The cliche is true: the time goes by so fast. During Hope's birthday party at the park, it struck me how a year earlier Carissa and I were going over the final check list for the hospital stay. I remember standing in Hope's room that night, staring at the then empty crib amazed in the knowledge that the next time we came home, we would be a family of three. My head was a blender of questions. What was life going to be like with a child? What kind of parents were we going to be? What would Hope be like? Are we really ready for this?
And here we all were, one year later, once again brought together to celebrate this little girl. Just awesome!
As I scanned the people at the party, memories of their contributions and support through out Carissa's pregnancy flashed in my mind. Too many to mention here. So many kind words. So many words of wisdom. We are truly grateful for the people and family in our lives that love Hope just as much as we do.
All the questions and doubts from a year ago have since been settled, soothed and almost forgotten. The adventures of the past year have laid a firm foundation for the ones to come. Hope has grown from an immobile, blanket swaddled infant to a better-not-turn-your-back-for-a-moment, almost walking, curious little girl. Her personality and behavior patterns are fairly apparent now. And I have to say that I am really pleased. I think we'll keep her. After all, she cheers and claps when the Ducks score!
There are several things I am looking forward to this coming year. Walking, that should be a matter of weeks now (however, I am not looking forward to her running). Talking -- she currently yammers out a few words, but I think her enunciation will improve. She is getting better at signing, and so am I. It will be much less stressful once we learn to communicate better. Eating new foods will be fun, she is trying new things and we are figuring out what she likes and what ends up on the floor. Playing games with her has been rapidly evolving...I can't wait to see how much more complex it becomes. I can't get enough of her laughter. Her little giggles and squeals are the best. I am looking forward to hearing a lot more of it.
Please join me in wishing Hope a happy first birthday today! We are so happy to have you all in this adventure with us!
