Starting a new season in life...

It was 12 years ago this morning, at 6:18am, that our baby arrived... 2 months early. Halle Marie Wilkerson was due on July 10th, 1997, but came on May 9th, 1997...weighing in at 4 lbs 10 oz and measuring 18 inches long. She had dark hair and was so tiny. Her welcome into this world was a bit of a stressful time for everyone involved. Her pediatrician told us what to expect, and none of it was very good. Halle came out crying, which was such a welcomed sound, it meant that she was a fighter. She weighed alot more than they had anticipated (they expected a 2lb baby) which also worked to her advantage.  Not knowing how long we would get to keep her here on this earth with us or when Heavenly Father would see fit to take her home with him, made us appreciate ever single moment that we spent with her. The Life Flight team was waiting for her when she arrived. They stabilized her and took her immediately from our hospital to the airport where she was flown to Utah Valley Regional Medical Center and hooked up to life saving equipment. 

Deron left me to be with her and spent the first 3 days of her life by her side, unable to do much but watch and wait. On Mother's Day (3 days after she was born) I left the hospital in Roosevelt and spent the next 2 weeks with her in the hospital, by her side. She was a miracle all the way around. The Dr.'s at Utah Valley told us that she would be in the hospital for at least 2 months...she left after 2 weeks. I know that Heavenly Father watched over her ever single minute. I saw miracle after miracle happen in her short little life. She was shocking and surprising the Dr's left and right, making progress that was not expected to happen so quickly. After bringing her home, her first year was a rocky one, but she continued to be a fighter and is now a strong, healthy, beautiful, 12 year old girl. She will be starting 7th grade in the fall where we will ALL start a new season in life, its the LAST child going to Jr. High...the LAST in Primary....and her first big DAY of being a "TEENAGER"...12 is a whole new chapter for her...Kids grow up WAY TOO FAST!!!

Some reasons that I love and appreciate this wonderful daughter of mine are-

Halle is a very spiritual girl and feels very close to her Heavenly Father. And she always tries to do whats right. 

She is usually very happy. She loves to make others happy with a sweet note or a hug or a smile. She loves to laugh and have fun with her friends. She is fun to be with and spend time with.

When she was younger she use to hum all the time. You could hear her playing in her room  and humming any tune that she could. She asked me one time why I thought that she hummed so much (because she wondered), I told her it was because she was always happy...she just smiled and kept humming....she has gotten older and doesn't do that as much, and I really miss it.  

Halle is very thoughtful. She is always concerned if someone is sick or hurt or just down. She is so sweet to do little extra things for them and do what she can to make them feel better. One time I was sick in bed and she was always bringing me drinks or cards or coming down and asking me if I was okay. She is really sweet that way.

When her older siblings come home for a visit she always hugs them and tells them that she loves them and misses them. She isn't afraid to let them know how much she thinks of them and that she loves them. She enjoys going places with them and being a part of their "grown up lives". She is a huggable, lovable girl. She loves to have her family around, to do things with them and to spend time goofing off, laughing and just having a great time.

Halle...you are such a blessing in our lives. 

We love you so much and are so grateful that you are here with us today. 

You are such a joy and make us remember the "important things" in life! 

Happy Birthday Sweetheart! We love you!