Sydney Capers with son Phoenix. Sydney Capers of Springfield, 25 years old, gave birth to her son, Phoenix, last November. She was an early childhood education major in college, and nannied for special needs children. She has since worked at preschools and plans to go back to teaching once her son is ready for child care himself. Phoenix struggled in his first months and is now gaining his strength. He is attentive and stylish in the cool clothes his equally hip mother picks out for him. He doesn t smile much, preferring to offer the world a steely, critical gaze. He arrived two months early, and spent nearly five weeks at the hospital in intensive care.