Holden's 1st Birthday & Valentine's Day

February 14, 2009

Dearest Holden,

Happy 1st Birthday Monkey! It has been an incredible first year for you - filled with challenges, excitement, but most importantly...love. And despite all the obstacles you faced, here you are celebrating your first birthday! I don't think there are words to fully express how proud I am of you for persevering and fighting your way through your health problems. I would do anything to take away the pain you've had to endure.

Never did I imagine how much I would learn from you. You've taught me to appreciate today and look "forward" to tomorrow. You've reminded me not to sweat the small stuff and that it's the simple things in life that truly matter. But most importantly you've made me realize how deeply we are capable of loving one another - unconditionally. I know I've changed so much in the past year. And I like to think I'm a much better person because of you!

Someone recently told me that babies choose their parents. I don't pretend to know how that works. Whether it was God -or you -or if the two of you decided together, it doesn't matter. I just know that we are so blessed to have you as our son. And as we look forward to the future - I can't wait to teach you everything I can and introduce you to the exciting world that awaits you!

We will continue to pray every day for our miracle, asking God to heal your body. Yet, as a very wise woman pointed out, you are already a living miracle. So as we celebrate your birthday, just know we are not only celebrating your birth, and your first year - we are celebrating the lifetime of memories we will enjoy together. I love you, Monkey. Always and forever.

Love,

Mommy