Happy Birthday Aislinn l Aislinn 12 Months

(I hope to take...or have taken...Aislinn's one year photos when she gets her feeding tube out and the weather is nice. That said, she pulled it out for the third time last Friday so when the rain stopped, briefly, I threw together some stuff and took a few photos. Literally just a few. But I'm so happy that we will at least have a few to remember her at an actual 12 months!)

Sweet, Sweet Aislinn. You are our delight. You truly are our sunshine when skies are grey. And boy were they grey this month. Little love, please don't hold it against your dad and I if we are over-protective in your upbringing. I promise we will do our best to only be as over-protective as any other parent. :) I pray you will never understand the anguish of watching your little baby fight for her life. I pray you will never have to endure what we did while you were in the hospital.  But if you do, and in some form you will because there is suffering and pain and hurt and sadness in life, I pray you will find hope. In Him who our hope comes from (Psalm 62:5).

Because this month was also full of hope. So much hope and love. Each day that is all your dad and I could give: hope, prayer and loving you so much it hurt. And from others as well. You have had more people praying for you this month than most one year olds! Hundreds of people lifting you up to our Lord, our Creator and Healer. You are deeply loved by many. I pray you will grow up with this tangible evidence of the body of Christ, of the power of prayer and of the miracle and blessing of your life. 

You are our little miracle, our little fighter. You have an amazing spirit and we have seen the depths and the breadth of it. I have a feeling we have only seen a glimpse. Every day you continue to amaze us. You are full of life, curiosity and joy. Who we once thought was our contemplative observer is now coming out of her shell with big smiles for even strangers. This year will be so fun to watch you develop socially.

You have a constant and deep love for your family, but always a special spot reserved for mama. :) That said, you are quickly becoming a daddy's girl. You say both of our names and even occasionally say "Rah Rah" for Ro. You most definitely adore your older brother, and he you. You love to laugh at his crazy antics as much as he loves to entertain you. You are the perfect match for each other. He is learning the frustrations of being an older brother as you become more curious, opinionated and most importantly, mobile.

We love how much you love music! You like all kinds of music and any 2 objects that can be banged together to make music. You cluck your tongue along with a song or a beat. You often get so excited to hear music that you just can't help but move. I can't wait until you're standing and can really boogie! More than anything, you love our family dance parties. While you were in the hospital, daddy longed to hold you and dance again. Our first dance party (to Mumford & Sons) was emotional, exhilarating and unforgettable.

(after a few minutes, it started raining...again...so we moved inside to try a few more shots. I love this sequence. I like your face, baby girl)

The desire to be mobile and get to your toys has finally struck. Though you still get stuck in this position, we are working hard together each day to get you crawling. Of course, this will make my job harder, but it is an added responsibility I am looking forward too!

Ironically you and Monkey both suffered head surgery on the same night. You at the hand of a highly trained and experienced neurosurgeon and Monkey at the teeth of a certain needy and semi-obnoxious pup. If I ever get to patching her up, you'll have matching scars. ;)

Ais, we love you so much. We pray that the miracle of your life can only mean that God has big things in store for you. Who knows what they may be, but we pray you will love Him deeply and will lead others to do the same. You are a blessing. 

Happy 1st Birthday (plus 3 weeks!)!!!

Love,
Mama and Dada