She is by far one of the lovliest little girls I know. Not a day goes by that she doesn't come out of her bed with a smile on her face just begging someone to hold her. She absolutely adores her big brother and when she cries, he can cease the tears with the slightest words.
Having Owen changed my life, but Emery changed my outlook. Having a daughter is something that every woman needs and doesn't even know it. I realize that this isn't something of our choosing, but I swear a daughter makes you look at yourself as a woman on a much deeper level and the life that you are choosing to lead.
She takes me back and makes me think of all the choices I've made in my life, both good and bad. I feel an overwhelming sense of determination to give her a voice and ideas and sensibility somehow. And above all else, the confidence to trust herself.
These things seem heavy when you think of a little year old. But each day, she is growing before my very eyes. And I often ask myself, is she growing up or is she growing into something? My hope is that it's into something.
She has so many wonderful things ahead of her in her life. And between now and the next year so many things will change. She will begin to have words and opinions and so many things that I haven't even experienced yet. I'm sure there will be days when I will want to just go back to bed and get a do-over. But, if her first year is any indication of what lies ahead, then I say bring it on.
Happy birthday Emery! Your first year went by way too fast, but gave us so much along the way. You added softness where we needed it and gave us balance. I started every day with a smile because of you. Take your time growing and if at all possible, take it easy on us in your toddler years.
We love you!
CAKE TIME!
