Our Sunshine

I wrote this letter to Liliana the eve of her 1st birthday. It was an emotional time for me to reflect on the past year with Liliana in our life.

Dear Liliana Rose,

Like the song that I sing to you every night (that Grandma sang to me when I was little):

You are my sunshine, my only sunshine. You make me happy when skies are grey. You'll never know dear how much I love you...

Happy 1st Birthday my sweet little angel. Daddy and I can't believe that it has been a year since the day that we went to meet Doula Dawn for breakfast at Pannikin and had you in our arms and lives just a few hours later. All I have ever wanted to be is a Mommy, and you have exceeded my wildest dreams. I never knew I could love as much as I love you. My heart grew the day you were born and continues to grow each morning when I see your smiling face waiting for me in your crib. Daddy and I often wonder what we ever did without you. The best part of our lives began a year ago on January 4, 2009. Every single day (at least once a day) we talk about how happy you make us. We are overwhelmed by the joy that having you in our lives brings us. You made us a family.

We are so proud of you. I remember how tiny you seemed to us when you were born and now you are so big and strong. I remember the first little squeaks you made, and now you are confidently bossing me around by pointing to things that you want and yelling, "DAT!" I remember how your little legs turned out to the side like a "rana" and then straightened out and grew the most delicious rolls I have ever seen. I remember the first time you smiled and the first time you laughed. Now, you are full of smiles and laughs, but I still live for them and get butterflies in my stomach each time you do as if it were the first time. I remember all of the little phases and changes that you have gone through over the past year. There have been so many that it is hard to believe it all happened in just one year, and yet, it has gone by in a flash.

Thank you for everything that you are and everything that you do. It is so special to be your Mom. Daddy and I are excited for all of the years and changes to come. We know that you will be amazing...you already are.

Love Always and Forever,

Mommy