Sunday, May 03, 2009

•   View imageScarlett aka "Snicklefritz"

  Courtnee had named all of the quints before they were born and had an uncanny gift of knowing who was where while she was pregnant.  She would point to each lump and name them. Often she would say "Oh no...  there goes Scarlett again dancing and turning summersaults!" She would point to her enormous tummy and we would laugh at her body jumping from one side to another.

  When Scarlett was born she required no help breathing on her own.  If you have been involved in a multiple birth  you know that no breathing assistance for the newborn is practically unheard of! I remember her father and I in the nicu as we watched her in amazement while she kicked her feet and punched at the air.  Her hair was jet black and her face was incredibly beautiful.  She looked so different than the others - they already had the look of blonds and there was no doubt who Scarlett looked like...daddy!  Mike was so in awe of her and so proud.  His special bond with Scarlett continues.

  Although we thought Scarlett would be among the first to come home  she developed a horrible acid reflux condition that would leave her gasping for air.  When she came home Scarlett had to kept at a tilt for almost 3 months.  Changing her diaper was difficult because her head had to stay up.  The rest of the babies slept in their cradles - Scarlett spent most nights in her swing.  She became a great favorite among the volunteers - her secret "Scarlett smile" turned your heart over.

  Scarlett quickly established herself as the "tough girl" of the pack!  She bit the other babies so much that when they saw her toddling towards them they would drop whatever toy they had and scurry away.  When Courtnee told her "No bite!" Scarlett would get a pleased little smile on her face and say "bite!"

  Now at three, Scarlett is equal parts adorable, a scamp, sweet, naughty, darling and a "Snicklefritz" my nickname for her. She still keeps herself apart from the other kids often refusing to eat where or when the others do, refusing to sleep when the others do and generally keeping her own little company.  I've probably done battle with Scarlett more then I have any other little person I've ever known including her own mother.  I have searched the house over when it was time for naps until I am positive she has been kidnapped only to find her absolutely silent in a closet, under the table or under a bed.  When I find her and scoop her up to make the climb to her bedroom she flings her body all over the place and it takes more strength then I sometimes have to get her into her crib and zip her safety tent up.  If Scarlett does not have a tent zipped over her crib she will get up and jump in bed with the other kids and wake them up or decorate her face with her mother's makeup.

  Back in Spokane now resting up for my next visit I was walking my dog when I spotted a beautiful and neat row of scarlet tulips.  While admiring the symmetry I glanced up to see the most beautiful scarlet tulip at least 5 feet away from the row.  The lone tulip looked as if it was making a quick escape across the street.  You couldn't help but scratch your head and wonder how the flower had rooted so far from the others and obviously flourished.  That's my Snicklefritz!

  I love you my strong willed little beauty.  May you always follow your own heart but please Snicklefritz...don't cross the street without us!