Happiest Birthday to my Little Love!

What a day this has been!  I am a little bit emotional, a lot a bit emotional, actually.  My kid’s are reading the Harry Potter books right now and the title to the first chapter of the first book keeps going through my mind, but slightly altered…..

The Girl Who Lived…..

There have been so many days when I didn’t know if we would see this day.  One year of life.  What an accomplishment, little one!

My sweet girl who has been through so much.  Who has fought so many battles.  Who fights daily, even today…  My sweet girl who defies all the odds.  Who has no prognosis.  Who gets a new diagnosis every time we go to the doctor, it seems – including two days ago.  Sigh.  My sweetest girl.  You have taught me so much – about love, about strength, about courage, about hope.  I love you, my Bella.  Happiest birthday!  May there be many, many to follow. 

Today my thoughts have been with Bella’s birth parents.  One year ago a lot was going on.  Our sweetest girl was born with fetal hydrops.  She was born early.  Her birth weight was 7 pounds, 11 ounces (my birth weight, by the way).     When they were done draining the fluid from her body, they used 4 pounds as her weight.  I don’t have a picture of her at birth.  I can’t imagine what her little body was doing then.  But I have a small inkling from all of her struggles since then.   My heart is full for her parents and all they were going through.  My heart is full of gratitude for all the doctors and nurses at Saddleback Memorial Hospital that loved her and kept her alive.  I am grateful for all the doctors, nurses, fellows, residents, CNAs, EMTs, paramedics, medical supply companies, and people that keep my baby alive every day.

Bella, you are a jewel!  You teach me so much every day.  How I love you my dear sweet baby!

Meeting my little love in January……

My sweetest girl today….and her cards and balloons…..

We love you Arabella!  Happy 1st  Birthday!