Twinkle, Twinkle, Little STAR . . .

My Dear Stella,

The day was Wednesday. The eleventh day of the month of August. The year was 2010.  At 4:02 p.m., we first heard your voice! The day you were born -- a Red-Letter day, indeed!!!.

Your Mama and Daddy arrived at Norton Suburban Hospital in Louisville, Kentucky, about 8:30 a.m. to prepare for your birth. Grammie, Grandaddy, and I waited with them all day. I had flown on a big airplane from our home in Mississippi to your Mama's and Daddy's house in Kentucky on Saturday, a few days before. Your Papa was still not well enough to come with me as we had planned. We were sad about that, but we kept in touch by phone all during the day on that Wonderful Wednesday. The whole day was pretty much spent making pictures of your parents, listening to your heartbeat, and waiting and praying for your safe arrival.  I had my camera in one hand and my cell phone in the other. The nearer your birth hour, the more I texted Papa, along with your Aunt Rhonda and Uncle Sonny, Uncle Kurt, Uncle Kelley, and Uncle Josh. I also sent those text updates to Aunt Kake and Aunt Cherry, Marvene and Sharon, who were waiting to hear at home in Mississippi. Uncle Josh continued to post updates with other family and friends. EVERYONE was so excited and eagerly awaiting word of your birth!

The doctor told us it was almost time for you to be born, so Grammie, Grandaddy, and I were waiting in the hall outside the door when we thought we heard you cry.  Grammie and I rushed to the door with our ears pressed close to see if we could hear that sweet sound again --  we were SO excited we could hardly wait!!!  Then we heard you again and we were laughing and crying all at once.  Soon, the nurse came out and sent us away to the waiting room so you could be alone with your Mama and Daddy for a while.  I called Papa and he was soooo happy; he wanted me to tell your Mama and Daddy to keep you "covered up real good" so you wouldn't be cold.  It wasn't long until your Daddy texted me and said "Y'all come on in!"  We three hurried as fast as we could down that long hall to see you for the first time, and that was the moment I had waited for -- to look into your beautiful face.  Stella, you took my breath away!  God had created the most beautiful baby in the whole wide world!!!  Here's proof:

First time ever I saw your face . . .

Little miracle

Sweet Stella

Emmie looks happy!   Emmie IS happy!!!

Emmie passing Stella to Grandaddy

Grandaddy and Grammie are all smiles

Mama and Daddy with Baby Stella

Mama and Stella

Daddy and Stella

Mama  holding Stella

Daddy holding his little girl

Brand New Baby Stella

Stella's doctor

What a grand day it was!  God is so good!  He gave us a blessing on that Wonderful Wednesday that we will always treasure and love -- our Sweet Stella!

We love you so very much, little girl,
Emmie and Papa