National Adult Literacy Database

September 20, 1999

The following story was written by April Tran, from Edmonton, Alberta. April is a creative thinker with a wonderful sense of humour who attended the B.O.O.K.S.(Books Offer Our Kids Success) and LEARNING AND READING PARTNERS programs of Prospects Literacy Association in order to help her children with literacy skills.

The Youngest Baby in my Family - the Story of Elise

by April Tran

Finally, I made a choice to give another gift of life after miscarrying the third pregnancy. Dr. Huynh Suong confirmed the test on Mar. 25, '94.

From Mar. 30, '94, the pregnancy became overwhelming. I had been vomiting and felt gaseous all day. Each morning was a nightmare for me; as soon as I opened my eyes I could sense the rest of the day ahead; otherwise, sleeping would save me from dealing with all agonies. Nothing could stay down, even water. I was too weak to sit up, watch T.V., read or write or even talk to myself.

Throughout the critical time, I always wanted to record my exact feeling and to share with other mothers who were in the same boat. I fulfilled my wish for tons of reasons.

I was hospitalized at the Royal Alex from April 21, '94 to April 29, '94 and from May 6, '94 to May 12, '94 consuming at least 40 bags of I.V. and lots of Gravol. Although I had no interest in food, especially rice which used to be my favourite, I managed to "top up" 45 lbs. (from 101 lbs. to 146 lbs.)

After the first trimester, I lost 8 lbs. (from 109 lbs. to 101 lbs.) and had no problem taking it back. Somehow my belly looked like a "hyper" air-filled balloon. Everyone kept asking if I carried twins. During my last trimester standing and walking wasn't easy for me since I felt as if the baby was going to slip through.

On Nov. 18, '94 at 3:03 a.m., I was awakened by mild contractions which became more intense later. At 3:31 a.m., after taking a shower I had toast and a glass of milk for breakfast to prepare myself for the last destination. At 4 a.m. I woke up Thao, Tinh and Minh, and called my sister Tuyet at 4:15 a.m. to look after Thao and Tinh. We arrived at the Royal Alex at 5:15 a.m. Finally, at 6:30 a.m., baby Lam (Elise) completer her nine months journey to the world.