Ruby, seven years ago to day I met you for the first time in a whirlwind of fear and excitement. You weren’t supposed to be here for another month, but you had stopped growing and they wanted to take you out immediately. C-section was not the plan, and I only got to see your beautiful face for one second and give you a quick kiss before they whisked you away. I lay there while they stitched me back up longing to hold you and kiss you again… and praying with all my might that you would be ok. That you would get the chance to live your life and do all the things you may someday dream about. We didn’t know you were bringing with you that tiny, little, magical extra chromosome, but when they told me all I could think about was meeting you and holding you for the first time. My perfect, beautiful daughter.

I had fears as I was being wheeled down to meet you -not of you being different then we had expected or how the world may perceive you- but fears of me not being the mama that you needed and deserved. I cry now as I type this looking at these pictures, because the second I held you….I knew. I knew that I may not know the path ahead, but that you would lead me and guide me. You were strong and fierce and you continually teach me about patience, love, determination and grace every single day. I no longer fear that you won’t be able to live out your dreams because I get a front row seat to watch you do it with a confidence and perseverance like no other. Ruby, this world is a brighter place because of you. My heart is full and complete because of you and your sister. I cannot wait to see where your lil’ life takes you and how many hearts you will touch!!

Happy Birthday, my perfect lil’ love. Keep shining your light and being YOU!!!

Love, mommy

Ps…the pic of her and Ella Mae is the first time they met. She was in the NICU for almost three weeks and Ella Mae could not go in there. They still have all the googly eyes for each other to this day