My name is Lydia. I am 25, living in North Texas, and have been married since July 2006. We have 3 wonderful puppies - who don't know they are dogs. I have a history degree with a minor in political science.

Our son Kael was stillborn May 3, 2007, at 35 weeks. We got the autopsy report back - they are just calling it a cord accident; his cord was hyperspiraled.  However, my placenta was also very small and Kael was undersized (although the specialist was impressed that he was able to get that big in that placenta), so we are now concerned about intrauterine growth restriction. There is a good possibility that future pregnancies will turn out well now that we know what to look for, but it may mean that I have to have all the babies I want very quickly and they may be a few weeks preemie.  

Braedyn Zane was born 3/27/08 after 15 hours of labor. He was 7 lbs 1 oz and 20 inches long. Since he was born at 37 wks and is a little small, we have weight gain challenges that have to be met by extra feedings and supplementation, but other than that he is an incredibly laid back baby. I am sure his big brother is very proud.

Maeson Avery was due on July 8, 2010, but grew wings on December 14, 2009 at 10 weeks gestation. It appears that Maeson stopped developing between 5 and 6 weeks. This baby is a bit of a surprise, but still a blessing.

Baby #4 is due on Feb. 1, 2011. I am sooooo sick this time, so maybe it will be a girl ;). This will be our last pregnancy regardless of what happens. My doctors have been suggesting (and are now directly saying) that my body can't handle many more pregnancies based on the way it reacts to them. If things don't go well, my husband and I may go into the foster care system with the intent of adopting - we just feel like we have a lot of love left.

I am very passionate about breastfeeding and am a La Leche League leader in my town. I think every woman should be informed about the benefits of breastfeeding and have all the information and support she needs to breastfeed. However, I realize that this is a very personal decision and that breastfeeding just doesn't work for every mom. I also try to live in as chemical-free a home as possible, and opt for foods closer to their natural state as possible.