A message to my beautiful daughter...
I can't believe I've had you in my life for a year now! I remember worrying every night if you were breathing...starring at your chest, feeling for breath. I thought "how do people make it through the first year". Those days already feel so distant.
I have loved every moment with you. Some things stand out in my mind, beginning with two days before you were born. I spent part of the day with GG and your cousin Jordan and while I was on the way home I started feeling a bit uncomfortable; I had to sleep on the couch that night. The next morning the contractions started. Your daddy and I were timing them on the computer (you have a print-out if this). Aunt Ashley and GG quickly came to Greenville and after many hours we headed to the hospital. It was a loooong night. You were quite content with where you were and did not want to leave. Finally at 4:20 am, the next morning, you were born!! Your daddy and I were so happy. Your daddy took you around to show you off. You were so precious.
Through the year to come we did everything together. You were always by my side, or should I say wrapped up with me.
I used to sing "belly riding with momma" as I whipped that blue fabric all around me. You would get so excited. It always made me laugh. That summer we went to the farmer's market, the downtown locavore market, grocery stores, the park; pretty much everywhere in that wrap. I never knew when I bought that material that it would bring me so much joy.
Another big time for us was when we flew to Ohio just you and me! Oh and of course we ran around the airport with you in your wrap. I wish I had a picture of that day. You were so good. I was scared you would cry a lot and that I would be sitting beside someone who would get aggravated. After praying for a sweet Grandma to sit down beside us, a young guy with listening to his ipod sat down. I thought for sure this wouldn't go well. Then he introduced himself and said that he is a pediatrician. How cool was that!
Warm weather was so much fun with you but surprisingly you had two snowy winters all before you turned one. This is rare living in NC.
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Bundled up for your first snow day |
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Snow Jan. 2010 |
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Snow Jan. 2010 |
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Snow day almost a year later, Dec. 2010. You've really changed! |
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| We had 7 inches of snow! |
Your first birthday was on a Monday. We had a birthday party for you on Saturday. We celebrated with GG and grandpa James, Grandma and Papa Clawson, Aunt Ashley, Uncle Brian, and your cousins Jordan and Peyton. You had only one small nap that day but all the fun kept you awake and happy. Your birthday cupcake was the first sugary treat you've ever had...and it showed! You ate it so fast. I thought you might play with it but you took big bites until it was all gone and then acted like you wanted more.
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| Eating a hotdog and baked beans |
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| Taking a break |
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| You actually kept your hat on longer than I thought you would |
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| You ate that cupcake so fast! |
Me, you, daddy and Dellah have had some fun times. We've danced around the living room, taken a ton of walks, played at the pool, taken trips and you've fallen asleep in daddy's arms many nights. Lillian, you have enriched our life. Our family has grown in size and strength. I pray we will continue to grow together as a family...and into all that the Lord has in store for us.
I love you baby girl!!
