happy birthday kina

Today was Kina's THIRD birthday! For her birthday, she enjoyed breakfast in bed (she actually woke up earlier than we'd planned BUT she dutifully "fell asleep" again so we could surprise her with her breakfast tray) and cake and ice cream after dinner (shoyu chiken - her favorite).  Throughout the day, Wayne used the reason "because you're the birthday girl" for a few privileges and once Kina saw that it worked, she totally took advantage (ie. "Mommy, can I have a piece of gum before nap time since I'm the birthday girl?").  Since she's been practicing aaaall week, she is already a pro at saying, "I'm THREE!" (with her fingers too, of course).   We had a very relaxed and beautiful Sunday to celebrate Kina and her birthday.  It was a great day!

Kina has always been my little sweetheart.  Her birth and the complications surrounding it are never totally forgotten.  Because she had gastroschisis when she was born (her bowels were formed outside her body) she stayed in the Primary Children's Hospital NICU for a month before she came home.  I think because she went through all the pain she did, she was a tough infant and endured well.  Because she is only a year younger than Malia (okay . . . less than a year. They'll actually both be three for four days) we compared their personalities a lot.   Malia is very bold and brave and Kina has always been slightly shy.  She's a very sensitive little girl and she likes to do things slowly and methodically.  She enjoys getting tasks to complete - she's always the one I ask to run and get diapers for Tali.  She loves that sort of thing.  Kina speaks with a slight stutter . . . it's just always been there.  Since she's three now we may start her in something this year to help her with it.  She loves animals and hugs and food. She's always been my best eater.  She's a very good counter and loves to play with the ipad.  Three things I love about Kina - she has super curly hair, she's a 'lil Wayne look-alike, and that by noon on any given day she's already made at least five costume changes (she LOVES dress-ups).  Kina looks up to her big sister a lot.  Actually, almost everything Malia is doing Kina wants to do too. . . that can get a little tedious a times, but it's actually getting better.  Kina is very free with compliments and is always sincere and caring with us.  We're so grateful she's in our family.

Happy Birthday Kina! 

We love you!

P.S. I was looking through Kina's picture folder for photos of her and found this. I CAN'T believe this is Kina.  Aww. When I see this I'm immediately taken back to that time - everything was so scary and so sad.  She has come so far.  It's a miracle . . . a miracle and a blessing.  I love my precious baby. 

Kina in the NICU (September 2008)