Happy Birthday Britt-babe!

Britt Louise. How you have changed my world in the most beautiful way. I have absolutely ADORED being your mommy. I cannot wrap my mind around how much you have grown, changed, learned and blossomed into a giggling happy chubby baby.

I remember the fear I felt as we drove to the hospital. I had no idea what was about to hit me and all I knew was that my world was about to get rocked. I remember the raw emotions that surged through my heart when the surgeon pulled you out and lifted you over that curtain and you gave your first cry. My eyes just flooded with tears and thought, "Britt is here." And I watched as the nurse tried to swaddle your little breech legs but they kept popping up to be at your head. I just laughted for joy through my tears. I remember your small soft little body against mine as you learned to breastfeed. I remember you falling asleep on me and we would just lie in my bed and I would stare at you, completely amazed that you were my daughter. And then we got to bring you home. You were ours. And you never cried. I didn't really know what to do with you, you were so good. You just made little grunting noises. You never cried when you were hungry, or when you had a dirty diaper. You just patiently waited for me to figure it out - what an unexpected gift your little laid back personality was. You took my heart and ruined it in the best way possible. You have taught me so much about Jesus and His relationship with His Father. You have brought me so much joy, so much laughter. I love love love being your mommy. I am a mess today because I miss this tiny you, and I'll never get it back. But mostly because I had no idea what was going to happen to me a year ago today and how instantly and hard I would fall in love with you. I enjoyed and relished every moment I had with you in those tiny moments, and I wish I could go back and do it all over again. I love your gummy smile and that you JUST cut your two top teeth when all your friends have at least 4. I love that your little head is barely covered with honey colored wispy hair. Your big blue/green/brown eyes are covered with long lashes and EVERYONE gives you compliments about them. I love your chubby cheeks, thunder thighs and massive Buddha belly.
I love how as you've grown, so have your opinions. You used to looooove getting your diaper changed and now its as if I am murdering you. You HATE getting dressed and getting your fingernails clipped. You love any kind of medicine, Tylenol, Mylicon, and your disgusting green/brownish syrupish vitamins and scream when we are all done taking them. You love to read, and bring books to us all the time. You love to bounce and jump on our bed and are CONSTANTLY on the move. You are not a cuddlebug, which makes me sad at times, but thats you and so I love it. You love food and are just like your daddy in the way you STUFF your mouth full. The concept of bites doesn't exist to you. I adore you Britt. You are my Buddy, my Brittalious, my Britt-babe. God was so kind to give you to us. I have loved this year of parenting. You are a delight to me and your Daddy. We pray that as you grow, you will discover the vast and deep and unending love that your Father in Heaven has for you. You were beautifully made by Him and you are His gift to us.