Charlie's 4!

Four years ago yesterday our world was rocked by the early arrival of little Charlie.  Every year Owen and I talk about how crazy and scary those few hours were before she arrived.  We also talk about how crazy and scary the first few weeks were after she arrived.  I'll spare you all the details that you've probably heard me tell a million times.  I just can't believe the little peanut who entered our world at 3lbs has grown into such a healthy little girl.  Charlie's spunkiness that helped her strive in the NICU has not gone away.  It has helped her develop into a spirited little girl who keeps us on our toes.














This past weekend we had a party to celebrate Charlie's birthday.  Since Charlie loves to jump on the couches, beds and anything else she can find we decided to rent a bounce house for the day so she could jump to her hearts content.  Seemed like all the kids had a good time bouncing around.  Hopefully, they all slept good that night!

 Kyri and Charlie testing out the bounce house.

 Lil and Charlie having a good time

Gwyneth is all smiles as she gets out.

 Charlie was eying the yellow rose from the time we put the cake in front of her.  Pretty sure she ate her whole piece - including the huge rose!

 Lil loved bouncing with her Daddy!

 Gwyneth got tired of jumping so she was seeing what else she could do.

 Just so you know, all these pictures did take place on the same day.  Charlie doesn't like to wear an outfit for too long so there were five wardrobe changes over the course of her party. 

 After all the baseball she watches with her Daddy, Charlie got her first glove and ball.  She can't wait to learn how to play!

On Sunday we went to the annual NICU Reunion.  As always, it was nice to see some of the doctors and nurses that took such good care of Charlie (and us) while she was in the NICU.  I spoke to the NICU Nurse Manager, Sue, and found out that one of Charlie's main nurses, Jean, retired this past December.  They offered her early retirement and she decided to take it.  I'm happy for her but would have loved for her to see how far Charlie has come.  Another one of Charlie's nurses, Leslie, was there.  She actually sought us out at the party to say 'hi'.  She remembers Charlie and how tiny she was when she was born and what I wreck I was.  Leslie said she remembers pretty much forcing me to hold Charlie for the first time.  I wish I could say that she had me confused with someone else but I was afraid to hold that fragile little baby.  I was afraid to break her, or make one of the millions of alarms go off.  There will never be the right words or enough time to thank the doctors and nurses for everything that they did for our little ones.  Hopefully they know that these kids would not be here if it wasn't for their dedication and heart.

 

 They have tons of activities for the kids to do but riding on Daddy's back is always the best!

 

 Every year they have a steal drum band.  It's a little random but still fun!

 

Leslie and Charlie.