I don't know where the time went, but my sweet Ava just turned a year old! In some ways, it seems like just yesterday I went to bed with contractions, in complete denial that I was actually in labor! It was the night before my due date and going into labor that night would mean Ava would probably be born on my due date... and when does that ever happen? After trying to fall asleep for close to an hour and realizing that the contractions were getting closer together, I reluctantly decided to go to the hospital. And even though I had two contractions on the 5(ish) minute drive to the hospital I wouldn't let Ray bring my overnight bag inside because I thought they were going to send me home. I told him to bring the camera just in case, and his computer with the play-list of songs I wanted (but never got around to listening to). But the overnight bag had to stay in the car. A few hours later (on my due date) I was holding my newborn baby girl. It seems like just yesterday, and at the same time it seems like a million years ago. I'm a different mom now than I was then, more confident and willing to trust my mom gut and just do what feels right. God knew that our family would be incomplete without Ava, and He used her to help me to grow as a mom. I can also now say what I always knew and believed (but now have the evidence to back-up). Love does not come out of genetics. A family is not built solely by shared DNA, and my love for both of my children is equally deep. The fact that one came by adoption and another by birth makes them each wonderfully special.
Now back to the Birthday Girl... We had a princess party complete with pink cupcakes. Ava wore an adorable 1st birthday outfit that her Aunt Amy bought her. She LOVED her cake and dove right into eating it. :) Here are some pictures of our celebration.
We love you, Princess! Happy 1st Birthday!!
