One
One year. It's been 12 months since the most precious gift was placed in my arms. She came on her own time 7 days late, despite me trying everything in the book to get her to come sooner. After 20 minutes of pushing on Friday, August 26, 2016, Michael and I came face to face with a love that we had never experienced before. There are absolutely no words for the moment you hold your baby for the first time and become parents.
Six surgeries in Detroit. A move for better services. New friends. An incredible support system. An unexpected journey. One loving God.
One year of learning to live one day at a time. One year of searching for meaning. One year of learning to loosen my grip and let God. One year of finding that Hope is the only thing to hold on to. One year of discovering that I was strong enough to carry weight that I'd never before considered carrying. One year of surviving, growing, and thriving. One year of finding joy even in the hardest of times.
One year of Presley. One year of her adorable and dainty self. She's cautious but determined. Stubborn but lovable. She loves to be held just don't sit still. She loves to be sung to and is quite forgiving on tone (mom can't hold a tune). She has a smile that will light up a room. She's the kind of different that makes you look twice and the kind of sweet that makes you melt into a puddle. She's our everything.
One challenging, incredible, beautiful year of Presley. Here's to many, many more!
*Huge thank you to Paige Gilbert for joining us to take pictures. I will cherish these (and all the others) forever. Here's a glimpse into the most perfect day celebrating the most perfect one year old.
And for a few of the most thoughtful, beautiful gifts. Beyond thankful for the hearts behind these.
Michael's best friend since childhood, Austin Vick, had my blog (Vol 1) printed in Braille so Presley will have her own hard copy to read when she's older.😭What an i n c r e d i b l e friend.
Sensory board from the Spring family. Personally made by my brother-in-law, Ryan.
My neighbor's three year old daughter, Kambri Hammer, made Presley a multiple page tactile card.