Ryan Turns 1!

On Tuesday (2/23/10) Ryan turned 1 year old! Billy made her a special birthday crown.

We had some friends and family over for cake and ice cream to celebrate Ryan's birthday. I made the cake; Billy added his own touches by doing the letters.

Ryan was getting over being sick so she didn't really have an appetite. She didn't want to eat any of it. All she wanted to do was play with her toys and cousins. Oh well....we enjoyed it for her. I did give her some on Wednesday and she ate a little bit of it.

I can't believe Ryan is 1 year old. On Tuesday I was thinking about her special day and how 1 year ago I was in the hospital in labor with her. Billy and I were so excited to have her as our daughter. She has brought us so much joy and happiness. We were married a few years before Ryan joined us. We enjoyed our marriage and had lots of fun together, but wanted to expand our family and have children. When I graduated from college we were excited to start the next phase of our lives. I had gotten over some health issues and we were feeling very blessed. When I first got pregnant we were elated. We rushed to tell everyone the news. Our hearts ached when a few weeks later I miscarried. Of course miscarriage is common, but we felt discouraged. I remember feeling comforted from the Lord and knew he understood what I was feeling. I became pregnant again shortly after. We were so excited, but still had a little anxiety. I was nervous to tell anyone in fear that I would miscarry again. I remember going through morning sickness and being really sick and not telling anyone because I was still really nervous. It wasn't until I was into my 2nd trimester and had heard the heartbeat that we began to tell people. I couldn't wait to hold her in my arms. Ryan was born on Monday, February 23, 2009. I am so grateful we are an eternal family and that Ryan is doing well. We love her so much. She is always smiling and happy. Lately she's been walking everywhere and learning new things. I feel such a great responsibility as her mother. I hope I can do a good job of raising her in righteousness. We love you Ryan!