Our Vanessa

It was Vanessa's birthday on the 20th. We invited my family for a party (it was also a nice excuse for them to see our new house). She loved opening presents and Savanah made sure she was looking at the camera

I decided that with lots of little kids at the party, it would be better to make cupcakes so each of them could blow out their own candle. This worked out nicely except Vanessa wouldn't blow out her candle.

She always has done things on her schedule. Two years ago, after years of putting off finishing his degree, Aaron finally signed up at the local University. Vanessa was born on his first day of classes. We had been expecting her arrival for weeks.

Aaron was actually in the bookstore that day buying his books when I called to tell him to come home and come home now. I met him at the door with suitcase in hand and we were off. Just so you know, all 5 of my deliveries were relatively quick. Whenever my water broke, I gave birth within minutes. With Vanessa, my water broke when we were still 15 minutes away from the birth center. I think at that point Aaron's truck left the payment and we flew the rest of the way. We were met by two mid-wives and a nurse in the parking lot. I was able to walk into the room and she was born with the next contraction. Aaron and I were just relieved she wasn't born in a sugarcane field along the side of the road.

She was so calm that first day. They allowed me to go home 6 hours after having her. Having her home that night was the most peaceful experience of my life. I don't know what it was. I couldn't sleep (you want to talk about adrenaline rush, try natural childbirth). It was just my baby and me. I sat and held her all night. It was an best sleepless night I've ever experienced.

It must have been the calm before the storm. Things have gone downhill from there. Within weeks she started crying and really hasn't stopped since. She turned 2 years old this year. I know all about the "terrible two's" but, she has been experiencing them her entire life. The curiosity, messes, and tantrums are all old news by now. She learned to say "I'm sorry, mommy. I love you" after she spread Vaseline all over herself and the bathroom, pulled all the blankets out of the closet, and spread the boardgames pieces around the TV room (that was all just last week). She has a twinkle in her eye when she smiles, that makes us forget all the frustration. How can I be upset at a face like that?

And so it is, life with Vanessa, everchanging and always exciting. Plus, what would I name my blog had she not come along? We absolutely love our Vanessa.