Happy 1st Birthday Pais!

Well, here's my proof that a year can fly by...

Our little baby girl turns ONE today! It seems like only a week ago I was rushing out of work, only to be holding our special gift from God just one short hour later. [For more on that birthing story, click here.] And yet, so much has happened in this year. She has grown and changed, laughed and cried, loved more than any other, learned to feed herself and throw her food, taken her first steps, made lots of noises, become so curious, and soon she'll be moving to China! Now, how many 1 year olds can say that!?!?

If you have trouble watching the video, click here.

Paisley, you amaze us every day, and we are so blessed to have you in our lives. As cliche as it sounds, I can't ever imagine how our lives would be without you. You truly add such a fun and inspiring dimension to every day, and for that, I'm a better person. Thank you for giving me the gift of motherhood, yet again.

What a day!

We've only known it's coming for 1/2 a year. You'd think we'd be prepared. But nothing could have made me ready for him to walk away. No one could have told me exactly how I would have felt at that moment. ... And there's not much allowing me to put it aside either.

One week ago, Jarin picked the kids up from school, dropped Cade off at the house, and took his little girl out on a date with ice cream, and a special mani and pedi {sparkles and all}! We then enjoyed a home-cooked dinner together -- Jarin's pick -- and daddy tucked everyone in tightly. That in itself was more of a challenge than expected. Tears flowed when saying "I love you," and that baby girl looked up into his eyes and asked why he was crying. Unfortunately, as there is no way for us adults to be ready, preparing the children is even more difficult. Jars did what any daddy would do, and just held her a little closer that night.

Later!

With Jarin taking off to Shanghai soon, the good-bye's and farewell's have started. We have taken the time to hang out with so many friends and family whether for breakfast, birthdays, a hockey game, bowling or a full night out!

Maybe we should pretend someone close to us is leaving more often. Seriously. We have had so much fun!!!