One year


A missed call and text.
A tearful, laughter-filled, sweaty plane ride.
An anxious trek across the city.
A hospital room with an exhausted, yet adrenaline-filled mama, eager to share the story of your arrival with us.
And then, you.
A tiny, squishy baby, placed in my arms. 
A little bottle to give you your first feeding.
A pounding heart filled with awe.
I can still smell the smells and hear the sounds. 
The tiny cry. 
The full head of dark hair.
The long, wrinkly fingers.
The teeny, squishy toes.
My girl, I could never forget.
Sarah Karnas Photography
365 days of never forgetting your sweet details. Your tiny cry has turned into a strong, determined voice. Your teeny fingers and toes have grown to carry you to explore all the world around you. And that full head of dark hair has grown into gorgeous curls, spiraling down. 
365 days of loving you harder than I ever knew possible. 
362 days of being your mama.
For 72 hours, we poured every ounce of love right back into you. 
We set you down only to change your diaper.
We snuggled you on our chests and inhaled every scent.
We talked to you. We told you just how very, very much you are loved.
But we weren’t your mama and dad-o yet.
For those 72 hours, we were the luckiest people on the planet, but we were not yet your’s.
For 72 hours, she was your mom.
And for the rest of your life, she still is.
Today and everyday, we pray for her. We talk about her and say her name. We laugh with fondness at our memories together. We tell you about how she helped us choose your name. About how she and I ordered the same thing off the menu at lunch; so alike, and so different. About how she is just as fierce and determined as you are.
We have loved you both with our whole hearts for 365 days; and we will never cease. 
Tonight and every night, we remind you that you are strong. That you are courageous. That you are kind. Just like her. Just like me. Just like dad. 
We are woven together in you. 
Sarah Karnas Photography
Happy Birthday my love.

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