12 Years' Ago....

12 years' ago.....

Ok, so this post is a little past the actual date, but life sometimes gets in the way of updates :). On May 29, 1997, I arrived at the hospital and was admitted at 12 noon. I was scheduled for an induction. Being young and naive, I thought 'piece of cake...baby will be here in no time'. Was I ever wrong!! So the waiting began, and a mere 13 hours and 46 minutes later, at 1:46 a.m. on May 30, 1997, my baby girl was placed in my arms for the first time. Amanda Victoria weighed in at 8 lbs even, and was 21 1/2 inches long, and bald, and a spitting image of me. {God knew what He was doing}Through the years, I have been blessed with raising this child God entrusted to me. Being a mom is an amazing journey. There are the good times, and there are the not so good times, but never would I trade being a mother! Time has flown by since that Thursday back in May 1997 when I first was admitted to the hospital, and I am sure the next 12 years will fly by just a quickly, which is a daily reminder to me to try and spend as much time with my sweet daughter as I can.
Amanda, I love you so much. I am so blessed to have been entrusted by God to raise you in in the way of the Lord. I look back and think upon the precious little newborn baby girl placed in my arms, and the memories are a plenty. You have brought many joys to my life. Despite all that you have been through in your life thus far, you have never stopped loving your Jesus, whom you asked into your heart at the tender age of 4. You have astounded me with the wisdom God has given you that is way beyond your years, yet, you amaze me that you are still my little girl wrapped up into such a special package. My sweet Amanda Victoria, thank you for being my daughter, and for the loving heart you have for others. Through the good times and bad times, you have always put a smile on my face...who could stay mad at you forever?
REMINISCING
1. Born - May 30, 1997 at Desert Samaritan Hospital in Mesa, AZ
2. 1999 - had your first hospital stay for a viral infection that your little body could not shake..broke your mommy's heart.
3. 2000 and forward - countless doctors, ER visits, procedures, yet you always remained my brave little girl. You AMAZED the nurses by not even flinching when getting your IV; no tears either!
4. 2001 - you started Kindergarten at age 4. You were not a happy camper because your cousin Sarah was going to start kindergarten, and you wanted to go to school SO badly. So, your homeschooling career began.
5. 2001 - GREATEST OF ALL....YOU ACCEPTED JESUS AS YOUR PERSONAL SAVIOR!
6. 2002 - you started the Awana {Cubbies} program at church. You definitely has a knack for memorizing. You completed the program through the 4th grade, and earned the highest award - The Timothy Award (an award that your mommy {and Aunt Sara} was awarded when I went through the program.
7. 2005 - you met a man, the man you said your mommy would marry some day (after only meeting him one)...I thought you were crazy! 7 months later, we were married. you walked me down the aisle and "gave me away" (after being reassured that you were not really "giving me away").
8. 2007 - You broke your foot (most likely from Karate) and had to have surgery to repair it. A few days after your surgery, you fell down our stairs and broke your wrist. You were a site to see, cast on the arm, and walking boot on your foot. And, then two weeks later, you helped care for your mommy after her foot surgery despite your cast and boot, and being in a wheelchair.
9. 2008 - continuing in Karate, you went to tournaments, etc...and finally, you were SO excited to win a first place trophy! But, despite your happiness, your mommy was a little nervous to see my girl sparring for the first time...lol You did wonderful!
10. 2009 - You earned your orange belt w/black stripe in Karate, finished up your 7th grade year of school, {yikes} are starting to notice...uh um...boys (bleh), went on an overnight trip to Page, Arizona, turned around and went to CA with you dad (even though you didn't truly want to), and after that, a week later, you turned 12!!...and now you are off at camp.
Twelve years have been busy, indeed, but never ever would I trade them. Amanda, I look forward to all the nexts with you, the years to come. I love you with an unconditional love. You are my baby, you are my daughter, you are my little one.

This song makes me think of what my Daddy and mom used to always tell me. Time goes by so fast. Cherish the moments with your little ones :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=02tcf-O-O3I