Although Miriam's kidneys were not functioning correctly, my pregnancy progressed just like a normal pregnancy would. Our little girl grew, moved around and had a strong heartbeat just like a healthy baby would. My doctors decided that they would induce labor around the 36th or 37th week before the baby got too big. As I came closer and closer to the 36th week, I began to feel excited because I knew that I would be meeting my daughter soon. I also felt scared because I had no idea of what would happen once she was born. I spent the time that I had left with her thinking of certain things that I wanted done when she was born, singing to her, talking to her and making sure that I was eating right. Then when I was at exactly 35 weeks, I called the hospital. I had noticed a slight discomfort in my lower abdomen the day before, but I didn't think anything of it until that day when it became more painful. They had me come in right away. We arrived at 5:00 pm. I was checked out and admitted. Our little angel, Miriam Sophia, was born the next day, Dec 17, at 10:03 am. She was so beautiful. She was big for being 5 weeks early. She weighed 6 lb 6 oz and was 20 inches long. She had a lots of brown wavy hair, dark blue eyes, and the sweetest cheeks. She was able to cry a little before they had to put in a breathing tube. My husband made sure that they got her feet and hand prints, and then they brought her to me. I couldn't believe how pretty she was. Her doctor told us that she was not doing very well, her lungs were not working properly. Then, everyone left the room so we could have some time alone with her. I don't know how much time passed before they came back. Miriam was steadily declining. We had the doctor remove the breathing tube. Once again, we were left alone with her. As I held my precious baby in my arms she quietly slipped away. A little later a nurse came in to check Miriam's heartbeat, which I knew she would not find. Then my family came in. We all looked at Miriam, studying her face and her little hands, trying to decide who she looked like. Pictures were taken as my husband and I held her. And then they had to take her away. My nurse told me that she would bathe Miriam and take some pictures for us and then she would bring her back in one more time. I'll always remember the last time I held my baby. I treasure the pictures that my nurse took, they are so beautiful. My husband and I are slowly recovering from our loss. And even though loosing our precious angel has been so painful, we thank God for giving us the opportunity to love her.

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