Natalie turns 5!

Five years ago..Erich and I had no idea what was in store for us the next morning. He was working overnights as Police dispatcher, he was late getting off work the morning of the 17th. As soon, as he came home, I was off to school at Blue Ridge Elementary. Just before, 8 am, I was sitting in the nurses office with several of my dearest friends from Blue Ridge. As I trembled in fear, calling my husband (several times) hoping he would wake up. As I spoke to him, I couldn't hardly talk, I was able to tell him enough information about what was happening. The principal drove me to St. Luke's East. Usually a 15-20 minute drive, he got me there in 10. Every light was green. Within minutes, I was getting prepared for an Emergency c-section. Very scared for our baby. All I wanted was for Erich not to miss the birth and to be there for me. Telling me that everything was going to be okay. The school nurse drove to our house to pick him up and bring him to the hospital. What a very kind lady. Erich arrived just before the c-section. Don't remember much after that. A few hours later, they wheeled Natalie into the room so that I could see her. She was definitely a miracle...weighing only 2 lbs 2ozs. I remember wishing that I could hold her right then and there. Within (what I felt was minutes) they loaded her up into the baby ambulance and took her downtown to St. Luke's. That is where she stayed for the next 98 days. I will treasure these moments for the rest of my life. I will never forget those that were there, gave us support, prayed for us, the care she received in NICU was top notch. Four days later, I was released from the hospital, I was so excited and a bit overwhelmed, that I would finally get to see our miracle baby again.

 

Natalie 4 days November 20, 2008

1st Birthday! November 2009

One of my favorites....Natalie 17 months old meeting her preemie baby sister Eva. April 2010

Happy 2nd Birthday Natalie!

April 13, 2010 2.5 years old!

Natalie's first preschool picture. November 2011 3 years old.

Momma and her cutie pie! November 2011 3 years old

Natalie and Eva March 2012 3.5 years old. Eva was almost 2!

November 1, 2012 Natalie was almost 4 and Eva was 2.5 years old.

Natalie's preschool picture September 25, 2013 4.5 years old.

November 1, 2013 2 weeks from being 5!

Cannot believe that our little miracle turned FIVE on November 17th. She was one giddy little girl Sunday morning. She specifically asked for a pair of roller skates! I was able to get a great deal on a pair. Because she has a shunt, we were really worried about her falling when skating so we got her a bike helmet too. She loves games and puzzles! She was quite delighted to open two new games and a few new puzzles! What fun! Over the past five years, we have enjoyed watching our sweet Natalie learn and grow. She loves books, puzzles, and games. She loves playing with barbies, dolls and her littlest pet shop toys too. She loves Tinker bell and Rapunzel. I love her stories that tells us. I love that we can read her a book and then the next time she retells the book back to us! I love that has a tender heart, she cares about others especially when they are sick. She wants to make a card for them. :) She enjoys music and art! I love her creativity! She is learning to write her classmates names, lately she has been drawing pictures for each of them. Instead of me, spelling the names to her, she is writing the names all by herself. What a smart girl! I love her giggle, and her beautiful smile! I love that gets excited about the little things, like eating her favorite cereal, or making cookies,  or playing a game with her. So blessed that she has stayed healthy since her June hospital stay, no oxygen needs, at times, she has needed an albuterol treatment. Her little lungs are getting stronger. I love that she loves learning! She loves helping me with chores around the house. She will notice a mess and will offer to help clean it up. She LOVES her little sister, Eva. She talks about her wherever we go. So very blessed that Heavenly Father chose to give her to us to be her parents. Erich and I are quite amazed at how smart she is. She remembers places very well too. Happy 5th Birthday beautiful girl!

Here are a few of her birthday pictures!