Happy Birthday Samantha

Happy 4th birthday Samantha Grace!

Nothing Sam does is simple, including her entrance into this world. I was a nervous wreck my whole pregnancy. Allison had only been gone 2.5 months when we found out I was pregnant and I was terrified of something going wrong. Things had been going well until I went into labor at 32 weeks. Luckily they were able to stop my contractions and with complete bedrest I was able to hold off 4 more weeks and on June 4, 2003 I gave birth to my beautiful daughter. Since she was 4 weeks early she had some problems breathing so they put her in the special care nursery for 24 hours. And in the end everything was fine.

Samantha saved my life. She has taught me how to believe again when I never thought it was possible. She is the reason I believe God does answer prayers. Someday she will do something great... change lives... I know she has mine.

They let me hold Sam briefly before taking her to the nursery. She is just minutes old here.
I have always loved this picture. I think it shows so many emotions without saying a single word. The day we brought Sam home from the hospital was a bittersweet day.
Sam at 6 weeks.
In 2004 we went to Florida for spring break. This was Sam's first trip to the beach.
When Sam was 9 months old Val attempted to take some pictures. We didn't get many shots, as Sam hated the camera. Oh how that has changed.
This was Sam's first birthday.
Sam and Hannah in January 2005. Boy are these two peas in a pod. Miss you Hannah!
Sam's 2nd birthday.
Disney, September 2005.

June 2006.
June 2007.