One year ago...

...we were at the hospital unpatiently awaiting the arrival of little Ian. I remember the nurses telling me to get some rest, but how was I supposed to sleep when I was so nervous with anticipation. I had no idea what to expect in the next few hours...Would he have dark eyes? Would he have any hair? How will his cleft lip look? Will the palate be affected? Will everything else be okay? After 12 hours of labor, Ian showed up at 6:32 am on October 30 weighing 7 pounds and 2 ounces and 20 inches long. He was the most beautiful thing ever and despite all the pain of labor, I couldn't have been happier. Today, at one year later we have overcome many obstacles as a family. Although it has not always been easy for us, I would not change anything about him. I can only hope that having his small defect with make him an even stronger individual than he already is. I am so blessed to have been chosen to be his mother because he, in his 12 months here, has already made me a better person.

I love you, Ian! Happy birthday!

Our little bulldog!