one year ago today.....

(photo compliments of aunt d)

as i sit here at work, i am reminded of a year ago today (like it was yesterday).....i was lying in a bed, in this very same hospital, waiting to meet my little alaina jean. at 5:14am you came into this world (very fast i might add...kinda how you do everything else.) i was so excited to meet you, to see you, face to face.

i fell in love instantly. i knew that i would love you, but i was nervous as to how i would feel in that moment....loving another child. but you came, and there were no worries, no doubts. what i held in my arms was "love."

i have had the privilege of loving you everyday since, and i wouldn't trade a single second. you have brought so much joy to my life and to those around you. i can tell you time and time again, but words will never amount to how much i love you, we love you. i hope you have a happy first birthday. thank you for being my sweet, smiley, little blue eyed girl, with a grin that melts my heart. i love you lainey lou.

(i'll be home from work soon to wish you a happy birthday myself.....maybe with a sprinkled doughnut in hand....with a candle?) i bet kylee would like it if i did that!

thank you Lord for alaina jean. bless her all the days of her life. i pray that she will know you and grow in your love and live in your light. i pray that you will use her in ways only you know how to. keep her healthy and safe. pour out your love through us, so she will be showered in it each and every day. give alan and i wisdom to parent her, guide her and discipline her. thank you for trusting us to be her parents here on earth. i am so eternally grateful. amen!