Happy Birthday, Piper Everly

It seems like only yesterday that I was waddling like a duck into the hospital on December 18th at 4:30 AM, anticipating the birth of my sweet baby girl.  I was big, I know.  But I was SO in love with you already, Piper!

I walked into that hospital as a Mom of one darling, healthy baby girl, and I walked out as a Mom with 2 amazing daughters only 33 hours later.   This is the last picture I have of you and me, while you were still inside my belly :)

I didn't want a December Baby.  That was the last thing I aimed for- TRUST ME!  So it was quite a surprise when I started feeling "pregnant," and realized that I would, in fact, deliver a December Baby.  But I was SO WRONG.  Having a December baby meant I was given a "Christmas baby."  Is there anything more special than a gift from Heavenly Father during the happiest time of year?  I love everything about having your birthday 7 days before Christmas.  I can't quite explain it, but there's just something magical about it!

At 12:15 pm on December 18th, 2012 you made your grand entrance into the world, Piper.  The first words out of my Doctor's mouth were "She's got a head full of blonde hair!"  The first words out of my mouth were "SHE LOOKS JUST LIKE LUCY!"  Hahaha.  And that is a compliment- as you know, Lucy is a pretty little thing.

And then came the "ooooh's" and "ahhh's," the tears, and the smiles.

Piper, you came into this world so beautifully and easily and perfectly.  You were 7lbs 8oz and just breathtakingly perfect.  You laid on my chest for a long, long time.  They even cleaned you up while you were on me so that we could continue our skin-on-skin cuddle time together.  That "Mother's Love" feeling multiplied inside of me 'til I felt as if I would literally burst open!  Going into this, I was so nervous that my love for my 2 daughters would have to be divided.  I had no idea it would (and could) multiply to infinity and beyond for you, my sweet P.  It is completely indescribable.

Moments after you were born. Literally- you might be 3 minutes old here :)

The first time Mommy and Daddy each were able to hold you- this picture is courtesy of Aunt Tip and it's a treasure!

This was the first moment that Lucy met her little Sister.  It was love at first sight for her as well.  These are the moments that break my heart in the best way possible.  How awesome is it that Heavenly Father can give the gift of a "Mother's Love" to a woman?  It is truly the best gift in all the world.  There are no words to explain it.


Ok, here we go.  Here is more of our trip down Memory Lane.  Your "monthly" pictures!

 

If any baby has a cuter profile, I'd like that to be proven ;-)  You, my dear, have the cutest, tiniest button nose and beautiful mouth!

Happy Birthday to the sweetest baby girl I have ever met.  Without you, I don't know where or who'd I'd be.  You helped shape and mold this family because you just fit in so perfectly right away and none of us can ever imagine our lives without you in them!  Piper Everly, I am so in love with you.  I can't even express it!  I am obsessed with you.  I love your spunk, I love your charm, I love your big slobbery open-mouthed kisses. I love your adoration of your big sister, I love your happiness, I love the light in your eyes and the beautiful soul you posses. Since the day you entered our lives, you've been so mellow, so laid back, so happy and SO easy.  You're content almost all of the time and you find the joy in the simplest things in life- a ball or a toy car can entertain you for hours.  I thank Heavenly Father every. single. day for you and the heart he blessed you with.  Because of your tender heart, I am blessed.  I know you will touch so many people's hearts in your lifetime because you already have- and it's only been 365 days!  That is a true gift that you've been given.  I know you will bring SO much joy to others throughout your whole life, and that is something many people will be thankful to you for.  Your heart and soul have always been bright.  I knew it from the moment I found out I was pregnant.  I connected with you long before I held you in my arms.  When our hearts were beating together as you lay in my womb, we had a deep connection and I knew you. I loved you from day 1. 

Thank you for being the unique and precious baby that you are.

I love you so much Piper.  More than all the leaves on ALL the trees.

Here are a few thousand pictures of Piper celebrating her birthday!  Since Spaghetti is her favorite food, that's what we had at her Sunday birthday dinner.  And for dessert?? I am proud of myself for baking her a cute cake! (I can't take all the credit- I was under the very watchful eye of Nana, and she helped me smooth out the kinks too!)  I have no talent in the Baking Department, so this cake was truly something I took pride in :)

Piper definitely appreciated it too...

Piper had a fabulous birthday party with the Smidt and Ball family cheering her on.  She was spoiled rotten by her Aunts and Grandparents who gave her some pretty awesome gifts.  Thank you to everyone who loves my baby girl.  As a Mom, that means more to me that you know.

     And just in time to turn 1, she started standing on her own.  Next up, WALKING! You go girl!

Look Ma, I'm standing on my own!

I wanted my "Christmas Baby" in a Christmas dress for her party :)

                                                         The Birthday Girl!

                   Lucy enjoyed Piper's toys just as much as Pipes' did :)

                   Before the big mess.....This was only her first bite :)

                                                      Best. Picture. Ever.

 HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE CUTEST 1 YEAR OLD IN THE UNIVERSE! Do you see the shiny new ring on your pudgy little finger?  That is from Ninny.  You now have your very own "1 year old ring" that someday you will hand down to your first daughter.  Lucy has mine, and you got your own! What a beautiful tradition we have!  I love your ring and you do too :)  Also, I'm so glad you like your new Pony!  Clearly, Lucy loves it too...in fact, as you will see, Lucy loves all your toys!

 Daddy wishing you a Happy Birthday this morning when you woke up.  He sure loves you, Sweet P!

 Lucy wanted to join you in bed today.  You love her so much, you wanted her there with you too :)

            Birthday Craft Time! And just as I knew it would, the paint went straight to your mouth :)

TIME FOR PRESENTS!  You were rightfully spoiled today, my dear! (Can you tell Daddy picked out your 2nd outfit? HA!)

 Can you see your sweet name on that bracelet??  Aunt Tip gave one to Lu on her 1st birthday, and now it's your turn to get one!  You're a lucky little girl!

Happy Birthday to my Doll Baby.  I hope you had the happiest of days and that you felt the unbelievable love this whole family has for you.  I hope you're sleeping well right now in your warm room with lullabies softly playing as you dream.  Tucking you into bed tonight was so bittersweet for me.  As I rocked you for a long time, I couldn't help but think about this year I've had with you. You aren't my "baby" anymore....as excited as I am to watch you continue to grow and develop, I also can't help but miss the "newborn" days when we were snowed in together and we cuddled for hours, just you and me- a perfect angel, pure and fresh from Heaven.  At least I am able to hold those sweet memories in my heart forever. And as we grow, we will make a billion more.

Happy 1st Birthday Piper Everly....here's to many more!

Love Forever,

Mommy