Happy Birthday, Sarah Claire! (a couple of days early!)

I will never forget the night I found out I was pregnant with Sarah Claire.  Those two tiny lines seemed unreal, but soon we saw the first ultrasound, felt the first kicks, and finally, after 9+ months of waiting, felt the first contraction and then heard the sweet sound of her first cries.  I cannot believe that it's been a year since that day.  I am so overwhelmed when I think of all of the changes that have come with having Sarah Claire in our lives; we don't sleep like we used to, we don't go on dates as much as we once did, we've cried more, laughed more and played more.  We've learned what it means to be selfless (though we of course struggle to practice this!), we've learned what it means to love unconditionally and we've learned the joys and pains of loving in a brand new way- in other words, as parents.  We've realized what matters more than a clean house is a happy home, and we've learned that time flies after having a child.  (So do Cherios- truly, our floor is always covered!) We've learned to love each other in new and better ways in our marriage and we've learned that no matter how many books we read, we just don't know a thing about parenting... but the combination of constant prayer and a little humility seems to be seeing us through the challenges and helping us to stop and absorb the sweet moments and the unparalleled joy that Sarah Claire has brought us.

We aren't the only ones who have experienced change!  Sarah Claire has gone from being a helpless infant, unable to control the movements of her hands and feet to being a bright, crawling, happy little girl who is learning to eat new foods, say new words and even stand a little on her own!  She amazed us with so many things this year- rolling over, laughing, saying Momma and Da-da, clapping her hands and and pulling up.  She has kept every moment full of energy and kept both of us full of amazement.  She is such a precious girl.

I can't believe she is turning one.  I just keep feeling an overwhelming sense of gratitude that she is so healthy and so full of life, and then feeling a sentimental sadness that so many of her "firsts" are already over - and now her first birthday is about to be too!  She is getting so big so fast, and I can't seem to keep up.  My heart is already full and all of these incredible memories have to find some way to fit - I feel like I'm running out of room! - but I know that if my problem is finding a way to contain the indescribable joys of motherhood, I don't have a problem at all... in fact, I have the privilege of being a parent, and I am so, so thankful! I know I'll cry on her birthday, for all of the days that have come and gone and for the brief, sweet moments that will come and go too quickly, but I am so thankful for this season - no matter how short it may seem.  I just want to celebrate that my sweet one-year-old is healthy, happy and strong and remember to shower her with love, steady her with discipline and truth and comfort her with the proof that no matter what she does or doesn't do, that I will love her more than she'll ever know, because she's mine.

I've learned over the past year that 3 of my favorite words have become, "She's my daughter."  I can't help from being so proud of her- she is so beautiful and funny and already, she's displaying signs of having the sweetest temperament.  I am blessed beyond measure.

So, the only thing left to say - or sing- is Happy Birthday, Sarah Claire!  You are SO loved!

Here is a picture of Sarah Claire on the day she was born. She was so tiny, weighing 6 pounds, 8 oz!  8-7-2010, 1:20 a.m.