My First Year Story

I was born on April 24, 2002.  It was a cold day.  That didn't matter because my mom and dad were so excited that I was going to be born soon.  At 2:33pm a beautiful 8lbs 15 ½ oz little girl was born.  That was ME!!  I was so excited to see my mama, papa, Oma Debby and big brother Liam!  I got to go home 2 days later and on the 27^th, I attended my first party.  It was for my great grandpa’s 80^th birthday.  Everyone was so excited to meet me.  I got lots of love and attention that day.

I loved to suck my thumb and my soother.  My Mama said I would leave an indent in my cheeks from the soother. 

At one month old I started to say words that my mama said was amazing because babies don’t talk like that at such an early age.  I said, “ Ooh, gaa!”. 

My mama noticed that my head was still wobbly and my legs and arms were very weak.  But she wasn’t too concerned.

On July 15^th, I was almost 3 months old, I was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (type 1).  It was a very sad day for my family.  My family made a pledge to me that they would do everything to make me healthy.  Now I am almost 6 years old.  I think they did a great job.  The doctors told my Mama and Papa that I would probably not survive to my first birthday.  I showed everyone I am a fighter.  That day I met my doctor.  Dr. Dawn Davies.  She is wonderful and I love her so much!

On September 20^th, when I was almost 5 months old, I had surgery to put a feeding tube in me.  I couldn’t eat by mouth anymore.  That was a very sad day for me and my Mama.

On October 12^th, I got very sick and stopped breathing.  I was flown to Edmonton by Stars air Ambulance.  I was intubated for 3 ½ weeks.  I then started using a bi-pap.  I stayed in the Stollery Children’s Hospital for 9 ½ weeks.

I love my big brother, Liam!  He makes me laugh. 

I got my cough assist machine when I was almost 1 year old.  That machine has saved my life many times.

On April 24^th , 2003, I celebrated a day that was not supposed to happen,.  I turned “1”!!!!!!  What a day for celebration!!!  My family was so proud of me and to be honest, I was too.  We had a big birthday party and lots of fun.

This was the story of my first year of life.  What a story!  I have a wonderful life.  Now I will continue to amaze everyone.