5 years ago today...

...my precious daughter, Katelyn, was born! At this time 5 years ago I was at the hospital, surprised and happy to find out that my baby was going to be born that day, April 2, 2005! Her due date was 13 days away so we were not expecting things to happen so early. I was very excited because we did not find out, before the birth, if she was a boy or a girl, and now I would finally know. Of course we would have been happy either way, but when she was born and Chris cried, "It's a girl!", I felt so blessed to have this tiny beautiful daughter. I guess she really wasn't all that small at 7 pounds, but she was so petite and sweet. Plus, after having 9 pound Zachary, she was small to us!! LOL! She had a ton of dark brown hair and everyone said she looked just like her mama. (:

During labor and after her birth, she had some irregular heartbeats and had to taken to the special care nursery. It was a scary time. I had in my mind how the birth would go and EKG's and heart monitors were not in the story line. But once again, God took care of us and after a few hours, her heart stabilized and I was able to bond with my little girl. I had visions of all the things we'd do together, playing dress up and decorating everything in pink. I had hopes that we'd be close like my mom and I are, and being able to share all those special mother and daughter moments.

Over the years, she's come to mean that and so much more to me. I delight in watching her grow and learn and develop her unique personality. She is such a girly girl yet she can wrestle with her brothers like the best of them. She definitely has her feisty side but is also sensitive and nurturing. She loves to play with Luke and help out however she can. Ever since she was a baby she been a cuddler and loves to be with people. She is happy just to sit on your lap (I love that she still wants to do that!) and talk about whatever comes to mind.

When I hold Katelyn, I feel so thankful to have her. I when I look at her, I see myself, as well as someone so uniquely her own. When I talk to her, I hear a funny, smart, happy little girl. I can't imagine my life without her. What a blessing it is to be her mom!

This is what I wrote in my journal the day after she was born:

...The first time I saw you, I felt unspeakable joy! When you were born and they said you were a girl, I felt like I was in a dream! A daughter! I couldn't believe it. All I could do is cry tears of joy. All the pain and fear left and I just felt love and happiness. I didn't get to see you right away because they had to check you out, but when I finally held you in my arms, I thought my heart would burst. It was the best feeling in the world.

Happy Birthday, Peanut! I love you!