Dear Jena

Yesterday was your very 1st Birthday. I sit and think about your life so far. You did not come into this world in the normal traditional way. I think even then you had your own way of doing things. You came early, tiny, dark headed, kinda tan, and having the longest toes. Weighing in at only 4lbs 12 oz but God had His hand upon you the in tire time. I have no doubt in that.
Only seeing you in pictures that your daddy had taken the first 24 hours was not easy. I was ready to hold you but yet scared to. You were so tiny and had many tubes and IV's were taped to your body. Within hours of your birth you were able to breath on your own but we still had many hurdles to jump before you could come home. Breathing on your own was one, being able to eat and hold your own heat. Weight was not so much an issue. I had to leave the long stay of the hospital without you. That was one of the hardest things I have had to do. But I knew you were in the best care possible and that God was with you. I was able to call and check on you as often as possible and not being able to drive yet, I had friends like Amy to help me get to see you. I had to still work out for someone to be with Joseph and then after your daddy got off work he would come and see you and we would go home together. Grandpa was able to help out too so that I could stay with you longer.
Our first days together were spent snuggling and lots of holding. I was given the freedom to take care of you just as if you were at home. Eighteen days may seem like a lot but your homecoming came on Thanksgiving. The night before we stayed in a room just the three of us with nurses standing by for the just in cases. You came home with a apnea monitor cause you would sometimes take to long before your next breath and the monitor would sound. And man was it loud. We finally put a mussel on that thing.
Due to the cold/flu season, you were not able to have many visitors. You would have easily gotten sick. For four months you and I stayed in the house unless we went to the doctor. It was tough but well worth it. It was my duty as your mom to keep you safe from sickness, even if it had to hurt some feelings. LOTS of things happened in that time frame and your first day out was to visit the folks at Campbellton and then Easter Sunday at Prays Mill. It was nice to get out and see people.
Jaci and Joseph both loved you the first time they laid their eyes on you which was Thanksgiving day. Jaci was instantly mommies helper to her new baby sister. Always wanting to feed you and hold you. Joseph loved on you and still does. Being the youngest you will see a lot. What to do and what not to do. Learn fast! Your milestones have always been behind but nothing to worry about. You seem to be catching up quick. Your able to wear some 12 month clothes and on your birthday decided to walk many steps. Today your not studying it.
We have been blessed to have only common colds and a case of eczema. You still have your blue eyes and dark hair, 4 teeth, saying a few words.....momma and dadda of course but when you smile it makes me smile. I'm so proud to be your momma and praise the Lord for it.
I will pray for you that God will protect you and guide your learning all the days of your life.
I could go on and on but I know one I will share with you more of your story. I'm looking forward to seeing what God is going to do in your life. I love you so much my Jena-pooh!
Mommy