Over 40 people came from near and far to celebrate Gemma's 2nd Birthday on February 18th, 2012. It was wonderful being able to share in her special day with our close family and friends.
Gemma's party was so much fun organizing, it was so special for me to do this for Gemma, I loved planning all of the little details!
Unfortunately on the day of Gemma's birthday she came down with a sickness. It was so disheartening to have to keep Gemma isolated from everyone and not be able to have our visitors spend time with her. Gemma made an appearance for her cake and a round of 'Happy Birthday to You'. The next day when she was feeling better we were able to take some pictures.
Looking back over the last two years it is amazing how far Gemma has come. This little girl was brought into this world suddenly, two months premature, she endured resuscitation, femur fractures and a brain bleed at birth. This child wasn't considered 'compatable with life'. This child had no spontaneous movement, including severely tightened legs after her fractures healed, and developed numerous life threatening conditions in her first few months of life. This child was said not to have 'purposeful movement'. This child spent 10 months of uncertainty in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit where many didn't believe in her or felt she would live a life of severe hardship based on opinion and charts. Behind that yellow door of the hospital room where Gemma spent many months, we were with her watching her grow and thrive. We could see the fight she had in her and the brightness in her eyes. Many people who had a negative opinion of her rarely, if never, saw her. Gemma overcame many obstacles and five surgeries, including a muscle biopsy, g-tube, tracheostomy, vp shunt and heel release. This same child now has full anti-gravity movement in all four limbs, she can put her toes in her mouth, has two handed play, problem solving skills, communication abilities such as sign language and understanding words, fine motor skills, matches shapes, pulls objects apart and puts them back together, remembers songs and books, makes choices, and has the most amazing little personality! We always stand by our daughter's side with all our love and support, we are so grateful to be a part of her journey. We love you Gemma!
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