Dear Everlee,
Happy 1st Birthday! I can't believe you're turning ONE already!
It just seems like a day ago, that your Mom and I were waiting patiently to meet you. We had your crib ready, toys and books stacked neatly, your clothes folded and put away, a stockpile of diapers and wipes and a spotless nursery. The only thing missing, was you! But, you didn't want to come out on your due date, you wanted to stay in where it was warm as long as possible. (You get that from your Mom btw)
On April 24th, 2013 at 9:47 pm we finally got to meet you, our precious little red-headed miracle. That was the best day of my life... and the worst day of my life.
You see Everlee, you had meconium aspiration which caused PPH (Persistant Pulmonary Hypertension) in your lungs. Oxygen wasn't being absorbed like it should. You weren't breathing or crying when you came into this world.
I was very scared. I had a hard time breathing myself, but I wanted to be strong for you and Mom. I was right by your side while they intubated you, and saw your skin turn back to a healthy color. I said a prayer... I asked God to protect you.
That night as you held my finger the Dr told me that you were the sickest baby in the NICU. He said we had a "long ways to go" before you were considered stable. I was scared, but I knew you were in God's hands.
You spent 15 days in the NICU. It was heartwrenching for me and your mom to see you with all those tubes and machines. You didn't deserve any of that, and I wanted to take all of that pain on myself.
We cried a lot and found strength in each other, and we prayed a lot and found strength through God.. but I knew you were a fighter and you proved that to the world every single day. You showed me what it was like to be strong.
We had a very good support system of family and friends that prayed for you. The Carmelite Nuns and every friend and family member from Seattle to Florida asked God to protect you and take care of you. The doctors and nurses at Mercy are the best, and we were glad they were by your side as well.
All of the nurses and Doctors admired how much you smiled. Even while sedated, you smiled throughout the day. I hope you were dreaming about me and Mom, and how much we loved you, and how we couldn't wait to get you home and be a family.
You fought through all of that adversity, and steadily improved day by day.
Watching your Mom hold you for the first time made me very happy.
Holding you for the first time made me feel like a father.
Bringing you home for the first time made everything better.
Everlee, you will never know how special you are to this family. The word "special" doesn't even begin to describe you. You have an energy that brings people closer together and makes them happy. It's impossible to put into words, but I will try.
You might not know this, but it took awhile for us to get this family started.
There were a lot of struggles and heartache along the way. But we were committed, and patiently waited for our day to come.
Guess what... I wouldn't change a thing about our path, because in the end, everything came out perfect.
Your Mom and I are strong. We're fighters too, just like you.
I wanted to let you know that you fixed my heart. It had a piece missing. It had some pain and sadness that wouldn't go away.
When we brought you home, all of that disappeared. I felt complete. You made our family a reality.
You have forever altered my views on life and the power of love and prayer.
You make me a better man. You make me a stronger man.
I am much more motivated now that you're in my life.
Your smile can turn a really bad day into a happy day.
Your Mom and I love you so much.
It's a blessing to be able to see you and hug you each and every day.
I used to think I was happy, now I know I'm happy, and its all because of you.
Happy Birthday!
I love you,
Dad
