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| Photo by Emily Hapaala Photography |
8 years ago on September 1st, the Lord blessed us with a beautiful miracle. Alessandra Michelle Clair was born on September 1, 2006.
This birth was the calm after a major storm in our lives. Our sweet Brandon Michael was born full term and then went home to heaven shortly after. I never thought I could be happy again. 4 months after an almost 10 pound baby boy, I was pregnant again. I knew this was God's way of helping my husband and I heal even though it was still going to be very difficult emotionally. Our Kelly was only 3 when we found out I was pregnant again so thankfully she was oblivious to most of the pain except she saw that mommy was sad and crying all the time. It was heartbreaking.
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| When Kelly became a big sister to Lyssa! |
When I found out I was pregnant again, it was bittersweet. I knew I wanted another baby to heal, but at the same time I felt like I was replacing my baby boy. It was only 4 months prior that we lost him. What if this sweet miracle was going to be another boy? I was stressed and high anxiety began to hit as soon as my first ultrasound came and when I began to show. All of the ultrasounds came back normal. When we found out our baby was going to be a girl, I was relieved. I didn't think I could handle a boy at that time.
The whole pregnancy was normal and healthy except I was so emotionally stressed and worried that something would happen to this baby. This induced high blood pressure and sugar. So I had to go on a diet to keep it under control for the health of my baby girl and for myself.
As the big day approached, it was determined that I would have a C-Section. I had a C-Section with Brandon because of his circumstance and his size. Because this pregnancy was so close to the other, my wonderful and amazing OB (she delivered all 4 of our babies) saw it fit that I just have another C-Section. I was fine with that, I just wanted a healthy baby.
On the morning of September 1st, 2006, Ron and I heard the most beautiful sound....Our sweet little girl, whom we named Alessandra Michelle, entered the world. The cries were so beautiful. We didn't get to hear that with Brandon. (Even though he was born alive, his heart was expiring and was quickly becoming lifeless. This was due to Trisomy 13. A chromosomal defect.)
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| When Lyssa became a big sister to Bethany! |
Alessandra (Lyssa) is a such a joy and has made everyone laugh since. I was told that she was attached to my hip and I was so in love and protective of my sweet baby girl. I unfortunately, don't remember much of Lyssa's babyhood, only her birthday. I am praying it will all come back to me. I was still out of it and was fighting depression. Even looking at pictures I don't remember those times. This tore me up for years. I am finally in a place where it's okay if I don't remember. I have the pictures for a reason and for that I am grateful and blessed.
We surprised her with a brand new bike for turning 8!!! She's going to pick out her helmet this week. =)
I can't believe it has been 8 years. Alessandra Michelle is a pure joy! She makes us laugh on a daily basis. I think my favorite is how much joy she brings to my dad. Her humor just tickles him. But of course she brings joy to all of the grandparents and the rest of the family which makes my heart so full.
"Alessandra, mommy and daddy are so proud of the young lady you are becoming. You are a beautiful and aspiring ballerina with the singing voice of an angel. Your passion for cooking only at 8 years old more than amazes us. May Jesus bless you as you grow and develop a relationship with him. We are so proud of you and are so thankful for the gift that you truly are in our lives. We love you princess!"
Happy 8th Birthday!
Love,
Mommy, Daddy, Kelly, and Bethany!
