Our Alle turns ONE!!!!!

Happy 1st Birthday, precious girl!!!!!  I cannot believe that today you turn one, and that you have been in our arms for four months.  I have very mixed emotions flowing through me today, many of which I did not expect.  I feel grief over the 4 months that I did not know you, over the eight months that you spent out of our arms.  I am mourning for your birth mother today, thanking her from the bottom of my heart for the precious gift that she gave us.  I am excited to watch you grow this coming year, to see the world through your huge, beautiful eyes.  I am so blessed to call you my daughter.  Your laughter and smiles light up our family, and I am constantly amazed at the complete way you have attached to me, unconditionally.  I love your kisses (although we are working on the closed-mouth kiss), and your cuddles in the morning.  I love the way you kick your feet when you see "your kids", and the joy in your smile when they kiss your forehead.  Part of me cannot wait to see you grow, while another part wants to stop time and enjoy this stage.  Happy Birthday, Alle!!!