We never anticipated this.  He has taught us about life.  And a new kind of love.  Everything has changed.  We’ve shared tears of happiness and all kinds of other tears too.  The unexpected has happened. And he has been a miracle in more ways than one.  He is strong from the inside out. And makes us smile so hard, it tingles our toes.  He delights everyone he meets.

What did we do before he came along?  What would we do without him? He has been a handful for sure, but I’d echo every other parent in saying that he is worth it.  All of it. The fear, the pain, the sadness, the worry, the frustration.  It’s all there.  But he balances it out with his sweet soul, his smile, his cuddles, his laugh, and just the joy he brings to us by being here.  By being him. I wouldn’t know or want things any other way.

So Happy 1st Birthday to my sweet little bug.  Surely there will be more surprises and more challenges along the way, but if we keep smiling and continue to be brave, we will also be rewarded with more happiness and fulfillment.

Bring. It. On.

God, I love this kid.