Happy First Birthday!!

Happy Birthday to my dearest baby girl - today, one year ago, you came out calmly, swiftly, with about 20 mins of pushing. While I sobbed (with joy) when your oldest sister was born 5 years ago, with you I looked at you with this feeling of "all knowing," felt incredible peace, presence, normalcy, and talked to you like I had known you beyond 9 months. You were just here....it simply made sense. I said "I gave birth to another Lovely" because you could have passed for her twin with your head full of dark hair and dainty features. You felt like you've always been here. In fact, everyone said you had "old soul eyes." We waited so long for you, wondered if we'd have another precious baby, and here you were!

I got teary eyed only when Lovely entered the room to meet you, and everything came full circle. Not only were you a gift to me and to your dad, but to your SISTER. The tears sprung to my eyes. What a gift you are to so many. Your place as second born is so honored. God knew exactly what he was doing when he planned you for our #2 - while making you #1 in our hearts - tied with your older sister. How amazing how our hearts just get bigger, and fall into unconditional love. You wonder how you can ever love another as much as your 1st child, and then....you just do. And, right after you were born - I said "I could do this again!" hehe!

I wish for you an incredible first year! You are already making it interesting. After getting your 12 month shots this afternoon, we were told we needed some ROUTINE 12 month blood tests** to check your growth (you didn't gain much weight from 9 months) even though you are so interactive, strong, and content. They'd like to see you crawling, but first fatten up from 15.9 lbs. Luckily 12 months means new foods that are safe to try - so we're off with tofu, beans, milk, yogurt, and egg yolks and much much more! I'm glad you are a bit rebellious now - maybe you'll get it out of your system and be extra calm as a teenager? HA!

Your family wishes you a year full of laughter, love, joy, exploration, and discoveries - especially the discovery of friendship! You are already our little ladybug (like your cake today!) and bring a smile to our face with your happy smile and happy eyes, button nose, belly laughs, the beginnings of saying mama and dada to get our attention, touching our faces, cuddling, and snuggles.

Sleep well and dream well tonight angel. We can't wait for what tomorrow brings. God Bless You! I loved looking through random pics of this past year....wow! How you've grown!

Happy Birthday!!!

**about the blood tests. Totally routine, and non STAT (please note that any family members reading...we are GOOD!). Mommy did have a worry moment. Instead of seeing this as a proactive measure through a faith filled heart, I saw this as my error in my head - all those voices of parenting doubt. Silly me. My friends set me straight! I think mommy needs a NAP! I'll update next week sometime. No worries!

Happy Day!