Dear Bella,

One year ago, we were blessed with your birth...maybe just a little too soon, but a blessing none the less. Where time seemed to stand still while you were in the hospital, it now seems to be flying by. I wanted to tell you today on your first birthday so much that I don't even know where to begin. When your sweet mother...my baby girl...first went into the hospital, the doctors didn't hold much hope, but she always did. Through God's favor and grace, you were born at 23 weeks and 4 days and surprised the doctors with your first tiny breath. From the first, all the caregivers remarked at what a fighter you were. Why wouldn't you be? Your mother was and still is. She refused to listen to all the negativity and held on to God's promise to see her (and you) safely through the fire. This first year has been a privilege to witness. I have watched you in a tiny glass castle...then held you in my arms for the first time in awe of the miracle that you are. I have seen lines, tubes, machines and heard the hums and beeps of monitors to the place where we are now...where the only sounds are your giggles, gurgles and an occasional wail and the only thing attached to your precious face are your unique dimples and a pacifier.

You my darling, hold so many hearts in your tiny fist, starting with mine. I do not know what the future holds for you. You can and will be so many things beginning with the delight of your parents, but I won't think on that now. That is for another day far in the future. Instead I'll concentrate on the now...this day...this minute. You are as you should be...as God designed you...perfect.

That we would have been allowed the honor of seeing His work day in and day out is overwhelming. To see your eyelashes appear, then toe and finger nails. To watch you plump out where there had only been skin with a myriad of veins visible to you now...our precious Sta-Puff girl. To the joy each ounce brought to us...to see you go from 15 ounces to 15 pounds and the victory of God's promise. Your name means God's promise and He has fulfilled that promise and so much more. To hear the first little sound you made to the first time you found your voice to the constant chatter that is you. I will delight in the first time I hear you say Nana or whatever you choose to call me. It's been a roller coaster of a ride my sweet girl, but I wouldn't have missed it for the world.

In just a few short hours, I'll be watching you try to eat cake and laughing at the majority of it on you instead of in you. While I'm doing it, princess, I'll also be thanking God for His mercy and goodness in the wonder of you. I love you Bella Baby and with God's grace I'll be around for many more birthdays.

Happy 1st birthday!

Love,

Me