One Year

To our beautiful Bailey,

How is it possible you have been alive for one year? It was 8:45am when we found out you would be making your arrival 5 weeks earlier than planned. After heading to the hospital (without passing go and collecting $200, as our MFM said), I was prepped and headed into surgery. You made your arrival quietly at 11:00am. They quickly called your daddy back and told him you were in trouble and would need to have a tracheostomy immediately. It was 2 hours before they wheeled my bed into the NICU so I could see you. Seeing you laying there, still not awake from the anesthesia, was heartbreaking. I only got one good look before I couldn't see through my tears. You were the most beautiful baby I had ever seen. You met your Grandma Hinderliter about the time you started waking up. I saw you twice more on your birth day and each time I saw you, you were more beautiful than the last.

Your daddy and I have fallen more in love with you every day. Your smile can literally change our day. Speaking of your daddy, you have him wrapped around your long sausagey fingers. Anything you could ever want or need, he jumps to attention. Watching your personality develop has been absolutely amazing. You know just what you want all the time and whoever is in the way better look out! You may not be able to "voice" your opinion, but you have more than enough facial expressions to tell us just what you are thinking.

Bailey, you have completely turned our lives upside down in a good way. You have made us stronger together and taught us to love on a totally different level. We are so excited for your 2nd year and everything you have to teach us.

We love you more than we could ever say, Bailey. Happy Birthday!