The Dictator Turns Four

Can it really be today?

Are you really four?

Wasn't it just yesterday that Adam and Kristin got married, and we were pregnant?

It seems like it was just yesterday.  I still vividly remember feeling like a giant bowl of peach sherbet in my dress, waddling all over and trying to keep up with an energy-filled three-year-old flower girl.

It seems like yesterday Katrina insisted on snuggling with you every night before bed.  She would kiss my stomach, talk to you, whisper jokes and stories.  She was so excited to be a big sister she could hardly wait.

I still vividly remember when labor started.  We had a csection scheduled for Aug 2, but you had a mind of your own.  My labor started in the early morning on July 26.  I waited as long as I could, thinking that it was going to stop, but by that evening we knew we needed to go in.  Grandma came and stayed with Katrina and we went to the hospital at about 7 pm. 

Yes, I know I was in labor for over 12 hours at that point.  Yes, I know most women complete labor and birth a child within that time frame.  I'm gifted, what can I say?  My children hold on for dear life, apparently.

The doctor used the lame excuse that 2 weeks early was just too early to deliver in order to justify not getting his rear out of bed to come deliver a baby in the evening.  Lazy bum.  So, instead, he sent me home on meds that were supposed to stop contractions. 

Those worked for about 4 hours.

You were bound and determined to come when you decided, and no doctor was going to tell you otherwise.  The contractions cranked back up to full strength by 4 AM.  We were sitting in the doctor's office waiting room right when they opened.  I think at one point I threatened to perform my own csection in the cafeteria with a spoon if they didn't deliver you TODAY!  I was just a bit tired. 

And, in case you are keeping track, that is over 24 hours of steady, non-progressing labor.  I love my children.  And modern medicine.  I am convinced I would have been one of those "died in childbirth" headstones in the pioneer cemeteries had I been born a century earlier.

Katrina was so excited for your arrival.  When we kissed her goodbye on our way to the surgical suite, she cried and cried because she wanted to be there too. 

She got to meet her baby sister, soon enough.  In fact, she and Daddy were the first ones to hold you.  And she proudly told everyone that you were her "baby sister Madison Lollypop Sucker".  I have no clue where that name came from, but the nickname stuck!

You were precious, so sweet.  I was in love from the first moment with your little button nose and tiny red lips. 

You certainly tried my patience those first few weeks, but soon you grew into a happy, silly baby.

You have always been my little comedian. 

And when it was your turn to be the big sister, you rose to the occasion beautifully. 

You are my passionate, determined daughter.

You have lived a more full life in your short four years than most people live in their entire life.  You go for life full throttle, and could honestly care less what other people think.

Your smiling face brightens my every morning. 

You are learning to conquer your fears.

And enjoy the precious life God has given you.

You have become my little girlfriend.

My prayer is that, as you begin to walk the path God has laid out for you,

... that you will never forget what you have learned at this age.  You are stong, little one.  You are tougher than you think.  You feel what others feel.  We have always said that your friendships do not run wide, but deep.  And it remains true.  You are loyal without question to those who have earned your trust. 

You are sweet, funny, and kind.  You test my patience daily, but it is for good.  You need to know where the boundaries are in your life, and you seek them.  Thank you for challenging me to be strong enough to lead you.

I love you, my sweet princess.  I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.  I pray your life is filled with the same.