Celebrating All Her Birthdays

For once, little sister Johanna had gone to bed early. It was a few nights ago, and Adria and I sat snuggled together on the couch. We chatted about her day and talked about her upcoming birthday. Yesterday was her sixth birthday!

I told her that it's exciting to see her turn six years old, but I remember so well the day she was born. That incredible day that I met her for the first time. I told her about Mommy and Daddy going to the hospital and how there were so many people around to help us and make sure that she was safe and cared for. I told her again about the bubble she had on her back from spina bifida. I told her how I really wanted to hold her, but I was not able to. I told her how I just got to touch her shoulder and talk to her for a few minutes, before she had to leave Mommy.

When I said this, Adria's voice took on a sad tone, "Why did I have to leave you Mommy?"

"The doctors had to take you away to a different hospital to operate on your bubble, they were taking very good care of you," I said. "But Mommy did not get to see you again until four days later."

"Oh Mommy, that makes me sad," Adria said as she snuggled closer and looked almost at the point of tears, "I really missed you."

Ugh, she knows how to tug at my heart strings. She is such a sensitive and emotionally aware little girl.

"I really missed you too, Sweetheart, but Daddy was able to be with you on those days and now we get to be together every day!"

It's the first time I remember talking with her about some of these details of her birth, as she's now getting old enough to understand. It was a special moment we shared together that night, and I wondered if there's any chance that she has any recollection of her early days. I seriously doubt it, but maybe it's possible.

Our baby Adria just hours old on her Birth Day - Sept. 8, 2008

I remember those days very well. I remember how beautiful she was even as a tiny little baby. I remember how once I saw her again in the NICU, I didn't want to leave her. I remember waking up in the middle of the night at the Ronald McDonald House to pump breast milk for her, since she was not able to nurse that first week as her back healed from surgery. I remember feeling so unprepared and unaware of the journey ahead for her and for us, yet trusting that we would all be okay.

And here she is six years later...full of life, love, energy and enthusiasm! She now walks into her kindergarten class, just like the other children, actually she has her own special swagger ;)

Sure, her life is different than most children and we had to make special provisions for her at school, but she is a healthy, confident and social little lady that we are so proud of.

Happy 6th Birthday Adria!

We have loved watching her grow and celebrating every year over the past six years. No matter where life took us, we always came back to Delaware to celebrate her big day with family (though sometimes a few weeks early)!

Adria's First Birthday

Celebrated with a Colorful Flowers theme at our home in Greenwood, Delaware.

Adria's Second Birthday

Celebrated with a Curious George theme at Aunt Bon's house during a visit to Delaware. We had moved to an apartment in Indianapolis, IN a few months before.

Adria's Third Birthday

A simple celebration at Granny's house during a visit to Delaware in August then at our new home in Greenwood, IN on her actual birthday.

Adria's Fourth Birthday

Celebrated with a Strawberry Shortcake theme at Grandma Outten's house during a visit to Delaware. We had moved to our home in Chesterfield, VA a month earlier.

Adria's Fifth Birthday

Celebrated with a Purple Princess Party and lots of little girls in the backyard of our rented home in Bridgeville, DE where we had moved in April.

Adria's Sixth Birthday

Family Celebration with a Minnie Mouse theme at a friend's beach house we stayed in at Broadkill Beach over the weekend. Fun times! The girls even played in the warm bay water fully clothed...

Yesterday, mommy brought cupcakes to share with Adria's kindergarten class on her birthday. And later we went to her favorite dessert place... Sweet Frog in Lewes with friends. (Now we need to cut back on all the sugar!)

Adria has traveled much with us and experienced a great deal in her six years. I like to think it's helped shape her into the amazing little gal she is!