Happy Birthday Loralei!

prepare yourself, this is going to be sappy....

When you tell people you are pregnant, you get lots of advice, opinions, and "just wait" stories.  What no one can ever tell you or articulate is what you are going to feel as a parent.  No one can prepare you for the rush of love that comes swaddled in a blanket, that looks at you like you are their WHOLE world, that can't get enough of you, and you can't get enough of them.  What no one can tell you in an honest tone is that being a parent is hard, sleep is overrated, GUILT is a force of God, and Murphy's law will follow you the rest of your life.  Being a parent is the best thing that has ever happened to me.  It has forced me to look at the world through the eyes of a child.  It has made me take a step back and explore things ALL over again.

This year has flown by, I still can't believe as I type this, Loralei you are a year old.  It feels like yesterday you were practicing for your black belt on my bladder.  You have added such joy and happiness to our lives, I can't even remember what life was like before you.  I love seeing your little personality grow, and your eyes get wide with excitement, and curiosity at every turn.  I can hardly wait (but I will) to see what the next year holds.  I love you so very much.

I have to give a big thanks to all that have been there, and helped out this past year (especially while Dave was away).  I could not have gotten through the year without extra hands, and a little mommy time here and there.  Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU. 
Lastly, I'd like to thank my own mother.  We never appreciate what our mothers sacrifice for us, until we become a mother ourselves.  Mom, thank you for all your sacrifices, love, and support over the past 30 years. I love you.