9 years in the making...

9 years ago, God blessed Dustin and I with a beautiful little girl.  I remember on so many occasions my mother telling me "Just wait until you are a mother, and then you will understand why I worry".  This usually got a "whatever" response from me and I am sure a roll of the eyes.  But as she usually is, my mother was right.  They say your life changes after you have a child, and yes it does....yes it does.  Dustin and I learned that quickly when Morgan was born...actually we learned that nine months earlier when we found out I was pregnant.  And everyday of those nine years since, Morgan has added to our life.  

While I was pregnant, we were showered with gifts and love from family and friends.  I can admit that I did enjoy the attention a pregnant lady receives, even from total strangers.  It is as if everyone feels the need to be nicer, of course it could be in fear of being on the wrong side of the hormonal pregnant lady ;)  However, to say that my pregnancy with Morgan was pleasant would be a lie.  I had high blood pressure, a limited diet, and serious swelling.  When someone asks if you are having twins at 5 months pregnant, you know you are big! And boy was I BIG!

At 30 weeks I was put on bedrest for the duration of my pregnancy.  At first I thought getting told to lie around all day would be my dream come true.  After about the 2nd day, I was over it.  Quickly my boredom turned into a slight OCD, and I made birth announcements, menus and shopping lists for after the baby was born, and even a phone tree of who was to call who when the big day arrived.  I knew I needed help when I broke down into tears after my mother in law told me that she had lost not only my grocery list, but my COUPONS as well.  (she eventually found them).

AFTER the baby was born, it was a whole different ball game, I did not do a very good job of keeping a baby book for either of my children, so hopefully this post will serve as a memory lane of sorts (for ALL of us!)

After 2 days in the hospital, and 13 hours of labor and other complications, this precious little girl was welcomed into the world.  All 6 lbs and 21 inches of her:

Morgan Paige Collier

Because of my high blood pressure, Morgan and I stayed in the hospital for the week.  It was probably a good thing, because there were a lot of nurses around to help!  

Morgan really was a good baby, she slept and ate when she was supposed to.  She was happy and always smiling.  Of course we thought she was the absolute smartest because she achieved all of her first year milestones ahead of schedule!  She also fit in quite well with our other "babies"...

When it was time for solid food, she was more than eager.  I however was not ready for the major mess that ensued.  It was at this point that I decided spaghetti sauce was something they could enjoy later in life.  I was so against this red stain enemy, that I washed all and any sauce from the baby food.  I need help....  She was however able to enjoy Mac n Cheese....a better choice in my opinion anyway :)

The first year was filled obviously with firsts of everything and when November 4th, 2004 came around we celebrated that we all survived =)

It is crazy to think how much she has changed in the 9 years.  Along the way more of her personality shines each day.  She is a kid who knows what she wants and makes sure it is done her way :)  

From the day she was born, Morgan has looked like Dustin.  So much so, that people often thought she was a boy.  DESPITE the fact that she was dressed in pink with a bow in her hair.  At 18 months old, I did the only rational thing...got her ears pierced.  Hmmm, Dustin was not pleased at first ;)

She sure does look PRECIOUS though!

As Morgan grew, she quickly became a little athlete.  She was good at whatever sport or activity we put her in.  Of course I wanted her to try ballet at first.  Every little girl should huh?  

Morgan - age 3

Three was a big year for Morgan.  She got a new house and a new sister.  I think she might have enjoyed the new house a bit more ;)  

Visiting with Daddy as our house was being built.

Helping Daddy build the swing set

See what I mean?

We were glad that Addie's head did not pop off ;)

Around this age, Mo's fashion sense emerged.  I must say to this day, she is still unique in this area:

As time went on though, Morgan and Addie learned to get along and love one another...

Around age 5 Mo quickly lost interest in all things princess, and instead became Daddy's "best buddy". She traded in her crown for a fishing pole ;)  

It was at age 5 that she attended her first Aggie football tailgate and game.  Our seats were on the 3rd deck and I thought I was going to have to peel Morgan off of me. She REFUSED to go to our seats because of how high up we were. (she still does not like heights).  Luckily she was distracted with popcorn and skittles, so we could enjoy the game.  By halftime she was standing on her seat with the rest of the 12th man cheering on the band.

Our good friends Stacey and Derek

Soon she was ready to start Kindergarten and boy was she ready!  She learned so much in pre-school, that she was one of the smartest in her class.  She became quite the reader and constantly questioned things.  

She was also one of the tallest in the class.

However THE.MOST.MEMORABLE time in Kindergarten was this...

This was only a small glimpse of her self inflicted hair cut

Luckily the hairdresser works miracles and Mo rocked the short look

We learned to LOVE headbands

First grade was a year full of friends and fun. Mo joined Daisy Scouts and was able to make wonderful friends and memories.  That is also the year she started to swim.  She joined the neighborhood swim team and fell in love with the water.  For someone that gave me a bloody nose trying to get OUT of the water when she was two, it was a quite a change!

Keeping true to our Aggie Spirit, we took Morgan to her first baseball game.  She became a member of the Junior Aggie club and joined the players on the field.  She was on cloud 9!

Baseball

Girl Scouts

When Morgan was starting 2nd grade, we were planning for our move to Perth.  Everything she did that Fall created cherished memories.  By this time, she was still swimming and becoming more and more athletic.  In fact, there are a few stories of Mo playing football with the boys and being able to tackle each and everyone of them.  She made every father in the neighborhood proud with those moves, not just her Daddy =)

Morgan's love for animals also became evident.  Anything with 4 legs and fur has a special place in Morgan's heart.  In fact, really any creature...

From snakes in Houston...

To Kangaroos in Perth

As I was planning Morgan's 9th birthday party, it suddenly occurred to me how much has happened in her nine years.  Not only as a family, but Morgan herself has grown so much.  Through all of it, she has  become such a young lady.  She is goofy, brave, sarcastic, kind, funny, stubborn, inquisitive, and above all unique.  She will always be Daddy's "best buddy" and my "baby girl".  

Morgan we love you to the infinity power PLUS 1!

XOXO
Mom and Dad