Precious Maddie..

Dearest Maddie,
Grandpa and I were at a work conference in Gatlinburg, TN the day you were born - July 11th, 2010. When it was my turn to stand on the stage to address more than 150 people, did I talk about the topic? No!!! I told everyone that our precious, Madeline Victoria was born!!!

Everyone there broke into applause, they were so excited that God brought you into this world safely. CLAP, CLAP, CLAP for Maddie!!!

Beautiful baby Madeline, full head of dark brown hair and gorgeous big, brown eyes. You took our breath away and still do.

We couldn't wait to get out of Gatlinburg and get home to Maryland to see our precious Madeline Victoria! We thank God for your safe and healthy arrival and that your mom was healthy, too. Well that was shortlived, guess what happened? Mommy ended up with a sick tummy and grandpa and I had the joy of keeping you and your big sister, Josie at our house. YEAH!!! We were so excited, you had your first sleepover at our house while Mommy got better. We held you, cuddled you, tickled you, and were in heaven with you at our sides! Everyone heard endless stories about what a precious, loveable, gift from God you are. We bragged about you and Josie too! We played with you day and night and love every minute of it!!!

You should now that you and Josie have grandpa, and all of us wrapped around your little pinky.

Everyone was thrilled when your Grandma Vickie was able to come to Maryland to visit and stay for a whole month to visit and play with you. Yeah!!!

When Mommy came home from the hospital we took you home to Mommy and Daddy, who missed you so much that week that we played together. We were really happy that you were home with Mommy and Daddy, but boy did we miss you and Josie when went home!

You come from a long line of partiers, so we wasted no time making sure you were present at our parties! As the newest member of our family, you were introduced to parties, Smith Family style over the next several months. We gathered for birthday parties and lots of fun stuff! You were blessed to come We love each other with all of our hearts and feel very blessed when everyone is together. So, parties Smith Family style includes being surrounded by a BIG, loving family, lots of delicious food, cousins running and playing, aunts and uncles laughing and joking, and the giving, accepting, and even refusal of "doggie bags". So what are "doggie bags"? They're not really bags of food for your doggie, Abby. Doggie bags are left overs that grandpa and I share with our family, some of your aunts and uncles think it's a way to get rid of food, empty the refrigerator, and other silly things.

At Thanksgiving, time you made your first trip to Michigan to visit your Grandpa and Grandma Zukiewcz, your Aunt Kari, Uncle Dave, and Aunt Amy. To no one's surprise, you stole their hearts, just like you did ours! Everyone loves you, Maddie!

After you celebrated your first Christmas with Mommy, Daddy, Josie, and Abby, you came to our house to experience Christmas Smith Family style as we celebrated Jesus' birthday!

You and everyone was drenched with love, gifts, and food! Of course, your food was formula, but that's what you wanted.

In January, you were baptized into our Catholic faith tradition. Uncle Joe & Aunt Lauren are your godparents. Once more, our family gathered together, this time, at your house to celebrate your Baptism, the first of our Sacraments. Just a few weeks later, we were all back together again at your house fora party, to celebrate Josie's 3rd birthday party. Guess what? Your grandma Vickie surprised your Mommy with a wonderful visit from Michigan.

God is so good, you are precious to Him! Last week you developed an ear infection. Mommy took you to the doctor and he gave you medicine to make you better. You got sick a few days later, we thought maybe you had a reaction to the medicine. God was so good, again! If you didn't get sick, we wouldn't know that you needed a special operation to help you get well for something more serious.

Your Mommy and Daddy and all of us, have been sitting in vigil with you, some right next to you, some from farther away, and your Grandma Vickie is taking really good care of Josie while you're in the hospital. Our family, friends, co-workers, and prayer warriors in churches all around the world are praying for you.

God loves you more than anyone, that's hard for me to imagine, because I love you with all of my heart! God called you by name and has a special plan just for you, Maddie! Your surgery is part of His plan.

My hearts is heavy with concern for you, but confident that you are being protected by God and His Blessed Mother, Mary. You're in my constant prayers and thougts. As I reflect upon these last few days, I've prayed, cried and laughed, above all, I cherish every moment I held, kissed, and cuddled with you.

Josie, Aunt Colleen, Uncle Joe & Aunt Lauren, Uncle Jamie & Aunt Kelly, Uncle Bryan and Aunt Beth, and your cousin have all been here to visit with you in the hospital.

We prayed over you many times been here at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Earlier today, we walked you down to the Operating Room where we kissed you as your Mommy and Daddy escorted you into the Operating Room. My heart broke as you were taken behind the Operating Room doors. I took a long walk to find the Chapel where I sat and cried my heart out. Once more, God reassured me and I have great confidence you will be fine.

Right now, I'm in the recovery room with Mommy and Daddy, Aunt Kelly, Uncle Bryan and Aunt Beth, and grandpa. We're anxious to hear from the doctors about how you're doing.

Oh how we cherish you, our precious Maddie!

Love you more than you can imagine!!!
Grandma Kathy