one

while the earth has been busy making its way around the sun

our littlest love has gone from this

to this

just like that.

and as i rocked her to sleep tonight to the tune of big sisters shrieking and laughing in the background,

i tried to remember what life was like before her

less chaotic?  yes

quieter?  sure

calmer?  undoubtedly

but her presence here has done more than just add to the noise

it has added to the joy

the laughter

and the quality of this home

she teaches us to smile bigger...

to let our jaws fall wide open in amazement at the littlest joys

that turn into huge happiness when we receive them the way she does

one year ago we were excited, nervous, unsure

wondering how this family of 5 thing would work out

hoping that being responsible for another human being wouldn't tip us over the edge of insanity

tonight we're snuggled down in a torrent of rain and thunder, 

thanking God for all the years, but especially this last one

smiling about how this crazy adventure with Him just keeps getting better

praising Him for teaching us that when we put our "yes" in His hands, 

He will never fail to show us how long and wide and deep and high is His great love

one baby girl

one year

one of the best things we could have ever done with our lives