Warning: It's Lily's birthday & this post has WAY too many pictures.

One year ago today, my sweet little lovey finally graced us with her perfect presence. 

After approximately 24 hours of regular contractions at home, Hunter and I made our way to the hospital. Still doing pretty well in this before shot :) 

Another 14 hours later and we were holding our Lily Belle. 

Miss Lily, 

You have been a blessing beyond our wildest dreams. 

I adore your serious side and how selective you are with your smiles. 

It warms my heart the way your big brother, Milo, is so protective of you. 

You are sillier every single day and I love it! 

It has been an incredible privilege to watch you get strong enough to raise your head up. 

And then sit all alone... in an alien costume :) 

You were far less thrilled than your dad and I with your first trip to the zoo.

Same with the parade of lights, but shoot we just love showing you off everywhere we go! 

Your first Christmas was perfection. 

We didn't do gifts because you have no idea about gifts yet. 

It was beautiful to enjoy Christmas for what it really is and to just be together and be in love. 

Also you and Milo were beautiful in our reindeer getup ;) 

Teething is the worst.

But you using a raw carrot for relief was priceless. 

Your daddy and I could watch you sleep for hours.

You might actually be surprised how often we just stand and watch you sleep. 

Loving you makes us more in love... what a wonderful gift. 

The first time you pulled yourself up I about wet my pants. 

I just wasn't ready for it.

So I took tons of blurry pictures and called your dad immediately. 

That was months ago... We thought you'd be an early walker.

We were wrong. You love doing things on your own time. 

I think that's awesome. 

Watching you learn and explore is one of the most rewarding experiences I've ever had. 

You, my love, are nothing short of a miracle. 

Bath time has been your very favorite since day one! 

You looooove to eat :) 

Oh and you'll do it yourself thankyouverymuch. 

You don't need anyone to feed you!

Lately you've been finding your voice and what an amazing voice it is! 

You squeal and screech and sing and talk. 

You're even starting to repeat sounds like "tan tooo"(thank you) "da deee" (daddy) and da! da! (every single time we see a dog)

Lily, you love life in a way that makes me love life way more. 

I'm so thankful for the days I just get to sit in the grass and watch you dance and play and be so perfect happy the way I suppose only a one-year-old can. 

Oh and you're not walking yet but I don't mind one bit. 

Take your time, girl! 

You're 100% capable, you just haven't decided you prefer it yet. 

 You look SO big when you're walking around with your shopping cart... you can wait a few more months if you want :)  

What an incredible (and FAST) year it has been. 

I thought this milestone might make me sad but I'm too excited for the next year to mope around about the last one being over. 

Because of you, sweet baby, I have a deeper faith, stronger ability to love and an infinite amount of more joy!