I Believe in Miracles

On September 14, 2006, I wrote this post immediately after vacation: How my miscarriages have brought forth new life. That was the day Suzi (Hubby's cousin) told us she was engaged...and expecting.

Suzi's news that day - with her taking into account my pain and sorrow after losing three babies in her decision on what to do when she found out she was pregnant and not married (or engaged for that matter) - was the real turning point in my coming to peace with my losses. Of course, there was some stumbling and some joy along the way after that day, but this particular day was the first time I could see my losses looked upon in a positive light. My angels were gone from this world, but they have a legacy to share with our family. A legacy of hope and promise.

Well, Angelina Claire was born at 12:02 am this morning - weighing in at 8 lbs 14 oz and 20 1/2 inches long! I will post pics in this post later (as soon as I get them) - so watch for them! I will be visiting tonight with my MIL at the hospital - and I can't wait!

ETA: Here are the pics:

But, she is even more of a miracle this morning than she was on that September afternoon...

Suzi's labor was not bad at all for a first-time mommy - her labor started with a leak (not gush) of amniotic fluid overnight Tuesday night/Wednesday morning. She went to see her doctor early Wednesday afternoon and was sent right over to the hospital. Her labor pains were not bad at all - even with pitocin started around 7 pm to bring her into a more active labor. She chose not to get the epidural until 10 pm last night because the labor pains just weren't bad enough for it yet. After the epidural was in place, she moved quickly to 10 cm dilated and the pushing started. From what CooKoo Anty (Suzi's mom) told us, Suzi really worked hard at pushing - Suzi is only 5'3" tall, and very slim by nature... Pushing an 8 lb 14 oz baby into the world is not quite an easy job for someone so slim! But, she was finally born at 12:02 am - screaming, chubby, pink, alert, perfect Apgar scores, happy!

But, when the placenta was delivered, Angelina's birth this morning became even more of a miracle than just being conceived, wanted and loved:

The cord was short and there was a huge knot in the middle of it.

No one can say when the knot occured, although it is safe to say it wasn't recent since Angelina took up SOOOO much room in Suzi's tummy. Suzi's ob/gyn pulled CooKoo aside after the placenta was delivered and told her that this baby was truly a miracle -- with this cord complication, she was astounded that Angelina was not born still. She is truly a miracle - from conception to birth.

...So, you can only imagine how I (and the entire family) feel about this news right now.

To say I am really without words beyond what I am posting today is putting how I feel mildly. It really puts you in awe of God and miracles on Earth. I truly believe that my angels were watching the entire time, taking care of little Angelina with this complication that there was no way of knowing about until now. Suzi cared enough for my heartache to make that a part of her decision to keep this baby - I think my angels repaid her ten-fold with guiding this baby into the world without harm. I feel such a strong connection - much stronger than before - to God and to my angel babies, more than I can ever put into words. It defies all sense and logic - and to question this, like I have questioned Christopher being here despite my issues now, is pointless.

Angelina is very deserving of this name - a name she was not given until she was born. Much like Christopher was named right when he was born - the name just came to us the second we held him and touched his face.

So, I send this song to her and her new family... She is truly a miracle to us. May she bring us joy for so many years to come.

MIRACLE
By Celine Dion

You're my life's one miracle
Everything I've done that's good
And you break my heart with tenderness
And I confess it's true
I never knew a love like this 'til you

You're the reason I was born
Now I finally know for sure
And I'm overwhelmed with happiness
So blessed to hold you close
The one that I love most
Though the future has so much for you in store
Who could ever love you more

The nearest thing to heaven
You're my angel from above
Only God creates such perfect love

When you smile AT me I cry
And to save your life I'd die
With a romance that is pure in heart
You are my dearest part
Whatever it requires
I live for your desires
Forget my own, your needs will come before
Who could ever love you more

There is nothing you could ever do
To make me stop loving you
And every breath I take
Is always for your sake
You sleep inside my dreams
And know for sure
Who could ever love you more

On another note for today - please keep one of my co-workers in your prayers today. I posted earlier that her BIL is very ill from cancer - well, he has taken a turn for the worst this past weekend and has said his goodbyes to his children. She just left work this morning - her sister needed her to come over to the hospital...which is not good news. Please keep her in prayers.