You are one! Happy Birthday Thane!

I remember your birthday September 6, 2008. We loved you before you came and were enamored with your tiny long fingers and toes, your open eyes and your affectionate hugs.

You came in time for Aunt Dar and Dad to see BYU pull out a victory over the Huskies from our hospital room...(knowing our family you know that was icing on the cake!)

You smiled and snuggled and ate peacefully. Thank you for coming. Thank you for coming when you did.

I was torn up about your birthday being the same day as my brother's last day on earth just one year apart. It didn't seem fair to have to have the bitter and the sweet at the same time. I didn't like the irony and didn't want to remember the pain of loss and the joy of receiving all at the same time. It felt like too much. I was resigned to be induced because that was what the Doctor said was best for you. I wasn't thrilled that you wouldn't have your own day apart from missing Dave, and feeling the separation of his death.

Then you came.

As I remember that day and the months since, I am reminded that life isn't about me, and or about my timing. Life is about US and the Lord's timing.

This first year of your life you have continued to help me heal and learn and grow--as a mommy and as a daughter, sister and friend. I am learning from being with you and Emmie everyday.
Together;


We are choosing to be happy & smile about it

We are choosing to be patient & enjoy the journey

We are choosing to make faces whenever we want to

We choosing to walk away when we need to, and to keep our heads up, especially when things don't go as planned


We are choosing to like "it", and get through "it", whatever the "it" is. We are choosing to enjoy the day and the blessing of life together forever.

Love you so much TD...to eternity and back.

We can't imagine life without you. Everyday is sweeter because you are here with us and part of our family.