After a long labor and 2 hours of pushing, my first and only girlie made her entrance into our world with just one final thrust from my body.
Beautiful but not breathing as she should, Bella remained in a special care nursery for a couple days until she was flown to Hopkins' NICU where she puzzled her doctors and enamored her nurses. She appeared a giant in that NICU amidst all the preemies. No preemie, Bella was born 4 days past her due date and 2 days before Valentine's Day at 8 lbs. 5 oz.~
She came in the inconvenience of Lawrence's busy season and a rather big snow/ice storm.
But, she was a dream come true, and we willingly embrace all the inconveniences this little gift from God has since brought us.
Fierce independence likely served her that first week of life when she fought for breath and life. I must remember that when that same independence stands to drive its wedge between her and me. When filled with faith, I pray her independence will serve her in whatever God may call her to face, that it will drive her to persevere in hardships and challenges, that it will cause her to not give up when others throw in the towel, that it will win for her many mountain top experiences in this life for her good and God's glory.
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| From 2010_10 Fall fun |
Determined silliness. The girl loves to laugh, and she's got a great one. Mouth opens big when she has been delighted with life. Rather than feeling tortured when tickled, she LOVES it and nearly begs for more. "Squeeze me hard, mom" she'll say to me and then giggle long and hard when I do.
Basketballs, Barnie, shoes, swimming suits, purses, 'footie pajamas', dresses, 'footie tights', treats, pizza, pasta and princesses are a few of her favorite things.
| From Father's Day, 2009 |
Born with natural rhythm, Bella is nearly compelled to move her body whenever she hears a beat of any kind. She loves to dance and wear her leotard and tutu.
She adores when Grandma paints her nails, and there's a special twinkle in her eye when she sees her Abuelo.
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| From Bella's First Birthday Party |
My sweet Bella girl, your name means beautiful. I pray you will grow into a beautiful woman on the inside as much as you already are on the outside. Just as you wooed my heart from the moment I met you, I pray God will woo your heart and that you would know Him as your greatest treasure, better than fashion, food, friends or fun. He is worth loving with all your heart, soul, mind and strength for He has loved you with an everlasting love.
Love you, baby girl!
2 comments:
What a cutie!
It is easy to forget that our children's independence will serve them one day. But it is, after all, how God created them. I have to remind myself that my job as parent is not to break a strong will, but to shepherd it.
Wow...4 years?!? I remember those first days. God has been good, hasn't He--through it all.
I loved your prayer for your independent, strong-willed girl--my heart cries out in the same way for my kiddos.
Am sad that I've missed watching Bella grow up. Happy Birthday Sweetie.
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