Happy 1st Birthday Shelby Leigh

Wow.

I can't believe it's actually time for me to be writing this post.

The post about our daughter, Shelby Leigh Stephens, turning 1-year old.

We had her big party over the weekend but this day, 12/12, is the day that she actually entered this world and I am teary just looking back at the last year.

I knew I would enjoy being a parent, but I honestly never imagined how I feel about Shelby Leigh and our family.

It's truly amazing.

It's without effort that Brad and I have treasured every little moment and our hearts have exploded.

Her first moments in our arms.

Her first bath, boat ride, spaghetti dinner, carousel ride, trip to the beach, camping trip, and on and on and on and on.

We look forward to a lot more firsts as the months and years continue.

I have heard people for years that writing your child a letter every year is a great way for them to look back and know about their life.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dear Shelby,

Mommy and Daddy wanted you more than you will ever know.

We prayed and prayed for you and at one point thought you would never happen.

But, God heard our prayers and you are now our daughter and the most beautiful thing we have ever laid eyes on.

You came into this world on a super cool birth date, 12/12/12, but just minutes afterwards we thought we had lost you.

It's a moment in time that Mommy and Dad will never forget.

A moment where I thought I was going to die and Daddy felt the same way.

But, you were/are a trooper and were okay and that was the single best moment of our lives.

Knowing that you were okay.

We love you more than words can say and that's not just being cliche.

 Becoming a Mommy and Daddy was something totally new for us but we united together and became a team.

We still are a team.

Team Shelby.

We will always be Team Shelby until the day we die.

Remember that.

Diapers, late night feedings, rocking you to sleep, bathing you.

We both did it all.

 Throughout the past year we have seen you grow more than we ever imagined.

 From swaddles and bottles to walking shoes and sippy cups.

You have taught us so much about life and ourselves.

You've taught us what real love really is.

(I think Mr. Buddy has even learned a little)

 We are so proud at your development and the little lady that you are becoming.

 Everyone even comments about the warmth you radiate with your smile, way and happy little demeanor.

 Happy.Happy.Happy
You make us happy.

 Shelby Leigh Stephens, you are our sunshine and we are proud to call ourselves your Mommy and Daddy.

Continue growing into the little lady that you are becoming.

Happy 1st birthday baby girl!

We LOVE you!