The older I get, the more I realize I love my parents.
My mother is calm and kind, giving and loyal. She still pinches our cheeks, calls us her babies, and makes the best chicken soup ever.
My mother doesn’t realize how talented she is. Lainey just happens to be the luckiest baby ever to have her for her grandma not only because she has that magic grandma thing goin’ for her (that thing that puts a baby to sleep in five minutes with no crying), but because she makes Lainey the most beautiful handmade things. Today, we received in the mail the most beautiful birthday dress that Grandma crocheted for us. How did we get so lucky to have you for a Grandma? I love you, Mom! (and we love that Grandma Krissy makes beautiful things for my friends’ babies too!) Thank you for all the time and love you put into this! We will forever cherish it!

In one year, our world has been painted with colors we didn’t know existed…
every day is colorful…every moment, vivid…every second spent with her…a masterpiece.

(Pardon the fact that she looks like she’s trying to smoke the lolipop. Had the wrapper been off, you’d better be darned sure, she’d have the right end in her mouth! …lolipops courtesy of this weekend’s birthday decorations!)

This post is inspired by one of my favorite photos from our wedding…the very last shot of the night…me and Somer Love!

The house is gettin’ ready…

…but I’m not quite there. It really is exciting but such a reflective time for us!

She’s extra cuddly and…well, babyish today. Wants her teddy blankie and a pacifier and just to be held…which is fine by me.

…and in the meantime, I’ll prepare myself to hear “Happy Birthday” and know that it’s all for her. I’m so proud of everything you’ve learned this year, Lainey Love! You are so much more than I could have ever imagined!

We are starting a tradition for Lainey…one that will help her remember each year as she celebrates life that not everyone is so fortunate. Each year, we will choose a charity for our friends and family and anyone else to donate a simple $10. When she’s old enough, we will let her choose her charities–ones that embrace her passions and concerns in life. This year, after knowing what it’s like to have a “rough start,” we’ve chosen March of Dimes, the leading non-profit organization for pregnancy and baby health. If anyone would like, in honor of Lainey’s first year, please donate $10 to March of Dimes by clicking here. Someday, when she is 20, 30, 40 years old, Lainey will be able to look back and know that just by living, she’s helping others (of course we hope she goes a little beyond that too…ha! Birthday donations are no excuse, Lainey…you still have to help, you know!). If you feel comfortable, leave a comment that you made a donation and we will keep a record of how much little Lainey is giving to others! Thank you!

…enjoying the small things. ~k