Sydney Rose

On December 20th at 6:08pm we welcomed our 7 pound, 14 ounce, 20 inch daughter, Sydney Rose Bracken, into the world. It seems like it was nothing but struggles to get her here and I couldn't be more grateful to have this sweet baby girl in my arms. I already know that this special little girl was supposed to be a part of our family. She makes my heart swell with joy and I am so grateful for her.

I am pretty sure that most of you followed Sydney's birth story, as we all awaited her arrival with much anticipation, but I want to remember it for always. About 2 weeks ago I started having regular contractions. I checked into the hospital twice with false labor symptoms. The kidney stones that I have been carrying around since week 25 of my pregnancy were causing uterine distress and making me have strong, painful and consistent contractions without dilating. After 2 weeks of enduring the pain I consulted with my doctor and decided that maybe it was time to abandon the idea of a natural birth and opt for a second C-section. To me, this decision was nothing short of a miracle. I had been taking very strong sleeping pills for a few days to help me endure the pain of contractions. The day before I had Sydney, I had a VERY sleepless night, despite the meds. I spent most of the night in prayer, trying to understand why I felt like I needed to have another c-section. I woke up in the morning resolved, without understanding why, that I was supposed to have a c-section. I went into the hospital not wanting a c-section but feeling completely confident in the decision I had made. Right after my doctor had me opened up he peered over the curtain and told me that he was so glad I was there. The uterine wall was so paper thin, he was certain it would have ripped had I attempted labor. I began to cry and silently say a prayer of gratitude that I was on the operating table under these circumstances and not MUCH scarier ones. Twenty minutes later I was able to see my sweet baby girls face and haven't stopped admiring her since. She is absolutely perfect and I love her, my Sydney Rose!!