On August 19, 2005 an angel was born. She weighed 5lbs. 3oz. and measured 18 inches long. Her name...........Dakota Cheyenne Long. Perfect from head to toe. I couldn't stop staring at her. She was so beautiful. From the moment she came into this world, I knew there was something extra special about her. I couldn't figure out why I felt that way. I thought it was because I had waited so long to hold her, or perhaps something I'd see in years to come. Everyone couldn't wait to hold her. Shelby was so thrilled to be a big sister. She came to the hospital to meet her new baby sister the evening after Dakota was born. She said "Is that my new baby sister?" I let her sit beside of me on the bed, and I let her hold Dakota. She leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. Every morning after we brought our bundle of joy home, Shelby would greet her with a kiss, and say "Good Morning Baby". My heart melted every time. I have such a special bond with my sisters, and was looking so forward to my baby girls having that same fortune. Each day, Shelby helped me with caring for Dakota in every way she could. She'd help me with diaper changes, and getting her pacifier, and things like that. She was mommy's big helper. The feeling that Dakota was extra special was there every second. Each time I held her, nursed her, looked at her.......I'd get that feeling. But, again, I had just given birth to such a precious gift, and she was finally here for us to hold and love. I loved her before she was even conceived. How I prayed every day for God to bless us with the gift of another child to love and care for. I remember all the nights I'd set up with her after Jason and Shelby went to bed. I'd hold her as she slept, and sing "You Are My Sunshine" to her. I would rub my cheek against hers. She felt like velvet. That sweet baby smell that every one loves was so calming to me. I remember the first couple of nights we were home, she and I slept on the couch. I couldn't bear the thought of my tiny little princess sleeping in that HUGE crib. Those little preemie diapers she wore looked like something a baby doll could wear. Even those were too big. I'd put them on her, and the tapes met in the middle. When we took her places, everyone would stop us so they could see her, and ask Shelby her thoughts on the new baby sister she has. Shelby, being the outgoing toddler she is, would tell people as they passed us in the stores, "This is my baby sister". She was so proud of Dakota. Jason was such a wonderful father to her. He'd hold her and talk to her. I can remember when I was pregnant, he'd get next to my stomach and say "Hurry up and come out. I want to hold you". I thought that was sweet. Anyone that knows Jason knows that when he's doing something he loves, he chews on his tongue. When he held Dakota, he chewed on his tongue so much, I thought he'd chew it off. We miss her terribly. There's nothing in this world we wouldn't give or do to get her back. I can't begin to describe the pain and emptiness we feel inside. I'm sad because there are a lot of people who didn't get to meet our precious girl, and who would've meant a lot to her, and love her so very much. The people I'm refering to are her Gran and Pop's, Great Grandma Long, Great Grandma & Grandpa Duncan, Aunt Kristie, Uncle Danny, Aunt Randi, Uncle Chris, Aunt Emelda, Uncle Bubby, Aunt Melanie, Uncle Shane, Cousins Savannah S. , Alyssa, Samantha, Olivia, Hayden, Savannah N , Josie, Kylie, Kaitlyn, Paige, Justin, Briana, Brennon, Madison, and many other great aunts, uncles, and cousins. She will always be a part of our family, and no matter what, Jason and I will always have at least 2 daughters. She's still here with us in spirit, and she will forever be in our hearts and on our minds. We love you sweet, precious Dakota, and miss you so very much!!!!!!!!!!!!