Sparkle Monkey

Five years ago today I was getting rolled into the OR for a C-section. It was my 2nd rodeo with being cut open, but unlike the first time, this one was scheduled. 

The first time was unexpected and an emergency, so I had no time to think about what was happening. From the time my doctor broke my water to the birth of my baby was less than a 45 minute time frame. I was rushed into the OR and my doctor wasn't messing around. She had to get my baby out and there was zero time to spare. It all happened so suddenly, I had no time to even think about what was going on. To this day, I can barely remember what all went down. I just knew that I needed my first born to be healthy and okay. Doctors, do what ya gotta do, just let my baby that was under severe stress come out kicking and screaming. And that she did.

But, the second go round, I was prepared. I mean, it was scheduled months in advance. NOT.  Anxiety rushed over me like a tidal wave and I felt like I was going to hyperventilate laying there on the cold table completely aware what was going on. Being nervous for the second birth of my child was an understatement. I was terrified this time because it wasn't rushed, it wasn't last minute, it wasn't an emergency.

And then, I heard her, she was crying. Ross was crying. I was crying. The nurse brought over my sweet baby girl and shouted, "We have a red head!". I still remember thinking, "What, a red head? No way, I have a red headed child?" Who is this kid and where did she come from? For the longest time I was in denial about her hair color. I mean, she was practically bald, how could anyone tell what color her hair was? Don't think bad of me, but I never wanted a child with red hair. I kept hoping it would change color, that it would fall out or that it was just bad lighting. Nope, not the case.

But, now, oh man, now, I LOVE that the Lord blessed us with a ginger. I mean, a ginger, well if you have one in your family, you know how much fire they bring into a family. Our sweet Landry Evelyn was meant to be red. Everything you hear about red heads, well, it's true. They are spunky. They are hilarious. They are mischievous. They are adventurous. And their freckles stand for all the love and laughter they bring into someone's life. 

That IS our child. This little girl has ignited our world with nothing but smiles, giggles, ginormous messes and she has shown us how to love more than we ever thought we could.

Her heart is made of gold. She is the MOST kind, sensitive, loving, cuddle bug, thoughtful, innocent, independent, garbage disposal of candy little girl in the whole world.

I truly wish that each of you could personally know our Landry "Lou" (aka Sparkle Monkey). I promise you that every single person that meets her falls instantly in love. She is a child that has a way with people. She doesn't have to say a word. She can just look at them with her God given twinkle and has them in the palm of her hands.

She's never met a stranger. She brings constant entertainment. Her smile is infectious. Her hair color is only 9% of the population. Her booty is like Beyonce's. Her cheeks, you just wanna squeeze them. She is no longer a toddler. She will always be my baby. She is five years old today.

My eyes are welled up with tears as I type this. Tears of joy and sadness. This is my baby. My very last baby. No more kiddos for us. She is growing into a young lady. She has made me prouder than I could have ever imagined. Even though she is just a child, she is a role model. A role model for unconditional love, laughter, purity, innocence and making the most of life.

I know many of my readers do not have children and possibly never want children. Let me just say, having a child is the most difficult but MOST rewarding thing you can do in life. It will change you for the better. It will show you how to love and sacrifice like you never thought you could.

And without further adieu, this is our Landry Evelyn "Lou", a trip over the last five years. 

Now you know why her nickname is Sparkle Monkey. Since the day she was born, that twinkle was there and every day since then, she has brought so much light into our lives. Oh, how I wish I had a video of each of these pictures. Every single one tells a story. Each one deserves a blog post all on it's own. Questions about any of them? Just ask!

And there she is, in all our beautiful and innocent glory.

I love you, Landry Evelyn. I can't wait until the day you can read this, share it with your kids and want to strangle me for a few of these pictures that I posted across the internet. Mommy had to do it. I had to show the world your sparkling personality and just how special you are. You are going to do brilliant things in this world and I will be here every step of the way cheering you on.

Happy Birthday, Sparkle Monkey!

Linking up with Molly & Carly.