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“I’m BIG!!”
Apr 30, 2008 Categorized: Life with Kids •
When I asked Hunter how old she was on the morning of her 3rd birthday, she put out her little hand with an attitude and said, “I’m BIG!!” After laughing for a moment I said, “Are you two or three?” Again, she replied, “BIG.” So, we’re going with that. If you ask her today how old she is, she will give you the same BIG answer. And indeed, her semi-annual checkup at the doctor yesterday proved her case.
Born with a genetic condition that pretty much guarantees her a small stature as an adult, Hunter had a high probability of starting growth hormones at age two. But despite her lack of growth during her first year of life, Hunter has jumped to the 25th percentile on the “normal” growth curve and stayed there consistently for the last few check-ups. This is such wonderful news for her and for her parents. She will have her annual cardiology visit next week, and we expect a clean bill of health from that too. Praise the Lord for His mercy in the life of our little girl.
We named Hunter with such a tough yet feminine name because we had a strong urge that she was going to be a tough little girl. And indeed she has lived up to that name. Hunter is fearless in nearly every sense, and it took her a little longer than the average child to learn that she can’t jump from high places without getting hurt. Her high pain tolerance, perhaps developed during her first few postoperative days of life, gave Hunter the ability to face any physical injury with courage. She has double the energy of even the average boy, so Hunter gets bumped and bruised and scraped pretty much every day. She usually stands right up, rubs the injury, then keeps right on going, blood or not. I always said it would be a miracle if she survived long enough to see her 3rd birthday, and especially for her to make it there without a broken bone.
Sure enough, three weeks before turning three, Hunter was climbing up the ladder of a friend’s playhouse when she lost her balance and fell to the ground, knocking her breath away and breaking her distal radius (arm) clean through. I knew immediately she was seriously hurt when she didn’t hop right up and certainly when she kept on crying. We were at a Bible study with the adults inside and the kids outside playing. I had designated myself to shadow Hunter and watch out for the safety of the other kids instead of joining the group indoors. I just know Hunter too well to turn her loose anywhere. When I left her side for 30 seconds to calm the boys across the yard, she fell off before I could even make it back to the swing set. I couldn’t believe it--right there when I was watching her so closely.
After a short trip to the ER and a late-night splinting, Hunter returned the next morning to have a cast put on. Despite crying a nasty tantrum the night of the injury about having to go to the “ER”, she was quite brave through the casting process, and her orthopedic surgeon magically found her a pink cast, even though neither the hospital nor his office offer colors. She was as cute as could be with that hot pink cast, and we ironed some brightly colored flowers on to her standard-issue off-white sling.
The cast wasn’t too big of a deal after getting over the pain issues. Bathtime was no fun and we covered it with one of Daddy’s ankle socks when playing in the dirt, but other than that, life went on. She got the cast off last week and is now wearing an ugly black brace. The broken arm did not in any way affect her fear factor, or lack thereof, so I’m watching a little more closely than usual to make sure we don’t have another big accident this close to the first.
All medical stuff aside, Hunter has a spunky, fun, and loveable little personality, and she loves the sound of her own voice, quite like her Auntie Holly. In fact, she is much like my sister in so many more ways. Hunter will never have enough purses, bags or makeup. While she doesn’t care too much for bracelets or necklaces, she’d wear a hundred pairs of earrings if they’d stay on. Baby dolls and Barbies top the list of Hunter’s favorite toys, but she much prefers to be outside digging in the sand box or riding her trike. Hunter’s verbal skills are amazing, and she prefers to use Spanish for colors and numbers and other basic words, since I’ve been speaking Spanish to her since she was born.
When asked what color balloons she wanted for her big day, Hunter cried, “Pink, pink, PINK!! High up to the sky PINK!!!” She was quoting her favorite book, “Pinkalicious,” which we must read nearly every day. Life with Hunter is rarely boring and never quiet. I am so blessed to celebrate her 3rd birthday with her!
Hollabacks
Beautiful...simply beautiful.
Posted by angela on 04/30 at 09:07 PM
I am loving reading about your children. And you look great. (I was never quite able to regain my prepregnancy body!)
I am afraid that my child is fearless as well. It is so scary for a parent. Ryan taught him how to climb up the latter to the playhouse/slide. Remember that this child is only 15 months! Ahh!
Miss you! Love you!
Posted by Kathleen on 05/07 at 08:28 AM
ok - so now I am reading my post (proofing) after I have posted it and see several mistakes. Sorry - two degrees later and I can’t spell!
Posted by Kathleen on 05/07 at 08:30 AM
Hey Heather! I loved hearing about the Birthday Party; it sounds like you all had such a good time. I’m glad that Hunter’s arm is on the mend. I miss you and am so thankful for the peek into your life that the blog offers. You have such beautiful and precious children!
Posted by Mindy Jill on 05/09 at 02:09 PM
I am so thrilled to hear from dear friends
Aunt KK--you are too, too sweet! And your husband is nuts!
MJ--thanks for commenting! I had lost your blog address. I’m loving catching up with you on your blog. I’m now feeling the need for some hostas!
Posted by heatherkate on 05/10 at 11:07 PM
