Today is the day that you entered this world, it was a day of disappointment and some cautious expectations. I had wanted my delivery with you to be so different from Oliver's. I had done a lot of research during my pregnancy and was hoping for a VBAC with you. That was not to be, nor never will. I knew the moment my water broke that you would be coming soon, but not that day, mother's intuition I guess. We had a rough go of trying to keep you in and baking a bit longer. You did surpass your brother with time on the inside and that was good. I often wish that you would have stayed put a lot longer. Your father and I were sad and frightened that you were coming early, but we were not as terrified as when Oliver was born. You see we were given a choice this time: proceed with a c-section in about two hours or wait and see if my labor would stop and potentially be placed in yet another emergency delivery where no one is ready for you. We debated for awhile about what to do, it isn't easy making the decision to end a pregnancy so early and not knowing what kind of shape you would be in. You father and I decided that we would prefer to have everyone in place and ready for you and be able to stabilize you as quick as possible. Soon enough I was in the OR and we were waiting to get word that you had arrived, I saw a NICU nurse walk quickly from the room with a bundle of blankets in her arms, your father left me to be with you. I waited what felt like forever to find out how you were and more importantly if Oliver was going to have a brother or a sister! The NICU staff brought you back into the OR so that I could see you, it was a quick hello and I got to touch your tiny hand before you were whisked away. Your father and Grammy went with you to watch you get settled in your new home. It was reported back to me that many of the NICU nurses that welcomed you remembered Oliver and that made me feel comforted a bit.
After I was able to leave recovery I was taken to the NICU to see you, it was nice to see you so soon afer you were born. You were pretty banged up and swollen from not having any fluid for a week. It took your face a day or two to pop back into place after the CPAP mask was removed. You were feisty from the time you were born and your doctors and nurses often commented that you were acting like a much older baby than you were. After meeting you and getting to know you I know now that you will do what you please and will not be swayed. You were amazing to watch grow in your fish tank. You never needed oxygen and you thought your caffeine was for the birds. I was surprised that you never pulled out your tubes like your brother.
Due to your stubborn streak you almost got to stay in the NICU a few extra days since you did not think you needed to drink from a bottle, you just wanted to nurse thankyouverymuch. You also struggled with your car seat test just like your brother. We could not believe it when you failed that test the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd times. I wanted to cry at the ridiculousness of it, You were so much stronger than your brother, we thought you would pass with flying colors. Your night nurse, Meg, was starting to get a complex about you not passing. I would pace the halls of the hospital in the middle of the night because I could not just sit in the room with you counting the beeps on the alarm and waiting out that 90 minutes. The 4th time was the charm for you and we got to bring you home on April 2, the week of Easter. From the time I knew I was pregnant with you, Easter was my goal. I had hoped and prayed that you would stay in that long, once you arrived I hoped and prayed that we would be home by then.
You are not shy to let your wishes be known and loudly tell everyone what you think about things. You are your own person with your own opinions. You an not a child who enjoys going to other people. You have a strong preference to be with your mom, this has been a challenge since there are two very young children in this house. I wore you most days, both for the bonding and so that I could take care of Oliver. Your Grammy and Aunt Debbie have often told you that they are not afraid of you as they hold you while you scream at the injustice of someone besides your mom holding you.
Your brother has loved you from the time you came home. He cuddles you each chance he gets. He often asks about you and calls to you "Anna, Anna". Each morning he likes it the best if you go into his room and wake him up. Both of you love to play in his bed. You think that he is hilarious as he runs around the house. You are able to let him know when he has been in your space too long, but that does not usually cause him to leave you alone. He is very happy that you are crawling now, so that he can drive his cars and trains under your tummy, you usually get knocked over in the process. You usually retaliate by pulling his hair.
You love to pet the dogs, but you get a bit rough with their ears so they do not stay near you very often. They do hang around both you and your brother during meals since there is usually food raining down on them. You love it when you hold out your chubby baby hand to have them lick off the food. Don't worry we wash your hands after that!
You tell me often that you are a big girl and want to do the things your brother does. You now have to have a cup of milk with your meals just like his. You are a much more selective eater then he is but you never turn down Cheerios and graham crackers. You are still a tiny peanut so I do wish you would eat more, but you are slowly growing.
You are as much of a fish as Ollie. You love to take baths and have been in the pool several times. Most recently you watched your brother go down the slide into the pool and let your Grammy and I know that you wanted to do the same. You love the slide and climbing in and out of the water.
I hope that you always hang onto your strong personality as it will serve you well when you are older. But, please let your father and I guide you without too much resistance.
We love you very much sweet girl. Happy birthday!
With love,
Mommy
