Happy 6th Birthday, Rayven!

I can't believe I've been a mommy for SIX years!! Where has the time gone? I remember Rayven's birthday, just like it was yesterday....

On Saturday, October 16, 2004, I had a baby shower at the church where I grew up....lots of people and presents! And then on Sunday, October 17, I had a shower with co-workers and friends in Kingsport (where we lived at the time). My mom came home with me that weekend to take care of all the gifts. On Monday we sorted it all out, on Tuesday we returned some things in town, and Wednesday, we headed to Knoxville for my 34-week check up (and also to hit Babies R Us!!). That Wednesday, October 20, I never expected my life to change so quickly. After all, I HAD SIX WEEKS LEFT!!! :)

I went to my appointment and right away the nurse said that my blood pressure was high. VERY HIGH. So they had me lie on my left side so they could take it again. And again. Then Dr. Hays came in and told me the news: NO BABIES R US TODAY!!!! What?? Surely he was mistaken. I HAD to get these things returned and get home to finish the nursery! I had lots to do, and it wasn't time yet. I certainly didn't have time to be in the hospital!! What was he thinking?

I was admitted that day, and the next time I would see home, it would be with my brand-new baby girl, Rayven, on Saturday, Oct. 30. We didn't have a crib. We didn't even have a bassinette yet! Or a car seat, stroller, or (clean) clothes!! But, we managed. I learned that day - and have been learning since that day - that parenting rarely goes as I have "planned". But usually, that turns out better than I think it will! Why do I think I know it all anyway?? ;)

Rayven was born at 5:10 PM on Monday, October 25, 2004, via c-section. They put me in labor the day before around noon - it was about time! I was very sick, because of the blood pressure mediciation they gave me. But I was so happy to meet her...TINY, little her. She weighed 4 lbs., 11 oz., and she was 18 inches long. I knew babies were small, but she was SO SMALL! Gonzalo's hand looked so much bigger than her little head!

She was born sassy, and she still is. But I like her that way. She is so much like me that I sometimes want to scream!! She speaks her mind, and she can negotiate her way out of - almost - anything. She has big plans, and she makes sure I know about them on a daily basis. "MOM - how about we go to a playdate, then we'll have lunch at Chick-fil-A, and THEN we'll have a tea party while Rylee takes a nap. That's a GREAT plan, right MOM?" How can I argue with that? She is MY daughter, that's for sure.

Today we spent her birthday having fun with our MOPS friends. We made pink cupcakes with pink icing & sprinkles to take to her class. She has a HUGE crush on a boy named Cade, so I was happy to see him there today (so was SHE!)! After MOPS, we came home and she accidently fell asleep while reading in her room. I guess birthdays are hard work! When Daddy came home from work, we went to Olive Garden to celebrate, which was her choice. We'll have the big birthday party this weekend, and she is SO excited!

She loves Hannah Montana, and she also loves to sing. She is doing great in school, and she's starting to read more and more. Art is her favorite subject of all, and she loves to paint or make crafts. She is a very good student, most of the time! She loves friends, and she constantly likes to be on the "go". I'm not sure where she gets that from....oh yeah, ME! She is becoming very helpful around the house, and also with her sister. I love watching how they play together more often now. They are really best friends!

I'm so thankful that God trusted me with this little girl, and that He blessed me to be a M-O-M. I hope I will always trust Him to guide me and help me be the mom I should be. We all love you, Rayven, and we're so happy you're in our lives. Happy Birthday!!