Britany Zoe Flores

Well, I know it's been a while, but lets just say... I have a good excuse!

Britany Zoe Flores 

arrived on December 7, 2010 at 8:01 am!

6 pounds, 7 ounces & 19 1/2 inches long!

Britany's name means "Defender of Life". Her life story is already a breathtaking one... and she's just 3 1/2 weeks old. 

We conceived Britany at a time when we weren't planning on having a second child. She wasn't part of our plan, but she sure was a part of God's. Her conception opened our eyes to the reality that we can't control life. That power belongs to God, and God alone. And in His hands alone does it belong. 

At just 10 weeks of pregnancy, we flew across the ocean to Cape Town, South Africa to embark on the most incredible life changing experience we have ever shared as a family. At 25 weeks, we flew back to the U.S. due to circumstances beyond our control. At 31 weeks of pregnancy, I was admitted to the hospital with pre-term labor. I was faced with the reality that my baby might be born at a dangerously small size, and perhaps might not survive. I was put on bed rest for 3 weeks, a time during which I realized that every little decision I would make could effect my daughter for life. At 36 weeks, I began to develop symptoms of the dangerous disease Cholestasis (which I had during my pregnancy with Peyton... read about it HERE The more doctors research this disease, they are finding that you can have a 100% healthy baby one day, and a dead baby the next. This disease is frightening, and unfortunately awareness about it is poor at best.) At 36 1/2 weeks, I cried out to God. I pleaded with Him for the life of my baby--just as I did when I contracted the disease with Peyton--I asked Him that if I was truly developing Cholestasis if He would cause me to go into labor right away to save the life of my baby. No sooner had I said Amen, than the contractions began. Once in the hospital the doctor tested my blood levels and sure enough, I had Cholestasis. Even though I was already in labor, they broke my water to expedite the process. 3 1/2 hours later, Britany was in my arms... and her father and I were praising God for saving her life. 

Britany Zoe is now 3 1/2 weeks old and she is the light of our lives. Each time I look at her healthy, perfect form, I am reminded of a God who knit her together intricately inside my body. I praise that God for His faithfulness, His mercy and His favor toward us. 

 

Big sister Peyton is absolutely in love!!! I praise God for how He's been faithful even to her in this time. I worried (naturally) that Peyton would still feel secure in her place in our family... and in all honesty, she couldn't be a more wonderful big sister. She wakes up each morning, and as soon as she sees her new sister, she shrieks "Hi you! Hiiii!!" She calls Britany, "Momma" (haha! not sure why?!) and is always concerned about her. I've even caught her sneaking Britany some yogurt and attempting to feed her out of her doll's baby bottle! She has transitioned well to becoming a more and more independent big sister. I couldn't be a more proud or blessed mother. 

No, I haven't had a good nights sleep in weeks. No, I don't have time to do alot of the "me-things" I enjoy. Yes, I am crazy busy. Yes, I do want to pull my hair out some days. But Yes. Yes I am in love. Yes I am overwhelmed with pride and joy. Yes, I am exactly who I want to be. Yes, I am living the life I love.