Friday, January 15, 2010

Happy Birthday Harper!

My sweet baby girl -
Today (the 16th) - you will be one year old at 7:03 p.m. I will never forget the night before you were born. I packed my bag and lugged my HUGE stomach into bed and laid there awake most of the night wondering what you would be like and who you would look like and trying to believe that the next day I would finally become a MOM!
We had to get up early that Friday morning at 4 a.m. so I could fix my hair and make-up just so so you would be happy to see me when you came out. ha! It was a cold day and we drove to the hospital in the dark. I was so scared of what it would be like to deliver a baby but it was SO much easier than I ever dreamed. I got my epidural early and really never felt anything. I had everything pictured so perfectly in my head.
I had made all kinds of cute cookies for all the visitors we were going to have and goody bags for nurses. Your daddy didn't even pack a bag because he was going to get us both settled and then go home and check on Dawson and bring me some food and his clothes back with him. I was excited about all the cute pictures we would take after you were born and having the Grandparents hold you for the first time.
They say that the birth of your child is the best day of your life. Well, for me it was the absolute worst day of my life. Not because of you. But because instead of taking lots of pictures and holding you on my chest and watching you sleep in our room - you came out blue and not breathing. And you could have cut the tension in the room with a knife. Instead of celebrating your birth - I had a doctor standing by my bed saying you would likely not live and there was nothing more he could do for you there. Instead of swaddling you and holding you - they were wheeling you in in a tiny glass incubator and putting you on a helicopter to send you to another state. Instead of me and daddy having a great time in the hospital room that night and celebrating your birth - he was following your helicopter and I was left all alone crying through the night - scared to death I wouldn't get to keep you.
But we were so blessed and you got better. The day you were born was the worst day of my life. But 10 days later - when you opened your eyes and I got to see your sweet face for the first time - that was the best day! And when you were 12 days old - I finally got to hold you for the first time and that is a day I will NEVER forget.
Your time in the NICU was a hard, scary time but it was also a wonderful time. Because it was a time when we saw God in the flesh. You were prayed for my thousands of people all over the world. We witnessed the kindness of strangers first hand. Our friends and family and church members drove to see us and prayed for us. So many blog readers who I don't know if they even read this blog anymore but I can tell you right now -each of you that came to see us - I think about you EVERY SINGLE DAY! I thank God for your kindness. All the sweet strangers who sent us packages and cards - I think of you every day and I am inspired by you.
I never dreamed that I would love my child as much as I love you. All my life I have dreamed of becoming a mom. I never thought I would be 35 before that dream became a reality but every day with you has been sweeter than the day before. It's been hard. You weren't an easy baby and you still don't sleep very well. But I would give up sleep forever to look at your precious face. I think you are the sweetest, cutest little girl I've ever seen in my life. Your smile is the best thing and your laugh is the best music. You will never understand as long as you live just how much your daddy and I love you.
So today we are going to celebrate your little life. You have brought us so much joy I can't even begin to share half of it. I thank Jesus every single day for allowing me to be your mom and for blessing me with you. I can't wait to spend the rest of my life loving you!

So what are you up to at a year????

You are getting to be chubby! You weigh a little over 23 lbs. I'll find out your stats this week at your one year appointment.

You LOVE to eat and pretty much eat everything but meat. You spit meat out and make terrible faces. I'm not so sure about that. You do seem to have a sweet tooth!

You are so close to walking. You can push things around and walk behind them and you have taken 1-2 steps. You can get around this house fast though. You are constantly into everything. You want to get into the trash can and the pantry the most.

You still don't say many words. You babble constantly but mostly just say "hi", "dad-da" and "uh-oh". I know you will talk on your own time.

You wave, point, shake your head no, do your hands out when you say "hi", and smile all the time.

Everywhere we go people stop me to say how cute you are and I can't help but be so proud. Not because my baby is "cute" but because I know you are a sweet, happy baby and I pray you will be a kind, loving girl and woman!

You go to bed at 6 and sleep until 7:30 but you usually get up at least twice and lately you have been getting up every 3 hours. We are going to be working on that this week! :-)

You take a good 2 hour morning nap each day.

Happy Birthday to the most precious little girl I know!!! I love you so much!

328 comments:

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Beth said...

Happy Birthday Sweet Harper! Kelly, I started reading your blog on year ago today. Boomama posted about you and a prayer request. I started praying when I read that and have read your blog everyday since then! I pray Gods richest blessings on your family!

Heather said...

Happy Happy Happy Birthday sweet adorable Harper!!

the day's said...

EVERY year (even childhood, college, and married life) my mother would call me periodically throughout the day and tell me the story of the day i was born. it is what i STILL miss most about her! how happy i am to know that harper will have this amazing tale for the rest of HER life!! god bless you kelly, and beautiful baby harper on this miraculous day!!

Em said...

Happy Birthday, Harper! :D

Jessica said...

Happy 1st Birthday Harper! You are so beautiful and have such wonderful parents who love you so much! Have a great day!

Summer said...

Happy Birthday Harper! Kelly thanks for sharing the story with us!
Harper is just a doll
Summer :0)

Krystena Kae said...

Happy 1st Birthday pretty girl!

Amanda M. said...

Happy Birthday to your sweet miracle! God bless today and always!

Angie said...

Happy Happy Birthday sweet girl!!
You are such a sweet little girl and you are loved dearly! Cant wait to hear all about your party!

Kelly, this was beautifully written - have a wonderful day!!!!

Keeping Up With Kaegan said...

Happy Birthday Harper!

Amber said...

Happy Birthday Harper!! I can't wait to read what adventures will happen during year 2 :)

Hayley said...

Happy 1st Birthday Harper! Hope you have a wonderful day and many, many more! You are one lucky and precious little girl!!! May God continue to bless you each and every day! Can't wait to see the birthday pictures!!

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday Harper- I am an avid reader of your blog and love following your precious family. Kelly, please save this letter and give it to Harper when she is older. This was the most touching letter!
Thinking about you today!

Lora said...

Blessings to you on your birthday Harper!

Lora said...

Blessings to you on your Birthday darlin' little miracle girl!

Tara G. said...

A year has flown!! She's precious! And how fun to hear how much you're enjoying her! Have a great time celebrating with your friends and family!

Amy said...

I have been following your blog since Harper was born. God has used your blog to show so many that He is still in the miracle performing business! You have shown so many how faith, prayer and turning to God instead of away from Him is the only way to go.

Happy Birthday Harper! May God continue to bless your life!!!

Tara said...

Happy Birthday, Harper! I had tears just streaming down my face as I read the events of that day. I remember it just like yesterday. I remember the picture you posted after your epidural and you looked so relaxed and said how easy it had been but then things quickly changed. I remember praying outloud for your family and shedding many tears. As a mother, it affects us a lot more because you know that love and can't imagine what you would do in those circumstances. Thank you Jesus for the precious miracle and for all the lives that have been touched because of her story. He has been glorified through it all!

Dawn Mabry said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to HARPER, your miracle baby. It has been a joy to watch her grow this year. What a blessing she is to you and your husband and so many others that need hope.

Just a side note for laughs, my almost 3 year old weighs 23 pounds, she is a little thing.

Andrea said...

Happy Birthday little Harper!!!! Thank you Kelly for sharing all the joys of her first year. You are such a blessing. Enjoy your special day!

Anonymous said...

Happy 1st Birthday Harper! I have enjoyed reading your mom's bog and seeing the love she has for you!

What a sweet and loving post Kelly! You are an amazing mother!

Auntie D said...

Happy Birthday Sweet Harper! Oh Kelly, I have been reading your blog for almost a year and half and remember checking your blog constantly hoping and praying for you and Miss Harper!

My sister and I would talk and wonder how you two were doing and just lift you up in prayers.

How awesome our God is! Thinking of you and your family and friends today! What a Grand celebration it will be! :)

Happy 1st Birthday Harper!

Jenn Prather said...

Praising the Lord for this sweet girls life!!! Happy Birthday Harper! I started reading your blog a few months before you had Harper, and it has been wonderful sharing in your first year of her life! She is truly blessed to have such a loving, Godly mother and father!

Have a fun day and birthday party!!!!

Suburban prep said...

What a year.
Many more beautiful days and laughter and smiles to come.

Sara said...

Happy birthday sweety!!!!! Kisses from Italy.
Sara, Edoardo and Carlo.

eau said...

Happy Birthday Harper~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ty said...

happy birthday, sweet harper!!

Petrich Paluzza said...

Happy Birthday Harper...
I started reading this blog when another blog I read asked for prayers for Harper and linked to your page. I was 8 months pregnant at the time and my heart and prayers as I could only imagine how I would feel. Since then I thouroughly enjoy watching Harper grow and am inspired by your desire to follow God. Thank you for writing! and thank God for the miracles in our lives!

Jessica K. said...

Happy Birthday sweet Harper!! I am sure you are going to have the most awesome party and I hope you eat some cake for me!!!
Sending my love from Germany all the way to you!!

Jessi

Britni said...

Happy Birthday Harper!!!!!

Britni said...

Happy Birthday Harper!!!!

Ani said...

What a beautiful letter to your daughter!

Every day I'm amazed at the depth of my love for our children... Every day I look at them in awe and wonder if all parents love their children as much as I love ours (and pray to God they do). Every day I am amazed and overwhelmed that I have the privilege of raising a little boy and a baby girl and that I have a hand in creating the future. Every day I remember how I longed to become a mother, and how blessed I am to have been entrusted these two beautiful, charming, little beings.

Happy birthday to your precious little girl and many blessings to your family.

Karen said...

wow Happy Birthday! I have been reading your blog a year now. I love reading about Harper!

Blessed Beyond said...

Happy 1st Birthday, Harper!

What a beautiful post, Kelly! That is truly touching! I didn't start reading your blog until the spring, but I'm so glad God has blessed your family and used yall to inspire many!!!

Summer said...

Happy Birthday Harper!! Kelly you are the Best Mommy! Harper is a doll! That letter made me cry....
Summer :0)

Wherever HE Leads We'll Go said...

Happy Birthday Harper! I hope you have a great day celebrating (and eating CAKE!).

I started to follow this blog when Harper was in the NICU. I am amazed at how far she has come. Praise God! I love reading about her latest adventures and seeing her sweet little face.

This post made me tear up and remember our own NICU experience. The birth of our daughter didn't go the way we expected either - God had other plans. His plans are far greater than our own!

Sallie said...

Kelly and Harper:
I was led to your blog through Amanda Jones, ( who I don't even know either ! Ha! ) a few days after Harper was born. From that day on, the whole time she was in the hospital, and the year to follow has been a joy and blessing to read how God has used your blog to reach so many, and to see His hand on such a precious miracle.
I have enjoyed " visiting" with you each day....waiting to see what Harper has on, her newest feats, and how she has grown!
Thank you for sharing with all of us.

Sallie Baker
Weatherford, TX

Melissa's Thoughts said...

I remember those first days praying and praying for Harper daily/minute by minute. I would find myself in the chapel at work praying for this family in Arkansas that I've never met. Happy Birthday Harper; you are an amazing little girl. God is good.

Jessica said...

Happy Birthday to Harper!!! I remember last year checking your blog daily for updates on her... I was so fortunate to not have anything but perfection at the birth of my boys! But when my oldest was 4 days old I had to be readmittesd to the hospital for issues happening with me and I would not let my mom and husband bring my newborn baby to the hospital for fear of him getting sick there... That time of seperation was unbearable for me! I can't even imagine the heartache you must have felt watching your newborn be taken away AND then to see her hooked up to machines, tubes and wires and be unable to hold her. Our God is so good! God "Spoke" to so many thru your experience!

Jill said...

Happy Birthday to a true miracle!!! Have a great day, Harper! Blogland loves you! :)

Just Terrific said...

Happy Birthday, Sweet Baby Harper! I can't hardly believe that she is one, already! Wow!

I've been reading your blog since September of last year and have been so blessed to know you and your family. Thanks for sharing your journey with us. Isn't it sweet getting to know God's people? Enjoy the celebration! Can't wait to see party pics!!

Marla said...

Happy Birthday, Harper! You really are a little miracle baby. :)

http://asthefarmturns.wordpress.com/

Melissa said...

Happy 1st Birthday Miss Harper! You are such a blessed girl. May you have a wonderful day and celebration!

Melissa said...

I can't believe it's been a year already! Happy Birthday to Harper!

The McIntyre Family said...

Happy 1st Birthday Harper!!!

Brooke D said...

Happy Birthday Harper!!!! Kelly, that is such a meaningful letter. My husband and I cried while reading it because she is such a miracle baby. I started following your blog right at a year ago and to see Harper grow up is so much fun. She is a beautiful little girl. Enjoy her special day!

The Garners said...

Praying for a sweet celebration of this precious girl today! I truly cannot believe it's been a year since I heard the news of your very scary arrival. I sat in our closet and cried and prayed for God to heal you. What a JOY It has been to watch you grow this year. We love you! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

monelle said...

Kelly

I have been reading your blog for I guess two years now. I can remember last year at this time so clearly! I prayed for Harper and you and Scott so much as we all stayed glued to our computers for an update. Your testimony is awesome! It was so wonderful watching God at work in your lives.

Happy 1st Birthday Harper!

Hugs!

Kelly said...

Harper,
because today's your 1st Birthday
And you're so special too,
Everything that's happy,
Is being wished for you.

Have a lovely day!!

Kelly en Britte (the Netherlands)

Clementsville: Population of 5! said...

Happy Birthday Sweet girl!! I started following this blog when you were born and prayed for you everynight!

Enjoy these moments!

davidkayla716 said...

Happy Birthday Harper!! cant wait to see pictures!

Morgan said...

My husband and I prayed for Harper and your family last year and we have continued to pray for her health and happiness. We read your blog everyday and just adore your family. Happy Birthday to Harper! We hope that y'all have a wonderful day!

Lindsay said...

Happy Birthday Sweet Baby Girl, you have brought such joy and happiness to your parents & family & many friends! You are one very special little girl...I bet your Momma would agree~~~
:)

LuLu said...

Happy Birthday Harper!! I can't believe you are 1 today. Kelly-I started reading this blog when she was so, so sick. She is such a blessing!!

Beth said...

Your post brought back memories for me too. I was celebrating my own grand-daughter, Grace's birth (on the 10th) and staying with my daughter and her hubby in Utah helping them settle in and praying for Harper and your family...Look at her now!!!! Happy Birthday sweet Harper!

Sarah said...

Happy 1st birthday Harper!! To this day,one of my very favorite pictures of you is from when you were in the hospital and you were wearing one of your adorable little flower headbands. You had the cutest ever smile on your face.You know,that smile is still just-maybe more- as adorable!! Have a wonderful birthday party!! I ♥ you!!

ps Oreos are the most awesome cookie EVER.Just so we're both clear on that point! ;)

Lauren said...

Happy Birthday Harper Brown!

What a blessing you are to your mommy and daddy and to all who know or "know" you! I pray blessings of health, happiness and the love of Jesus over you! May you grow up knowing how special you are!

Lauren
Atltanta, Ga

ardith said...

happy birthday darling baby Harper!! Many, many more!

Connie Hughey said...

Happy Birthday, Harper!
I am someone who has been reading your Mom's blog since you were in the hospital. One day I found a button on a blog I was reading that said 'Pray for Harper' so I followed the link and that is how we 'met'.

You see, my own little boy was born with medical problems, too, and he had been taken from me as soon as he was born, just like you were...so I really understood what your Mom and Dad were going through, standing there at your bedside, praying and waiting to see what God would do.

I am so happy that the Lord spared your life and that you are bringing such joy to everyone who loves you...especially your Mom and Dad!

My little boy is 25 now and I am so grateful for all of the miracles the Lord has done in his life, too.

Have a great birthday, Harper! You are loved!

Rathi said...

Happy Birthday Harper!!! Can't wait to see all the pictures of her party!

The Bug said...

I can't believe I've been reading your blog for a year! I think I came here from Bring the Rain when Harper was born & I just stuck. Maybe it was the bows? I'm not sure. I'm not a mom (never planned to be) & I'm older than you (45), but I just like reading your blog. Maybe it's the southern thing (I'm from NC) LOL.

dave and jenn said...

Happy Birthday, sweet Harper!

Dina said...

Happy Birthday Harper!

Catherine Sledge said...

Hey Kelly--I have been reading for a while and I just wanted to tell you how happy I am for you...you are a great witness for the Lord, and you deserve all the happiness that sweet little girl brings! Last night a friend of mine who is 5 months pregnant with a little girl told me her name will most likely be Harper! Your Harper is the only one I know by that name, and she gives such positive connotations that I told my friend immediately it was a GREAT name! Haha!

Angie said...

happy birthday harper! your mom made me cry reading this. she is so lucky to have you and your husband. i never knew your whole story until now, and wow GOD IS AMAZING!! can't wait to see her bday pics.

Aishlea said...

Happy Birthday Harper! :)

Renia Flaishans said...

Kelly,
I started reading your blog when you had just had Harper. I checked on her everyday (and still do)! I prayed so hard for ALL of you. I prayed for Harper's health and I prayed for strength and courage for you and Scott. My girls prayed for Harper as well. We continue to pray for you guys. When you took your Compassion trip we prayed for you. When Harper has been sick we have prayed for her. Today we will pray for you. We will say a prayer of Thank You. We will tell God Thank You for all he has done for your family and we will ask him to continue to bless your family! I believe God hears everything we say to him and when something good is done we need to let him know how much we appreciate it. We have never met your family but I feel like we are long lost friends. Thank you so much for sharing Harper with us Kelly.

HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY HARPER!!

Love, Renia, Jordyn, & Emma

Stephanie Wood Smith said...

Happy Birthday Harper!!! This also marks my 1 year anniversary of reading your blog! I'm friends with Julee Bell and noticed on her blog a year ago the "Pray for Harper" button. I clicked on it and read about Harper. Everyday since then I have checked your blog. I've laughed, I've cried, I've prayed over your blog. Thanks for letting me be a part of your life!

-stephanie- said...

Happy 1st Birthday Miss Harper.

You're a beautiful girl, whom I have had the privilege to pray for. May God continue to bless you and your mom and dad. Have a fun day! :o)

aLena said...

Happy Birthday Sweetie Pie! If only you know how lucky you are to have such caring and loving parents who would give up anything for you!

Kelly you're the most amazing mom I know! You overcame & accomplished so much in your life with the help of our gracious & mighty Lord! May He continue to fill your home with many blessings & may this year be even more amazing than the last! Also, preferably with more sleep involved ;)

Anonymous said...

I HEART Harper! Happy 1st Birthday baby girl

The Hairstons said...

Happy Happy Birthday precious Harper!!! What a blessing you are!!!

autumn23 said...

Happy Birthday Harper!! :) Kelly, thanks for sharing your life with everyone through you blog. You are true inspiration and God is using you in a great way. I remember coming to your blog after Harper was born and praying for her. So glad she is healthy and happy. Have a great day!

Lisa said...

Happy Birthday Sweet, Precious Harper!
Kelly, I found your blog just days after Harper was born and have been following your journey ever since. You are an amazing woman and Harper is lucky to have a mommy like you.

ashmhendrix said...

Happy Birthday Harper! Thank you for letting me be apart of your life for a whole year now. I have laughed, cried, prayed, and smiled all for you this past year. You are a precious little girl, and you have a great mom and dad :)
One day you'll be a college student like me, and I can only pray that God blesses you in every way possible. Can't wait to watch you grow up.

Ally said...

Happy Birthday Harper!!! We have the same Birthday and I feel blessed that such sweet people are being born on January 16th!!

Have a great day!

Sarah said...

What a beautiful post. I had tears in my eyes. I pray that someday I can write a post like this, but this is NOT about me!! I praise the Lord for giving you Harper,for healing her and for giving you such joy. She is so beautiful and I am so very happy for you! Can't wait to see the pics of her party and the celebration of her sweet life. Praise the Lord for the blessing you are in my life via your blog and how Harper warms my heart with her smiles...and for how, by reading by your dream come true in HBS, I find hope in remembering that if God can give you a miracle, then He can do it for others, too. Thank you for your ministry!!! :)

All Things Cherish said...

Happy Birthday sweet Harper!! Great post! Have a fabulous day celebrating!

The Pressley Family said...

Happy birthday Harper!!!!

Christa said...

I started reading your blog right before you had Harper and prayed for her when she was in the hospital. I can't believe she is now ONE...Happy Birthday Harper!! :)

Brittany..Following my Bliss said...

It's been a year since I was led to your blog to pray for your precious baby girl. It's been fun reading all about Harper and the joy in your heart from being her mommy. May you have a wonderful day of celebrating her First Birthday! God Bless your family.

Kim said...

Happy Birthday sweet Harper!! I dopn't know you, but you sure do have a proud Mommy and Daddy! God Bless You on your special day!!

Heather said...

Happy birthday to beautiful Harper and Happy Birth Day to you, Kelly. It's an emotional day anyway, having you baby turn one. Even more so when you consider the events surrounding her birth.

It's been a joy to watch her grow and to hear your voice. You remind me to love the details, get out of my yoga pants, and appreciate my babies. You are a beautiful mother and Harper is a darling, sweet baby. Enjoy this next year. Here's to sleeping through the night! :)

Deidre said...

Happy Birthday sweet Harper!

I have read your blog since long before you were pregnant. It has been so neat to read about God's redeeming love and how He showed off when He worked such a miracle in your life!

Jessica said...

Happy birthday, sweet girl! You a truly a blessing to your mommy and daddy and someday soon you'll be able to read everything your mom has shared here to see just that!

mom2themonkeys said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BEAUTIFUL GIRL!! I WISH YOU BLESSINGS UPON BLESSINGS!!

Maryellen said...

Happiest of birthday's Harper !
Your life has been such an encouragement of answered prayer.
You are one blessed young lady and I know the Lord has special things planned for you.

McFarland Family said...

Happy Birthday sweet girl!!! Can't wait to see the pics from your big day...mommy has been working REALLY hard getting things ready!!
I can not believe that it has been a year already

Katie said...

Kelly, thank you for your post. I remember starting to pray for Harper a year ago and following your blog. Your writing and pictures have brighten my day many times this year. I love your Southern charm...this is coming from a "northerner". Happy Birthday Harper!

Unknown said...

Happy Birthday precious Harper!! I have enjoyed watching you grow everyday thanks to your Mommy :)
Enjoy your special day!
Susie Harris

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday Sweet Harper!

Susy said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HARPER! We have all been blessed with your life.

Debby Mayne said...

Happy birthday to your precious little daughter and blessings to you! My daughter who sent me a link to your blog had her first child a year ago. Your blog posts are uplifting and very inspirational. Thank you for sharing such faith-focused details of mommyhood.

Katherine @ Grass Stains said...

Kelly, It has been a privilege to watch Harper grow over the last year and to see all that the Lord has done in your life during that time. Thank you for continuing to share your life with us!

Becky said...

Happy One Harper!

When my oldest grand daughter was born, her mama had serious unforseen problems. As she lie in the hospital a week after the birth, my husband talked/comforted our very scared son-in -law and shared that so often we dream/imagine how things will be, and they are not. Sometimes it is because God wants us to realize He is always in control, His plans are always best, we need to use this time to rely on Him and learn from Him. And you did, Kelly. This was my first grandchild and her first week was an absolute nightmare. I am so thankful that I was able to be there to physically assume care of the baby while her mama could not. Those were very hard, but precious days.

Just as the Lord used small things to remind His people of His care throughout the ages, Harper is a constant reminder to you of His love and goodness.

The Pink Giraffe said...

Oh, what a sweet reminder of how God graciously answers our prayers. Happy Birthday, Harper! God has big plans for you, I am sure ;-)

Unknown said...

Happy Birthday Harper! May this be the start of a fabulous year!

Jennifer said...

Happy Birthday to your adorable little girl!! Your post literally brought tears to my eyes. I am so glad that everything worked out! She is truly a blessing from God!! Enjoy her first birthday because they grow up so fast!!

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

How fun to finally be celebrating that 1st birthday for Harper!! I was right here last year watching all the agony y'all were going through & putting her on a prayer chain. What a difference God makes!! So happy for you.

Jennifer said...

Happy brithday to your adorable little girl!!! Your post literally brought tears to my eyes. I am so glad that everything worked out and that Harper is a happy, healthy little girl! She is a little blessing God!!! Enjoy her first birthday party!! They grow up so fast!!

Kathryn said...

Happy Birthday Harper!!!

You are a true miracle from above.

tiffany said...

Happy birthday, sweet Harper!! You are a gift from God and are a true blessing. Here is to celebrating many more birthday's! Happy #1!

3 Peanuts said...

Happy Birthday Harper!!!! I am one of the many many people who was praying for you last year. It was a gift to see the Lord's work in your life. So many people prayed for you and your Mommy and Daddy and you are a blessing to many. Enjoy your party and eat LOTS of cake:)

Oh and tell Mama and Dad it is time for a brother or sister now. Ha! that would be a great 2nd b-day gift;)

Rebekah said...

Happy 1st Birthday Sweet Little Southern Miss ... hope it is a wonderful one!

Hugs from MN!
Rebekah & Family

Meghan said...

Happy Birthday Harper!

Laura said...

It has been so amazing to watch Harper and you grow and change this year. You are an amazing mama who knows the gift that she holds in her arms. You have treasured the hard and the sweet days.

Happy Birthday sweet Harper!

Unknown said...

Hi Kelly!
I just saw where you are the winner on The Cookie Mama's blog! She did the cookies for my son and daughter-in-love's rehearsal dinner, and she is such a fabulous person. The cookies were wonderful, too! If you have time, please check out their blog www.lovelyunion.net . They are a sweet, young Christian couple and are awesome photographers. Happy Birthday, Harper!

Adrienne said...

Happy Birthday Harper. I wasn't around during all your struggles. You are one strong mother to have gone through all of this.

Heidi said...

Beautiful post!!! Happy Birthday Harper!!!!

Kate said...

Happy Birthday, Harper!

Kelly, this post made me cry. What an amazing blessing her life is.

Nancy said...

Happy Birthday Harper!

What a year it has been watching you grow. You are a sweet and precious gift to your Mommy and Daddy. We get to see how much they love and it has been a gift to us that they decided to share it. I hope you have the best party, I know Mommy put so much love into it!

XOXO
Nancy

MrsSchoon said...

This post made me tear up because only a mom can feel that kind of love. We almost lost our little boy the night he was born and I know the pain of that realization. But I think God shows us His love more in those situations and I thank Him every day our baby boy is with us 6 months later!

Happy Birthday Harper! You are a precious little girl.

Tales From My Empty Nest said...

I started reading your blog when you were pregnant and have been following ever since. What an amazing journey! Thanks for sharing your life with us. HAPPY BIRTHDAY sweet Harper. I have 2 beautiful daughters who are now 26 and almost 21 and it just seems like yesterday that they turned one. Cherish every minute that you have with Harper, as she will be grown before you know it. Love & blessings from NC!

Rory said...

Oh, Kelly this made me sob! The love a mother has for her child is the most amazing thing in the world. Surprisingly, you will love the second just as much *if you have more*. Happy Birthday Harper!

Sarah said...

Happy Birthday Harper!

Greetings from Germany!
Sarah
---------------------------
www.insideoutwellness.de
www.karmakids.de

Colleen said...

Happy Birthday sweet, beautiful, precious Harper. Last year at this time, I was praying for your life and today I am so thankful that all the prayers so many prayed were answered. You have brought so much joy to so many lives. I love watching you grow up.

Anna said...

I don't know who "they" are but I think getting married should be the best day of your life!

ABL mom of 3 said...

Kelly, my first born just turned 18. I cannot believe how quickly the time has gone. The feelings you have for your baby never change. I love reading your memories of Harper's birth. What a privilege to see God work in such a tangible way!

Ashton said...

Happy Birthday Harper!
I have been reading since Harper was born, I don't comment very often but I remember praying so hard for her after she was born and in NICU. I called my mom and told her to be praying and we both have been reading ever since then :) I can't believe it has been a year already!

Natalia said...

you were truly blessed with a miracle baby :)

Ashley said...

Well, I watched the video first before reading this post. So this post made me cry even more!!! I've only been reading your blog for a few months and didn't realize all the struggles you had in her first days.... and beyond. I'm glad she has such strong parents who are raising her to be such a strong, healthy, beautiful girl!!

Happy Birthday, Harper!

Lexie Loo, Lily, Liam & Dylan Too said...

Happy 1st Birthday, Harper!!!

lots of love said...

Such a sweet post! It has brought tears to my eyes! I didnt start following your blog until Feb 2009 & didnt even realize your struggles with infertility & Harper's birth until I looked back one day at previous posts. I was just drawn in before from a link on a friend's blog & Harpers adorable photos! But I keep coming back almost a year later because of how awesome you are Kelly! You're such an inspiration to others! So happy for you guys celebrating Harper's 1st birthday!

Michelle said...

This is my first time visiting your blog. Happy Birthday to your sweet Harper. The tears are rolling down my face...what a miracle!

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday Little Harper! Kelly this was a wonderful post. Your thoughts about the birth and what happened after..... Wonderfully written! You are such a wonderful mother and she is a very lucky girl to have you guys as parents.

katiegfromtennessee said...

Hey Kelly:)

I loved reading this post, it is such a God thing, Harper's healing! She is such a cute baby!:) I am close to having my first, my due date is the 30th of this mo! Your story touches me,

Blessings to you today,

katiegfromtennessee

Leslie Maddox said...

You're little one really is just beautiful, and I'm sure that she'll grow to become a sweet woman with you as an example. I'm so happy for you that you had this dream fulfilled. I, too, had my firstborn later in life, less than a month before my 35th birthday. He's six months old now and I just adore him. I'm amazed that I have the privilege to be his mama. I'm already looking forward to his first birthday, and I may have to write a post like this beautiful one that you've written for your daughter.

An iMperfect wIfe said...

Happy Birthday Harper!!!

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