August 24, 2004

On August 23, 2004, 5 1/2 weeks early, my water broke. I had no idea what was to happen next. As I was admitted into the hospital, the nurses told me that Lauren's lungs might not be fully developed. I just wasn't prepared for a preemie. At 8:04 on 8-24, she was born, 4 lbs 8 oz and 18" long. Right after she was born, I held her for a few seconds and they whisked her away.They sent for an airplane to come from Texas Children's Hospital to pick her up because there was no NICU in town. I'm from Fort Worth, I had no idea hospitals didn't have NICU. The airplane was diverted to a more serious baby and they sent an ambulance. They took her to Houston and I had to stay in the hospital in Aggieland another night.

We were there for 3 weeks and it seemed like 3 years. We went to feed her and change her every 3 hours, we wanted to do anything and everything the nurses would allow. During the time that she slept, we would watch TV in the Ronald McDonald House that was in the hospital or take a nap. We felt hopeless and lonely. We had each other but we had no friends or family there to cheer us up. We had to eat every meal out which was expensive. We were lucky to have Hyla and Stephen's parents visit but that was short term. We had to beg the doctors to release her with a heart/breathing monitor that we could rent.

But look at her now!

Lauren is such a smart little girl who LOVES to create and learn. She loves to write words, she is always asking how to spell this or that. She remembers what you tell her too because the other day I asked her how to spell Papa and she remembered. I hadn't spelled it for her since we sent him a Father's Day card.

Lauren loves The Lord and understands way more than I give her credit for. Just last night in bed she asked if Jesus could wrap his arms around her and as always I said yes. She asked, "But how if his arms are on the wall?" Of course she was talking about her crucifix.

She loves her little brother and sister and it melts my heart to watch them all play together. Just this morning she went upstairs to get Caleb a pillow because he is still not fully recooperated from his bug and was falling asleep just after waking up. She helps us entertain Abby when she cries by singing songs to her (and it works). She sings Jesus Loves Me to her as well as The Aggie War Hymn. She lets Caleb "help" her put puzzles together and then she even shows him how to do it. They love to color together and create with Play-Doh. I know that they will not always get along but I hope that this innocent love lasts forever.

I love you so much Lauren and Daddy does too. You are still Daddy's little angel and Mommy's little Love Bug! We look forward to watching you grow (but not too fast)!