery and Addison, I didn't know what more a third girl could possibly bring to the table. Well, Sydney is wonderfully unique and adds so much to our family that I can't imagine not having her. I love you Sis! Happy 5th Birthday!