My how time flies

Ella turns six today.  Six years old.  I really can't believe it.  Lately, I have become acutely aware of the fact that she is moving from little girl to big girl.  There are little things that I notice.  How big her hand feels in mine, how deep our conversations are, how independent she is.  She reads everything now.  Can just about figure out any word.  She has also decided that at times she would rather spell answers to my questions.  "Ella, time for bed." "O-K-A-Y M-O-M."  When I was 34 weeks pregnant with her, I felt one time like I was going to pass out.  My mom came over and took me to the hospital.  I had blood drawn and my calcium was high.  They asked me if I had been eating a lot of tums, are you kidding, that's all I ate.  In any form imaginable, I was downing some form of antacid.  That must be it of course.  But follow-up with your doctor they said.  Off to my general practitioner who said, I think you should head down to Jewish hospital and try and see if they can get it down.  Really...OK - Like right now, yes, now.  Fast forward ten days...after having - multiple units of fluid, watching two very important UL BB games, ultrasound on my neck, an amniocentesis to remove blood from the umbilical cord, shots of steroids, conversations about having a premature baby, two baby showers (yes in the hospital), the removal of my parathyroid, crazy hallucinations, and tingling fingers and toes, I was back to normal and once again waiting for my baby girl.  One day before she was due, she came into the world.  Via c-section at 6pm on a Monday.  She was and still is gorgeous.  With beautiful blond hair and deep blue eyes.  She amazes me with how smart she is and sometimes shocks me with how quickly she can crumble and try every nerve in my body.  I so often forget that she really is only 5.  The first six years have flown by.  The next, I am sure, will do the same.  Now I am off to Texas Roadhouse for her birthday dinner - she wants to ride the saddle!

Ella - through the years.  Each picture is a few days near each birthday.  Love her.