Happy Birthday to My Brenna

Today my Brenna turns 14 years old!  14!

 One of the things I love about blogging is being able to go back in a click to all the fun memories in the past.  This morning as Micah chowed down on his yogurt, I relived her past birthdays:
9
10
11
12
13

And now 14?

 A couple nights ago my Mom and I were discussing Brenna's birth.  She truly is our miracle baby and you can see God's hand on her life before she even left my womb. Elisabeth was our first homebirth and we loved the experience.  We knew we wanted to have a homebirth with Brenna as well.  Brenna's labor was very quick.  The very first contraction was strong.  There was no wondering if I was in labor.  Minutes before she was born my water broke.  I didn't realize it at the time, but there was lots of meconium in the water.  Patrick and Mom gave each other a "look" and knew things weren't how they were supposed to be.  But, they really couldn't dwell on it because Brenna was in a hurry and the midwife hadn't arrived yet.  She was born exactly one and a half hour after that very first contraction in the grocery store.  Our midwife arrived 5 minutes after the birth and noticed right away that there was a knot in the umbilical cord.   She was amazed and praised God for His protection of our baby.  When a baby comes out with a knot in the cord, they are not able to get the nutrients and oxygen they need.  As the knot tightens, the baby goes into distress.  If the labor is too long, the baby can't survive.  God knew my labor needed to be fast.  And it was!  Brenna did manage to inhale some of the meconium, so we gave her lots of Echinacea and Vitamin C to protect her.  She never had a problem and was a very healthy baby!

 Brenna is an amazing girl.  She's so talented!  Her piano abilities amaze me.  I've been joking with her that she's supposed to do a good job while I'm away being the piano player, but not too good so as to take my job! :o)

 She has a servant's heart and truly loves the Lord.  She's really growing up, but she's not afraid to be a fun loving kid.  Sometimes Patrick and I will just step back and watch her play with her 3 younger siblings.  She's so good with them!

Oh my dear Brenna, I sure do love you!  I wish I was there to celebrate with you, but prayerfully I will be with you soon, and we will have a big party!  I love spending time with you and laughing and giggling.  You make me and your Daddy so proud! Happy Birthday Brenn!