February 7, 2020 is the day you made your entrance into this world my sweet Hayden Noelle. On this day, you made me a girl mom. We prayed for you, and the day I found out you were a girl, I screamed in excitement. We found out we were pregnant with you while dad was playing baseball in Fresno, CA. While in my tummy, we experienced our first earthquake together. We saw your sweet little heartbeat at 9 weeks, and I just knew you would be the perfect addition to our family. As my tummy grew, your brother would lay on my tummy and kiss it. He already loved you so. 

One day you will learn about how crazy the year 2020 was for the entire world, however, you were a light in the darkness. You brought joy, love and hope when it seemed like it was all lost. Your first couple weeks of life were hard on me. You wouldn’t let me put you down to sleep at night, and you were dealing with reflux. You took your first out of state trip at only 3 weeks to a wedding in Mobile, AL. It took a whole team to make sure you were fed, and I got to my bridesmaid duties on time. Your dad and I enjoyed showing off our beautiful baby girl. 

Watching you grow and learn has been one of the biggest joys of my life Hayden. You have the biggest personality with a smile that is contagious. You light up every room you enter. You are definitely not our little snugger but rather our “on the go” child. You don’t have time to let us hold you because you got places to be. You chase your brother, hop in the shower with your brother, climb on things, fall off of things, repeat words, mess up the toilet paper and mark your trail every room you enter. You throw food on the floor and make your way into every cabinet and even dig into the trash. You will not miss a meal and sometimes have to take 3 baths a day after eating because you’re such a mess. You scream to the top of your lungs when no one is listening to you or paying you any attention or maybe just to hear your own voice… who knows! You have always loved to be held and see what is going on. You’re spunky and full of life! You keep us on our toes. You have no fear! 

As I look back over this year, I feel like you were just born. I can’t believe you are already 1. Not everyday is easy for me being your mom. I get tired, anxious and stressed, but when I see you smile all of those feelings go away. I’m so thankful God blessed me with a little girl that I get to shop, travel, get pedicures and most importantly tell you about Jesus. I want you to know that you are exactly who God created you to be. Because of the cross, you are flawless. I hope God’s light continues to shine through you, and you share his love with others. I call you my warrior child because you overcame a possible NICU stay when you were born. God answered our prayers, and we know his plans are to prosper you. Thank you for being a light in a year of chaos. I love you more than words! Happy Birthday baby girl! Mama loves you today and forever. 

xoxo,

HC