Joni's big #4!

My little girl is getting so darn big. The night before her birthday, all I could think about was the night before she was born four years ago. We had no idea that our little Jojo was about to make a surprise entrance into this world, five weeks earlier than expected.

I remember that night very clearly. Due to some severe swelling, the doctors were keeping an eye on me. I had gone back into the hospital to finish up some lab work. Just as they were sending me on my way, my OB made a frantic call to the nurses, telling them to keep me there because I had to have the baby that night.

A few hours later, Joni came into this world via c-section. I missed most of the birth because in the middle of surgery, I began to feel very severe pain, and they basically knocked me out. Several hours later Joni was sent to another hospital because she needed more and better care. I didn't get to hold her until she was several days old. Her entrance into our lives and the proceeding weeks were a bit of a roller coaster, but we loved her every step of the way. She's our little Jojo, and we're so glad she's part of this family.

Little Joni just a few days old in the NICU

Growing up.....

In the bath at about 7 mo. or so / in her BYU shirt at 13 mo. / and eating cake on her 2nd b-day.

Her 4th birthday was a couple of days ago. It was celebrated quite simply here in Jerusalem, but we tried our best to help her feel special...because she is.

Joni enjoying her very expensive cheesy noodles. :)

Joni with her cake she picked out from the grocery store (with no mixer, no oven, and no measuring utensils, I have a good excuse to buy instead of make). Technically, the cake says congratulations (in Hebrew) but she was convinced it said Happy Birthday.

She spent a good part of the evening talking to family back in the states over Skype.

Just as Tom's family was about to sing Happy Birthday to her, she yells, "Wait! I'm not ready! I have to put on my lipstick first!" Funny kid. You'd think she was turning 14 instead of 4.

Happy Birthday Jojo! We love you!!!