Baby had his first birthday party yesterday - his first cake and ice-cream - and his first split lip. A momentous and memorable day, for sure. So many emotions wrapped up in this special day for so many reasons. The 8-year long and arduous road to parenthood. Meeting Caleb's birthmom, Rachel, for the first time. Seeing our little bug in an ultrasound picture. Hearing his heartbeat from 1000 miles away. Remembering the middle-of-the-night journey to the hospital when we got the call that Rachel was in labor. The overwhelming awe and calm I felt first holding our child - OUR CHILD! - in my arms. Bringing him home. Introducing him to his extended family and the world. And then all the moments and milestones between then and now. I think, "How did we get here so fast? Where did this crazy life-altering year go?" And that makes me sad, to think that this time has come and gone. So bittersweet, being a mother. I never knew, could never have imagined the breadth of emotions that being a parent would bring, nor the bottomless depth of love that I feel for this sweet, sweet, boy. Happy Birthday, Caleb. You are my #1. Love, Mumma
