Thursday, May 10, 2012

Happy Birthday to you...

I would like to tell you a story that I haven’t shared with many. My first pregnancy was a shocking surprise and I was around 9 weeks pregnant when I finally went to the doctor. My due date was May 10th. I was just nineteen and not over the moon excited. Before I even had a chance to work out my emotions, I had a miscarriage. I was almost 3 months pregnant when I lost the baby. I also lost a bit of my heart.

I had been trying for almost a year to get pregnant when we found out that there was a fertility problem with Cassandra’s dad. The doctor told us it would be miraculous if I got pregnant. We were going on vacation, but before leaving I went to this odd little novelty shop and purchased a small fertility goddess statue. I packed that along with my bathing suit.

Cassandra was conceived on that trip and I had an uneventful and joyous pregnancy. Because I was a bit overdue the doctor decided to induce me. He asked me what date I wanted and I told him I wanted to enjoy Mothers day. 

Five and a half hours after entering the hospital, Cassandra was born. It was at 2:34 PM on May 10th. 

My heart is whole.


 To celebrate Cassandra's 32nd Birthday
I made her this vintage Journal.

 I used Prima Printery and Simple Stories Documented paper lines.

 Each page has space for her to record a memory of the year.

 Adding them all up equals 32.

I used Washi Tape, Jenni Bowlin, Melissa Francis and 7 Gypsies. 

To see more of her Birthday Journal please visit my YouTube channel

Do you have a special story about birthdays, births or miracles? Please do share! 

21 comments:

  1. This is such a great story! Thanks for sharing! I've lost two pregnancies in the past year - one ectopic, one miscarriage. It's difficult no doubt, but I'm so happy that you kept trying! Your daughter is sure to adore that journal!

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    1. Oh, dear Melissa, my heart weeps for you. Please know that miracles do happen and that I will be keeping you in my prayers. Send me an email - I'd love to get to know you.

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  2. This is *gorgeous*!! I was 12 weeks pregnant when i went for my first ultrasound. The tech didn't say anything at first, but when she did, she began telling us what she was looking at on the screen. As she was talking, she mentioned that there was a 'partition, and over here, on this side...*there's another baby!* Congratulations, you're having twins!!' I laughed outright at her- I was surprised and shocked there could be two little beans growing in there- and my dh--he cried. Of course, our twins *are* our miracles, but his reaction to learning about them is dear and precious to me. Thanks for sharing this!!

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    1. Alison, thank you for sharing your miracle story. Your babes are lucky to have such a special daddy.

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  3. OMG, another teary-eyed comment from me. You are one incredible lady, Ellen. I hope one day to be able to give you a great big hug. You inspire me, you fill my heart with joy, most of the time, you make me laugh. Thank you for such a wonderful post, from a wonderful mother. I know your daughter will cherish this beautiful gift. ((hugs))

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    1. Girlfriend, if you ever come to Los Angeles, I promise to give you that hug! You are one of the sweetest ladies I know! HUGS!!!

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  4. I love this story! Congratulations on 32 years of motherhood. :)

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    1. The funny thing is that it seems like only yesterday she was a baby. Do they ever stop being our baby? Happy Mother's Day Cindy!!

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  5. Happy Birthday to Cassandra and Happy Mother's Day to you!!!

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  6. Just watched the youtube video. LOVE your mini and I'm sure Cassandra will treasure it.

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    1. Pdrnc, as always, thank you for your lovely comments. You are so sweet and I wish you had a blog so that I could follow your journey. Sending tons of hugs your way!!!

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  7. Great post today! I had two miscarriages and was told I would never be able to carry a baby full term. Well the doctors were wrong! I now have four!! They are a blessing to me and they are my miracles...happy birthday to your miracle! Beautiful project~

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    1. Four cheers for miracles!! Happy Mother's Day!!

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  8. Happy Birthday to Cassandra! Thanks for sharing a story and for the reminder of how lucky I am to have conceived 2 perfect children. Every time I read about someone else's pregnancy struggles it makes me feel guilty for trying to prevent pregnancy, especially since I've been having that itch to have #3 for the last 2 years.

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    1. Nichole, yes, your children are perfectly adorable and wishing you a wonderful Mother's Day!! BTW one of my biggest regrets was not having more children - just saying...

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  9. Great story to share! I was told I would never be able to conceive children- and I am now 30 weeks into my second pregnancy. I am thankful every day for my beautiful 2 year old boy and the baby growing inside me. Birthday wishes to Cassandra and I hope you have a great Mothers Day too!

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  10. Chicken, Congratulations on the new babe and wishing you a beautiful Mothers Day!

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  11. Thanks for sharing such a special part of your life. This book is as special as I'm sure Cassandra is! She must be wonderful if she is your daughter. Happy Birthday Cassandra and Happy Mothers Day Ellen xx Michelle

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  12. WoW, this is gorgeous
    Thanks for the sweet comment on my blog. Your work too is outstanding
    Have a wonderful weekend !!!

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  13. Oh goodness, your story pulled at my heart strings and I'm sorry for your loss. I was 25 when I got the extremely unexpected news that I was expecting. I was also not over the moon excited. In fact, I was horrified. I still feel a twinge of guilt for feeling that way.

    Happy Birthday to your daughter and Happy Mother's Day to you! I know she will love that gorgeous album!

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  14. Wow this is beautiful she will treasure it.....

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