To Leah on her birthday...

Dear Leah,

Today is your birthday. You are one year old! I can't believe it.

The day you were born was so special. For a few hours the gray, dreary rain in Seattle turned to beautiful sunshine. It streamed through the windows of our hospital room and fell onto your tiny face as you were born. I think it came just for you.

You were crying when Dr. Lorentz handed you to me, but you stopped as soon as you were in my arms. You just opened your eyes and looked at me for the longest time. And I cried because you were beautiful and perfect.

You brought a powerful spirit with you for such a tiny baby. Powerful in a calm and peaceful way. I don't know how to explain it. But from the moment you were born, it overwhelmed me and filled me with love for you and for Lainy and for Daddy. You still have that spirit about you.

You came at a hard time for our family. Daddy was so, so busy and Mommy sometimes had a hard time by herself with two little girls. But you were the perfect baby. You were so patient with me. Sometimes I would look at you and wonder what you were thinking. You always looked so wise. Like you knew something I didn't know. I wondered what you would tell me if you could talk.

People told me you were the most beautiful baby they had ever seen. (They said that about your sister too.) And I had to agree.

Over the past year, you have grown and learned so much. You have taught Mommy so much. I am blessed to have you, my little brown eyed girl.

I love you! I hope you have a happy birthday!
Love, Mommy