Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Our Winter "ONE"der baby

What a special day it is for the Almengor family. One year ago, our baby girl entered the world. After a long labor and two hours of pushing, she came flying out in one push! The cord was wrapped around her 3 times. She was blue and not crying, but eventually, she pinked up and began to cry. Her breathing was so labored, they laid her on my belly with oxygen blowing at her mouth. I didn't even notice; I was so enamored with her beauty!

At the time, I had no idea what distress my baby girl was in, but soon learned that we would be making trips back and forth to see her in the NICU at Hopkins where she remained for the first week of her life. She just needed a little extra time to grow strong enough and brave enough to enter into our world, that being one with excitable twin brothers with which to contend.

We have thoroughly enjoyed having Bella--getting to know her over the past year. She's certainly a momma's girl but delights in the care and attention of her Papi (daddy), Abuelos, Grandparents and brothers as well. Just about the only thing she might love more than her momma is her nuk. You will rarely see her without one. She loves to dance and sings along with us in her baby babble when we sing. She does not love to nap, however, and some days lately has gone all day without one!

My earliest crawler is still not walking. She's tiny, weighing much less than the boys at a year, but she eats much better than they did/do. We still can't tell the color of her eyes, but I'm hoping they'll turn blue or at least hazel. She loves to read, will sit and page thru any book. She is still struggling with reflux and has a noticeable stridor (noisy breathing)--not sure what will come of that yet.


She's had her fair share of colds but no indication of asthma for which we are very grateful. The boys had already had their first attack by now. So far, she ony has 2 teeth on the bottom, and I wonder if she's having a harder time with teething than the boys did.


She loves to crawl up the stairs and giggles when we come after her. She loves to be tickled, and we love to make her laugh (especially Judah). She's beginning to show she's got her own mind about things--pulling off her bib and taking out her hair bands at will. She also screams and kicks when she doesn't like something...making no one doubt that she's my daughter. :)


We think she's the most beautiful girl around. There are times I am so taken by her beauty and I pray she will be as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside. I know she will grow and change so much in this next year. We don't take her life for granted. We are grateful for our little Bella--Happy Birthday baby girl!!


8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday, Bella! What a cutie! Boy do I miss seeing that sweet little face.

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday Bella! She sat in front of us with the Coleman's two Sundays ago. She was very content to play and dance. So cute. Wow, can't believe she's a year!

Donna said...

Happy Birthday, Bella. She is absolutely gorgeous...Seriously love the dark hair and her smile is great. Having a daughter is a precious gift from God. Boys are too. BUT I just think having a daughter is the most amazing gift. It really is a reflection of yourself...warts and all. Enjoy her Bri they grow way too fast. BUT adult daughters rock too!!!

Jessi said...

Awww...what a sweet post. She's precious! happy birthday Bella!!

Zoanna said...

Happy birthday, Bella! Wow, a year? Yes, her petiteness had me fooled into thinking she's only about 9 or 10 months old. Love to watch her in nursery with those little board books. It's obvious she's gonna be a happy reader. So thankful you've got a girl. They are too special for words!

Anonymous said...

Thank you for giving us a beautiful grandaughter. She looks so cute in her dress. Happy Birthday my sweetie. Hoping for the blue eyes you know but we love her just the way she is. Can't wait to see her. Love you!

Anonymous said...

I cannot believe it is a year already....i would have guessed eight months. she is beautiful. of course, when you mentioned doctor's appointment....my mind thought....oh, will #4 be announced shortly. Just the grandmother in me. Miss you, gigi

Sacha said...

Happy belated birthday Bella!! : )