Happy Birthday Oliver!

Oliver, Happy Birthday my darling baby.

I've spent a lot of time in the last few days thinking over your birth and first few weeks of your life.  I'll never forget my nerves and excitement when my water broke over six weeks early! I knew you'd be early but it felt like the day would never come.  How grateful I am that you made it as long as you did.  The first time I met you was in the overly bright OR.  Too many doctors were there and I only got to see your for a brief moment.  Into the NICU you went and it was hours before I got to touch you, hold you.  I saw you only ten minutes the first six hours of your life.  I spent those first six hours missing you.  

 And I missed you over and over and over in the coming weeks.  My heart trying to be home and at the NICU at the same time.  Hoping and praying you'd grow strong and could come home to us.  You did so good baby.  A quiet fighter.  And you've come such a long way this year.

 And today, I don't have to miss you.  I can hold you and kiss you and play with you and make you laugh. I can hear you say "mama" and watch you feed yourself.  I can watch you scoot around the floor trying to pick up every little piece of lint.

 You make me feel so happy.  You've always given me peace in my heart.  You are such a gift to this family.  You were meant to come to us.  And you complete us.

 Today is happiness.  Today is your first birthday.  And I love you with my whole soul.