How do I say goodbye??

So the end of her first year is here...already. I am having a really hard time saying "goodbye" to babyhood today. I looked at her just a few minutes ago sleeping peacefully in her crib and she looked so big. She has grown up...and I can't stop it. And it makes me sad. Really, tomorrow will be a bittersweet day. I can't help but look back at the time I missed with her. But, we have had almost five wonderful months of "babyhood" with her, that trust me, I thank God for each and every day. I truly do. We were so blessed to bring her home that young and not a moment goes by that I don't know how LUCKY we were. But it still hurts. It does.

I can remember vividly Alec's "birthday eve" in which I felt very similiar...although there were no feelings of loss attached to it. But it was similiar and bittersweet as well. I guess there is just nothing like a baby swaddled in your arms, the way they drink their bottle and look deep into your eyes, and then sleep soundly in the comfort of your embrace. Time goes quickly...I know that all to well with Alec. And it may be because I know firsthand just HOW quickly it goes that makes me sad tonight.

This little girl, Mikayla Faith, is truly an incredible blessing from God. Everything about her and the circumstances in which we found each other are nothing short then an act of God. Truly. I was just talking to Gina tonight about how the right child is truly placed in your arms. And I believe that without a doubt. Words just can't describe the way I love my daughter. The way I love my son. The way I love my CHILDREN. With each day that goes by though, I know that they are growing up and that I need to take each day with them to heart because they will be my only children....and I don't want to miss a single minute...not one.

And then my thoughts go in a different direction...to a young woman who tonight, thousands of miles away from us, is sitting empty handed. Who no doubt is thinking of a sweet baby girl that she gave birth to...and selflessly gave to us. I cannot imagine the emotions that her birthmother must be feeling tonight, on the eve of her firstborn's birthday. I love this woman that I have never met. I love her deeply...I have a daughter because of her. God bless you....sweet Maria...my prayers are with you always.

So in other news, Joe, Gina, and Christian came over today for a cookout and as always we had a great time together. Kris and Joe went golfing again and since they left a little late...they played the last few holes in the dark. LOL. Here are come pictures from today. How cute are these children? They are adorable and we are truly some very, very lucky moms and dads!!!!!!

Her last day as a "baby" and looking as beautiful as ever!

Dad.... I think I can do it! I think I can take steps!

Awww....DaDa...I love your hugs:-)

Daddy's little girl...FOR SURE!

Yup...that's what I said..I am a DADDY'S GIRL!

Role Reversal: Joe and Mikayla and Kris and Christian

Alec....You ALWAYS make me LAUGH!

Daddy's little BOY!

Fly me HIGHER Gina!

Sooooo close to walking!

I see him walking with his mom...am I going to learn that from him too? Hmmmmm.

I'm not sure I can do this...I will just sit here and eat grass!

Yup...sitting pretty...with some grass:-)

Sorry....you are NOT getting a good picture of us. PERIOD!