Monday, January 17, 2011

5 has arrived!



and she couldn't be happier! we surprised her with some (very early morning) bday gifts after baba decorated with some ribbon the night before... we had a 2 hour drive to another neurosurgeon (right? what a way to spend your bday!)- we wanted a second opinion regarding her spine/brain MRI's from a year ago and walked away very impressed with this physician- thorough, personable, and even took the time to show us the MRI and go over it with us all in detail. We have learned that watching and waiting is in fact appropriate at this time. we will be repeating another MRI within the next 2-6 months to see what changes (if any) have taken place since she's grown about 6 inches in the last year. overall, such great news that there is no surgery in her immediate future. i knew 2011 was going to shape up nicely! here she is with Aunt Karen who took some time out from her hectic schedule to meet us for the appointment and pass along even MORE gifts (thank you Aunt Karen!!).


there will never be an easy way to couple such a wonderful celebration with the anniversary of the loss of my mom, the grandmother that E will not meet in this life. i can only say that while E's presence in our life in no way dulls the pain of losing her (just as our presence in E's life will never dull the pain of losing her parents in China), her pure love and joy reminds us of all the reasons we should continue to celebrate- my mom- what she gave to us- what our lives have become. there is so much to be thankful for. what a gift that is. i trust mom is here in spirit, smiling with us. and she'd want things no other way. she had no time for tears. :O)

happy birthday to the best kiddo i've ever known. we are incredibly blessed to be witness to her ever emerging beauty, both inside and out.

27 comments:

  1. Happy, happy birthday sweet girl...!!!!

    Glad the MD news was pretty good....

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  2. Happy 5! What a sweet, sweet family you are. You honor both your mother and your daughter so beautifully.

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  3. Happy Birthday sugar-booger! Despite the doctor's appointments, it's a beautiful day. Mom and dad started this day by giving you early morning presents, and you got to hang around Aunt Kar! And I doubt the fun has ended for the day:0)

    K- I wish I had known ahead of time that today was her birthday:0( (darn)

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  4. seriously 5?! I can't believe it!

    serious cuteness going one!

    Lea
    xo

    PS. I need your input on something. I going to message you privately on fb.

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  5. Happy Birthday to your beautiful 5 year old!!! 5 is one of my favorite ages. :)

    Sounds like things are going very well surgery-wise, or rather non-surgery.

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  6. Happy Birthday to little Ms. E.
    And blessings to y'all on this bittersweet day.

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  7. Happy, Happy Birthday, precious E!!!
    5 already?!?! Wow!!

    And GREAT news from the doc too! :)

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  8. E, you are 5? Wow that's huge. Happy birthday girlie

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  9. I love this post! Happy birthday to your sweet girl!

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  10. Happy birthday to your so beautiful little girl
    A kiss from France to her
    Françoise

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  11. Happy 5th Birthday to your angel~
    Donna

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  12. Happy Birthday to your beautiful girl!

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  13. 5 is such a big birthday! Happy day to your beautiful girl.

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  14. Once again your words have made me cry. What a bittersweet day for you. I'm glad you are able to find some happiness on such a sad day.

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  15. God, she's just fabulous. Love the silly face!

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  16. Happy Belated Birthday, E!! Hope your day was extraordinary! I received some extra special news on your birthday...what a good day the 17th will always be!

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  17. Happy 5th Birthday!!!! Best wishes to you, darling girl, and to your mom and everyone watching over you on this very special day!

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  18. Happy Birthday to your Beautiful 5 year old! I am sure your mom enjoyed the lovely celebration! I can only imagine the emotions that ebb and flow for you on E's special day.

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  19. Happy Birthday, E! May there be many more special days ahead, and your infectious smile never fade...

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  20. Happy Birthday, E! Five is absolutely fabulous!

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