My sweet Annabelle,
One year ago, we became a family of three. Today is your first birthday but also the best anniversary I could ever imagine.
365 days ago we met for the first time, but it felt like I had always known you. When they placed you on my chest I could barely see you since I was lying flat. But I could see your little profile and hear your little humming sounds. I just kept saying hi baby. Hiiii you're so pretty. Hii. Tears. More tears.
When they told me they had to take you to the nicu I felt my heart break into a million pieces. I knew you would be ok, but I had waited so long to meet you, I didn't want you to go anywhere without me.
365 days later, we haven't spent very much time apart. And I wouldn't change that for anything. (Although if you feel like sleeping in the crib every now and then I'd be ok with that).
Watching you grow has surely been life's greatest gift. Watching you grow into a strong, confident, now-running, babbling, silly little girl.. Watching your mind work and analyze and learn. I am in awe of you every day.
Knowing that your daddy and I are responsible for showing you how to be a good person, how to be kind and sweet and pushing you to learn and explore is an unbelievable gift. I can only imagine what you will bring to this world, knowing what you have brought to our world in such a short time. I am so thankful for you, my sweet girl. Sometimes I am so scared for you. I know what people can be like, what the world can be like. Deep down I know I cannot shelter you from everything, but I know I can give you love. Love so strong and the knowledge that you are never alone. You will always know how loved you are. You will always have arms to run to, a home to return to, parents that love you unconditionally.
And I know that where I fall short, your sweet daddy will shine. Maybe between the two of us, we won't screw up too badly. 😂
How lucky you are to be loved so much. How lucky we are to get to love you. Not just any baby girl, our sweet Annabelle.
Happy first birthday my girl. May all your dreams come true. We'll start simple with cuddles and cupcakes, a birthday crown, and some presents. And as you get bigger, may your dreams grow with you. Daddy and I will do whatever we can to make them all come true.
January 6, 2016
When it seems impossible to love you more, I do.
