I can't believe I'm writing this to you, but...TODAY IS YOUR BIRTHDAY! You have been with us for one whole year today, and what a year it has been. A whole year ago today, I had the incredible honor of holding your first mama's hand, gripping it with all my might as tears poured from my eyes, and witness you take your first breath. I've been all kinds of emotional as I have relived all the things that took place to bring you into the world; no, really, I've cried enough tears to probably fill a bucket or two. They've been a mixture of happy tears and sorrowful tears. A lot like adoption.
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Today, we will celebrate with our closest family and friends, which is still a pretty big crew. We had a small, intimate pre-party for you last night with just your grandparents, aunt, and uncles; you got some new toys. This is a BIG DEAL, baby girl, because up until now you haven't played with any of your own toys in this house, much less anything with PINK on it. Wahoo! Now you can have tea parties with us, play with your Little People Castle, and more. Your brother is excited about some new toys, too. Imagine that -- LOL! We ate chili beans and cornbread (which you devoured), and you ate your first smash cake in minutes. Literally. I have a feeling you'll put a nice show on for everyone tomorrow!
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You love to look and watch, but you also love to get right into the middle of things. You are so tough, and you have no problem making your emotions known -- especially when Braxton does something you're not a fan of. You are a professional at defending yourself, and I love it so much! You've, also, been standing and balancing for big chunks of time, and you're trying so hard to start walking. You have taken a few half-steps, but always follow them by dropping down and crawling to wherever you want to go. You love to be chased around, and you typically giggle and cackle as you try to run away from whoever is behind you.
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Your favorite words are "Mama," "Hiiiii" (seriously THE cutest thing we've ever heard), and "Buh-buh" (bye bye). You've recently started to sign back to me, and your favorite word to sign is "More." That was Braxton's favorite sign, too; which makes sense, because both of you love to eat. I call you both "hungry hungry hippos" frequently, I'm just sayin'! Speaking of food, your diet is (fiiiiiiiinally) mostly solids. Praise ye the Lord! You've learned to drink from your straw cup, too, (I repeat: fiiiiiiinally) and we made it to a BIG GOAL. One that wouldn't have been possible without COUNTLESS hard-working, generous mamas who selflessly made this goal possible. Baby girl, we made it to your first birthday on DONOR milk! The best part: that included milk from your first mama AND from me. Cue tears. You were worth every mile driven and hour spent in the car; you always will be.
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A year ago today, you were born and then immediately taken to the NICU because you weren't breathing well on your own. Nothing about your life so far has gone the way I thought it would, but all of it has worked together for so much good. You've overcome so much in just a year, and I know that trend will continue. I wholeheartedly believe that you're going to change the world someday; after all, you've already changed ours. I hope you always love me the way you do today, and I promise to always sing to you, cover you with kisses, chasing you, dancing with you, tickling you, protecting you, praying for you, and showing you the world. Being your and your brother's mama is my greatest adventure, and I don't take it for granted. You are a living, breathing miracle, sweet girl. And you remind us of God's grace, mercy, faithfulness, and redemption every single day.
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Happy birthday to the girl who has taught us more about life in just one short year than we've ever known before. Happy birthday to OUR girl, the one who we'll always love, defend, and cherish. This has been the toughest year we've lived through, but we wouldn't change anything at all -- because to change one thing is to change too much. We love you more than words can say, baby girl. We really, really, really, really, REALLY do!
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