Celebration of Life:  Baby Dalton's Story written by Jacqueline Lear and Kim Lear Hi, my name is Jacqueline Lear and I am 42 years old.  I'm writing this story because I am a first time mother.  This story begins with choosing the best OB/GYN doctor - I consulted with friends and family members and they referred me to the Adler Center.  My initial visit to the office was in October 2004 to get the final result of a pregnancy test that proved to be positive; I was going to be a mom. Not having experience in the field; there was going to be a lot of questions because this was a whole new life that was forming in my womb.  I had a few symptoms such as extreme tiredness.  I left the office with my blue baby bag filled with information on pregnancy and my card they had given me to record all of my stats.  My second visit was in November and I got to hear my baby's heartbeat for the first time. I wish to thank my mother, Arlene, for lending her support and for being by my side every step of the way (she accompanied me to every doctor's visit) and also to my entire family, my sister Kim, and my brothers Keith and Jeff.  On my third visit I had the option of a CVS or amniocentesis test; I chose to have the amniocentesis.  Being of advanced maternal age this test could rule out some abnormalities with the baby. Everything checked out to be normal.  The measurements were recorded in my report.  I did not receive pictures from a sonogram until May 20th, having received 3 profiles.  I continued with my monthly routine checks weighing in and requesting to see all of the midwives from the Center.  As time moved on questions were asked if I had any swelling and if there was movement of the baby.  As I didn't gain too terribly much weight, I sustained the range of 18-25 pounds.  As I approached near my half way mark 4 1/2 months - my pregnancy was getting closer to the big day.  By my last office visit I had met the entire staff.  In my ninth month I was told that I could give birth 3 weeks before due date or 2 weeks after.  I began my weekly non-stress tests for monitoring the baby. While not realizing how the contractions would feel, I experienced them at my home at midnight on June 6th.  I went to the hospital on June 7th and I was told that I dilated to 3 centimeters and that I was to be admitted. Sara Pinkman, CNM estimated the baby would be born that evening around 5 pm.  (Note my appointment to be induced was June 8th.)  I was then asked in labor and delivery if I would like the epidural and I gently replied, “Yes, please”.   Do you know after hours in labor I had given birth to a healthy baby boy named Dalton Edward arriving at 9:34 pm on June 7th and he weighed in at 8 lbs and 2 ozs and 20 1/4 in length. I want to thank the friendly, professional staff of the Adler Center for all of their guidance, expertise and support in making my safe and speedy delivery such an experience and a miracle for the gift from God above.