Emilie turned one on Friday, January 22, 2010. We celebrated her birthday on Saturday, the 23rd by having a birthday party at our house with family and a few friends. She had an absolute blast! After a few minor setbacks, our Dora bounce house finally arrived and the party went off successfully. The kids bounced until their hearts content and Emmi basked in the glory of being surrounded by those she loves. The theme was ladybug, of course, and after having a week straight of storms and rain, the day was cool, but sunny and beautiful! Emilie's favorite part, of course, was the cake. She started out very lady-like by dipping her finger in the frosting. But by the end, she was just picking up the entire cake and shoving it in her face. And for about an hour afterwards, she just kept saying, "yum yum yum" over and over again. It was adorable!
Now, to bring this whole 1st birthday party thing full circle from where this whole blog started, I'm going to put it in the perspective from two parents that have been down the "road of infertility." Dustin and I have been to what seems like 100 first birthday parties for many precious little ones. There was a point in our lives where we questioned whether or not we'd ever be able to attend one for our own child. At that point, it made it difficult to attend many of those birthday parties. Not that we weren't happy for those who were able to celebrate, but it really served as a reminder of what we didn't have. For all those who have been through the infertility struggle, you know exactly what I'm talking about. Well, throughout all the fun on Emilie's birthday there wasn't a moment when these thoughts were not in the back of our minds. As Emilie sat there staring in awe at everybody surrounding her singing the "Happy Birthday Song," Dustin and I looked over at each other. In that look just between the two of us, we knew all the heartache we had gone through did not compare to the joy we felt in that moment. To realize what we had been through and how blessed we were to have that moment, was really indescribable.
Thank you Emmi for being who you are to your mommy and daddy. You will never know how special you are to us. It's hard to describe, but one of my favorite Martina McBride songs does a pretty good job. It's called, "I just call you mine" (playing now from my playlist). Everytime I hear it, it reminds me of my Emmi. Here are the lyrics to the first verse and chorus:
I pinch myself sometimes to make sure I'm not in a dream
That's how it seems
I close my eyes and breathe in the sweetest moments I've ever known
It feels like home
And here I am I want to be your everything
There you are
Turning winter into spring
And everyone who sees you
Always wants to know you
And everyone who knows you
Always has a smile
You're a standing ovation after years of waiting
For a chance to finally shine
Everyone calls you amazing
Yeah
I just call you mine
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