JASON + MICHELLE + 5: September 2009

When my brother, Joe, called on Saturday night to tell me his daughter, Emily, was born at their house, I really thought he was joking. What a crazy way to be born into this world! Michelle's due date was September 27th. She went to lunch with her mom & sisters and wasn't feeling too great. They told her it was Braxton Hicks. Then she drove home to Tooele and went to a Scentsy candle party still not feeling too great with lots of back pain. When she came home at 7:00 pm, she told Joe she was in a lot of pain. They timed the contractions and they were only 2-5 minutes apart. They called LDS Hospital who told them to come in. Poor Michelle was in so much pain that she begged Joe for a blessing. Joe blessed her that her pain would be alleviated and as soon as the blessing was over, her water broke and the baby was crowning. Joe called 911 and was instructed on how to deliver the baby. Before the ambulance came, Emily literally fell onto the bathroom floor and wasn't breathing. The 911 dispatcher instructed Joe on how to clear the liquids and help her take her first breaths. Luckily, a police man showed up and Joe was covered in blood. They had several neighbors walk to their house wondering what had happened. Joe said, "I'm covered in blood because my wife just had her baby. I promise I didn't murder her!" I'm sure it was quite a sight. Then the ambulance took Michelle & baby to the nearest hospital (in Tooele).

Emily was transported to Primary Children's hospital because she was having difficulty breathing at about 4:00 am on Sunday, 9/13/09. They still have to confirm it by blood tests but she most likely has Down's Syndrome. Joe & Michelle just found out that her heart valves aren't connected so she'll also need heart surgery when she's about 6 months old.

The sweetest thing is hearing about Aaron, their 3 yr old son, talk about his sister. He's been telling them the past few months that when Emily is born he is going to protect her. I really feel he has known that Emily is a choice, special spirit. I am so grateful for the knowledge that we have that these special, choice spirits just needed to come to earth to receive a body. I'm sure our entire family will be blessed by knowing Emily.

Joe & Michelle have had an emotional rollercoaster this pregnancy. From the 1st ultrasound, they noticed some heart defects. They were sent to a heart specialist at Primary Children's. Ashley & Abbey prayed & prayed that Emily wouldn't die and her heart would be healed. It's truly amazing how many prayers were offered in Emily's behalf.