This last month, I have felt overwhelmed with gratitude. Our little girl, Emily Rose Argyle came into the world on December 29th, teeny but healthy. At only 4 pounds and 2 ounces, Emily was three weeks early. Despite her size, Emily's lungs worked great. She emerged alert and kicking. And to show everyone how she felt about being outside of Mom for the first time, she peed like a little boy in the head nurse's face.
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Todd and I know she is a little miracle. When the doctor recommended inducing my labor early, we had serious doubts, thinking she would fare as well or better in the womb until her due date. Looking back now, I'm relieved that we listened to the doctor's good advice. After she was born, the doctor showed us the umbilical cord and the placenta. The placenta had started to calcify, meaning that fewer nutrients were getting to Emily than she needed. The doctor said that the umbilical cord should have been the width of a man's thumb, but it was only the size of my pinkie finger. We suspect she had lost weight. She stayed at the hospital for five days, but I was blessed to be able to stay with her until she started gaining the weight she needed to come home. It was amazing to see babies in the nursery who were big enough to eat Emily that were struggling with problems twice as serious. Now Emily is on her way to six pounds and thriving at home. Heavenly Father has given us the means to give our baby the best start possible. We had access to good medical care, means to pay for it, and best of all, an amazing and supportive collection of family and friends. If it takes a village to raise a child, Emily has a metropolis crammed with love.
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Our experience with Emily has also given me an increased appreciation for the plan of happiness. In the weeks before her arrival, when I was on bed rest and trying to make the decision of whether to deliver her early, I felt so much comfort from my knowledge of the gospel. I knew that if the worst should happen, we would still be sealed together as a family. Emily would always be our daughter and we would have the chance to raise her, no matter what. That's the best blessing of all.
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And now, on a lighter note, here are the pictures you've been waiting for!
Here she is!
Emily couldn't ask for a more adoring dad. Here's Todd with our late Christmas present.
I'm sure all you moms recognize this feeling:
Our happy family in our first family photo.
