Happy 1st Birthday, Amanda

One year ago today (December 9th), I met my daughter for the fist time. Katie birthed her, we welcomed her into our arms and named her. It's been a wonderful joy to have her around ever since. For those new parents out there or those couples about to conceive or about to deliver, I have some simple insights to offer:

-keep all things in perspective
-try to rest when you are able
-remember that this new life responds to its environment
-each month brings new challenges and rewards
-eventually, they will sleep through the night
-eventually, they will start to smile
-eventually, they will start to laugh
-eventually, they will start to roll over
-eventually, they will start to crawl
-eventually, they will start to walk
-somewhere in all that development you will find it impossible to imagine your life without this little person in it and that's when you'll identify yourself as a parent

We had a wonderful time over the weekend; we celebrated Amanda's 52nd week of life with all the relatives over to our house to celebrate. We ate, we laughed, we told stories, Amanda had cake for the first time, Amanda opened presents and everyone enjoyed our little lady. I was a proud father.