Dear Paisley Andrew

January 6, 2011 is the day your father and I found out you were planning to join our family.  We sat on the couch and alternated between laughing and freaking out.  At that very second, our hearts filled with so much love for you.  It's unbelievable how much you can love someone that you have never met. While you were just the size of an appleseed, your father and I were already making plans for the Fish3 and planning the rest of our lives around you. 

In May we found out that it was in your best interest for me to take it easy and go on bed rest.  While I knew bedrest wouldn't be easy, I would have done anything in the world to protect you.  Before I ever laid eyes on you, I had already turned in to the protective mother bear.  I like to think we bonded long before you were ever born as I laid on the couch singing and talking to you.

The morning of August 17th as I was rushed in to the operating room, my heart was racing, but I knew you were going to be fine.  I knew each one of your rib cracking kicks was your way of saying "hey mom, I'm fine!  See, I'm a strong boy *KICK.*"  I laid on the table as silent and motionless as I could, listening to every sound, praying to hear your cry.  As I heard a bear cub like growl, I knew that was you.  I watched your Daddy look at you for the first time and it was as if he was looking at the most precious item ever to grace the world.  Then my eyes saw your tiny scrunched up face and I kissed your head.  I knew life would never be the same and my heart doubled in size in those few seconds. 

Bringing you home and learning all about you has been nothing short of witnessing miracles daily.  We were contstantly surprised at your strength, your awareness, your appitite, and the affection you showed us from day 1.  As days, weeks, and months passed, your personality reflected a happy, funny, inquisitive, quick learning, busy little boy.  Those toothless gummy smiles were constant and if you didn't have 100% attention from both your Daddy and I, you were quick to get our attention with either a shreik or hitting the table with your hand.  You learned early how to command the attention of an entire room. 

You are happiest when you are home with your Daddy and I, perferbly right smack dab in the middle of us.  I admit that I am also happiest when I am with my 2 boys. You love a party and being social, and will smile at each and every person that looks your way.  You don't mind sitting off playing by yourself, as long as you can look over your shoulder and see your Daddy or I. 

I know this is going to sound biased, but you are the smartest, strongest, most beautiful little baby I have ever seen.  I am so lucky to be your mother and to get to have you in my life.  I didn't feel as though your father and I were missing anything in our lives prior to your arrival, but now the two of us need you, love you, and want you, just as badly as you need, love, and want us. 

Now you are my big 1 year old baby boy.  I look back on the past year with the happiest, most loving, peaceful thoughts possible.  I look to the future with excitment, happiness, and a love that will continue to grow daily.  I promise to continue to nurture you, support you, and love you throughout all the years of our lives.  Your dad and I will always be your #1 fans, your biggest supports, and will love you forever. 

Thank you Paisley Andrew for giving us the title of parents and teaching us about patience and love.  Happy 1st birthday.  Love, Mommy and Dadda