Emerson Rose is 1!

In just a few minutes, it will officially be my baby girl's first birthday.  My mind keeps going back to all the feelings I was experiencing 12 months ago as I waited for her arrival.  There's no doubt about it; we have been blessed!

My biggest concern after finding out I was expecting again was having a healthy baby.  I admit, I was pretty anxious about it all.  At my 20 week ultrasound at the specialists' office, I was beyond relieved to see pictures of two kidneys, a 3-vessel umbilical cord, and what appeared to be a perfect little baby.  But when I heard the words, "It's a girl!", I was shocked and thrilled!  I had prepared myself for another rotten boy...after all, they come in threes, right?

I missed a lot of precious time with her throughout her first year, which has caused me to cherish each moment I get with her even more.  Today I am just so thankful for such a wonderful gift, Emerson Rose.

I certainly prayed a lot of prayers for my baby girl, and honestly, I felt guilty to even say whether or not I preferred a girl or boy - much less pray about that.  Gender seems so insignificant in light of health and well-being.  But God was gracious to us, and He knew that in the deepest part of my heart, I was hoping just a little (okay, a LOT) that I would get to have a daughter of my own.  These two verses came to mind as I started this post.

For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of him:  I Samuel 1:27

Delight yourself also in the LORD, And He shall give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4.

 Happy Birthday, Princess Em!