Remembering...

the night before she was born.  My mom came over, and Ryan and I said a very emotional goodbye to my precious little Carter.  I couldn't imagine that my sweet little  two year old boy was about to be a 'big' brother.  We got to the hospital and got settled in for my induction; the dreaded IV came, we watched Desperate Housewives, we tried to sleep.

But I couldn't sleep at all.  I tried to play my white noise machine, but I couldn't get past the beeping of my IV machine.  And I just COULD NOT WAIT to meet my sweet baby girl. I just kept imagining what she would look like, how big she'd be, what it would be like as she grew up and we could spend time together playing with all those pink toys.

And within what seemed like minutes, she was born.  A little tiny pink bundle of joy that has brought more happiness and joy and sunshine to our family than we ever thought possible.

As I rocked her to sleep tonight for the last time before her 1st birthday tomorrow, I just thank my lucky stars for her.  She is perfect in every single way.

I loved you from the very start,
You stole my breath, embraced my heart.
Our life together has just begun
You're part of me my little one.
As mother with child, each day I grew,
My mind was filled with thoughts of you,
I'd daydream of the things we'd share,
Like late-night bottles and Teddy bears.
Like first steps and skinned knees,
Like bedtime stories and ABC's.
I thought of things you'd want to know,
Like how birds fly and flowers grow.
I thought of lessons I'd need to share,
Like standing tall and playing fair.
When I first saw your precious face,
I prayed your life be touched with grace.
I thanked the angels from above,
And promised you unending love.
Each night I lay you down to sleep,
I gently kiss your head and cheek.
I count your little fingers and toes;
I memorize your eyes and nose.
I linger at your nursery door,
Awed each day I love you more.
Through misty eyes, I dim the light,
I whisper, "I love you" every night.
I loved you from the very start,
You stole my breath, embraced my heart.

As mother and child our journeys begin,
My heart's yours forever, little one.