Sakes Alive, my girl is FIVE!

Yep, that's right... My Maegan is 5 years old today! In fact, at this very moment 5 years ago, I was in the OR being prepped for a c-section 58 hours after being hospitalized for an induction. Yes, I said 58 hours (52 of which I did without an epidural). At 10:42 pm she was born, and I got to see her just a moment after that. She was so cute and so mad. I don't remember much after that first glance. I didn't see her again for over an hour, as I passed out while they were sewing me up, and I did not wake up until I was in my recovery room. It was so funny, I could hear my mom saying, "Should we be worried that her blood pressure is so low? Shouldn't it be coming up soon." And I started opening my eyes and I could see my mom and dad, my sister, my brother and his girl friend, and then I saw Matt standing beside me. Just a few short seconds later, my wee little girl was being wheeled in for her first real visit with mommy.

WOW, she was incredible. Such a dainty little thing. 7 lbs 5 oz, 20 1/2 inches long. My arms were still numb from the surgery (yes even my arms went numb)... and I was scared to hold her, for fear I'd drop her since I couldn't feel my arms. Once she was placed in my arms, I knew I never wanted to let her go. She was just so perfect. She had a tiny turned up nose, pursed lips and she was just checking us out. Everyone got to hold her.

Now, here she is, 5 years old, about to start kindergarten. A smart little attitude... but yet, still with that perfect little tiny turned up nose. Where she was born nearly bald, she now has hair almost to her toosh. She's so smart. She is learning to read. She is learning to write. She loves math and science. She loves pretending she is a super hero. She is an amazing big sister to her little brother and sister and has told me recently that we need to have one more baby and it has to be a boy, so that we can be even. She has a huge heart that is filled with love (and some times a little piss and vinegar)... but mostly love. She adores sports. She's fantastic at soccer. She's about to start tee ball. She's beginning her THIRD year of ballet, and with it, she will also be learning jazz! Her best friend is still Kiersten. They don't see each other often, but when they do, it's like no time has passed between them. And now they will probably be on the same tee ball team. Maegan's favorite color is purple. And she's all about purple butterflies. She is just one amazing little person. I adored her the moment I knew I was pregnant with her, and fell more deeply in love the moment I first saw her... and now today, I love her just as much. She is my blessing from Heaven. I'm so very blessed to call her my baby. She means the world to me.

And, so now, she moves on to a new phase and chapter of her life. I look forward to all of the new discoveries she will make as an elementary schooler. I'm so proud of her accomplishments. I can't wait to see what life holds for this little treasure.

Happy Birthday, my beautiful Purple Butterfly Princess! You will never truly know just how much your Mommy adores you, from the tip of your toes all the way up to the top of your head, from the stories you make up, to the new words you are learning to read. I am so THANKFUL that God put you in my life. What a blessed mother I am, not just to know you, but to be your mommy!