Myla and Michael Dixon of Bunker Hill always knew they wanted a large family. Recently, after a couple of false alarm runs to Saint Anthony’s, they gave birth to Carsen, baby number 10, on the road to their dream family.
In addition to his parents and grandparents, Carsen was welcomed to the world by his siblings: Darcy, 14; Michael, 12; Joel; 11; Malea, 10; Kirby, 8; Keaten, 7; Livyanna, 5; Leena, 3; and Jayden, 22 months.
The Dixons, of Bunker Hill, are well aware that most American families have only two or three kids, but say that with both of them being from large families, they knew early on that they wanted several children. Michael is from a family of seven and Myla, from a family of five. “My grandmother also had 10 children and adopted four,” Myla recalls.
Their growing family has meant lots of interaction with the OB physicians and staff of the Women’s Pavilion at Saint Anthony's Health Center, where all the children were born. For years, Myla’s doctor, Dr. Joyce Albi, a longtime OB/GYN, delivered their first eight; Dr. Christine Taylor was her physician for Jayden’s birth and Dr. Sara Cannon delivered Carsen.
“I feel very fortunate to have Dr. Cannon as my OB/GYN at this time. She was extremely patient and willing to be open to my input. Her attitude and manner of dealing with me as a person, and not just another patient, is just the kind of doctor we need in this area,” she said.
The family and staff have gotten to know each other well over the years.
“I know most everyone up here (Saint Anthony’s Women’s Pavilion). Over the last fifteen years, Cheryl, Laura, Mary, Wanda, Barb, Paula, and Marge have cared for me. We’ve developed much more than a patient-nurse relationship,” Myla said.
The last delivery was a little tricky for the family. Myla and Mike made three trips to the hospital, since February 23. Each time they thought Carsen’s arrival was imminent. Finally, on March 8, he arrived and joined the family of eager siblings who had been waiting for him. Darcy, Michael, and Malea were on hand for the joyous event. The family is close and it was Darcy’s third time to be at the hospital to greet her newest sibling.
The children are home schooled and the Dixons say, “They are all good kids.” With help from the grandparents, Mike and Myla are able to enjoy their large family and can’t imagine anything different. They attend church at Saints Peter and Paul. Any outing is a family event. They have been to Disney World twice.
“Of course, one day, we hope to travel when no one is still in diapers,” Myla jokes.
The couple, married 16 years on July 27, renewed their wedding vows last year and believes they’re able to manage their family because of the commitment and communication between them.
“Family is the most important thing and communication between the parents must be a priority. We’ve been blessed with the children and discipline has never been a problem because of that. Rules and standards must be set and questions about children and family should be discussed and determined early in the relationship,” she said.