Happy Birthday Baby Girl 4/25/2012

Man, it has been a while.  My last post was July 30th.  That was the day Aliyah came home.  We have had some fun since then.  As I look back at her "go home" pictures, it is more than obvious she can't see anything.  Now, I'm entertained by her attempting to emulate the Backyardians as they dance around on the TV screen.  She is now moving, wiggling, and jumping a lot :).  Last month, we had our 1st serious sick spell, but like everything else, she overcame.  God is so faithful!

During Aliyah's baby dedication, I couldn't help but to think about all the time she was in the hospital and all the uncertainties we faced at that time.  It was pretty overwhelming.  God's faithfulness was the one thing I couldn't get out of my head.  So much uncertainty this time last year.  Now, I'm entertained by the little things she does as she learns to hold, grab, bite, jump, and push herself around in a walker.  Her smile continues to brighten our home.  Knowing what I know makes the smile that much more special.

-Watching Dr. Harn pull her from Christal's womb
-Watching Dr. Wysole push a breathing apparatus down her throat
-Watching the breathing machine support her lungs time, after time, after time
-Watching her learn how to nurse from a bottle and her mother
-Watching the blood bruises from diaper rash

All the suffering doesn't add up to the smile she gives when you pick her up in the morning after a good night's sleep.  She is truly our special little girl.

Happy Birthday Aliyah.  You have come a long way (from 1 lb 4.5 oz to 16 lb).  You will always be my baby girl.

Love you.
Dad