Sunday, May 13, 2007

Maternal Rhapsody

Once upon a time there was a couple who had everything going for them. They had good jobs, they lived in a nice big house in a good neighborhood, and they were in love. The only thing they were missing was children -- and they both wanted a child so much.

A few years after they were married their fondest wish was granted: she got pregnant. Everything seemed to be progressing well, the couple was in a daily state of gratefulness and excitement.

But five months and 20 days into the pregnancy, the baby had to be delivered by C-section. She weighed just one pound and six ounces at birth. The couple was in the hospital every day, talking to their baby, holding her as often as they could, singing to her. Being prematurely born, she had a few problems relating to respiration and fluid retention, but the doctors and nurses were all very positive, stating that the baby was doing very well for a preemie.


Wanting and loving the baby so much, the new mother and father were understandably distraught at every setback their child suffered. She found herself exhausted from crying and from the hospital stays. But their faith, hope and love sustained them.

Those days of tears and heartache are now past them, thankfully. They've brought their baby home and everything is going well.


This is a very recent photo of the baby in the story, with her lovely mommy (who is my sister-in-law, my older brother's wife). The little one now weighs nearly eight pounds and has no health problems. I am so glad smiles and laughter have replaced the tears that fell during the first weeks of my niece's life.

My best wishes to my sister-in-law across the miles on this special day, and happy thoughts to all mothers out there (including me, of course). Here's to all the laughter and tears that come with being a mom (or mum, depending on where you are). Happy Mother's Day!

19 comments:

houseband00 said...

Happy Mother's Day, Liz. =)

Hindi ako hihirit. Pwamis.

Lizza said...

Not publicly anyway. Kundi uupakan talaga kita. Pwamis. :-D

CS said...

I had a good friend who had an under two pund baby, too - took her quite a while to catch up, but she is a thriving ten year old now, and big sister to three others!

Happy Mother's Day Lizza!

Anonymous said...

Happy Mother's Day, Lizza.

[:

Liz Hill said...

Ahhhh Happy Mother's Day to you sweet Lizza and your sister in law. Such a nice post.

Smooch

Anonymous said...

There's a mothers day present waiting for you somewhere.

Anonymous said...

Ooops - I left the ' out - how careless - sorry

robkroese said...

I bet they feel like it was all worth it. Happy Mother's Day!

Anonymous said...

so pleased it turned out well for you brother and sister in law.

a big happy mother's day to you Lizza (and thanks for the phallomancy idea:-)

Lizza said...

CS: Thanks, and same to you. :-)

Kyels Thank you.

TB: Thanks! You're a sort-of-mommy, so HPM to you too. :-D

DaddyP: Haha! Thank youuuu! :-D I hope the move went well.

Diesel: I think you're right. Thanks!

Nursemyra: You're going to get the water-loving widget guy to participate in that particular knowledge-sharing mission? (Note how I try to disguise his identity so as not to agitate Mr. Dada.)

Cool! I need to buy some popcorn to munch on while watching you get into the thick of things. :-D

Anonymous said...

Eh? How surreal.

Lizza said...

Popcorn, DaddyP? *munch munch*

Bill Blunt said...

What a nice story for mother's day: and what a nice niece! :-)

Schmoop said...

Nice Post Lizza. Happy Mother's Day to you. Cheers!!

Anonymous said...

Inday, Happy Mother's Day!
(Dito samin tapos na! )

Naiyak naman ako dun sa istorya.

Ke ganda naman ng hipag mo! Kala ko si Dina Bonnevie!

penfold said...

...pass the popcorn!!! er...

Kiyotoe said...

my younger brother, Nizz was 8 weeks premature and weighed 1 pound, 2 ounces. Scary stuff for sure.

Happy Mother's Day Lovely!

Lizza said...

Thomas: Thank you! :-) I appreciate your kind words.

Matt: Thanks! It was a good day.

Nanay: Korek ka dyan, very byoo-ti-pool siya. Super bait pa.

Penfold: Okie dokie, I'll go pop a fresh batch. :-)

Kiyotoe: Thanks, dear Dragon!

Anonymous said...

she's a MIRACLE! God is so good to your sister-in-law. the first few weeks must have been very difficult for her and your brother.

belated happy mother's day, lizzie.