1:22pm

My Sweet Kayleigh,

Whenever I glance at a clock that reads 1:22, my heart swells to bursting.

1:22pm is the moment that you came into our life and filled it with such color and vibrance that it's been more beautiful ever since.

You are our sunshine, our music, our rainbow, our dance.

Twelve months, Kayleigh Girl.  You've been in our arms, in our hearts, in our thoughts and in our smiles for twelve beautiful months.

When the nurse traded Daddy you for the camera and took this picture, I smiled at him and didn't think that life could be any more beautiful.

But each day since, I've been proven wrong.   What a beautiful year it has been.  If this is the trend, and it truly only gets more wonderful every day, I'm so excited to live out life with you.

I love to watch you make others smile.  Whether you're dancing and being silly, or trying to fit one toy inside another, you bring so much joy to the people around you.  The way you laugh is so genuine and wholehearted that no one can resist laughing with you.  I pray that God uses you to bring joy to others all your life.

God created a beautiful heart in you, sweet girl.  I love watching you play with your little friends--the sweet way you play side-by-side with little Emily, the smiles you get from watching "big kids" play, the shocked injustice that spreads across your face when someone takes a toy out of your hands or accidentally knocks you over.  I love how gentle you are with your "Bee" and how you love to talk to her and watch her try to lift her little 6 week old head.

I love the way you love your daddy.  He's the first one you said "I love you" to, and it's clear that you mean it.  He loves you so much, too!  Always know that, Baby Girl.  Always trust him to protect you and give you good counsel.  He loves you with all of his big daddy heart, and he will do everything in the world to keep the treasure of your beautiful heart safe.

Thank you for making me a mommy.  Thank you for the joy of waking up to the sound of your sweet voice as you talk to yourself in your crib, and for the morning hugs that make my heart burst.  Thank you for sharing each day with me, for reminding me how beautiful flowers are, and to stop and listen to the sound leaves make as the wind blows through them.  Thank you for bringing me back to share in your awe of God's creation.  Thank you for showing me that my heart will overflow with love for my family every day until I die.

Twelve months, Kayleigh Grace.  Life will never be the same as it was.  I wouldn't want it to be.  I loved my time with just your daddy, but now I love to share him with you.

1:22pm.

When I see those numbers, I remember the joy of reaching for you, bringing you to my heart, and staring in wonder at the perfect gift in my arms.  Daddy and I knew in that moment.

Life would never be the same.

It had never been more perfect.

Happy 1st birthday, Precious Girl!

We love you!!!