One

I sat down to write this post and the first question I asked myself was "How on earth do you take the most incredible year of your life and sum it up in a blog post?" The answer is, you don't. It's absolutely impossible for me to express how lucky we are, so instead, I'll say "thanks."

Thanks to Em's Mommy for allowing her body to become a human pin cushion for a couple of years in order to prepare it to house the miracle that is our daughter. You smiled the entire time, even through the extremely difficult and trying times. You laughed at my jokes realizing that they were there only to mask the pain we were both dealing with, but we did it....you did it, and for that I am forever grateful.

Thanks to our families for their unconditional support. Without all of you there is no way that we could of done this or gotten through the first of many years with our little miracle. We understand at times what we were doing was a tough pill to swallow, but you smiled, gave us a hug and reminded us you would be along for the ride every step of the way. You came to our aid when we needed you to be there and have become a shining example of what we want our daughter to be. You will help continue to mold her and be an extremely important part of her life. If there is only one lesson that I took from my parents (don't worry Mom and Dad, I took several away) it is that family is top priority. Now that we have started our own, that means more now than it ever has and I thank you for teaching us that.

And of course, thanks to the most important piece of this puzzle, Emmelyn. I have said it a million times, you, my dear, have no idea how many people worked to get you here. You're everything we hoped you would be and so much more. People say I'm crazy, but I swear it and will believe it to the day I die, the second you were born you had an awkward smile on your face. No kidding, you literally came out smiling! I think you knew something that none of us did. You defied logic when God gave you to us, and we will never forget that...ever. You make every day a complete joy and brighten the lives of everyone you meet. You amaze us on a daily basis, you make us laugh, you make us love deeper and you bring us closer together. Thanks for coming into our lives and making us a "family."

Happy 1st Birthday Silly Goose! We Love You!!