Monday, August 9, 2010

Koruja Giveaway!

CONTEST IS OVER!
Congrats Canady Family!

I love bracelets.  They are easy to wear, versatile, and can dress up or dress down any outfit.   Another Etsy Shop has come forward to sponsor, yet another great handmade item.  This beautifully crafted glass beaded bracelet will work great with your casual clothes.  Wear it out on a date or even to work.   This lovely bracelet could be worn by a teen, young lady, or any lady!  This beautiful bracelet would pair up easily with denim, crisp whites, and colorful ensembles.  You can visit Koruja's Etsy Shop and purchase one of your own, or you can enter to win these FREE!  




This bracelet is 7"87 (20 cm) long. I've used turquoise glass beads, sterling silver clasp and a sterling silver jump ring. The wire is made of nylon coated stainless steel beading wire.  

Koruja is on Facebook!  Click to LIKE.





How To Enter:
  1. Visit Koruja's Shop's Etsy Shop, take a look around, come back here and leave a comment below telling me what your favorite item is in their store. 
  2. For a second entry, you must follow 2 Divas and a Wife's Blog and leave a comment telling me you follow my blog and your User ID/Tag.
  3. For a third entry, you must Tweet about the Glitzy Shop giveaway and leave a comment showing the link to the Tweet and your Twitter ID.  The link is: http://2divasandawife.blogspot.com/2010/08/koruja-giveaway.html

In order for your post(s) to be valid, you must leave an email address so I may contact you if you are a winner.  Only 3 entries, per person, per item.  You may enter 1-3 times, per rules above.  You may not enter with more than one email address or User ID.  Winner will be contacted by email and Blogmania Sponsors will contact winner for shipping information, unless specified.  I am not responsible for lost or stolen property.  I am not responsible for the condition of the item.   Contest is open to US citizens only.
 

My Blogmania Giveaway will end on September 15, 2010 and winners will be contacted on September 16, 2010.  Winner will have 3 days/72 hours to contact me.  If winner does not reply within said time frame, another name will be drawn.

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

GlitzyShop Giveaway!

CONTEST IS OVER!
Congrats Sharon!

 
If you love dangle earrings as much as I do, you will love these sweet, simple, but stylish beaded silver earrings by Glitzy Shop!  They could be worn by a tween, teen, young lady, or any lady.  These cute dangle earrings would pair up easily with denim, crisp whites, and colorful ensembles.  You can visit Glitzy's Etsy Shop and purchase a pair of your own, or you can enter to win these FREE! 



 
Dainty Turquoise Earrings

A small blue/turquoise bead hangs on silver-plated ear wires to create simple and dainty earrings.

Total length is 1.25 inches.







How To Enter:
  1. Visit Glitzy Shop's Etsy Shop, take a look around, come back here and leave a comment below telling me what your favorite item is in their store. 
  2. For a second entry, you must follow 2 Divas and a Wife's Blog and leave a comment telling me you follow my blog and your User ID/Tag.
  3. For a third entry, you must Tweet about the Glitzy Shop giveaway and leave a comment showing the link to the Tweet and your Twitter ID.  The link is:   

In order for your post(s) to be valid, you must leave an email address so I may contact you if you are a winner.  Only 3 entries, per person, per item.  You may enter 1-3 times, per rules above.  You may not enter with more than one email address or User ID.  Winner will be contacted by email and Blogmania Sponsors will contact winner for shipping information, unless specified.  I am not responsible for lost or stolen property.  I am not responsible for the condition of the item.   Contest is open to US citizens only.
 

My Blogmania Giveaway will end on September 15, 2010 and winners will be contacted on September 16, 2010.  Winner will have 3 days/72 hours to contact me.  If winner does not reply within said time frame, another name will be drawn.

Friday, July 30, 2010

Visibility Giveaway!

CONTEST IS OVER!
Congrats Canady Family!
I'm always looking for unique picture frames to display my favorite photos in.  Visibility has offered a beautifully crafted frame that is unique, stylish, and fresh.  This frame can be used horizontally or vertically, so you never have to worry that your favorite photo may not work in your favorite frame.  This frame fits the popular 4x6 size photos we all have sitting around collecting dust in our homes.  Get ready to dust off a spot on your favorite table for this colorful frame!  You can purchase your own frame from their Etsy Shop or enter to win this one FREE!

Decoupage Picture Frame - Pastel Blue, Whimsy


This frame can be displayed vertically or horizontally on a table top or hung on a wall.   It would look great in a girl's room or as a mother's day gift.  I can customize the frame with a name or phrase at no extra charge.  Convo for details.  The frame is decoupaged with beautiful paper and it is sealed for gloss and protection.   The sides are painted a corresponding blue.  Wooden picture frame holds a 4 x 6 inch photo with a glass protector.


How To Enter:
  1. Visit Visibility's Etsy Shop, take a look around, come back here and leave a comment below telling me what your favorite item is in that particular store. 
  2. For a second entry, you must follow 2 Divas and a Wife's Blog and leave a comment telling me you follow my blog and your User ID/Tag.
  3. For a third entry, you must Tweet about the giveaway you would like to enter and leave a comment showing the link to the Tweet and your Twitter ID.  The link is:

In order for your post(s) to be valid, you must leave an email address so I may contact you if you are a winner.  Only 3 entries, per person, per item.  You may enter 1-3 times, per rules above.  You may not enter with more than one email address or User ID.  Winner will be contacted by email and Blogmania Sponsors will contact winner for shipping information, unless specified.  I am not responsible for lost or stolen property.  I am not responsible for the condition of the item.   Contest is open to US citizens only.
 

My Blogmania Giveaway will end on September 15, 2010 and winners will be contacted on September 16, 2010.  Winner will have 3 days/72 hours to contact me.  If winner does not reply within said time frame, another name will be drawn.

Party People Giveaway!

CONTEST IS OVER!
Congrats Rachel!
If you are planning a birthday party or celebration for a loved one, this giveaway will really excite you!  Party People have sponsored a gift card from their Etsy Shop for $150.00!  That's right, 150 big ones!  They can make just about anything your heart desires.  Take a look at their shop and see for yourself.  You can purchase your party supplies from Party People or enter to win this fabulous gift card here, for FREE! 







Party People Etsy Shop
$150 Gift Card


Need ideas?  Here are just a few examples of what they can do with your $150 Gift Card....





How To Enter:
  1. Visit Party People's Etsy Shop, take a look around, and leave a comment below telling me what your favorite Party People item is. This counts as one entry.
  2. For a second entry, you must follow 2 Divas and a Wife's Blog and leave a comment telling me you follow my blog and your User ID/Tag.
  3. For a third entry, you must Tweet about this giveaway and leave a comment showing the link to the Tweet and your Twitter ID.  The link to the Party People Giveaway is: http://2divasandawife.blogspot.com/2010/07/party-people-giveaway.html

In order for your post(s) to be valid, you must leave an email address so I may contact you if you are a winner.  Only 3 entries, per person, per item.  You may enter 1-3 times, per rules above.  You may not enter with more than one email address or User ID.  Winner will be contacted by email and Blogmania Sponsors will contact winner for shipping information, unless specified.  I am not responsible for lost or stolen property.  I am not responsible for the condition of the item.  Contest open to US residents only.

My Blogmania Giveaway will end on September 15, 2010 and winners will be contacted on September 16, 2010.  Winner will have 3 days/72 hours to contact me.  If winner does not reply within said time frame, another name will be drawn.

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Shabby Chic Designs Giveaway!

CONTEST IS OVER!
Congrats Canady Family!

Shabby Chic Designs has offered a beautiful hand stamped sterling silver pendant with beach glass and necklace.  This necklace is so delicate and feminine, but modern and stylish at the same time.  She will stamp your name, your loved one's name, or a special word/phrase on the pendant for personalization.  You can purchase one of their designs or you can enter to win one here FREE!




 Shabby Chic Designs Hand Stamped 
Beach Inspired Teardrop w/ Starfish

A large silver brushed teardrop is the backdrop for this beachy necklace!  The teardrop pendant necklace is sterling silver with a brushed finish. Winner may choose a shiny finish as well.  

The teardrop has been hand stamped with a name and a wave like design.  Any of my font styles would be fine. I really can accommodate most names depending on how we stamp the name.  If I stamp around the edge, I can fit quite a few characters. 

The aqua chalcedony bead and the gorgeous starfish complete the piece. Don't forget the beach glass! 
 My necklaces come with a 16" chain or an 18" or 20" if that is works better.

Glass available in other cool colors! See my new baubles n' beads section for additional choices.



How To Enter:
  1. Visit Shabby Chic Designs Etsy Shop, take a look around, and leave a comment below telling me what your favorite Shabby Chic Design item is. This counts as one entry.
  2. For a second entry, you must follow 2 Divas and a Wife's Blog and leave a comment telling me you follow my blog and your User ID/Tag.
  3. For a third entry, you must Tweet about this giveaway and leave a comment showing the link to the Tweet and your Twitter ID.  The link to the Shabby Chic Design Giveaway is: http://2divasandawife.blogspot.com/2010/07/shabby-chic-designs-giveaway.html

In order for your post(s) to be valid, you must leave an email address so I may contact you if you are a winner.  Only 3 entries, per person, per item.  You may enter 1-3 times, per rules above.  You may not enter with more than one email address or User ID.  Winner will be contacted by email and Blogmania Sponsors will contact winner for shipping information, unless specified.  I am not responsible for lost or stolen property.  I am not responsible for the condition of the item.  Contest open to US residents only.

My Blogmania Giveaway will end on September 15, 2010 and winners will be contacted on September 16, 2010.  Winner will have 3 days/72 hours to contact me.  If winner does not reply within said time frame, another name will be drawn.

Unique by Rebecca Giveaway!

CONTEST IS OVER!
Congrats Canady Family!

 
Unique By Rebecca has sponsored a giveaway item for my Blogmania Event.  They have offered a pair of beautiful, handmade, sterling silver dangle earrings.  These earrings have a geometric design and can be worn day or night!  You can purchase a pair of these from their shop or enter to win a pair here FREE!



Handcrafted Sterling Silver Earrings

Very striking look...

These 1 1/4" handmade dangles feature a distinctive eye catching geometric look. Hammered 14 ga sterling silver wire is suspended from silver loop n bead ear wires to create the look. Casual enough for daily wear yet dressy enough for night. They wear extremely light!

Your earrings will arrive in a Craft gift box along with an anti tarnish zip bag for storage.

ase 131 





How To Enter:
  1. Visit UniquebyRebecca's Etsy Shop, take a look around, and leave a comment below telling me what your favorite Unique by Rebecca Design item is. This counts as one entry.
  2. For a second entry, you must follow 2 Divas and a Wife's Blog and leave a comment telling me you follow my blog and your User ID/Tag.
  3. For a third entry, you must Tweet about this giveaway and leave a comment showing the link to the Tweet and your Twitter ID.  The link to the Unique by Rebecca Giveaway is: http://2divasandawife.blogspot.com/2010/07/unique-by-rebeccas-giveaway.html

In order for your post(s) to be valid, you must leave an email address so I may contact you if you are a winner.  Only 3 entries, per person, per item.  You may enter 1-3 times, per rules above.  You may not enter with more than one email address or User ID.  Winner will be contacted by email and Blogmania Sponsors will contact winner for shipping information, unless specified.  I am not responsible for lost or stolen property.  I am not responsible for the condition of the item.   Contest is for US residents only.

My Blogmania Giveaway will end on September 15, 2010 and winners will be contacted on September 16, 2010.  Winner will have 3 days/72 hours to contact me.  If winner does not reply within said time frame, another name will be drawn.

Indenyl Designs Giveaway!

CONTEST IS OVER!

Indenyl Designs has offered a beautifully crafted pillow cover with the popular Live, Laugh, Love design... but with a twist!  Chinese characters adorn this crisp white pillow cover that will add charm and personality to any room.  You can purchase this pillow cover from their Etsy Shop or you can enter to win one here FREE!





 
Live Laugh Love Chinese Character Pillow Cover

Live. Laugh. Love. Huó. Xiao. Ài.

Add some personality to your room with this stylish pillow cover! This pillow features the Chinese characters, "Live Laugh Love" in Nature Green, Sunshine Yellow and Sweet Heart Pink.

This listing is for the pillow cover only :) Buy the insert here and get free shipping on the pillow cover: http://www.etsy.com/listing/51872509/18x12-pillow-insert-hand-made

+ Pillow cover measures 18” by 12”
+ Made from locally purchased 100% cotton textile
+ Sewn together using the highest quality thread
+ Design has a matte finish and does not change the softness of the fabric
+ Design is hand stenciled using a handmade stencil and non-toxic fabric paint
+ Envelope closure
+ Small Indenyl Designs logo on back
+ Indoor use only

Each pillow comes with a thank you card which features the Chinese characters and their translation to English along with care instructions.

Check out my shop for more designs: http://indenyldesigns.etsy.com

Care Tips: To preserve the design, spot clean only. Iron inside out on low-medium setting, avoiding the print and any embellishments. 





How To Enter:
  1. Visit Indenyl Designs' Etsy Shop, take a look around, and leave a comment below telling me what your favorite Indenyl Design item is. This counts as one entry.
  2. For a second entry, you must follow 2 Divas and a Wife's Blog and leave a comment telling me you follow my blog and your User ID/Tag.
  3. For a third entry, you must Tweet about this giveaway and leave a comment showing the link to the Tweet and your Twitter ID.  The link to the Indenyl Giveaway is: http://2divasandawife.blogspot.com/2010/07/indenyl-designs-giveaway.html

In order for your post(s) to be valid, you must leave an email address so I may contact you if you are a winner.  Only 3 entries, per person, per item.  You may enter 1-3 times, per rules above.  You may not enter with more than one email address or User ID.  Winner will be contacted by email and Blogmania Sponsors will contact winner for shipping information, unless specified.  I am not responsible for lost or stolen property.  I am not responsible for the condition of the item.

My Blogmania Giveaway will end on September 15, 2010 and winners will be contacted on September 16, 2010.  Winner will have 3 days/72 hours to contact me.  If winner does not reply within said time frame, another name will be drawn.


Fancy Cuts Giveaway!

CONTEST IS OVER!
Congrats Canady Family!

Do you love to make your little angel's clothes?  How about scrapbooks?  Maybe you like creating original, one of a kind cards.... Fancy Cuts makes original handmade appliques for your favorite hobbies!  They have offered two beautiful Confetti themed concoctions that are so yummy, you may want to take a bite out of them.  You can visit Fancy Cuts' Shop and purchase these items for $3-$4 each or you can win them both here in my Blogmania Giveaway!


CHOCOLATE CHERRY ICE CREAM CONE 

CONFETTI AND HEARTS FABRIC APPLIQUE

 

DELICIOUS CHOCOLATE CHERRY ICE CREAM CONE THAT WON'T DRIP! SEE THE CUTE CONFETTI AND HEARTS?

GREAT ON GIRLS TSHIRT, JEANS OR BABY BODYSUIT, BIB, BURP CLOTH.
USE IT TO EMBELLISH THAT ONE-OF-A-KIND SHOWER GIFT.

APPROX. 6.5" X 4" ( can be made smaller- leave me a message)


BODYSUIT (NOT INCLUDED).

COMES WITH IRON-ON BACKING UNLESS OTHERWISE REQUESTED.

YOU GET 1 ICE CREAM CONE APPLIQUE WITH HEART PLUS INSTRUCTIONS.





 EXTRA LARGE DOUBLE LAYER CHOCOLATE CUPCAKE CONFETTI 

FABRIC IRON ON APPLIQUE


COLORFUL IRON ON, DOUBLE LAYER, CHOCOLATE CUPCAKE APPLIQUE, TOPPED WITH A HEART. COMES IN 4 PIECES THAT YOU ASSEMBLE. INSTRUCTIONS INCLUDED.

APPROX. 5" X 3.5"

AVAILABLE IN LIGHT WEIGHT OR HEAVY DUTY BOND. PLEASE INDICATE CHOICE IN MESSAGE TO SELLER AT CHECKOUT.





View them online now! 



How To Enter:
  1. Visit Fancy Cut's Etsy Shop, take a look around, and leave a comment below telling me what your favorite Fancy Cuts Design item is. This counts as one entry.
  2. For a second entry, you must follow 2 Divas and a Wife's Blog and leave a comment telling me you follow my blog and your User ID/Tag.
  3. For a third entry, you must Tweet about this giveaway and leave a comment showing the link to the Tweet and your Twitter ID.  The link to the Fancy Cuts Giveaway is: http://2divasandawife.blogspot.com/2010/07/fancy-cuts-giveaway.html



In order for your post(s) to be valid, you must leave an email address so I may contact you if you are a winner.  Only 3 entries, per person, per item.  You may enter 1-3 times, per rules above.  You may not enter with more than one email address or User ID.  Winner will be contacted by email and Blogmania Sponsors will contact winner for shipping information, unless specified.  I am not responsible for lost or stolen property.  I am not responsible for the condition of the item.

My Blogmania Giveaway will end on September 15, 2010 and winners will be contacted on September 16, 2010.  Winner will have 3 days/72 hours to contact me.  If winner does not reply within said time frame, another name will be drawn.

Resa Art Design Giveaway!

CONTEST IS OVER:
Congrats SHARON!


Resa Art Design has offered these beautifully crafted Aqua Glass and Sterling Silver Earrings for my Blogmania Giveaway!  Wouldn't these look great on you?  You can purchase these earrings from their shop or enter for your chance to win this gorgeous pair for FREE!

Aqua Glass Dangle Sterling Earrings

Aqua Glass faceted briolettes dangle from Sterling Silver bails and hand forged Sterling Silver posts created by me. The blues of the briolettes catch the sun or indoor lighting for an extra sparkle from the many facets in the glass.

Briolettes are 10.00 x 8.00MM. Total earring length is approximately 1-1/2 inches.

Dainty, feminine and lightweight in sterling silver.


$50.00 USD

Thank you and have a Happy Day!

Resa S-N Wilkinson
Resa Art Design Jewelry
www.resaartdesign.etsy.com
www.resaartdesign.com - for Fine Jewelry Designs
 
http://www.etsy.com/listing/47216190/aqua-glass-dangle-sterling-earrings




How To Enter:
  1. Visit Resa Art Design's Etsy Shop, take a look around, and leave a comment below telling me what your favorite Resa Art Design item is. This counts as one entry.
  2. For a second entry, you must follow 2 Divas and a Wife's Blog and leave a comment telling me you follow my blog and your User ID/Tag.
  3. For a third entry, you must Tweet about this giveaway and leave a comment showing the link to the Tweet and your Twitter ID.  The link to the Resa Art Giveaway is: http://2divasandawife.blogspot.com/2010/07/resa-art-design-giveaway.html
In order for your post(s) to be valid, you must leave an email address so I may contact you if you are a winner.  Only 3 entries, per person, per item.  You may enter 1-3 times, per rules above.  You may not enter with more than one email address or User ID.  Winner will be contacted by email and Blogmania Sponsors will contact winner for shipping information, unless specified.  I am not responsible for lost or stolen property.  I am not responsible for the condition of the item.

My Blogmania Giveaway will end on September 15, 2010 and winners will be contacted on September 16, 2010.  Winner will have 3 days/72 hours to contact me.  If winner does not reply within said time frame, another name will be drawn.
 

Monday, July 26, 2010

My BIG Announcement:




I am so excited to announce that I am participating in the BIG September Blogmania Giveaway! My Giveaway is titled, CONFETTI.  Confetti reminds me of celebrations, accomplishments, birthdays, anniversaries, and any other joyous occasion.  It's colorful, exciting, beautiful, and unpredictable.  Just like life!


I had planned to have this post up and finished weeks earlier, but as unpredictable as Confetti, so is being a mother.  My girls are my number one priority and when they are sick, all of my energy falls to their care and needs.  Luckily, things are looking up and I can once again dedicate my time and energy back into my very first giveaway.


I will begin posting each of my sponsor's items, rules to enter, and any other details you will need to know, in order to enter the contest.  You do not have to enter to win every item, unless you want to.  My giveaway will have items for just about everyone!


The big event happens on September 15-16th, 2010! Once the winners are picked at random, I will contact them and they will have 72 hours to respond with their information.  It's that easy!!


CONTEST IS OVER!


Take a look at what is up for grabs:




Here are the items offered in my Blogmania Giveaway:



 


There are three chances to win each item in my giveaway.  Read more below on how to enter and the rules for my contest.

How To Enter:
  1. Visit each item's Etsy Shop, take a look around, come back here and leave a comment below telling me what your favorite item is in that particular store. 
  2. For a second entry, you must follow 2 Divas and a Wife's Blog and leave a comment telling me you follow my blog and your User ID/Tag.
  3. For a third entry, you must Tweet about the giveaway you would like to enter and leave a comment showing the link to the Tweet and your Twitter ID.  
  4. You must leave your comments on the page containing the item you want to win.  If you leave your comments on this page, they will be invalid entries.  Please visit each item's page above, read through the descriptions, look at the pictures, and then enter under comments.

In order for your post(s) to be valid, you must leave an email address so I may contact you if you are a winner.  Only 3 entries, per person, per item.  You may enter 1-3 times, per rules above.  You may not enter with more than one email address or User ID.  Winner will be contacted by email and Blogmania Sponsors will contact winner for shipping information, unless specified.  I am not responsible for lost or stolen property.  I am not responsible for the condition of the item.   Contest is open to US citizens only.
 

My Blogmania Giveaway will end on September 15, 2010 and winners will be contacted on September 16, 2010.  Winner will have 3 days/72 hours to contact me.  If winner does not reply within said time frame, another name will be drawn. 


CONTEST IS OVER!

Friday, June 4, 2010

Proud Mama, Day Two!

My oldest daughter had her 2nd Grade Award Ceremony this morning and I am so proud of her.  Learning comes so naturally to her and she's a born reader.  That's something she inherited from her daddy, not me!  I'm so happy that this year, she was blessed with a great teacher and was reunited with some of her friends from Kindergarten.  Last year was tough for her, since she was placed in a split class.  She's a great kid.  I can't say enough about her, really. 

She has been witness to all of Sydnie's heart procedures, surgeries, and tests.  When we go for routine tests, she sits on the bed beside of her.  In 2008, when she had her Fontan, Jenna dressed up in one of their Keith Urban t shirts to make her feel better.  She crawled up beside of her and rubbed her on her head to comfort her.  Jenna has become somewhat of a "little mama".

There are times when I feel anger and guilt for her having to witness all of the things that her little sister has to endure.  I wish that we didn't have to, but it's what we've been given.  She is a great kid!  She has so much potential and hopefully, with all she's learned from her little sister's experiences, she will grow up to do wonderful things.  I know as long as they have each other, they will be okay.  They really love each other in such a special way.

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Kindergarten Graduation!

Woo hoo!  I have an official, certified 1st Grader!  I can't believe we've made it this far.  It's surreal...  If you'd have asked me six years ago where we'd be in June of 2010, I would've busted out into tears and most likely would have thought the worst.  My little girl has fought and clawed her way to today and she walked across the stage this morning, just like every other Kindergartner to receive her awards.  I am so proud of her and all of the hard work her teacher and teacher's assistant have done this year to get her where she needs to be in order to move up to the 1st grade. 

Sydnie has really grown this year and she's gone from only being able to write her name and a few letters and numbers to being able to write sentences, read books, and do math problems.  She has learned to be a big girl, for the most part, by walking to her classroom on her own and by not missing us so much that she cries each day.  Her anxiety level has almost diminished and she only has occasional bouts of separation anxiety.  Unfortunately, today was one of those days when it showed itself.  Sydnie didn't want "mommy" to leave her when the ceremony was over. 

Most children who've experienced numerous hospitalizations, surgeries, and procedures have a tough time with anxiety and separation issues.  Sydnie has had a tough time overcoming her fears and she really misses her family when she's at school.  We are so proud of the progress she has made this year.  I know it will get better, we just have to take it day by day.  I am so thankful we had such a wonderful teacher and assistant this year for Sydnie.  They were genuinely concerned about Sydnie and her well being.  It was a Godsend to have Mrs. A and Mrs. B for Sydnie.  Thank God for great teachers!  They come few and far between!

Here we come grade "1"!

Saturday, May 29, 2010

REPOST: The Miracle of a Birthday

In honor of Heart Month and CHD Week next week, 
I am reposting this entry to share with other families...



Having a child is life changing.  Being able to create life is a miracle in itself.  Imagine having a child with a life threatening illness/birth defect.  You rethink every thought, decision, and experience you've ever had.  Being told your newborn isn't breathing properly and will likely die is life altering.  Like a movie, every moment of your pregnancy is replayed in your mind.  Did you take too many Tylenol?  Should you have had that one drink before you realized you were pregnant?  Why?  Why me?  Why her?  Why now?  Those are the questions I asked myself over and over after giving birth to an amazingly beautiful baby girl, who was critically ill and being transported to a children's hospital two counties away from me on her birthday.

I went in early that morning for a scheduled c-section, with little worry about anything other than the pain of that awful needle that would be entering my back soon.  My husband had brought himself a Mountain Dew on the way in and I sneaked a few sips while we were waiting for my room.  I felt confident in my OB's abilities.  I felt confident that I would be okay.  This was my second pregnancy and my second c-section.  I knew what to expect and I knew that as long as I had my new baby, I'd be okay.

Her birthday was May 29th, and it would end up being a hot, humid day.  I didn't get to hold her or take pictures with her.  While I was strapped to the operating table, they brought her in briefly to show me she was fine and then they whisked her back outside with her daddy by her side.  I felt good.  Everything was fine and she was fine.  Daddy got a picture with her outside in the hallway and then the nurse took her back into the room adjacent to the operating room I was in.  My OB worked on me for a while.  We'd decided that two children was our limit and I was undergoing a tubal ligation.

Once back inside of my room, I was so excited to see her.  I couldn't wait to hold her and take her picture so I could share it.  My mother would be bringing her big sister to see her later that day, with her "I'm The Big Sis" t-shirt I'd bought for her to wear.  The nurses kept telling us she was fine, she just needed some oxygen.  It was normal, considering she was born a few weeks early and the medicine from the c-section could make some babies need extra help.  Minutes turned into hours and I finally sent my husband downstairs to get lunch.  There was no reason for him to wait around.  Our baby was fine.

I should have taken more pictures.  Her birthday was a special day.  I barely remember seeing her before she was taken by ambulance to another hospital.  A small framed, awkward hospital pediatrician came into my room.  I didn't realize she would be the one to change my life.  She asked me my name and age.  I knew by her body language and tone of voice that something was wrong.  I thought maybe she was mistaken as she told me of my sick newborn.  She had me confused with someone else.  There had to be another "Smith" in the same ward.  Right?  What does she mean, she's critically ill?  She will not make it if she isn't moved to another hospital... What?  I remember turning away from her and looking out my window and feeling the pain move through my body as her annoying voice kept pounding at my ears.  It was like no pain I've ever felt before.  My heart was literally falling out of my chest and onto the floor.  That's how it felt.

How did this happen?  This was "her" birthday.  How is this possible?  I cried and cried.  I begged the doctor to please tell me it was a mistake.  I asked for her to find my husband.  She just stood there, glaring at me as if I had two heads.  I'm not sure if she had never dealt with that type of situation before or if my reaction was what stunned her.  I didn't care.  A kind nurse had heard my crying and ran into my room to scolded the doctor for telling me such horrible news, while I was alone.  The doctor left and the nurse called down to the cafeteria to locate my husband.  He immediately thought I was in trouble.  He ran back to my room to find me inconsolable.  I couldn't speak.  How could I tell him that his baby girl was gravely ill?  Who wants that job?  Thankfully, the nurse was able to explain what was going on in a kind, gentle way.

Hours went by, while the staff tried to locate an ambulance to transport my baby on her birthday to a hospital we'd never been to before.  I was so distraught, as was my husband.  I cried, he stood silent.  They asked if we wanted to see her before she was moved and we said yes.  It was brief, but it changed me.  She was in what looked like a plastic box.  An incubator.  Her little body was hooked up to all kinds of battery charged devices.  I couldn't see her very well, but I took a picture anyway.  It was blurry and the flash reflected against the wall, creating a pretty crappy picture.  We didn't have time to go back and do a redo.  They were in a hurry.  I never had a chance to hold her and tell her how sorry I was for ruining her birthday.  It was my fault, I thought.  I must have done something to deserve this.

I asked my husband to go be by her side.  There was no reason for him to stay with me, when our baby was alone and in a strange place.  He wanted to go and became my sole communication between my hospital room and hers.  She was put through all kinds of tests and then we received the news that she was missing part of her heart.  She'd been born with Hypoplastic Right Heart Syndrome or HRHS.  There were a few other issues with her pulmonary valve and tricuspid valve, but she'd need surgery immediately.  What a way to spend your birthday.  In a medically induced coma, in a strange place, and without a mother. I begged to leave my hospital, so I could be near her and my OB obliged me and sent me to the children's hospital for one night, so I could recover near her.

When I saw her again, she looked different.  She was bandaged up, bloody, and hooked to even more machines than before.  I felt the earth fall from under me, as reality hit me.  It was hard looking at her in that state, but also a miracle to see her still hanging on.  I was able to hold her soon after seeing her again.  She seemed much smaller this time and even more beautiful than before, if that's possible.  I mourned the loss of our first pictures together, her hospital picture, and having pictures of her with her big sister.  I celebrated the miracle of life, strength, and the will to survive.  She instinctively knew to fight and keep fighting.  Her spirit was strong and she would show us time and time again that she was not giving up anytime soon.

My baby girl celebrates her 6th Birthday today.  To date, she has undergone three open heart surgeries, numerous cardiac catheterizations, procedures, and tests.  She's been hospitalized twice for seizures and has had dental surgery in the hospital.  Just this past week, she came down with a viral infection that kept her from enjoying her birthday party and out of school for three days.  I took her to the doctor twice and we sat in a procedure room all day on Tuesday, getting intravenous fluids to keep her out of the hospital.  It was a miracle we didn't need to go to the hospital.  Each day, we learn something new about her.  Life would not be the same without that feisty, stubborn, quick witted, little pistol we call Sydnie. She changed our lives forever on May 29th.  It was a true miracle.  A birthday miracle.

Then and now....





We love you Sweet Pea!