Happy Birthday, Evs!

Well, it's been one year since Evelyn LeeAnn Forester entered the world - and what a year it has been! In so many ways the time has flown by; we've made it through one big diagnosis, two surgeries, a move across the country, two-point-five teeth, countless seizures, countless diapers, countless sleepless nights, and countless moments of pure joy.

Evelyn has navigated her first year of life with such strength and grace that we cannot wait to see what the next year brings. She is such a happy little chubby baby. She cracks us up on a regular basis, is a very curious and dramatic girl, and such a hard worker! There were times in the first few weeks and months, before we really got to know her, that we wondered what Evelyn would achieve, and even if she would be happy. Well, she's certainly shown us to be foolish in worrying -- even before she could smile she showed us how happy she was every day. She learns or does something new so often that it's getting hard to keep track, and she has opinions about EVERYTHING, and isn't afraid to let us know how she really feels. :)

Parents always say that having children changes your life, and it doesn't really sink in until you have your own - but they're right. While it has been hard and even seemingly impossible at times, it has been wonderful to experience this first year of parenthood. Having Evelyn join our family has been an amazing blessing; we are better people as a result of the love, happiness and perspective she has brought into our lives. Happy Birthday, Evelyn!! :-)