We were a happy, middle-class family. Like many Americans, we owned a house and two cars. My husband and I had two young boys whom we dearly loved. I enjoyed my life, enjoyed being involved in educating our boys at home and also teaching music. But still, there was one thing I felt was missing: I longed for a daughter. As I took my daily walk one morning I suddenly felt overcome with emotion. I burst into tears, and prayed to God for the little girl that I desired so much. Unfortunately, I knew that the chances of having another baby at my age were not good; and besides this, I just wasn't sure if I could go through another difficult delivery - I'd experienced difficulties each time one of my boys were born. I decided to just keep on praying and to enjoy and appreciate the family and friends that I was so lucky to already have.

    我们家是一个快乐的中产阶级家庭 ......