Happy non-birthday Mark!

Today is Mark's non-birthday. Or maybe tomorrow. You see, he was born on February 29, 1988. He wasn't supposed to be a leap year baby--his due date was February 17. If I had been smart, and taken the advice of one of my doctors, I would have scheduled a c-section earlier, because his older brother was born by c-section. But I wanted to try a "normal" delivery, and.........ended up having another c-section anyway, which followed several hours of labor.

Mark was born blue, since his heart tones dropped during labor. The doctor whisked him out in 7 1/2 minutes from the time he decided a c-section was necessary. He was almost 10 pounds--the biggest baby in the neonatal intensive care unit. We stayed in the hospital for almost a week, then he came home, and except for several ear infections in his preschool and elementary years, he's been healthy ever since.

Happy Birthday Mark. You're a great kid, always willing to do whatever anyone asks or needs. You have a quiet, gentle spirit, and we appreciate your hard work and good attitude. It's hard to believe it's been 17 years since you were born, but we've cherished every day we've had with you. We love you!

Till next time,


Suzi

PS Happy birthday (her birthday is really today, Feb 28) to our Bolivian daughter, Carla. She changed our lives and captured our hearts when she entered our home five years ago as a 17-year-old. Feliz cumpleaños Carla! We miss you and pray all is well in La Paz!