1 year ago today...

...our beautiful princess came home. What a day it was! I can't describe the joy in my heart when I found out they were discharging her. Mom and dad came down and we all went to the hospital. I wheeled her out and her daddy loaded her in the Blazer and off we went. I remember being really nervous, even though the drive is about 5 minutes from the hospital. We sat and held her all day and I finally got to be the mommy. No doctor or nurse was there to decide when I could hold her and how long, when I could change her diaper, how much and when she could eat or when I had to leave her. Me and Charlie were finally in charge! So, of course, we held her. And held her...and held her. And she slept all day long! I just figured "newborn babies sleep a lot". But we found out that night that they don't sleep 24 hours a day! Nonna helped out so much that first nightand I was up for much of the night too. And it was worth every second.

Our amazing little 2 lb miracle, finally came home...weighing 4lbs 1oz on March 18th, 2008...exactly 1 day before her due date. We didn't miss any time with her at all :) Sometimes things happen and all we wonder is "why me???" I am so thankful that my parents taught me not to question, but to pray...not to think of the what-ifs but of the little miracles happening before my eyes. A year later and she is a perfect lil babbling-toddling-fit-throwing-princess.

Once again, thanks to all of you who have lifted our little girl up so many times in prayer. We are off to Outback tonight to celebrate. Yes, I am breaking all the RSV lockdown rules - 14 days ahead of time! But this is a special day and we need to celebrate. Pics to come soon! Of course, if some person beside us is hacking up a lung, we may need to bolt and find a germ-free restaurant. :)

Her 1 year birthday pictures are posted at Jami's Blog so go see them! I gave you a sneak peek above, but many more on her site!