Henry is one year old!

Happy Birthday, Henry!

We remember, so easily, how excited and nervous we were as your due date approached one year ago. We had been dreaming of you for years... and soon we would meet you in person! We saw pictures of you and got to hear your heart beat many times before you were born so we knew you were getting ready to meet us too. When we were told about your special heart we were not sure what challenges there would be in store for you, but we promised to make sure you had the best care possible and that we were able to hold your hand through whatever you faced. Before your birth day we met with the NICU staff at Shawnee Mission Medical Center, the hospital where you were born, and the Neonatologist, Social Worker and Nurse Manager in the NICU at Children's Mercy Hospital where you were transferred after you were born in order to make sure we knew who would be caring for you, and that we could both be with you every step of the way. We thought this would prepare us for your arrival, but none of this planning would prepare us for how much we would love you the minute we laid eyes on you and how everything else would melt into the background in your presence. Your first week with us was nothing short of amazing and we couldn't believe how beautiful and resilient you were with just several days under your belt!

You have been so strong your first year of life and we could not be more proud of how brave you have been in the face of challenges. You surprised us with every amazing milestone and kept us smiling with your beautiful bright eyes and charm. In this past year the lessons you have taught us have been more than we can count... but here are some of the biggest: You taught us how to love in so many ways, despite knowing the outcome. Somehow, you've strengthened our relationship and in turn our ability to love you. When we think we couldn't possibly love you more, the next day our hearts expand and we do! You've taught us that true love has no guarantees, knows no limits and never falters in difficult times. You showed us how fortunate our family is by how big your "village" has come to be. Since the day you were born this village multiplied into an army of support and love behind you and your parents. You have so many beautiful examples of compassion and love in your world:) You taught us that fear can be tackled by being in the present and making every minute of the day count. Maybe the most important, you taught us to always believe in miracles and see the bright side of any challenge. We have a feeling you will continue to teach us as you grow... and we can't wait:)

Love always,

Your moms