BEST DAY EVER.

So, she is one today and I was really emotional about that. I'm not sure why--I can only say that this year flew by and I'm so proud of the little peanut she is. I loved being pregnant (not the fat ankles and general crabiness obviously) and the planning for her to come-her room was ready and clothes were folded...all we needed was baby! I loved her smile when she was born and we made it through 2 surgeries with only a few tears. :) I will never, ever forget how awesome that day was--no one can prepare you for what it feels like to see your baby for the first time. We had the added anxiety-wondering if she would be ok, would she go right to the NICU, would she eat on her own, would she have trouble breathing??? My life instantly changed from worrying about myself (and Mike) to doing anything and everything to keep my child safe and happy. There is nothing in this world that could change that feeling for me--she will always know that I will keep her safe. My hope is that my kids always know and believe that they are loved and valued. My prayer for Haven is that she grows up to be someone who puts others first and who loves and supports others who can not stand up for themselves. I am the farthest thing from an "expert" at this parenting thing but we made it one whole year and she couldn't be better so we must be doing something right. :)

Thank you to EVERYONE who supported and loved our family in any way over the past year. Our family and friends were there with kind words, tough love, a shoulder to cry on and a "congrats!" when we needed it most and we can never thank you enough.

To celebrate her big day-Mike and I took vacation from work and had a whole day planned for Haven. She slept in (much appreciated) and then woke up to her morning bags from Mina and Aunt Lin. She then made her way to the playroom to check out the new ball pit-which she can now flip herself out of (awesome.) before we packed it up and headed to the city. Rainforest Cafe was really fun and then we went to Bubbles Academy to see Aunt Kate and play, play, play.

One 20 minute nap + hours of playing made for one sleepy girl on the way home.

Wouldn't change one thing about our day.

one year ago today

The Big Day...

Happy 1st Birthday Haven Grace!

This has been the best year of my life and it's all because of you! You're still sleeping right now but here's what you have to wake up to....

A NEW BALL PIT! It happens to take up your entire play room and is much bigger than it looked online but now you can play in it until you're 88lbs! :)

This time last year

I can't believe Haven is turning one tomorrow. This has been a crazy year but I wouldn't change anything about our journey so far. Haven is awesome (she is actually throwing strawberries at me right now) and I know she has an exciting life ahead of her.

Mike, Haven and I are spending tomorrow as a family: Bubbles Academy in Chicago and then Rainforest Cafe!

Have a great day everyone!

almost ONE!

11 more days....