Happy 4th Birthday, Jenna!

Dearest Jenna,

I cannot believe you've been here with us for four years.  It all seems so impossible.  So surreal.  I mean, it seems as though it was yesterday that you were forcibly evicted from my womb and placed in my arms.  Time flies when you are having fun!  I will always have that memory of you, you were worried about getting TWO of the free little hats they give in the hospital.  You were all about looking good from the get- go.  No doubt to cover up your cone-shaped head.  That would be because the only way the doctors, your daddy and I could get you out - besides the forceps and the vacuum was me promising you clothes every year marked down for the President's Day sales.  It worked.  After 22 hours of labor, a little over 24 hours after my water broke at home, and a HORRID THREE HOURS of pushing your melon head out, you decided it was time to make your debut.  I do apologize for melon head being the first words you heard in the outside world.  But I'm just sayin'.  Your head was big.  Still kinda is.

I remember when I first laid eyes on you. I thought, "Oh my.  I just gave birth to Tim!!"   (We would find out nearly three years later that that was not the case.  Your sister Ashley is STILL at 16 months old, your daddy made over.)  But you were gorgeous, cone head and all, and I was instantly in love.  

You have changed so much since the day you were born.  My world was forever changed and sometimes I still feel like I'm  trying to catch my breath. I know I won't ever stop feeling this way.  I will never ever stop having a  huge part of my head and my heart devoted to you and your sister, where you are and what you are doing.  I will never be able to escape the constant hope that you have a happy a life.  I will never be able to thank you enough for the dimension, and all the crazy, you have added to my life.

Happy 4th birthday, Jenna Michelle!  We love you!

Love, 

Mommy

(Last two pictures courtesy of my dad).  :o)