HAPPY 4th BIRTHDAY JANNA MACIE!!!

Although i prepared this yesterday as you were napping, i'm posting it today on your actual birthday. Wish i could be with you and daddy this am to hug you and tell you happy birthday. Have fun at school and be good for Grandmama. i'll hug and love on you and tell you happy birthday this evening. hope you like your present i left in the den for you with your balloon. go ahead and open it and show it to daddy.
i love you! mama



WOW! Four years ago today, you were starting to wiggle and work your way out into the world. Although a scheduled Groundhog Day induction, I started labor with you that morning - God had planned your birth and He chose your delivery day as well. And after your heart rate dropped nearly out of site three times, an emergency c-section was in order. I couldn't see but they told daddy to stand up and look at your wrinkled face and dark and wild hairdo. He knew from your eyes that you had Down syndrome although we had no official diagnosis prenatally. They whisked you away and pulled daddy along too. He watched the nurse weigh you and clean you up and he snapped a few pics, after she reminded him that he was holding a camera : ). Meanwhile I was losing some red jello, after I told them and told them that anesthesia would make me sick. They finally believed me and shot something in the IV to relieve nausea. After they sewed my belly back up they rolled me to some room where I waited and waited with no legs for it seemed days while everyone else got to be with you!

It's a shame that we didn't have a digital camera when you were born but the pictures we have will always be cherished. And we even have more that need to be scanned.

You and daddy in the NICU.


Little YOU!



Pale me and beautiful YOU!



Already trying to smile - well, okay, it was probably gas.



You have had a BIG weekend full of birthday celebrations Janna. We had cupcakes and chips at school Friday during snack time and then we went to eat pizza and spaghetti. Saturday all of your family went out to eat and celebrate with you and to have cake. Afterwards we all came back home so you could open up your gifts.

Cupcakes at school with your class.



I could not believe how much you ate! After your plate of spaghetti, you ate 3 small pieces of pizza and wore some too.


]

Excited about your party but not about wearing a hat!



Warming up to wearing the hat.



At home opening birthday gifts. You love this cool book from Grandma!



Digging in!



Snuggling with your Duckie, all worn down.



You completely changed our world 4 years ago today baby girl and we wouldn't have it any other way. Yes, it has been challenging at times but we love you just as you are! You've scared us a few times with your heart issues but we know God is making you into just who He wants you to be and you are one tough gal! We love you so much and are so proud of the little girl you are becoming. We miss those baby days but it is such a joy watching you grow up. Thanks for your smiles, for your hugs and pats and for ALWAYS loving us and life itself. May God bless us with many more years to share in the joy of your life that is VERY much worth living. Happy 4th Birthday! We love you sunshine girl, mama & daddy