It's my party and I'll cry if I want to. Yep, that's a tear in her eye. We snapped this moments after Olivia yet again stumbled while trying out her new walking legs. It added just one more blemish to her collection of bruises she acquired for her big day. SIGH.Dear Olivia,
It's hard to believe you came into our life one year ago already. In some ways, time has passed slowly but mostly it has gone by lightening fast. Where did our newborn go? When we first brought you home you were just this little, adorable creature who couldn't do anything for her self. You relied on us for everything: feeding, changing, love, warmth and so much more. Well, yes, it's true you still need us for much of that but you are no longer a tiny, fragile baby. You are already a sweet, smart, funny little girl who can do so much for herself at this young age - much more than we ever could have imagined. It's frightening how quickly you've grown but with each new milestone - your first smile, your first solid food, your first giggle, sitting up, crawling, standing up, your first word (Dada, of course) your first steps - you have made our hearts swell with pride.
While you've been busy learning, you have taught Mommy and Daddy so much, too. We now know the true meaning of unconditional love. We now feel so much more complete than when we were simply a couple. We know what it means and how it feels when your child snuggles up next to you and plants a big, juicy kiss on our lips. You give us so much joy, Olivia, and now we can't imagine life without you. You make our world go round and we hope we do the same for you. We wish you love; we wish you happiness; we wish you happily ever after. Through the years and each and every day we'll remind you of our love over and over again. But right now, we wish you a very Happy First Birthday. Happy Birthday, Livi. We love you more than words could ever truly express.
XOXO, Mommy and Daddy
