Happy Birthday Laurie

Today is little Laurie's first birthday! One year ago today, Laurie came into the world at a whopping 1 lb. 11 oz. I remember being terrified when they told me that they would have to do an emergency C-section. My water broke 3 weeks earlier, and I was hoping to make it as close to my September 30th due date as possible. Laurie couldn't wait.

After she was born, Kevin went with her to the U of U NICU. After they stitched me up, they wheeled me in to see her before they took her to Primary's. The NICU neonatalogist told us that he didn't think she was stable enough to transport to Primary's, even though it is just a 5 minute walk. Thankfully, after talking with the doctors at Primary's, he decided to give the OK to transport.


As they wheeled her off, I thought I was saying goodbye to my little Laurie. I honestly didn't know if I would see her again in this life. Kevin and some of our family members followed her to Primary's and waited there for the next 6 hours (until 3 am). We called all our family members and many came to the hospital. We wanted our families to be there, in case she passed away.

She pulled through that first night. I was able to see her again at about 8 the next morning. Her tummy was starting to turn purple, she was on the oscillator, she had lines and monitors everywhere, she was beautiful. All 13 inches of her was gorgeous. Being born on Father's Day, she was destined to look like her daddy. She had reddish-blonde hair and fair skin. Anyone who knows me knows why I would be excited about this, as I'm half-Japanese!



Laurie defied all the odds time and time again. Laurie has a congenital heart defect called pulmonary stenosis. At birth, her heart condition was so severe that it was decided she needed a catheter procedure to save her life. So at 9 days old, and 1 lb. 7 oz. - she went to the cath lab. She was the smallest baby ever to undergo this heart procedure at Primary Children's Medical Center. We knew the risks were incredibly great. But our only hope for little Laurie was for her to have this surgery. Dr. Gray and Dr. Cowley performed a miracle that day. I have never prayed so fervently and sincerely as I did on June 24, 2008.

We made so many lasting friendships while at the hospital. The doctors, nurses, and medical staff became some of our best friends. I met countless other parents and saw so many miracles happen. Whenever I walk into that hospital, I feel the presence of angels. I loved attending church services there. Not only because they were only 30 minutes long :) but because of the incredible spirit that was there every Sunday without fail.

Happy Birthday sweet Laurie! She is currently just over 13 lbs. She's about 24 inches long and is as cute as ever. She loves to blow raspberries and she loves to be entertained by her big sister, Haili.


We let her have a taste of her cake and ice cream... boy, did her eyes pop! Gotta love that sugar...