andbetsymakesfive: 40 to 1

It is hard to believe that one year ago today, our little B made her arrival. The decision to deliver her nearly 3 weeks early was made the day before due to some concerns regarding her heart that we had been monitoring for the last few months of the pregnancy. It so happened that her delivery would occur on my 39th birthday. I remember looking at the clock in the delivery room, about 3:15 pm as the doctor, nurses and neonatal specialists were assembling in the room (all 11 of them) and thinking- that this was either going to be my best birthday ever, or my worst. 17 minutes later, I learned it was most certainly my very best birthday ever as we heard her take a deep breath for a nice loud "welcome to the world" cry!

Today, we found ourselves surrounded with lots of polka dots, bumble bees, cupcakes and fun for our 1 year old birthday celebration. We are so blessed to have so many friends and families celebrate with us. We had pulled pork sandwiches, baked beans, fruit salad, coleslaw and sweet potato fries. A woman whose child also attends John's school has a cupcake business and so she provided the delicious cupcakes- even delivered them! That made the morning go so smoothly. A little sunshine thrown in made for some perfect "birthday blue skies" as my dear friend Jenny would say.

Thank you to all who helped us celebrate the first year of Betsy's life. You are all such a blessing to our family and we feel so fortunate to know that our little ones grow surrounded by your love and friendship!

We are on our way to our traditional first birthday dinner out at our favorite Mexican restaurant. We will celebrate the 1 year old's birthday and I'll even let them sing happy birthday to me too- but I think I'll pass on wearing the sombrero.