It is a moment of immense joy and excitement when a new member joins the family. The birth of a child is a special occasion that is often celebrated with great enthusiasm. However, not all births receive the same level of celebration and attention. In some cases, the arrival of a daughter may not be as widely celebrated as the arrival of a son. This can be disheartening for parents, especially when they were expecting equal joy and congratulations.
Challenging Gender Bias
In today’s society, it is disheartening to witness instances where gender bias still persists. While progress has been made towards gender equality, there are still instances where the birth of a daughter is not celebrated as much as the birth of a son. This bias can be deeply frustrating and hurtful for parents who were expecting equal joy and congratulations regardless of the gender of their child.
Embracing Equality and Joy
It is important for us, as a society, to challenge and overcome these biases. Every child, regardless of their gender, deserves to be celebrated and welcomed into the world with open arms. The arrival of a daughter is just as special and significant as the arrival of a son. Parents should be able to experience the same level of joy and congratulations, regardless of the gender of their child.
Cherishing the Gift of Parenthood
Parenthood is a precious gift that should be cherished and celebrated without any biases. The love and joy that a child brings into a family are immeasurable, and it is essential to recognize and appreciate this regardless of the gender of the child. Every child is unique and has the potential to bring happiness and fulfillment to their parents’ lives.
Spreading Love and Acceptance
Let us come together as a society and spread love, acceptance, and equality. By celebrating the birth of every child, we can create a world where gender biases are challenged and overcome. It is time to embrace the arrival of daughters with the same level of enthusiasm and congratulations as we do for sons.
Conclusion
The arrival of a child is a momentous occasion that should be celebrated with equal joy and excitement, regardless of the gender of the child. Let us challenge gender biases and embrace the arrival of daughters with open arms. Every child deserves to be celebrated and welcomed into the world, bringing love, joy, and fulfillment to their parents’ lives.
Eliza Bahneman
When little Bella was born on October 25, 2018, our lives changed forever. She surprised us by arriving a few weeks early, but what surprised us even more was that she was one of the rarest gems we could find. This is our story.
A Rollercoaster of Emotions
“‘We’re pregnant!’ These are the words everyone likes to hear when planning for a family.” It took my husband and me about 9 months to get pregnant, and during that time, I felt a whirlwind of emotions. From anxiety to nervousness, I experienced it all. It’s crazy how many emotions one can feel when planning to have children.
Luckily, I had the support of my sister, sister-in-law, and a couple of girlfriends who were also expecting. We were all going through the journey of pregnancy together, sharing our pros and cons. Having someone to lean on during this time was truly amazing.
The Excitement Builds
Just like any other couple, the excitement of bringing our bundle of joy started kicking in as we got closer to our due date. The nursery was perfect and ready to welcome our little one, and our families were excited to meet the newest addition. We were eager to see what traits our baby would inherit from each parent. However, I also had some worries about breastfeeding and the challenges that may come with it.
I had an amazing and easy pregnancy, despite being considered high risk due to a heart-shaped uterus (which later turned out to be a misdiagnosis). I had regular ultrasounds and prenatal tests since I was delivering Bella at the age of 35. Thankfully, everything came back normal.
A Surprise Arrival
On the evening of October 24th, as my husband was working late, I was preparing the final touches to Bella’s room and diaper bag. Little did I know that my water would break at 1:15 a.m. on October 25th, a month earlier than expected. I was frantic, as we hadn’t taken any classes and we were unprepared. But despite the chaos, we called my parents and rushed to the hospital, ready for the journey of labor to begin.
A Challenging Labor
Throughout my labor, I had to be in a specific position due to Bella’s heart rate dropping. It was nauseating and tiring, especially with the epidural and Pitocin. When it came time to push, there were complications due to the shape of my pelvis, and my OB doctor had to be called in. It was a tough 12-hour labor, but finally, Bella entered our world, weighing only 5 and a half pounds.
A Different Look
Upon her arrival, I noticed something different about Bella. Her ear was folded and she looked different from other newborns. The room fell silent, and confusion and fear filled the air. It was a moment that broke my heart. Specialists came in and out, taking notes and leaving us in the dark about what was happening.
Finding Strength in Love
As Bella was rushed to the NICU, my husband followed, and I was left alone, unable to hold my baby. It felt empty and unfair. But when I finally got to hold Bella, even just for a moment, I whispered to her that she would always be protected. It was a moment of connection and comfort amidst the uncertainty.
A New Diagnosis
After further evaluations and consultations with specialists, we learned that Bella had two possible syndromes, one of which was Treacher Collins. We researched and cried together, trying to understand what the future held for our daughter.
Eliza Bahneman
A Rollercoaster of Emotions
The following day, a decision had to be made about Bella’s condition. It was a difficult and emotional time for us, but we knew we had to stay strong for our daughter. We had to say goodnight to her and head back to our room, feeling torn and protective.
Eliza Bahneman
Love and Hope
Our journey with Bella had just begun, and we knew it would be filled with challenges and uncertainties. But through it all, we held onto love and hope. We would do everything in our power to give Bella the best life possible, no matter what the future held.
This is our story, a story of love, strength, and the power of a parent’s unconditional love.
Introduction
Welcome to the heartwarming journey of Bella, a little girl who has captured the hearts of her loved ones. Join us as we explore the challenges and triumphs of Bella’s life, filled with love, strength, and resilience.
The Beginning
Eliza Bahneman
On a fateful day in October 2018, Bella was born and immediately faced unique challenges. As her parents, my husband and I were overwhelmed with emotions, but we knew we had to stay strong for our little one. In our time of need, our friends and family rallied around us, providing the support and guidance we needed.
A Medical Journey Begins
Eliza Bahneman
Soon after Bella’s birth, we found ourselves in the midst of a medical journey. Bella was transferred to Children’s Benioff Hospital, where she would receive specialized care. As we entered the hospital, we were greeted by a team of dedicated specialists who would be by our side throughout this journey.
A Mother’s Love
Eliza Bahneman
Bella’s syndrome was diagnosed as Treacher Collins, a rare genetic condition that affects the development of facial bones. This meant Bella had to undergo her first surgery at just 7 pounds. It was a difficult time for us, but we found solace in our love for Bella and the support of our extended family.
A Home Away from Home
The NICU became our second home as we spent eight long weeks there. Despite the challenges, we were fortunate to have our parents and close friends to keep Bella company during the day. And in the evenings, I had the comfort of knowing that one of my amazing nurse friends would check on Bella while I was at home.
The Journey Continues
After months of medical care and training, we were finally able to bring Bella home. Our role as parents expanded to include that of a nurse, as we had to be prepared for any emergency situations. It was a challenging journey, but the skills we learned in the NICU proved to be invaluable in keeping Bella safe.
Embracing Life’s Challenges
Eliza Bahneman
Bella’s journey continues with multiple surgeries and ongoing therapies. She attends occupational therapy, speech therapy, and even a music class for children with hearing loss. Our normal may be different from others, but we wouldn’t change it for the world. This experience has taught us the true meaning of love and gratitude.
Finding Strength in Unity
Eliza Bahneman
Life is unpredictable, and sometimes we are faced with challenges we never expected. But through it all, we have been blessed with an incredible support system. Friends, family, clients, and even strangers on social media have become a part of Bella’s journey, making it easier for us to adapt to our new normal.
Conclusion
