Ariel

Ariel graduated high school in June 2010 and met her husband in August 2010. They were engaged four days after they met. When they were together for five months and Ariel was 18 years old, she found out that she was pregnant. They were so scared. It wasn't just the early pregnancy that frightened the couple, it was the fact that there were potential health risks involved.

 

Ariel has a rare medical condition called AnHidrotic EctoDermal Dysplasia. It affects her hair, her teeth, her sweat glands, and her ability to breastfeed. She has sparse hair, six of her own teeth, and does not sweat enough to cool herself down. Due to her condition her family was very concerned for both her and the baby. This caused her to be at outs with her extended family for most of her pregnancy. She only had about five family members that were there for her unconditionally throughout her pregnancy. 

 

Childbirth is difficult with Ariel's condition due to the tension from contractions causing her to get easily overheated. Also, if her baby was a girl there was a 50/50 chance that she would inherit her mother's medical condition. If her baby was a boy there was an 85/15 chance, 85% he would have it and 15% he would not. Her family was very worried. 

Ariel went to the doctor to determine how far along she was and they figured her due date to be August 18. This was a week before her late father's 60th birthday. She lost her dad when she was eight years old so they knew it was fate for her baby to be born around it's grandpa's birthday. 

On April 7, 2011 they went in to find out the gender of the baby. They found out they were expecting a little boy. Upon this news Ariel's mom cried and everyone's first thought was "what if he inherits the condition?" Everyone had been hoping for a girl but Ariel knew in her heart it was a boy.

Newborn Aidan and Daddy

The rest of Ariel's pregnancy went smoothly. On August 15, 2011 (9:51 am) at just 19 years old, Ariel welcomed her baby boy Aidan Dennis Alan Paul into this world. (Dennis Alan is in honor of Ariel's father.) He weighed 7 pounds 9.5 ounces and was 20.5 inches long at birth. Aidan was born three days early, just ten days before his grandpa's birthday.

Ariel and 4-month-old Aidan

As far as anyone can tell Aidan does not currently show signs of possessing Ariel's medical condition. This is a blessing for Ariel because there was an 85% chance he would inherit it.

Ariel says Aidan is her perfect little miracle and he is thriving in life.