Saturday, May 21, 2011

Loved

After checking in to the hospital on Thursday night for an induction, my body instead went into labor on its own and Allegra came into the world on Friday morning just before 5.  Stunned by the speediness of her arrival, I looked down at her on my chest, noticed her mouth slightly moving, and wondered if she was alive.  Usually after delivery I'm listening for the announcement on gender, this time I waited to learn if she was breathing. Neither the midwife nor the nurse confirmed.  So Mitch and I watched her.  Slowly she moved.  And again.  With relief we realized she made it.  Such a good girl.  Allegra met her excited siblings and grandparents an hour later and was showered with hugs, kisses and an unquestioning acceptance of her physical differences.

Allegra has the full pink mouth and dark hair that I dreamed.  She looks perfectly normal burrito'd in a blanket with a little hat on her head. When unwrapped though she has visible defects resulting from the Trisomy 18 including misshapen ears, extra folds of skin at the back of her neck, curled fingers (neither the thumb nor the first finger can bend), and a club foot.  Regardless of her diagnosis and the resulting anomalies, she is perfect and we adore her.

After a restless night of feedings and fussiness, I woke up this morning with a tiny snoring baby sharing my pillow. Perfection.

13 comments:

  1. I couldn't go to sleep without checking on Allegra and your family. Give her a kiss from me. Valerie

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  2. So now I'm sure you are glad you bought that new outfit? None of us have any guarantees on life so each moment just needs to be embraced and celebrated. You are such an amazing example of this. I love reading the updates on Allegra and am rejoicing with you for this time you are enjoying together. She is such a beautiful baby! Absolutely beautiful. I am so grateful to Heavenly Father for this great blessing and so happy for the moments you have had to enjoy this angel daughter.

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  3. I love her already. I may never meet her, and I already love her. What a pleasure it is to read every detail that you are willing to share. I have had her on my mind since I read that she was born yesterday. And I can't stop rejoicing for every minute you have with her. I love you, Ali. I just want you to have joy and peace. My prayers are with you. xo

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  4. What an amazing experience you are having, a gift from heaven is with you. We love all of you tremendously.

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  5. Wow. So happy all the way from here. Give her a smooch for me. Jill

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  6. Perfect indeed! So happy to see that you were able to bring your precious daughter home to her loving family. Enjoy every moment with her! You and your family are an inspiration to us all. XO The Poort family from NL

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  7. Dear Mitch, Ali, and family, Dennis and I are very happy that your sweet daughter has arrived so that you all can love her together for now. You all are in our prayers. She is a very beautiful little one, a special angel, for sure!
    Love you all, Faye and Dennis Moore

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  8. My heart is full of joy for your family! What a sweet face Allegra has! I am glad she is home with you guys. I am sure she is getting lots of love and snuggles!! Thanks again for sharing her story and letting us all love her too!

    Love,
    Sharlynn Sanders

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  9. We are grateful that you are able to share your perfect angel with all of us; how incredibly thoughtful and brave. Enjoy every kiss, hug and feeding. Allegra realizes how very loved she is. The Browns have you all in our thoughts.

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  10. Thank you for sharing this special time in your lives with us. Allegra is beautiful! And what a beautiful spirit I am sure she has brought into your home. We love you! -Dawn Bartlett

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  11. She is beautiful. Give her hugs and kisses from me!

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  12. Dear Pulley Family,

    I do not know you but was told of your incredible family by a friend and referred to your blog. Your precious little girl is indeed an angel in every sense of the word. Your story is both heart warming and heart rending and filled with strength and grace. It is truly amazing. Thank you for sharing with the rest of us your very personal and tender journey. The spirit in your home must be very peaceful and powerful. I know that Heavenly Father is strengthening you as you accept his will and He will wrap you in His loving arms. Cherish each moment, they are so precious, and know that there are many who are praying for your family. Allegra is stunning and has a beautiful countenance about her. Thank you again for sharing her with each of us. Jean Coombs (Zebulon Ward)

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  13. Just heard about your touch with heaven. My heart is filled with compassion for you and all of your family. You are dear to me. Rebeccabecause.blogspot.com

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