Thursday, March 01, 2007

Pregnancy Photo's Blessing # 5 - Sierra Michelle

Back before I got pregnant with blessing #4 (Landon) Alexia started praying for a baby sister. We found out that we were pregnant with Landon on her 7th birthday. We ended up announcing to our family and friends at her birthday party that we were expecting. Well, that summer I had an ultrasound and we found out that we were having a boy. I was so nervous to tell Alexia. I didn't want her to get mad at God because he didn't answer her prayer about getting a baby sister. We sat her down that night and told her we found out that she is getting another brother. She was quiet at first and then she said,"That's all right . . .I am just going to pray again!" We told her we didn't think we were going to be having anymore babies. She was determined and said she was going to keep praying and she did for 4 more years. She was so secure in her prayers . . she actually stop asking for a sister but started THANKING God for her sister. I wasn't sure how to handle this because we "thought" we were really done having children. Well, in the spring of 1999 I had a feeling that I was either sick with the flu or I was pregnant. I took a test and found out that we were expecting. This was a HUGE shock because we actually were not trying to have a baby. All the kids were so excited when we told them but especially Alexia.
With the first four kids we had ultrasounds and found out the sex of each baby but we decided with this one we would wait and have it be a surprise. We also asked Alexia if she wanted to be in the labor room with us. We thought if it would be a boy . . .she could bond with him right away and if it were a girl . . then how cool to see the baby sister born that she had prayed years for. Here I am holding two different banners . . . It's a Boy and It's a Girl. I bought both because we had no idea what we were having!
I was due with this baby on Christmas Day. I asked my doctor if he could please induce me so that I could be home for Christmas. He agreed and we headed to the hospital early in the morning on December 21st,1999. Here we are at the hospital. Alexia was so excited to be there with us.

After the nurse gave me the pitocin my labor pains started to kick in. She suggested I get on the labor ball and bounce through my contractions . . .it did help the pain but after a while I needed the epidural. About 6 hours later I was ready to push and by that time everyone in the room knew they story of how Alexia had been praying for a sister for YEARS. I will never forget what happened next. I pushed the baby out and all I heard was IT'S A GIRL! I looked over at Alexia and said, "Alexia, God answered your prayer!" She looked at me with tears streaming down her face, "I know mommy . .. I know mommy!" That was a place in time I will never forget. Sierra Michelle arrived weighing 9 pounds 3 ounces and 20 inches long.Here I am with my two little girls!

Minutes after giving birth to each baby Carlos would dedicate each child to the Lord. I actually only have this picture of he and Sierra when he is praying and giving her to the Lord. I am not sure why I didn't have pictures with the others.


I was able to take back the IT'S A Boy banner.We took this picture minutes after coming home with Sierra. My five blessings!!!!!!! Jordan, Alexia, Taylor, Landon and Sierra
Alexia and her little miracle . . . Sierra

Before I had Sierra I had found at the store a Barbie set that was Barbie and Kelley and Stacie. I pre-purchased in hope that God would answer Alexia's prayer and give her that baby sister. I was so excited to give her the present.We arrived home from the hospital on December 23rd. Our first family picture was taken in front of our Christmas tree.
The whole family agreed . . . the best present under the tree was our Sierra Michelle.This is my sister Michelle . She and I were pregnant together . . . months into her pregnancy she lost her baby. In honor of the baby that went to heaven I gave Sierra - Michelle's name as her middle name. On a side note . .God has blessed Michelle and her husband Joe with 3 precious children - two of them after her miscarriage.
Landon was four years old when Sierra was born. He immediately fell in love with her and was not jealous at all. Here he is with my mom and Sierra.
Landon giving his sister some love!
After each blessing was born we gave each child a "nickname". We called Jordan "Buddy" Alexia "Princess" Taylor "Punkaroo" Landon "Special Boy " and Sierra "Little Angel"

Thank you Alexia for praying for this sweet blessing! Sierra brings the whole family so much happiness and joy. We all don't know what we would do without her. Thank you for having so much faith to keep praying!

10 comments:

Unknown said...

What a sweet story - how precious the faith of a child! I have enjoyed reading the stories of your blessings, Emily!

Emily said...

Thanks Ginger! That is one story that I don't think I will ever forget :-)

Linda said...

This is so like my Chase's story. She prayed for a sister for 3 years. During that time, I had a miscarriage. She was 7-1/2 when Carys was born! She went with us to the ultrasound. The dr. couldn't get a good view, but said he was 85-90% sure it was a girl. As we were leaving and walking down the hall, Chase said, "I'm 100% sure it's a girl." She was right!

Emily said...

Linda . . .what a neat story . . don't you just love the faith of our children!

DeEtta @ Courageous Joy said...

Emily - I REMEMBER this story as you lived it...what a fun reminder.

Emily said...

Wow! You have a great memory!!!I think I must have been on SHS for over 8 years. When you have time can you check and see when I signed up to be on SHS?

Lady G~ said...

When we met Jordan was only 2 months old. Can't believe we've known each other for that long. :o) What a blessing you and your family have been to us.

It's been great to see all those "baby" pictures. I love taking a stroll down memory lane.

Emily said...

Giselle . . .can you believe it . . that was 18 1/2 years ago. How time flies by! I also had such a good time the last week or so going through all the kids pictures. It did bring back such wonderful memories!

Cynthia said...

What a COOL STORY! Thanks for sharing. I don't have near the memory that DeEtta has because I sure don't remember that story.

Emily said...

I was so surprised that De'Etta remembered it . . .it must be all that good natural food she eats:-)