Happy Birthday, Sweet Penny Babe.

Six days old

You started out as a hope and a prayer in your mommy and daddy's hearts. You soon became our "Bupley" (our nickname for you before you were born) - a wiggly little thing, punching and kicking mommy from the inside. Ouch! You got hiccups all day, every day it seemed, while still in the womb. They seemed to give us a glimpse of your personality - who we'd be dealing with for a significant part of the rest of our lives. You became Reagan Penelope Wilson the day you were born, lovingly called "Penny" by your mama, "Goon" or "Goonzy" by your dad. For the better part of the first few weeks of your life, you punched and kicked like you still thought you were in the womb. We took lots of video of you, making karate noises and sound effects, because that's exactly what it looked like you were doing. Soon, you gained more control of your body - more importantly, you smiled. That was the smile that melted our hearts and continues to every day. The dimple on your right cheek makes us feel like we could never be mad at you. Let's hope it stays there! Before long, you were giggling til your heart was content at anything and everything, especially when daddy did his silly dances. Rolling over, sitting up, crawling, walking... you have been into everything the moment you realized you didn't have to just stay a "blob" in the middle of the floor. You have given us a run for our money! (Don't worry, we didn't pay for you. No amount of money could do that.) You have always been the sweetest little girl. So easy-going, so laid-back. You got that from your dada. You have the goofiest personality too (probably from both your mama and your dada), although you are the spitting image of your dad. Good thing he's handsome! It just makes us fall even more in love with you. When you were still in mama's tummy, dada would sing "Hey, Jude" to you every night before we all cuddled up to sleep. "Don't carry the world upon your shoulders" he would sing. You are such a sensitive and caring girl, I already feel like we are going to have to remind you not to "carry the world upon your shoulders" often. But that's okay. The world needs people like you. Always concerned for others, always filling the hearts of those around you with love. Daddy promised mommy that even before you could talk, you would be able to tell me how much you love me. He was right. I see it in your eyes, I feel it in your hugs. You've even surprised us at being able to say it when we needed to hear it the most. Being your mother has given me access to more joy than I ever thought possible. I now have no doubts as to who I am or who I am supposed to be. I owe a lot of that to you, sweet girl. Life is so much better with you around. We laugh harder, love deeper, and live more meaningfully. Thank you for letting us be your parents. We aren't perfect but if you stick with us we'll all make it together. Happy Birthday, Penny! Here's to one full year of learning and growing and playing and loving. We love you so much.