Letter of Love

My dearest Lily Belle,
     On July 21st, 2011, (exactly one year ago today) your father, Grandmama, Auntie Bethany and I all went to watch big sister Camille at her gymnastics class. At the end of the class your Auntie snapped a family picture of the three Wyatts and jokingly said, "This may be your last family picture before Lily arrives!" And you know what? She was absolutely right :) After the class we headed across the street to Guthries for dinner, and just a short time later (around 7:30 p.m) I started feeling like I might be in labor. I tried to ignore it but your Grandmama and Auntie insisted I go to the hospital. So, still feeling skeptical (and also a little grouchy that I had to leave my food), we hightailed it to the hospital. Around 8:30 that night I was in full blown labor...and baby girl, let me tell ya, those contractions were no joking matter. Your big sissy came by to see me before she went to bed and I can't tell you how ECSTATIC I was when I finally got to tell her, "Your little sister is on her way!!!" I labored all through the night and into the next morning. I was so exhausted and I remember thinking, "This child is so stubborn, I just don't think she's coming." But, lo and behold, at 5:18 a.m. you made your grand debut.
     A kinda fun tradition we've started in our family is guessing the exact due date, weight and height every time someone is having a baby. I predicted you would be here on July 22nd, months before hand. And even though I was only 39 weeks pregnant, two days before you arrived I specifically said, "This baby will be here by Friday, I just know it." Of course, like always, Mama was right ;) I also guessed your exact height and was only off on your weight by two ounces. I knew you, baby girl, before I even met you.
     There are no words to describe how I felt the first time I laid eyes on you. I was in awe and in complete euphoria...here was this miracle that had been growing inside me for the past nine months. This blonde haired, blue eyed, pouty lipped girl belonged to ME. I had waited and longed to hold you for so long and to be able to kiss your soft skin and smell your sweet baby scent...it was magical, almost unreal.
     It's unbelievable how fast time flies by. I can't seem to wrap my head around the fact that you are turning one. You are such an incredible little person. You are so feisty, strong willed, sassy and FUNNY. Girlfriend, you have one amazing sense of humor. God knew I not only wanted you but that I also needed you.

     Being Mommy to you and your sister is my biggest joy in life. This is what I was created to do...to love you, to nurture you, to teach you. Happy birthday, my sweet gift from God.