Five

My baby angel turned 5 today. A few days ago she asked me why she had come to our family, as opposed to being sent to a different family. I had a very honest and quick answer! She was sent here to be a RAY OF SUNSHINE. That is what she has been since she was born on September 17, 2004. She was born an hour after her Great Grandpa Springer passed away. My labor was going quickly, and when we got the phone call saying Grandpa had died, my contractions suddenly slowed down. My Dad told me a few days later that Grandpa needed to talk with Lindsey for a while before he sent her down from heaven. I love this visual! My wonderful Father was babysitting my other kids, instead of being with his own Father, who he knew would pass away soon. Lindsey was born 4 weeks early, when my normal doctor was out of town. I had been having contractions for weeks, and when I went in for my check-up, I was dilated to a 5, so the doctor-on-call sent me right over to the hospital. I was only in labor for a couple hours after the delivery was started. From the very MOMENT Lindsey joined the world, her Daddy has had a special place in his heart for her. I don't know how to explain it, but he just adores this girl. He gave her a bath a couple hours after she was born, and talked so sweetly to her while he washed her. Then he sat with her for most of the night when she had to be under the lights in the nursery because she was jaundice. He told me the next morning that this little girl is very special for some reason. Likewise, Lindsey has always had a special "thing" for her Daddy. They have an amazing connection.

When I was pregnant with Lindsey, I decided not to find out the sex of the baby at my ultrasound. I figured I had one boy and one girl already, and it would be fun to be surprised. I was right! I loved hearing "It's a girl!" when she came out! If she had been a boy, we were thinking of naming her Kyle. I can't imagine our family without our Lindsey. We always tell her she has light blond hair because she is our RAY OF SUNSHINE that was sent here to make us all laugh and be happy!

This picture was taken by my Mom, right after Lindsey was born. If it grosses you out, too bad! I am fascinated with birth and love that my Mom was in the delivery room with me for my first 3 babies! I often dream of being a labor and delivery nurse someday.

First family photo in the hospital. Brynlie was almost 3 and Brevan was almost 6.
4 weeks old - how precious!

Brevan 6, Brynlie 3, Lindsey one month. She was so rolly-polly!

Our family celebrated Lindsey's birthday yesterday (one day early) because Ryan is on a business trip for the next couple days. I immediately feel happier when I look at pictures of this sweet angel. I just love her so much!

Grandma and Grandpa Springer gave Lindsey this beautiful leotard with tutu!

You know it's a great birthday when you can barely hold all the new Barbies!

And even more Barbie gear from Grandma and Grandpa Ellefsen!

Happy birthday to my Sunshine!!