07/15/2006

Dearest Ellie, 

Happy Birthday, little girl!! Has it really been 6 years!?! It feels like I was just pregnant with you instead of your little sister. I remember craving rainbow snow cones, cold oranges and apples, mixed veggies over pasta, and shrimp with you. My favorite place to eat was The Rhinelander Pub…perhaps that is why you love the place so much?? It was extremely HOT that July. We had no air conditioning in the little shack we were renting, we were in the process of building our house. There is one day that stands out, due to the unbearable heat, no air in the house, and being VERY pregnant, Daddy decided to take me to the movies to enjoy some delicious air conditioning. As we were exiting the theater, the hot, humid air hit us like a brick wall. Daddy, lovingly said, "lets go see another movie" so, we saw two in a row.  I was to be induced because my doctor would be out of town and because I also had gestational diabetes. I remember waking up early and getting ready. So excited and so nervous. I knew we were to have a little girl but daddy had no clue, he wanted the ultimate surprise. We arrive at the hospital, bags in hand, and are shown to my room. I am on fire, I am so hot, so we crank the air up. I'm given pitocin and am actually having contractions on my own so, they are hoping this will go rather quickly. Because Grandma Karen and Daddy are afraid of me getting an injection in my back and possibly getting paralyzed, they talk me into saying no to the epidural. I agree to get a Nubain injection. But it does NOT take affect. The pain, was horrendous, I was quickly begging for the epidural guy. The epidural took affect in a matter of minutes, to which I replied, "I love you", after "the epidural guy" asked if I could feel anything. Although I am still having contractions, I stop dilating. I send Grandma Karen and Daddy home, since we're only about 15 minutes away, I figure I'll get some rest. But I must have some allergic reaction to the Nubain because the whole night I am vomiting…air. I had let my doctor know, that if there were to be any complications, I did not want forceps or the vacuum suction used. That I would prefer a c-section. So morning came and Dr. Sorvino walked into my room, examined me, and stated that I had not progressed past 6 centimeters and we needed to get baby out. Daddy had just arrived when they were explaining what was involved. I was prepped and away we went. 

"Here's your girl"is what the doctor shouted as they pulled you out of the incision. "We have a baby girl," daddy cried as he carressed my face. "I know," I said as I teared up.

Meeting you for the first time, completing our family

Grandpa Larry and Grandma Karen
You can blame Daddy for that red hat…Go Badgers!

Your favorite Auntie, Laura

Big cousin, Alex

Big cousin, Emily

Because Papi had a cold, he and Tita were unable to make it. They didn't meet you until fourteen days later.

Tita, holding you with Grandma Karen

Papi, holding you with Grandpa Larry

You are strong willed, cautious, creative, sensitive, caring, wanting to make everybody happy, a great protector to your younger siblings, a bit of a narcissist, performer, loving, a little mama to Evie, a big helper, a dancer when nobody is looking, teller of knock knock jokes, and you make up your own songs- a way of knowing you are happy, is that you sing this unique little song. You are a child of God, a wonderful daughter, grand daughter, big sister, niece, and cousin. You have to hold Pooh's hand when you cuddle and fall asleep. You love being a big sister. You live for  family time. You have a passion for flowers. You love Barbies. Adore Disney Princesses. You are getting into American Girl. You are starting to watch movies with live actors instead of just animation. If a movie is somewhat scary, you run to mama's room and peek around the corner. You have said, in the past, "close your eyes!", to mama or daddy, covering our eyes, when a scary part comes up, instead of closing your own eyes. Your favorite colors are pink and purple. Your favorite place to eat is The Rhinelander Pub. You love popsicles. You believe in fairies, mermaids, wishes coming true- especially if you wish as you blow on "wishing flowers" ( dandelions ). You believe in happily ever afters. You can't wait to go back to Disney World or Mall of America. This year, you love swimming in the lake. You enjoy crafts. Letting me style your hair and polish your nails. You are wanting to wear makeup. Gone are the dimples in your hands, that chubby baby face has thinned out. You are getting taller and leaner. You have lost five teeth, three on the bottom and your two front teeth. Since starting school, you have matured so much. You are growing up so fast, right before my eyes. I'm afraid to blink and miss anything. You have taught me patience, the power of love, that I will do anything to protect my children. I have learned so much from being your mama.  I thank God that you are ours. My sweet, sweet little girl, I love you so very much. More than you'll ever know. I pray that you are always happy, healthy, and safe. Don't ever change, Ellie. You are a wonderful, delightful, beautiful little woman and it has been a privilege and honor to be your mother.