Happy 5th birthday Naylah

5 years ago, we were blessed with Naylah.
Little did I Know that such a small human being, had the power to change me completely.
Little did I know, she was the one teaching me things.
Little did I know, that our journey would be slightly different than most but little did i know it was going to be just as wonderful.
How is it possible that I now have a 5 years old, when it seems just like yesterday she was making her entrance into this world?

I remember being so nervous, I remember when it was time to finally meet her I felt sick, because I knew chances were she would go right away to surgery for her little heart. She came in full force, she cried she was doing just fine and all the sudden all that worry to just have to kiss her before taking her away for surgery was gone. After a full check up , there I was holding my baby, admiring all her features, and felt a love that I never felt before. That day I knew she was a strong little one. The worrying tears turned into happy tears.

5 years has gone by, she has gone through quite a journey of her own. She has gone through a lot more than many of us ever will. Too many surgeries , too many procedures, all the doctors and all the therapies and not once did she not have a smile on her face.  She is celebrated for all the milestones big or small. All her medical world that met her as an infant still remember that fragile little girl and all the "she might never" which now have turned into "she probably will at her own time". She is celebrated because she never gives up because her strength is seriously admirable. How can such a small human being be so strong ?
She is celebrated because she is on her own way a typical 5 years old full of sass and a mind of her own and she can laugh at you in a way that you can't help but laugh back. She likes things her way. She still hates when we tell her no. She observes her surrounding and don't like anything that doesn't feel safe. She loves being surrounded by the people she loves and she gives you the best of all love like seriously the best. She is hard headed, she is determined, she is full of joy. I can be gone for 10 minutes when I come back it feels like I left for days. She is the best hugger there is.
They say 30% of children with a rare diagnosis  do not live to see their 5th birthday . So her big 5 is a huge milestone. She is no longer part of that percentage .

So here is to your big 5 baby girl, you make me a very proud mama you the one leading me to this journey and not one day goes by that I am not proud to walk side by side with you.
I know life has big things in store for you and I'll always cheer you up . Thank you for choosing me as your mama - you are the best thing that has ever happened to me. You are my world and my everything. I love you Naylah happy 5th birthday.