Dear Harper

You are 1 years old today, excuse me while I bawl my eyes out.

Where do I begin? To say we were surprised when I got pregnant with you is an understatement, but you are the best unexpected gift we have ever recieved! From the moment you were born, you have brought so many smiles and so much joy to our lives. You may be dressed in pink all the time, with big bows on your head (the bigger the better baby), but you are one tough cookie!! Your big brother plows over you on a daily basis (more like hourly basis, sometimes minute basis) and you just bounce right back and go on your merry way. Honestly the only time you cry is when you are hungry (you sure like food) or tired. I love that I have my little girl and I also love that you are going to be able to handle your own when it comes to Paxton (and any other boy/girl that messes with you, bring it!!!)

My wish for you, baby girl, is simple: I hope that you laugh more than you cry, that you stand up when you fall (I will be there to help you), that you love more than you hate, and that you never stop dreaming or believing in yourself (I will be your #1 fan). I hope that you have a strong faith. I hope you pray daily. Never take for granted all the blessings He has given you.

I look forward to spending girlie time with you; playing dolls, painting our nails (ok yours cause mine are too short), curling your hair (if you ever get any!), having tea parties and slumber parties, and lots of other fun female things. But I also want to throw you a ball (don't expect me to catch it, we all know how I feel about balls flying at my face), take you to football games (K-State of course, I will disown you if you EVER go for that other team that shall remain nameless), let you run and get dirty and be rough. Just because you are a girl (and wear bows, tutus and lots of pink stuff) does NOT mean you can't be tough, athletic, or have FUN!!!

You are my princess, my angel, my baby girl. I love you so much and am so grateful you came into our lives. I thank God daily for choosing me to be your Mom.... I am so lucky. Happy birthday Harper Ellison.