Sam's birthday

Sam's Birthday!
13 years ago today Sam was born weighing a hefty 4lbs. 2oz  and 17 inches long.  She was about 10 weeks early and she already understood the meaning of "live STRONG." She was in incredible health.  They gave her oxygen and the first night she pulled it out of her tiny nose.  It makes us laugh every time we think about that because she is one that doesn't like to be 'annoyed' and that certainly must have annoyed her...She took care of the situation....VERY Sam!  

This emotional day I have heard of over and over and every time it is bring tears to eyes.  The circumstances were difficult, more than we can ever begin to understand.  Sam's mother, Jill, was very ill.  They had decided it would be best to take Sam early at a little over 30 weeks.  Through the years, on Sam's birthday, so many family members sigh in remembrance of that day.  And so for many, including me, "that" day is very bitter-sweet.  But 13 years later as we look at this beautiful young woman, Samantha Jill, we don't remember that particular day as much as we celebrate her gorgeous life.  

She has so many incredible qualities.  She is beautiful not just physically but her spirit is also beautiful and kind.  She is sweet and nice to everyone.  She is the most patient  13 year old you have ever met.  Watching her interact with her siblings is amazing because she is so great with them.  She loves to read and has read the Book of Mormon 10 times.  She is incredible at the piano and violin.   I could go on all day about my perfect angel daughter that I want to clone:) But she is truly a very special girl.  

When Ethan was 7 weeks old he was laying on the ground just talking away.  (Sam at the time was 7) She had no idea I was just around the corner listening.  She looked at him and said, "Ethan there is something me and you need to talk about.  Me and you....well we have 2 moms.  We have our mom up in heaven, Jill, and she will take care of us from there.  Then we have our mom here on earth that will take care of us here!"  Then Sam, in her little pink tutu jumped up and danced away.  That is how things work here at our house!  

"I am so excited I'm going to be
in your birthday party."

I am one of the few privileged earthly moms that has someone over on the other side making sure things are being taken care of and my lucky children have 2 mom's and lots of AWESOME grandparents that love them!  

it is my honor to be Sam's mother.  She continues to teach me daily! 

 I LOVE HER SO MUCH.....

Happy Birthday sweetheart!