Rewind 5 years

5 years ago, I went to bed as normal on a Thursday night. Jamie was working 3rd shift. As I was snuggled deep in the covers, I was awaken around 2 or 3 am by a terrible pain in my lower back. It was tightening feeling that would last for a few seconds (though it felt like minutes), then would ease up. But a short time later, the pain was back. "Oh no" I thought to myself. This is just great. After I realize what was going on & happening, I call Jamie in a sheer panic. No, he doesn't rush home with flashers on or send out the rescue squad, but instead finishes his shift, with frequent calls to get updates. When he arrives home, off to the hospital we go - praying that they wouldn't send me home. To say I was scared.to.death. would be an understatment. After that I really don't remember but bits & pieces - Let's just say the drugs were GOOD!:) But, at 4:43 pm on Friday, Oct. 14, 2005, we became the proud parents of a special little girl we name Ellie Grace. And, our lives haven't been the same since. So, as well celebrate her 5th Birthday tomorrow & a party this weekend, I did several lists of "5's".

5 Things (among many) Ellie has taught us:
1. We could be millionaires if we ever figure out how to bottle her energy & sell it!
2. Fish language for chocolate milk. (Bloop, bloop-bloop, bloop)
3. We can now recite, sing, remember, and growl at the repeat cartoons that we watch over. and over. and over.
4. Chocolate Milk & a band-aid will make boo-boo's, scratches, etc. better faster than anything else. It's like magic I tell ya'.
5. She is full of surprises - you never know what she is going to say, do, repeat, and try. From spelling words (btw she is now spelling 'elephant') to telling the preacher she "doesn't like him". Sometimes she needs to come with a disclaimer or sensor (wonder where she gets that from? hummm...)

5 Things (among many) I love about Ellie:
1. She has her daddy's "Carson" eyes - seriously, they are heart breaker set.
2. Her fearless spirit - she isn't usually scared or timid about trying new rides at the fair or amusement park. Now trying new food on the other hand is quite a challenge.
3. Her imagination - it seems to be boundless
4. Her "smarts" - she is always learning something new & usually figures problems out pretty quickly.
5. Her hugs & kisses - which are the biggest, bestest, lovingest in the whole wide world.

5 Things (among many) I have learned from being a parent:
1. Instruction books aren't needed when you have wonderful grandparents.
2. Vick's vapor rub when consumed by a 6 month old (who somehow managed to unscrew the top) is not poisonous.
3. One of the hardest experiences is watching your heart walk outside your body.
4. A bad day can be made better by curling up with the favorite blanket and watch the same cartoons over. and over. and over.
5. You never get tired of rocking - even if they have long legs that stretch over the arm of the chair